The good people of mini-chain Wildbird have a mission: they’re aiming to bring people together with better chicken. “We believe our birds taste the way they do because of the tremendous care our farmers have in raising their chickens,” they say. “That’s why we only work with farmers we trust.”
Their chickens, they add, are sourced from trusted local farmers, and the meat is marinated for 24 hours. It’s then slow-cooked to perfection and carved to order.
It’s all about the chicken with these guys. The menu reflects that, with the poultry that they’re justifiably proud served in a selection of different ways. There are burritos, tacos and tostados, salads and bowls. All look great, primarily because the chicken is the outstanding ingredient in each dish, and again, their chicken is spectacular.
There are six locations of Wildbird, including one in Hollywood and one in Downtown Los Angeles, as well as this one in Culver City. Regardless, the quality is famously consistent.
We opted for the Whole Bird Plate (there are also Quarter Bird and Half Bird options). A full, seasoned roast chicken is served with two sides of your choice. The available choices include Spanish Rice, Mac Salad, Sweet Potatoes, Kale Slaw, Mac N Cheese, Chips and Guac, and Buffalo Cauliflower, However, we went for the Mexican Street Corn, and the Brussel Sprouts.
Both of those sides were glorious. The sprouts were roasted to perfection, blackened in all of the right places, and coated in some sort of a spicy sauce. They really are magnificent too. The sauce/marinade has made its way through the small layers of leaves, coating it all and rendering the already string veg incredibly moorish. Few food items have done a 180 in as dramatic a fashion as the Brussel sprout in recent years. What used to be a joke, the stereotypical stinky food that kids hate, has become a proper treat. These are some of the best.
The corn is nearly as good. Mexican street corn is traditionally made up of, as well as the kernels of corn, a creamy sauce, crumbles of cheese, chili and lime. It can be served on the cob, but in this case it’s in a bowl and exquisite.
The chicken is heavy on the garlic, so be careful if you are going to be breathing on or near anyone shortly afterwards. But it’s tender, delicious and pairs perfectly with the sides. The plate also comes with some corn tortillas, so you can make your own little wraps.
Wildbird is located at 10601 Washington Blvd., Unit 103, Culver City 90232. Email culvercity@eatwildbird.com or visit eat.wildbird.com.