Yakima Needs a Jolibee

I was in Southern California over the weekend and a group of friends recommended Jolibee. It was a place I had heard of but never been. I thought they were specific restaurants to the Philipines. As it turns out they now have several locations in the United States. Here's a glimpse into my first experience as well as where you can find one in Washington state!

Jolibee is a fried chicken restaurant much like a KFC or Popeye's but when its own twist. The chicken that they call Chickenjoy isn't as breaded and has what they claim is a secret marinade to keep it flavorful and juicy. You can order it regular or spicy.

Sides include standards like mashed potatoes and gravy but also have rice and adobo rice which is basically fried rice. It was great.

They also have other items on the menu including spaghetti which has a very sweet style of sauce. I tried a bite. It wasn't bad but I'm here for the chicken. Chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers are also on the menu.

I ordered a 3-piece spicy w/ adobo rice and a fried banana and jackfruit pie. The staple is a mango and peach pie but wanted to give the other a shot. It stated more like jackfruit than banana (was hoping for the other way around) but it was still tasty. My meal also included a cup of just the gravy for dipping my chicken in. Interesting.

All in all, it was very good and would fully love to see a Jolibee in Yakima. As it turns out they do have a location in Washington state but it's in Tukwila at the Southgate mall. Still, next time I'm in the area I may have to swing by again.

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