Born to Kentucky
Are you familiar with the catchphrase "Finger Lickin' Good"?
This is a catchphrase that Kentucky Fried Chicken has used for many years, but last year there was news that they would refrain from using it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This time, I would like to write about Kentucky.
Do you like Kentucky?
Everyone has something they "crave periodically," and for me, that is exactly what Kentucky is.
I crave ramen about once every six months.
I crave McDonald's about once every three months.
And, I crave Kentucky about once a month.
Actually, if I'm being honest, I feel like I could eat it every day.
Morning, noon, or night, Kentucky is always good. It's always an option.
At night, you can take a big bite with a beer.
For lunch, you could also eat it with a Twister or something similar.
Some people might think, "Morning is a bit much..." but haven't you ever eaten the Kentucky you couldn't finish the night before the next morning? That cold, soggy Kentucky soaked in oil has its own charm.
A charismatic chef who made delicious food at a restaurant where I used to work part-time once said,
"I love putting cold leftover Kentucky on top of piping hot rice to make a Kentucky bowl. I intentionally leave a few pieces the night before just for that."
He said this with such an ecstatic expression that I vowed to follow him for the rest of my life. I quit the next month, though.
Yes, that is the kind of charm Kentucky has.
Until now, I've always eaten Kentucky without worrying about the parts, but this time I want to try every single part.
I called to ask if it was possible to buy five pieces and get all the different parts, and they replied that of course it was fine.
And it just so happened to be the 28th, which is "Tori no Hi" (Chicken Day) pack day.
It was 1,000 yen for four pieces of Original Recipe chicken and some chicken nuggets. By adding an individual piece of Original Recipe chicken to this, I was able to buy it at a great value.
These are all the types of Kentucky.
The five types are: Keel (breast), Wing (wing), Rib (rib), Thigh (loin), and Drum (leg).
First, the Keel (breast).
Keel generally refers to 'chicken breast,' which is also popular in chicken dishes like karaage.
It has a light flavor and is the leanest part of the Original Recipe chicken, making it easy to eat.
The keel is characterized by its round appearance and the presence of soft cartilage.
Next up is the wing.
This is the so-called 'chicken wing' part.
It is characterized by a moist texture and moderate juiciness. It is a cut with a balanced mix of lightness and moisture.
Rib.
Rib refers to the meat on the ribcage. There is plenty of flavorful meat around the rib bones, and since it is also part of the breast, it is low in fat and high in protein. This time, it was the largest size.
This is my favorite part. The reason is that it's big and fun to bite into. That sounds like a silly reason. But it's okay to be silly. Everyone becomes silly in front of Kentucky.
Thigh (hip).
The triangular part around the hip.
It is said to be a popular cut among Kentucky fans for its rich flavor and thick meat. It is the fattiest and juiciest part of the Original Recipe chicken.
And then, the drum (leg).
This is the 'drumstick.' It is the quintessential fried chicken piece. It is the most well-known part. I want to gnaw right down to the bone.
Generally, the thigh and drum are popular, and it seems many people consider it a disappointment if they get the keel, which has cartilage. But the best part of the keel is crunching on that cartilage.
Well, that's all I have to say about Kentucky for now.
People say fast food isn't good for you or that it makes your skin break out, and I often hesitate to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken, but even if that's true, I think it's fine! So I eat it anyway.
That's how much I love KFC.
Doesn't the name Colonel Sanders sound cool, kind of like Johnny Thunders?
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BGM for the moment it hits your mouth
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - "Born to Lose"
(Included on the album "L.A.M.F.", released October 1977)
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[Afterword]
An episode about my love for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
I'll always love you, KFC.
I went to an all-you-can-eat KFC buffet after this, but I could only eat about eight pieces. I learned that just because you love something doesn't mean you can eat a ton of it.
Now, the appropriate amount for me is two pieces.