Have I got a deal for you! No need to wait until Sunday for a traditional and crave-worthy Fried Chicken spread complete with fluffy buttermilk biscuits – Lillie’s Q in Brea offers this American favorite every day!
While Sundays are best spent with a bucket full of fried chicken, you don’t have to wait until then. Grab Lillie’s Q special 10-piece fried chicken + 4 biscuits every day for $20.00. You’ll be exclaiming “winner, winner, chicken dinner” for sure because the taste and quality of Lillie’s fried chicken far exceeds the fast food versions you may have experienced. Chefs Tom Hope and Kody Havener have got game with a 12-hour brine of the bird resulting in moist, juicy meat and frying low and slow at 325° yields a crispy, crunchy crust that is flavorful yet light.
Chef Kody Havener filling us in on the technique behind Lillie’s Q fried chicken.
On this evening, our small group of food writers enjoyed one of Lillie’s specialty cocktails paired with the fried chicken dinner and the Taste of Lillie’s menu (details follow). The Órale, Homes nicely balances sweet, tart, spicy and smoky and plays well with Lillie’s rich Southern dishes and smoky barbecue.
Órale, Homes | Mezcal, Sweet Tea, Sugar, Lemon, Haberno, Chili Mango
Lillie’s bar carries American spirits exclusively, specializing in American small batch, craft liquors. I’m excited because they pour my favorite bourbon – Buffalo Trace Whiskey (Frankfort, KY). Whistle Pig Rye Whiskey (Shoreham, VT); Angel’s Envy Bourbon (Louisville, KY); Tito’s Vodka (Austin, TX), and Amethyst Gin (Ellensburg, WA) are also proudly poured. Lillie’s signature cocktails are Moonshine-based (corn whiskey that has not been barrel-aged) and served in old-fashioned Mason jars. The Apple Hooch & Ginger, M&M&M (McKenna Bourbon, Moonshine and mint syrup) and Lillie’s take on the classic Bloody Mary, the Morning Lillie, are among the most popular.
Note: the only imported spirit is the Mezcal featured in the Órale, Homes cocktail which is Mezcal Legendario Domingo from San Luis Del Río, Oaxaca, Mexico.
The second budget-friendly, crazy good meal deal that Lillie’s is currently offering is the Taste of Lillie’s menu – $24.99 for 3 courses and a 12 ounce beer!
For the first course, guests enjoy three starters. Beer battered Fried Pickles with Ranch dressing alongside for dipping. These pickles are addicting! Smoked Deviled Eggs with pickled Serrano chiles and half a Q Salad – a healthy combination of Bibb lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion and cornbread croutons.
The second course involves making a choice between Shrimp & Grits, a 2 Meat Sampler with choice of pulled pork, tri-tip, chicken, ribs (+$2) or brisket (+5), and a Pulled Pork or Tri-Tip Sandwich. I recommend the divide and conquer strategy: one of you order the Shrimp & Grits and the other the meat sampler or barbecue sandwich, both of which is served with one side of your choice. Sides include Brussels Sprouts, Collard Greens, Grits, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Seasoned or Sweet Potato Fries, and Baked Beans. Mac & Cheese lovers will not be disappointed in Lillie’s super cheesy version, but for true Southern inspiration go with the Brussels Sprouts with Tasso ham and peanuts or the Collard Greens seasoned with ham hock.
Then, there’s a 12-ounce beer to wash down all this deliciousness. Lillie’s Q has an impressive selection of craft beers as well as the award-winning brews of TAPS Fish House & Brewery. TAPS brewmaster David Huls recommends TAPS Cream Ale, El Moreno, Hefeweisen, and IPK (India Pale Kellerbier) to accompany your Taste of Lillie’s spread.
But wait, there’s more! Your third course is a mouthwatering dessert of either Banana Pudding topped with Vanilla Meringue or the Seasonal Fruit Cobbler (+$3).
Lillie’s Q in downtown Brea is the west coast outpost of champion grill master and chef Charlie McKenna’s original Lillie’s Q in Chicago, and where you can enjoy the same award-winning barbecue, unique cocktails and warm ambiance as the Chicago location but with SoCal’s year-round gorgeous weather – it’s a win, win!
Dress up your ‘cue with one of Lillie’s Q BBQ Sauces that range from tangy to sweet, smoky to spicy; each sauce pays homage to the deep-rooted BBQ traditions of specific Southern regions. These sauces also make an excellent gift for the grill master in your life. Last year, Lillie’s website temporarily crashed from the surge of traffic to order the 3-bottle ($40) or 6-bottle ($60) gift box which had been featured on the Today Show as a top mail-order gift. McKenna’s renowned Lillie’s Q sauces include Smoky, Hot Smoky, Carolina, E.N.C., Ivory, Carolina Gold, and Hot Pepper Vinegar. Seasonings of Q-Rub and Carolina Dirt are also available. Every few months, McKenna creates a limited edition bourbon-barrel aged sauce. Sauces and rubs are available for purchase in store, online or at select retailers such as Crate and Barrel.
Lillie’s Q
240 S. Brea Blvd.
Brea, CA
714-482-2001
Disclosure: I was hosted by Lillie’s Q to experience these two amazing meal deals. I received no compensation for writing this post and all opinions my own.
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