Yesterday, I went to a Shell gas station on Summer Avenue at I-40 for quick takeout grub. I didn't…read moregive it much thought in choosing it for lunch other than it being a quick in-and-out. With only thirty minutes for lunch during another "temp" assignment, I figured this was the best way to make the most of it. In doing it, my intention was eating and nothing else, like blogging. Abiding by "advice" from a loudmouth... errrrr "outspoken" retired Federal employee, I'm trying to put out good content on Ken's Food Find. So, despite what Andrew Zimmern (host of Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods America") said about Mid-South gas station/convenience store food, this blog is steering clear of them. However, I will make an exception if it's warranted. In the case of the fried chicken at Shell, what I saw was eye-popping.
When I saw Shell's drumsticks, the size of them shocked me. They were almost the size of turkey legs, measuring about seven inches long and over 3 1/2 inches in width. Honestly, I have never seen drumsticks that large in my life. I don't know if they were the result of steroids or growth hormones, but it was impressive nonetheless. If the drumsticks were artificially enhanced, I'm not sure if it's either a good or bad thing. According to the laws of the U.S.A., use of growth hormones in poultry is illegal. Based on its legality, it would seem that oversized chicken legs are harmful. Still, I threw caution to the wind and ate them.
The drumsticks were decent for the most part. Far from being comparable to Gus's and Uncle Lou's, the chicken was good enough by convenience store standards. With light breading that wasn't too different from what anyone can make with a standard fried chicken recipe, I believe most will like Summer Avenue Shell's drumsticks. Because of the size, one chicken leg can make for a hardy snack for people with small appetites. In eating two with jalapeño chicken fried rice (also good), I got more than enough food for my lunch. Needless to say, everything was very satisfying.
Overall, my lunch experience was enlightening. Given my current status as a seasonal part-time worker who "temps" on occasion, I've been fortunate to discover the diversity of Memphis' culinary community. From plantain-wrapped chicken tamales to Dim Sum (served at Asian Palace, located behind the Shell station), I have eaten a lot of foods that I normally wouldn't have. I hope to continue with finding hidden gems that deserve recognition. After all, this blog is "Ken's Food Find."
To read the entire review, go to http://www.kensfoodfind.com/2014/05/biggest-chicken-drumsticks-i-have-ever.html
