We are huge fans of Burntzilla but we’ve never been to Burnt Crumbs until now. This fast-casual concept located at Los Olivos Marketplace, by Irvine spectrum Center, features a host of favorites including a rendition of the fried chicken slider from Burntzilla.
Fried Chicken ($9.50) starts with a house biscuit cut in half, then smeared with a garlic potato spread, before it is topped with a piece of perfectly fried chicken, and smothered with country gravy. The addition of sriracha honey gives it a sweet spicy finish.
One of the most outrageous and indulgent sandwiches has to be the Spaghetti Grilled Cheese ($9.50). If you love spaghetti and grilled cheese, then this is the sandwich for you. Two thick sourdough slices are filled with a layer of mozzarella cheese, then topped with spaghetti and meat sauce. This debauchery of a sandwich is so crispy on the outside that even the sloppiness of the experience is excusable because of how bodacious it is.
However, my favorite sandwich has got to be the Spicy Korean Pork Belly ($10.50). Think Vietnamese banh mi with Korean flavors! Spicy marinated pork belly slices are stuffed into a roll with charred scallion aioli and house-made kimchi. The kimchi is Chef Paul’s mother-in-law’s recipe and apparently, top secret — a family heirloom recipe if you will. The pork belly is crispy and tender at the same time. I loved all the bold flavors, but wanted more spice … jalapeno slices perhaps? But overall a solid offering!
Fries are my weakness so it isn’t surprising that I absolutely loved the Carne Asada Fries ($5/$8). Crispy fries are topped with carne asada, pickled onions, diced tomatoes, cheese, scallions, and cilantro. It is a meal in itself even if it’s offered as a side.
However, all these tasty sandwiches can’t beat the star of the show — the Japanese Souffle Pancakes ($10 plain/$12 berry compote and strawberry cream) — available at the Irvine location only during weekends. These light-as air pancakes are phenomenal and are the best I’ve ever had in OC. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to eat clouds, I believe these pancakes are it!
So this weekend, head to Burnt Crumbs in Irvine, and indulge in these fantastic pancakes, and while you’re there, grab one of the sammies as well. I promise, you, it’s SO worth it!
Burnt Crumbs
8549 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: 949-502-5998
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