Flavorless Chicken Conundrum

[tilli]

I have always liked Gladstone's grilled chicken, although I haven't had it in years and I am only assuming that they are still around

[algia]

I second Publix's fried 8 piece box and Chick Fil A's nuggets (I am not liking the other stuff there), the second however is not open Sundays so keep that in mind......but why not make your own?

Chicken is NOTHING without seasoning! just like any meats....you don't just throw a stake on the grill out of the Sam's wrapping do you? same deal for chicken.....fish.....etc....... and those places you mentioned are not "known" for the best chicken in town either! LOLOLOLOL

[TampaKaren]

You could try Ale House (http://www.millersalehouse.com/default.asp - broken link), very casual and inexpensive. There's one in Brandon and one in Carrollwood. They have Zingers and Wings and a sandwich called "Big Red." A word of caution, they are deep fried and spicy.

For Barbecue chicken, I'd suggest you plan a drive to Hungry Harry's in Land O Lakes. Go on the all you can eat day and pack it in. Otherwise, it may be on the pricey side of your budget. Another place we like is Jazzy's BBQ on Waters Ave.

[rapscallion2009]

Hello again...thanks for the new batch of replies...

MAniacTHW...Moderator cut: comment That's cool...actually, I love Tampa and wish I had moved here sooner - but I've found two distinct differences from Los Angeles, one of which I mentioned here...until you've done a comparison taste test with the mentioned establishments, I guess all you can do is take my word for it, or assume I'm a Tampa-Hater...but as I mentioned, I love Tampa

tilli...thanks for the suggestion...I actually went to Chic Fil A last night after taking a suggestion from yesterdays postings, and right across the street I saw Gladstone's...I'll give it a shot sometime soon...

algia...thanks for the reinforcement on Publix recommendation...this weekend I plan to give it a try...as for cooking my own, well...someday I will and it will be delicious

TampaKaren...thanks for the suggestions...I'll put all three into my 'slightly more than fast food' category...

oh, yeah, I wanted to mention that I did try one other chicken place that was actually good, but somehow I had forgot to mention it, so I'll stick it here:

WING STOP: this place serves wings. lots of flavors. the garlic-parmesan is awesome. this seems to support my theory that good wings are easier to find than other varieties.

thanks again, everyone...

[tilli]

That's cool...actually, I love Tampa and wish I had moved here sooner - but I've found two distinct differences from Los Angeles, one of which I mentioned here...until you've done a comparison taste test with the mentioned establishments, I guess all you can do is take my word for it, or assume I'm a Tampa-Hater...but as I mentioned, I love Tampa

Maybe the humidity is screwing up your tasting?

I am actually half-serious, I notice that when we get a cold spell and it is not so humid I can smell much better, and tasting is tied to smell. Hmm. I do find it hard to beleive that chain restaurants make their chicken differently here.

If you like wings you might want to also give Wild Wing Cafe a try, they are in the Veterans center with the AMC theatre on Anderson Rd. Don't get the lunch buffet though, order off the menu. I like the "China Syndrome" for medium-hot and they have ginger wings there that are fantastic if you want a little sweet. Their fries are really lovely but ask for them extra-well done as they are huge and can be too soft otherwise. They make their dressings in-house and their ranch is particularly good.

[kyle19125]

Have you considered trying chicken thats not loaded with growth hormones and antibiotics? That's what real chicken tastes like. Try the Honey Mesquite Chicken at EVOS.