Imagine: an airy stall in the heart of downtown LA, teeming with hustle and bustle, echoing with the crackling sound of frying chicken and filled with the irresistible aroma of citrus-infused comfort food. This is Lucky Bird, a culinary temple dedicated to fried chicken and its delights. It’s a celebration of everything chicken, an homage to a recipe perfected by Chef and Owner Chris Dane. Since its inception in 2018, Lucky Bird has ruffled the feathers of the culinary world with its unique take on a classic favorite.
With the mantra of “Fried chicken solves everything,” Lucky Bird is carving its path to success on the wings of locally sourced, organic free-range chicken. Every item, from the buttermilk biscuits to the house-made hot sauce, is made from scratch. This stall, the first-ever in the market to dedicate itself solely to fried chicken and its companions, brings a conviction to the table that a bucket of chicken holds the power to dispel life’s complexities.
The Lucky Bird story has a heart-warming touch of romance, with the inception of the concept tracing back to Dane’s first encounter with his wife Christine at college. The eatery’s moniker is a tribute to their rekindled love story, a symbol of good fortune and deep gratitude.
Opening in the bustling Grand Central Market was an ambitious move and it came with its share of struggles. Construction delays, mastering the nuances of pressure fryers, and staff turnovers were challenging obstacles. Yet, despite these early tribulations, Lucky Bird emerged, like a phoenix from the ashes, stronger and more determined.
Chris Dane, a culinary maestro who honed his skills in the “school of hard knocks”, has a career peppered with impressive stints. Starting as a dishwasher/prep cook in Phoenix, Dane worked his way up, soaking up a variety of culinary techniques and cuisines. His transformative tenure with Chef Michael Cimarusti at Providence and later at Connie and Ted’s, equipped him with an arsenal of refined skills and high standards. This served as a launchpad for his solo venture, Lucky Bird.
Dane’s take on fried chicken is a departure from the typical southern style, a nod to his California roots. The Lucky Bird signature includes a citrus brine, light yet crisp crust, and a refreshing note that counters the heaviness associated with traditional fried chicken. By employing a unique frying process using pressure cookers and instant flour, Lucky Bird delivers a lighter, juicier, and less greasy product that captures the essence of Dane’s culinary journey.
Despite a menu bursting with enticing offerings, like the Hot Honey Sammie or Chicken & Waffles, the heart and soul of Lucky Bird remain its simple, 5-piece Fried Chicken Bucket. Each element of the chicken dish, from the preparation of the bird itself to the signature citrus and herb brine, underpins Dane’s commitment to the highest quality and his drive for culinary excellence.
The success of Lucky Bird is a collaborative effort. Dane credits his wife, family, and the many chefs he’s encountered throughout his career, as instrumental contributors. Their influence and support have played an essential role in shaping the values and standards Lucky Bird holds today. The love story that sparked the creation of Lucky Bird and the passion that drives its success is a testament to the power of dreams, persistence, and the magical lure of fried chicken.
Lucky Bird, perched in LA’s Grand Central Market, has mastered the art of culinary storytelling. Here, amidst the hum of activity, every bite of citrus-brined chicken carries the passion, journey, and resilience of Chef Dane. Offering more than just sustenance, Lucky Bird extends a hand of friendship to its customers, ensuring a dining experience that satisfies not only their taste buds but also their hearts.
For anyone in search of the perfect piece of fried chicken, Lucky Bird’s website is just a click away. To keep updated with their latest mouth-watering offerings, follow their Instagram page. And for those who wish to savor the experience firsthand, their online ordering system ensures a steaming bucket of happiness is always within reach.
In the end, Lucky Bird encapsulates the belief in life’s simple pleasures: good food, shared experiences, and the recognition that if we’re lucky, we have each other. With this in mind, one can’t help but believe in their motto – there’s not much a bucket of chicken can’t solve. #FCKITGETABUCKET