Who’s Hungry – For Fried Chicken And Waffles?
It’s a Hollywood institution – something everyone tells you about when you move here – so how could I resist?
Let’s get right into this: I actually DID resist Roscoe’s chicken and waffles for years – it just didn’t seem like a mashup I would love – but I finally gave it a shot – and guess what?
Roscoe’s turned me around – deliciously!
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a Hollywood restaurant founded in 1975 by Herb Hudson, a Harlem native.
Soon after it was opened, Hudson had friends in music and television such as Natalie Cole who would spread the word to other celebrities; while filming his show, Comedian Redd Foxx would tell his audience that he went there – and so did they!
The Los Angeles Times refers to Roscoe’s as “such an L.A. institution that people don’t even question the strange combo anymore.” The New York Times refers to it as a “beloved soul food chain”.
The menu will show you why!
There are several other locations open as well, but I headed to Sunset Boulevard and Gower to sit down and bite into the original – and as you can see from the menu, there are a LOT of options!
I arrived at 9:30a, so a cup of coffee helped me decide what to order – and even though it was early, I was ready to taste Roscoe’s legendary fried chicken!
Behold “Herb’s Special!”
I ordered Herb’s Special, southern style: 4 pieces of chicken with two fluffy waffles…and as I am NOT a “dry food” fan, I must tell you these waffles were deliciously moist and fluffy, but still had a perfect toast to them!
I know your question: do you eat the chicken and waffles separately? Together?
Have we entered “mashup” territory?
I Did Both!
First, I wanted to taste the chicken with the special seasoning, and it was perfect: the meat was juicy, the outer coating light and crunchy, with a slightly hot southern spice…and with the sweetness of the maple syrup, I knew I had to mash them up a bit – it was great!
Roscoe’s delivered exactly as ordered: the chicken was moist and delicious, and the waffles were flavorful and light…bravo to Roscoe’s!
Digging In To “The Stuffy!”
For the sake of objectivity, I went back again to try a “somewhat” more traditional breakfast dish: this was “The Stuffy” – two pieces of chicken with grits, two eggs over easy, and a hot biscuit!
The grits were especially creamy and rich – and who doesn’t love fried chicken for breakfast?
Roscoe’s is a great, iconic Hollywood restaurant – and speaking of Iconic Hollywood haunts – time to head to the city’s oldest:
The legendary Musso & Frank Grill on Hollywood Boulevard just turned 103 – and I celebrated with one of their signature Martinis!
It’s the only restaurant with a “star” on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and click here to see two of their classic dishes that I made – plus their recipe for a classic Martini!
Speaking of Hollywood, Actor Stanley Tucci loves to cook as well, so I made his family’s Chicken Caiiatore recipe – here’s the recipe:
About Stanley Tucci: you may know that I became obsessed with a dish he cooked on his CNN travel series.
How obsessed?
THIS OBSESSED!
I made “Spaghetti alla Nerano” with some added “Zoodles” as well – click here for this amazingly delicious recipe!
And speaking of Hollywood legends, how about Elizabeth Taylor?
This iconic Actress loved Chasen’s Chili – so I made it!
Click here for the recipe – it’s worth it!
If you enjoy these posts, why not subscribe and never miss out? It’s easy, and there are NO ads of any kind, just stuff about food – click on the main page and “follow” me on the upper right…
Thank you for following along my culinary journey! If you like the story, share it with friends on social media! Thanks!
Categories: Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Eat This!, Food, Food Pictures, Food Travel, Recipes, Restaurants, Travel, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
A most interesting food combo, John. The food at Jack’s Lodge where we stayed during our recent trip was good. The food never stops coming when you are on Safari 💓
I love your safari pics! We are discussing our plans for next summer with two different companies right now, deciding which one to pick…we will be in your neighborhood late June into early July!
Wonderful.
Yummmmmmmmm
I don’t like dry food but this hit the spot! Of course I used the maple syrup!
no doubt!
I have never tried grits, but sign me up for chicken and waffles, two of my favourite things on one plate!
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, I like wet food generally but our some maple syrup on the whole thing and I was sold! Cheers!