Mochiko Chicken
Lychee Lemonade
Chargrilled Asian-Q Chicken Bowl with Furikake, Brown Rice, Stir-Fry Vegetables
Tenders n’ Waffles – 3 Chicken Tenders, 2 Belgian Waffles, Maple Butter Syrup
Seasoned Fries – Asian Q, Polynesian Sauce, Coconut Curry, Ginger Teriyaki, Mandarin Sweet Chili Sauce, Satay Peanut Sauce
Told by friends and Chefs that Mochiko Chicken was one of the best stops for a quick bite on the West side of the Strip, a Friday afternoon visit to the husband & wife operation at 2101 South Decatur Boulevard showed the rumors to be not only resoundingly true but perhaps even better, the small storefront literally steps from the new Southwest Medical Associates Oakey and Decatur Clinic space.
Owned by Jerry Misa, a former food-truck owner turned brick n’ mortar almost two years back, Mochiko Chicken is largely a “do one thing, do it well” operation and with the bulk of the menu centered on boneless chicken breasts offered fried or chargrilled the choice of healthy versus less-so is still unlikely to cost diners more than $10, a downright bargain considering the quality and quantity of the meal.
Dividing the menu into several bowls – brown or white rice and Stir-Fry Vegetables available as a base – plus sides and individual fingers at 1/3 the cost of *other* places in town, those looking for something fresh and flavorful are encouraged to order the signature “Asian-Q Chicken Bowl” available with either fried or grilled meat seasoned with Furikake and Jerry’s family recipe “Q-Sauce,” the flavor all at once unexpected yet familiar with a creamy texture that carries tangy top-notes and a touch of heat on the ending.
Explaining that Mochiko refers to rice flour, something even many in-the-know Southern Mamas have reported adding to old recipes in order to up the ‘crunch,’ Jerry states that his birth in the Philippines and time in Southern California paired to his mother’s secret spice blend in coming up with the concept and with wife Sandra at his side providing excellent customer service, the time and care invested in the restaurant is readily apparent in Jerry’s job duties, on this particular day fixing a roofing issue while also playing host and slinging samples of his collection of housemade sauces.
Avoiding spicy stuff as a half-day of work remained, Seasoned Fries provide an ample side for sharing while additionally offering a chance to experiment with the sauce and although personal preference obviously plays a large hand in all tastes I personally found the Coconut Curry, Satay Peanut andMandarin Sweet Chili to be most compelling, the housemade Lychee Lemonade also worthwhile to sip on as the Asian Fruit helps to mellow the harsher acidic tones.
Unable to resist Chicken and Waffles, Mochiko’s fluffy squares turned out golden-brown with a light savoriness to the wisps of dough within, three fried strips fared well during the brisk walk back to the office and although I would have appreciated the “Maple Butter” warm the flavor was nonetheless exactly as described by the naming, the flavor excellent on the waffles leaving crispy fried chicken to be dunked in the other good stuff.
FOUR STARS: Family friendly, fast and affordable despite their obviously limited scope, Sandra and Jerry are doing great stuff at Mochiko Chicken and with options available for both fried chicken fans or those looking for a healthful lunch there are few doing it better anywhere around. While a personal preference for more non-soda beverage options and perhaps a dessert menu is notable, the size of the kitchen and counter are obviously limiting.
RECOMMENDED: Chargrilled Asian-Q Chicken Bowl, Seasoned Fries, Waffles, Tenders.
AVOID: Something about the seasoning on the fried chicken doesn’t work with the Maple Butter sauce for me.
TIP: Closed Sunday, 11:00a-7:30p M-Sa. Located in the back corner near Trader Joes.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
http://mochikolasvegas.wix.com/mochiko-las-vegas
