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If it’s not clear from the cap-sporting chicken mascot on the front of the building, the concept behind Larry the Bird, the latest partnered restaurant from Migas that’s now in its soft opening in Sanlitun’s Taikoo Li, then it should be evident from whole poultry rotating in the open-faced oven just behind the counter.
Images of both Larry the Bird and Larry Bird welcome guests into the diner
The menu meets the needs of quick to-go lunchers with chicken burgers (fried, spicy, crispy, or with pork belly) but the main draw is the whole (or half) roast chicken – and the damn fine sauce options. Fans of American sports will be able to connect the dots here between the restaurant’s name and basketball player Larry Bird, who famously promoted McDonald’s chicken.
Spicy chicken burgers and a beer - what better way to start the summer!
In congruence with Bird’s career as a player, the joint has adopted an aura reflective 1970’s-80’s fast-food diners, which is quite unique among eateries in the area.
A full chicken with sauce and sides of pickles and waffle fries
But rest assured the birds served here are well above and beyond the quality of that aforementioned mega-chain. The oven allows the chefs to spice the chickens while on the rotisserie and manages to broil the skin to crispy perfection while leaving the meat in a state of tender tear-ability. Indeed, diners tear the chicken themselves with the help of the provided rubber gloves.
For the dippers, we tried the chipotle sauce, thick and dark-colored, as well as the chimichurri sauce, which shares both color and consistency with pesto, but with a near curry-like taste. Both effectively added a pounding of flavor to an already fragrant bird, but there a number of other sauces to choose from, including kimchi mayo, Sichuan mayo, and “Larry’s Cheese Sauce.”
A fried banana pepper stuffed with cheese? Yes, please!
Even from its first day joining the Taikoo Li flock, it’s clear that, much like its parent restaurant, Larry the Bird will be as much a party spot as a hotspot for hungry Sanlituners. Don’t be surprised to hear 90’s hip hop or 70’s funk bumping as you pass by – and as a for party liquids, a number of Belgian beers are available on draught, and there’s even an on-tap mojito that promises to refresh on a hot summer afternoon on the patio.
In any case, the patios on the west side of Taikoo Li now have a new neighbor, and it’s only a matter of time before the masses hear the call of the cock-a-doodle-doo-doo and come a-running for some tasty chicken.
READ: Eat These Cooling Beijing Summer Foods to Help Lower Your Body Temperature
Images: Courtesy of Larry the Bird, Joey Knotts
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