Fresh Ingredients and Lovin Care-The Right Mix at Chicken Maison Healthy Mediterranean Restaurants

June 18, 2010 - PRLog -- I have found over the years that restaurateurs who have true passion are getting harder to find. But when you come across one that does, it makes all of the difference in the world. One such man who puts tender loving care into every order is Mario Karame. He, along with his two sons Sam and Ramsey, run Chicken Maison. This is the second location of their growing empire. The original is in Torrance. They just recently opened a location in Santa Ana.
I have been a fan of Chicken Maison since it opened six years ago. So I was anxiously awaiting my visit to their newest location, which has been open for about six months. As I arrived, Mario insisted that I tour the kitchen. There I saw employees happily chopping up all kinds of vegetables. The storage bins were full of the freshest ingredients I have seen since visiting the Central Produce Market downtown.
There was no freezer or microwave to be found. That’s because everything is made to order so there is no need for either. Even the sal-ads are assembled as they are ordered, no pre-pack¬aged lettuce. Lemon juice, a staple of most of the sauces, is squeezed fresh. Karame says they use about a case per day. High grade, extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic are used in large quan¬tities.
The Chicken Maison menu is extensive, with a wide range of rotisserie chicken, kabobs, and freshly tossed salads to entice you. Chicken is, of course, the
mainstay here. And why not. I sampled a beautifully browned chicken breast that had a great marinade of herbs and spices. The skin was just a little crispy, and I enjoyed all of it. You can indulge a little with a ? chicken or go for broke with the chicken feast that includes two whole chickens and four large side orders with pita bread and garlic sauce ($25.95).
Speaking of side orders, they are not to be missed. I have told many that their Hummus is the best around and after this visit it is still No. 1 with me. A very unique Greek coleslaw is made with wine and balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. The potato salad is healthy and tasty, with no mayon¬naise. Pita bread is supplied with a homemade garlic dip¬ping sauce that will awaken your taste buds.
Grilled kabobs will satis¬fy your palette. Combos include chicken, lamb, and steak. For a little more spice try the Kafta. Steak is ground each day and then mixed with herbs and spices. It reminds me of a high-end burger, with a sumptuous, spicy flavor.
Gyros are popular every¬where and the version here is made with a mix of 80% beef and 20% lamb. Marinated and sliced thin, this edition is a winner.
Even though meat is the centerpiece, don’t neglect the salads. These masterpieces are some of the best bargains in town. Even with the Mediterranean theme the Chinese Chicken salad ($8.25) is their best seller.

Romaine lettuce, chicken, shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, cucumbers, and crunchy pita strips are tossed with their original Maison Chinese dressing and then topped with Mandarin oranges. I have never had a sauce that went so well with greens.
Another must-try is the lemon garlic chicken salad with romaine lettuce, chick-en, and vegetables. Tossed and mixed in is a dressing of lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh garlic.
Falafel are deep fried balls of highly spiced chick¬peas. They have a nice crunch to them that I enjoy. At Chicken Maison, you can order a sandwich or a plate with all of the trimmings.
Soup fans will enjoy Grandma’s chicken soup, an original recipe of the Karame family. Carrots, celery, pota¬toes, and rice are expertly blended into a light chicken broth. Mario told me that the secret is to serve the soup the day after it is prepared. After sitting in the refrigerator overnight, they scoop off any fat on top, leaving a healthy remedy for whatever ails you. A lentil soup is also available.
Top off your meal with their baklava. This is a very light, not-too-sweet version that I inhaled in about 10


VISIT THEM:
http://www.chickenmaison.com
Chicken Maison #1

Open: M-Sat 11am-9pm

3901 Pacific Coast Hwy. Ste  D., Torrance, CA 90505

Tel: 310-465-1050

Fax: 310-465-1048

click for map and directions



Chicken Maison #2

Open: M-Sun 11am-9pm

2709 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Tel: 310-725-0035

Fax: 310-725-0028

click for map and directions



Chicken Maison #3

Open: M-Sat 11am-9pm

3332 S. Bristol St.

Santa Ana, CA 92704

Tel: 714-434-0244

click for map and directions



Chicken Maison

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