Corn fritters and succulent chicken at Chicken Kitchen

Greg Clark and Bill Bembenek have the recipe for success. These two former casino executives have just opened a restaurant in Temecula using their business acumen, Greg’s previous restaurant experience and traditional Midwestern recipes. Both of the men have wanted to open their own business for several years and this is their first venture. Greg and Bill hail from the Chicago area and moved their families to California when they were both offered jobs at an area casino.

Their chicken is uniquely prepared and delicious. It is steam-pressure-cooked for an hour and then flash-fried. “It is healthier because this method eliminates a lot of the fat,” said Bill. “It keeps it very juicy,” he added.

Bill explained, “We offer a very concise menu that is a little bit unique. We felt that if we do one thing well then it will be memorable.” Chicken Kitchen’s menu is simple. Chicken, beer-battered fish and butterfly shrimp comprise the main course items, with corn fritters, coleslaw and fries as side dishes. Prices are very reasonable and they offer several family meal packages as well.

The corn fritters are marvelous! “A lot of our customers return for the corn fritters,” Bill noted. I will be one of them. I grew fond of corn fritters after spending a great deal of time in rural Missouri where many country cafés served marvelous corn fritters along with their rib dishes. Bill and Greg have lassoed the Midwestern flavor of the corn fritters and brought it to Temecula. Made with flour, corn kernels and a light sprinkling of powdered sugar on the top, these corn fritters have a light sweet flavor which complements the chicken. The restaurant’s chicken is moist and flavorful; the exterior coat is crispy and the inside is juicy.

Chicken Kitchen is a restaurant set up for busy people, especially families. “Our process allows us to serve the food fresh and fast,” explained Bill. The interior is crisp, colorful and well lit. “It’s cheerful,” said one patron. It is also an easy drive from Fallbrook. Located on SR-79 in the Temecula Creek Village it is only a few minutes’ drive from the intersection of I-15 and SR-79.

Both Bill and Greg agree that what keeps them going is the people. “I enjoy seeing people enjoy their food,” said Bill. “It’s nice to hear them say that our chicken doesn’t taste or feel greasy. It makes this risky business worthwhile.”

Find the Chicken Kitchen at 31333 Highway 79 South, Suite 130 (in Temecula Creek Village). The telephone number is (951) 302-7003.