Wolfie’s Hot Chicken – Highland Park

Wolfie's in Highland Park is the perfect place to take friends to dine and enjoy 100% plant based deliciousness.

In Los Angeles, the Nashville style hot chicken began when Johnny Ray Zone opened  Howlin’ Ray’s Hot Chicken in Chinatown in 2016. One day, I remember standing in line for almost two hours for my order. It was that revolutionary and delicious.

But, when Margaret – a vegan – was free to meet for lunch, I knew that Howlin’ Rays and other similar meat based places were off the table. Plus, we’d already done the usuals: Mohawk Bend and Sage Vegan Bistro.

Remembering visiting and loving Wolfie’s Hot Chicken in Highland Park a few years ago, I double checked to see that they were still open. Being completely 100% plant based and in Highland Park, I knew Margaret would love it.

Soon, the appointed day and time for lunch arrived. Once we settled in, I started reviewing the menu. I ordered the limited International Burger edition of the SEOUL FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH (Korean fried chicken sandwich with housemade Korean BBQ sauce, spicy oi muchim pickles & fermented kimchi slaw on a toasted red Gochujang bun) with SHOESTRING FRIES – and a PINA COLADA to enjoy while cooling down.

Excited by the sauces (I am a sucker for good dipping sauces) I also ordered the BOURBON COLA BBQ, MANGO HABANERO and RANCH sauces. With extra pickles, of course.

Once all our food arrived, all we could say was “WOW!”

It. Was. Delicious.

First off, the Pina Colada was perfect for a warm late winter day. The vegan Seoul sandwich had a full, face stuffing layers of flavors. You couldn’t even tell that the “chicken” was 100% made from plants. The fries were crispy, well salted and perfect. Especially, with the dipping sauces.

It was the perfect choice for lunch.

Margaret and I ate, conversed and truly enjoyed each other’s company. It made me so happy that we’ve been in each other’s lives for over eight years. All because while sitting at Kitchen Story in San Francisco, I turned to two random women next to me and complimented one of them on their gorgeous black lipstick.

You simply never know when you’ll meet a new friend that will make your life better.

Now, what I love about Highland Park is that it is a thriving neighborhood with a mix of historic landmarks, trendy restaurants and bars, and a diverse community. The area is now known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, performance spaces, and music venues. After lunch, we walked up York boulevard, exploring Highland Cafe for coffee and Crush and Supply for art supplies.

It was simply the perfect afternoon in Highland Park. Highly recommend.

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