Having Vancouver being labelled as a “Green City”, it is no surprise that we celebrate “420”, the popularity of our “BC Bud”, and the legalization of cannabis.
As per Wikipedia: “The origins of the date, and the term “420” generally, were long murky. Some claimed it referred to a police code for marijuana possession.” The now modern tradition has participants smoking on April 20th, specifically at 4:20PM.
Admittedly I no longer smoke, but it doesn’t mean I cannot partake in some of the food stuffs created and offered on this day. Juke Fried Chicken has one day only specials to celebrate and entice those looking to cease their munchies with something truly unique.
They have two different promotion only available today. Their Jr Juke Box has been discounted at $20, instead of $25 for four of their classic chicken burgers in either Regular, Spicy, or Half & Half, with gluten-free options. Great for those smoking with others.
I, however was interested in their Sir Smoka Lot burger, also $20, but for one big burger. Take their regular deep fried chicken thigh, season it in cheese dust, then top it with a deep fried mac n’ cheese patty, plus slaw; all pressed between a soft brioche bun.
The description read that pickles were a part of the package, but I got none. This was a shame as I was looking for more acidity in this. More than the slaw could offer and that would have helped, or at least some on the side to chase heavier bites with.
This is one of those two handed burgers that once you start eating it, you can’t put it down, less have it break apart on impact. I went into this committing to finishing it in one sitting. So made my meal a combo with a side of their crispy Brussel sprouts and a small container of gravy to add longevity.
The first bites are the best where the Mac and cheese patty is at its crispiest, before the heavy of the cream slaw helped to break it apart. Chunks of chicken an macaroni start falling off, and most of the slaw dropped on the paper wrapper. I advise proceeding with a fork or spoon to scoop ingredients back into the burger or straight into your mouth.
I also didn’t get any cheese dust. I imagined it like Cheetos dust: fluorescent and distinct. This would have add some nice depth, as eventually the chicken and Mac and cheese patty do become one universal flavour. Some ketchup or tomato for tang would have been here nice as well. The cup of gravy I added-on offered moisture and helped to change the taste in between bites.
I completed my task, leaning on the salty and umami Brussel sprouts, like I would a side of fries to help break the meal apart and avoid flavour fatigue.
I can certainly see the joy such a gluttonous burger would have provided to those with the munchies. And appreciated that they were generous enough to make it available for order through delivery apps, knowing many would not be leaving the house today.
And I could not order from Juke without getting their popular gluten-free fried chicken. A combo of two, where I ordered the above Brussel sprouts as a side. A smaller serving for $2 less, but still plenty for one.
The dark meat drum and thigh were still crispy despite the lengthy delivery drive. A little bland in comparison, after the the layered burger above, but it still hit the spot with a dunk in gravy. I would finish what I couldn’t now, later with ketchup, as per my taste,. However in hindsight should have also added on one of their many dipping sauces that would have been deserving of their more gourmet chicken.
Juke Fried Chicken
182 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4
(604) 336-5853
jukefriedchicken.com
