photos c/o El Pollo Loco and Jerry McClure
While it is true that I spend a lot of time hob-knobbing with celebrities and the ladies who lunch crowd, don't get the misguided impression that I only frequent fancy-pants establishments. Like many of you I am a working Mom who often finds herself frantic for a tasty, yet semi-healthy, dinner solution. So, I was quite pleased to recently be introduced to the El Pollo Loco concept. El Pollo Loco is (according to them) the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken chain and they threw a shin-dig for local tastemakers a few weeks ago at Pirch at NorthPark Center to celebrate their arrival to the Dallas-Fort Worth market. The open-flame grill served up a flavorful and fiery dinner experience led by Heather Gardea, Vice President of Research and Development and Executive Chef for El Pollo Loco. Gardea and her team prepared popular items from El Pollo Loco’s authentic Mexican menu, including: Corn Tortilla Chips with Chunky Guacamole, Avocado Salsa and Pico de Gallo, Citrus-Marinated, Fire-Grilled Chicken served with Tortillas, Charro Beans, Rice and Fresh Broccoli, Chicken Fajita Burrito, Chicken Avocado Stuffed Quesadilla, a Pollo Bowl, Shrimp Avocado Taco, Chicken Avocado Tortilla Wrap (under 500 calories) and Churros! Needless to say, no one left hungry. El Pollo Loco’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ed Valle, introduced the brand and expressed their commitment to becoming a part of the Dallas community. The brand's first two restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth will open in Allen and Bedford in August. Additional locations will open in Hurst, Grand Prairie, Denton, Fort Worth and Dallas, with about 20-30 restaurants in DFW by the end of 2019. Be on the lookout for a crazy scavenger hunt to win free chicken for a year and “loco” grand opening events on September 10 that will include free family activities and entertainment. http://www.elpolloloco.com/
