Huevos Rancheros: Chico’s

I thought I had done an HR review of this place, a long time ago. Google sez no. I find it strange mostly because I was a frequent visitor to this spot in HLP for many years and I could have sworn I had reviewed them there Huevos Rancheros. But no, I had not. I stopped eating here a long time ago due to, uh, issues. The food was never great, always just acceptable. And then it got worse, like they lost their old cook and hired someone without olfactory senses. The food went from okay to really crappy. And then one of my friends found one of those Combat roach bait discs in the bottom of his glass of water as he was drinking it. Ugh, I wish I was kidding. A decade later, someone suggests it got better again. Time to check in on an old acquaintance.

I’m glad they still follow the tradition of that free bowl of chips and salsa, a practice that is becoming less common. Decent warm chips, the salsa fresca is just as I remember it: tomatoey and infused with cumin. Not really my preferred flavor profile but good enough.

Now to the main course. Hmm. Yeah, okay. Notice how the cheese strands on the beans are still in their perfect post-grater form? It is due to the fact that the beans were not hot enough, just a few minutes away from being room temperature. That’s not good. Same thing with the rice. Slightly warm qualifies as cold. Do you know how disconcerting it is to have to be thinking about the temperature of the food you are eating? It affects your ability to enjoy the meal, making you wonder about the standards of the restaurant and whether you might end up getting sick by days end. This is exactly what was going through my mind. They had a tortilla underneath the eggs, not fried of course, but who cares anymore? I wonder if Ima get sick. The overcooked eggs with the almost solid yolks (ha! that is just nuts) were doused in a meek tomato sauce that was also on the coldish side AND it had no identifiable flavors or redeeming qualities. Plus it was goopey in that weird way that makes you stop enjoying your food and gets you back to wondering if you’ll be sick in a few hours. Oh god, I hope I don’t get sick from this suspect dish that has left a weird and unsavory taste in my mouth. This is my short weekend, my respite from the drudgery of work. I went out seeking flavorful excitement not a reservation by the porcelain bowl.

I am glad to report that I did not get sick. WooHoo! I can also report that I did not enjoy my breakfast and will probably not be returning to Chico’s anytime soon. Even though I do like their use of ALZA graphics.

Back in the day when I was a regular I noticed the shifting demographics of the people eating here. It tends to play a role in how you get treated: are you part of the new desirable group or that old whatever one that will always be there? On this day there was enough of a mix that I don’t know what is going on. Luckily, I don’t give a shit cuz the food is crap and anyone that wants this place can have it.

Chico’s Restaurant 323.254.2445
100 N. Ave 50
Highland Park, CA 90042
www.chicosmenu.com