Maru Fried Chicken Pop-Up
Maru, in Santa Monica, isn't quite ready to open up for business, but that doesn't mean they're not ready to do a one day fried chicken pop-up. Chef Jason Park even brought in big gun Matthew Biancaniello to do cocktails for the special event.
Matthew Biancaniello injecting some chicken fat into my first cocktail. No big deal.
Matthew's first cocktail from the pop-up was this gorgeous Mulberry infused Rye Whiskey infused with chicken fat on top. Not weird at all. Chicken fat is always a good idea. This was my favorite cocktail of the night. Don't judge any dish/drink until you try it! Then again, I'm also the girl who has eaten some of the craziest things. 
The Watermelon & Mint Salad with fresh lemon basil was tasty and refreshing. The watermelon was sweet and the lemon made for a tangy aftertaste.
Matthew Biancaniello's second cocktail packed a punch! It was a Cap Rock Bitter with tomatoes, lovage, Cuban oregano & ghost pepper salt. The lovage and Cuban oregano was from his own garden.
The main course was Maru's fried chicken, parmesan cheese corn on the cob, and coleslaw.
It's always so fun to unexpectedly run into fellow foodie friends like Nguyen of Starry Kitchen. I will say his sinister smile while handling a blowtorch slightly worried me though. I must have seen the pyro within. The masterpiece he assisted in making was pretty awesome though. 
Chef Jason Park's Brownie S'more topped with a freshly blowtorched marshmallow fluff in berry sauce. Of course one dessert is never enough...
Chef Jason Park's Chocolate chip cookie sandwich with brown butter ice cream.
To stay up to date on the latest Maru Santa Monica news, check out their website here.
12400 Wilshire Blvd. #150 Los Angeles, CA 90025
