Last week I kept hearing about this new chicken sandwich. At first it was just a passing comment/blurb on the television. But then momentum grew. I saw pictures online, the stirrings grew louder and rumor quickly spread that people were lining up in droves just to get this one sandwich. I rolled my eyes. Not again.
Is Krispy Kreme Really King?
I had visions of when the Krispy Kreme Donut Shop first opened in town and there were these ridiculously long lines — for donuts of all things. You’d think they were the next best thing since In-N-Out Burger. Of course, now the Krispy Kreme Shop is shut down. The place lasted about two or three years before they closed their brick-and-mortar doors for good in my community.
You can still get a Krispy Kreme from the grocery store, if you have to have them, shipped in from who knows where. And even though I know people who will swear they’re the best donuts ever (who are these people?), personally, I find Krispy Kreme too sweet — and that’s saying something. I like sweets.
Now the Mom and Pop donut shop where we go, they’ve been there forever; and we don’t see any signs that they’re going to close anytime soon. Of course you have to get there early. If you sleep in, especially on the weekend, well…ya snooze, ya lose. Getting up extra early on a Sunday morning for one of their donuts? So worth it! I’ll take a glazed, a chocolate glazed, a lemon-filled and an apple fritter. Oh, and throw in a kolache or two! Yeah, now we’re talking.
N Today, Out Tomorrow
Speaking of which, I also remember when In-N-Out Burger came to Texas. For the first two weeks these burger joints were open, you couldn’t get an In-N-Out Burger unless you were willing to wait in a 2-hour, at least a mile-long drive-thru. Of course, since people were willing to do this, David and I thought this must be some special kind of burger with magical powers or something. Even so, we weren’t going to wait in long lines for a damned hamburger. Eventually, though, the crowds settled down and the long car lines dwindled. Did the burgers live up to the hype? Yeeeaahhh…NO. I’m sorry, y’all, but an In-N-Out burger isn’t nearly as good as a Whataburger. I don’t even remember my In-N-Out burger.
But hey, you want a really great burger that’s not Whataburger? Try a Mooyah Burger or Five Guys! Both are really amazing and freshly prepared just the way you want them. The catch? No drive-thru. And I love that at Mooyah, I can get a bunless burger. After all those donuts, I don’t need the extra carbs.
Getting Ready to Rumble
But, that was then and we aren’t comparing burgers today. We’re comparing chicken sandwiches. I took a look at Popeye’s chicken sandwich and decided that it just might be worth looking into! David thought we should check it out as well.
Rumor even had it that Popeye’s chicken sandwich was declaring war on Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwich. Whaaatttt???!!!!! Yes, Popeye’s claimed it had the better sandwich — the best sandwich, even — with pickles, a little sauce and breaded chicken between two buns. That’s a mighty big boast and major fightin’ words if you’re gonna make that claim.
Say what you will about Chick-fil-A (for those of you who don’t care for their conservative philosophies), but their Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich can’t be beat if you ask me. Of course you have to like spicy because it’s not called “spicy” for no reason. But that’s what Arnold Palmers are for; to cool things down just a bit. And Chick-fil-A also has delicious Arnold Palmers — not too sweet, not too sour — just right! Top it off with one of their ooey, gooey chocolate chunk cookies and…damn, y’all!
Anyway, Ryan, David and I got a wild hair last week and decided to do our own taste-test comparison because we live in a suburb of Dallas and so we have access to all the fast food joints. We decided to get one sandwich from Chick-fil-A and one sandwich from Popeye’s and then we’d split them into thirds (1/3 for each of us) and decide for ourselves which was best.
When we pulled up to Chick-fil-A, the drive-thru line stretched around the building 1 1/2 times. That was at 12:15 PM. By 12:33, we pulled into the drive-thru at Popeye’s. There were two cars ahead of us. Their line wasn’t nearly as impressive, but of course, this wasn’t a competition between who had the biggest…drive-thru line.
vs.
Unfortunately, when we pulled up to place our order at Popeye’s, this is what we were greeted with:
Oh really!
Bbbukkkka, bbukkk, bbkk…
That’s right, Popeye’s, I’m calling you out —
Ya big ole’ lily-livered chicken!
Well, I’d say someone won the battle of the chicken sandwiches and it certainly wasn’t Popeye’s. All I’m gonna say is — if you’re gonna talk the talk, you’d better be able to walk the walk! And for all their talk, Popeye’s didn’t even show up at our showdown between the chicken sandwiches! What a disappointment!
The real winner, of course, was…RYAN, who didn’t want to see a good Chick-fil-A sandwich go to waste!
So, has anyone tried one of these mythical Popeye’s sandwiches yet?
I think we’ll have to re-investigate this at a later date — that is, if Popeye’s sandwich ever dares to show itself around these parts again.
In the meantime, a little music while we wait.
TTFN,
Mona
Babe, I live in Winston-Salem, home of THE first Krispy Kreme store, where they were born, where they conceived the idea of the Hot Now light. They still dissolve in your mouth if you ask for one off the conveyor belt, hot. It’s ten seconds of Heaven. Having said that, I don’t think they’re substantial enough to use to make a chicken sandwich. For that, I’m a Wendy’s girl. 🙂
Lille, my dear, I don’t care about lights, camera or action…those Krispy Kreme donuts are too sweet! Yeah. I said it. Someone needed to. And Wendy’s for a chicken sandwich? Why would I go to the place I get my chili for a chicken sandwich! Puhleeze! Luv ya, Mona
(let the debates begin!)
But can it beat Kentucky Fried Chicken? That’s the litmus test for me!
Suzanne,
I wonder why KFC hasn’t entered into the Chicken Sandwich War of 2019? Hmmm…Or have they? I need to investigate further. If they ever get into a who has the best chicken pot pie contest, they’ll get my vote every single time. Bring on the cooler weather. That’s the best time to eat a chicken pot pie! Yum!
Wait, does KFC have a chicken sandwich? Mona
I do love a hot Krispy Kreme. Cold Krispy Kremes are boring and dumb. But hot ones are ethereally light, like cotton candy.
I am way too hungry for your blog right now!
Question: is Chick-fil-a a restaurant, or a religion? The fuck is up with everyone when it comes to Chick-fil-a? In the end, it’s all deep-fried fast food. Am I the only one who smells a cult? Be careful when you go!!
Ah, the cult of deliciousness. I’m with you about fast food being…fast food. Maybe I haven’t eaten a “hot” Krispy Kreme donut. Maybe that’s what the issue is. I dunno. Too late now. I’m actually looking forward to trying one of these Popeye’s sandwiches if I can ever get my hands on one.
Also, Sarah, please go eat something. I don’t want you to go hungry, my friend! Mona
Chick Fil A sandwiches rock, no doubt about it. Of course I have to drive an hour for one so I rarely eat them. We don’t have Whataburger…. but 5 Guys just moved in so I’ll give them a try when the lines die down. To be honest I’m not much for fast food in general…if I go out to eat? I wanna Go Out To Eat with full service and cocktails!
River,
I’ll drink to that! Mona
Oohhh…!!!You have the best ideas! I am not gonna lie! I don’t care for sweets all that much, but deep-fried anything with chocolate on it? I plead the 5th. Krispie Creams? naw. Not in my wheelhouse. Where the heck do I get a Mooyah burger… that onion one is screaming, “Kim! I’m RIGHT HERE GIRL!!!” Chick Fil-A… all I can say is there is a god! Take Sundays off, I will be back on Monday and follow up with you for bible lessons with a Chick sandwich on Thursday… yasssss! I love that darn fil-a. I would wait in line for that sandwich. (and have) KFC’s is very good, more like a snack, has lots more breading on it. Of course breading is to die for. Damn, where is the hubby? I need to eat! Shit, I need to get dressed then EAT! …thanks, Mona! Where is the warning at the beginning of the post? 😉
Kim,
Okay, I’m not going to lie. As I was in the middle of writing this post, I made David go out and get donuts for breakfast. Now, I’m all donuted out! If you were here, I’d offer you the chocolate covered cake donut that’s still in the box. Or we could just go out and find a restaurant to eat something delicious and/or drink if you were so inclined! Either way…
Happy dining, my friend! Mona
I love chicken…. but it absolutely doesn’t belong on a sandwich. I tend to dislike sandwiches of any kind. Even burgers… when I fry them at home, I do not confine them to buns. Popeye’s is on my sh*t list today anyway because I had my entire day planned around getting a box of chicken there to take care of lunch and dinner and they were closed because the fryer was down. This location only opened a couple months ago, but that’s business 101…. you do NOT let the equipment that will keep you in business EVER go down.
I have yet to ever see an In and Out, but I’ve been far enough south and west (Oklahoma) to have experienced Whataburger. I really wish they’d come up to the St. Louis area….
ES,
You don’t like sandwiches of any kind? GASP! How does one survive? LOL. I’m sure you do very well. Yep, Popeye’s is definitely in the spotlight right now…and it doesn’t seem to be for any good reasons! I don’t eat Whataburger very often, but it’s never failed to hit the mark when I do! Speaking of eating and having just read your latest post, I ate this delicious spaghetti dish with a walnut cream sauce last week…soooo yummy! Not fast food…there were white tablecloths and everything. Anyway, I’ve been craving that dish since. I’m not giving in to my craving for at least another week, just so I won’t feel so weak-willed! Mona
Ha! The walnut post wasn’t my latest post… I wrote that two years ago. It must have directed you to it since it’s my current “viral” post that is catching a lot of Google searchers for some odd reason.
ES,
That is too damned funny! Okay, off to find your real last post, then!
I had to eat leftovers… I’m defeated, save that donut for me. Hell, let’s just do happy hour! I’m in the mood for a very dirty Martini! (Or two!)
Ooh, Kim, you know who has very good dirty martinis? The Cheesecake Factory. I know, right? I wouldn’t have thought so either, but they do. David loves them and I help him eat the extra blue-cheese stuffed olives that come with. We always ask for extra! Let me just put my shoes on…there, I’m ready! Let’s go! Mona
We still have Krispy Kreme here, but I would take our Mom and Pop places or Dunkin over that any day! And I’m with you on the Whataburger vs In-N-Out too! Chicken sammich…who cares? I’m not that onto chicken! 😉
Kat,
OHHH NOOO!!!!! GGGAAASSSSSPPPP!!!! No chicken sandwiches for you? *composing self and taking deep breaths* Okay, just saying…find a Chick-fil-A and get yourself a spicy deluxe…and then let’s talk. Make sure you have something cold to drink with it because it packs a bit of heat. I don’t expect it to be your favorite or anything, but still…you do that and I’ll try one of your street corn things that you think are so good…you know, the corn with the…mayonnaise slathered on top? What’s it called again? Street corn? Is it corn on the cob or just corn with mayonnaise mixed in? So…deal?
To be fair… the Chick-fil-A sign did warn that THEY never run out of chicken sandwiches… HA! I’ve never even eaten at Popeye’s. I agree that In N Out is nothing special, but my sister would lose her sh*t if I told her that! Now that I’m vegan, I can take my taste-test wars to the folks bringing us the Beyond Whoppers & whatnot. I heard KFC is trying out some Chik’n for us non-meat-eaters. As for donuts – my first job was at Dunkin’ so they have my heart – but finding a vegan donut is looking for the needle in the haystack. BTW, I used to love Blake’s Lotaburger – I think it’s similar to Whataburger. Used to have them in Santa Fe when I lived there!
Andie,
Fascinating take on fast food from a vegan! So a vegan doesn’t eat animal or animal by-products — so no animal fats for instance, right? No eggs either? So does donut batter always have egg in it or can you use an egg substitute? Is that the issue for the donuts or is there something else? I’m curious. Also, I know that at Chipotle’s, they offer sofritos (tofu?) and my kids both enjoy that! Mona
I’ve never had any food from any of the places you mentioned, and we only have a Popeye’s here (SW MO) and none of the others. I’d rather eat at a real restaurant, not fast food to tell you the truth. I’m sure not going to sit (or stand) in a long-ass line just for a stupid chicken sandwich, just sayin’. 😉
Deb,
Fair enough and good for you! Most of it is definitely not healthy, and I’m sure I eat too much of the bad stuff! 🙄
Oh, I forgot. There’s a Chick-fil-a here in MO but not close enough for me to go to. 😉
Also… ANOTHER VODKA STINGEEEERRRRRRRRRRRIIIII’LL drink to that.
I have a slight obsession with that song and nobody knows wth I’m referencing. Thank you <3
Sarah,
SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!