Chicken Sandwich

Winslow Homer, A Sick Chicken, 1874 

Watercolor, gouache, and graphite on wove paper 

NGA | 1994.59.21

A Sick Chicken" is a delicate watercolor, gouache, and graphite work by renowned American artist Winslow Homer, created in 1874. Measuring approximately 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches, this piece is housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It exemplifies Homer's growing mastery of watercolor during a prolific period of his career, when he was transitioning from illustration to focus primarily on painting.

The subject—a seemingly ailing chicken—reflects Homer's keen observation of rural life and everyday scenes, a recurring theme in his 1870s works. While some critics of the era found his evolving style, particularly its "lack of finish," unconventional, Homer's daring approach was also praised. "A Sick Chicken" offers a quiet, empathetic glimpse into the ordinary, showcasing the developing technical skill that cemented Homer's legacy as a significant American painter.

Fried Chicken Sandwich | El Galleon, Avalon, Ca

El Galleon, a Catalina Island institution since 1967, is a lively American restaurant located on Crescent Avenue in Avalon. Known for its festive atmosphere and diverse menu, it offers a blend of fresh local seafood, steaks, prime rib, and classic comfort food. Beyond the dining, El Galleon is a popular spot for its nightly karaoke and happy hour deals.

Among their offerings, the Fried Chicken Sandwich is a notable lunch item. It features a buttermilk-marinated chicken breast, lightly fried and served on a toasted bun with Swiss cheese, tomato, and coleslaw, accompanied by fries. It's a satisfying option for those seeking a hearty, non-seafood choice on the island.

Mori Sosen, Silkies c.1807 

Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk | The MET 2019.419.3 

This exceptional bird painting showcases seven Silkie chickens, a breed renowned for its fluffy, fur-like feathers and unique features. Notice their distinctive dark blue wattles and earlobes, and the unusual presence of five toes (most chickens have four). In Japan, they're known as ukokkei, meaning "chickens with raven-black bones." Historically, Silkies were raised for food, and in China, their soup is believed to have medicinal benefits. Even Marco Polo, in the 13th century, noted these "peculiar furry chickens" during his travels in Asia, describing them as having "no feathers, but hair only, like a cat's fur."

BBQ Chicken Sandwich | Kansas City Barbeque (Top Gun Bar), San Diego, Ca

Kansas City Barbeque, better known as the "Top Gun Bar," has been a legendary San Diego institution since 1983, bringing authentic Midwestern BBQ to California thanks to Kansas City natives Martin and Cindy Blair. Its enduring fame stems from its iconic role as a filming location for Top Gun, hosting memorable scenes like Maverick and Goose's "Great Balls of Fire" piano moment. Even after a devastating fire in 2008, the beloved bar was meticulously rebuilt, preserving its unique character and cherished Top Gun memorabilia, including the famous piano. Among their menu highlights, the BBQ Chicken Sandwich stands out, featuring slow-smoked chicken with their signature dry rub and house-made BBQ sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful choice, praised for its authentic taste, offering a delicious way to experience this cinematic landmark's culinary charm.

Peter Wtewael, Kitchen Scene, 1620s 

Oil on canvas | The MET 06.288 

Wtewael's kitchen scene, a classic example of 17th-century Dutch genre painting, is packed with blatantly erotic visual jokes. Take, for instance, the highly visible meat on a skewer, a clear nod to more suggestive themes. The grins shared by the housemaid and errand boy plainly show their mutual enjoyment, while the overflowing display of food around them cleverly hints at sensual pleasures. This blend of risqué humor and detailed still-life elements was a well-established tradition in Netherlandish art.

Chicken Sandwich | Memphis, Costa Mesa, Ca

Memphis Café in Costa Mesa, a beloved local establishment since 1995, has garnered acclaim for its unique take on Southern home-style cooking within a cool, 1950s-mod setting. This "gem" in the SOBECA district, co-founded by classically trained Chef Diego Velasco, offers a distinctive gourmet interpretation of Southern classics, from smoky gumbo to buttermilk fried chicken, all while maintaining a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. While the specific "grilled chicken sandwich" isn't explicitly detailed on their online menus, Memphis Café does feature a "BBQ Chicken Sandwich" and a "Pan Roasted Chicken" dish, suggesting a mastery of chicken preparations. Given their commitment to quality ingredients and flavorful dishes, any grilled chicken offering would undoubtedly be a testament to their celebrated culinary approach, reflecting their dedication to "food, community, comfort.

Auguste Renoir, Madame Monet and Her Son, 1874 

oil on canvas | NGA 1970.17.60 

Auguste Renoir's "Madame Monet and Her Son," painted in 1874, is a quintessential example of early Impressionism. This oil on canvas, measuring approximately 19 ¾ x 26 ¾ inches, now resides at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

The painting features Camille Monet, wife of Claude Monet, and their son, Jean, depicted with loose, visible brushstrokes and a bright palette characteristic of the Impressionist style. Renoir's focus on the human figure within a natural setting stands out, differentiating his approach from Monet's landscape emphasis.

Notably, this piece was created during a summer when Renoir, Monet, and Édouard Manet painted together in Argenteuil. Renoir, reportedly borrowing supplies from Manet, captured this intimate moment. Though jokingly criticized by Manet for his technique, Renoir's resulting work beautifully conveys the spontaneity of light and color. Having remained in Claude Monet's private collection for years, "Madame Monet and Her Son" offers a vivid glimpse into the close relationships and artistic innovations defining the birth of Impressionism.

Grilled Chicken and Bacon Sandwich with Avocado | Karl Strauss Brewery, Carlsbad, Ca

Karl Strauss Brewery in Carlsbad, a pioneering force in San Diego's craft beer scene since 1989 and named after Master Brewer Karl Strauss, embodies a relaxed, classic coastal vibe, making it a welcoming retreat known for its diverse and award-winning beers and complementary pub fare. Among their enticing menu, the Grilled Chicken and Bacon Sandwich with Avocado is a standout, featuring a juicy, grilled chicken breast layered with crispy bacon and fresh, creamy avocado, often served on a toasted artisanal bun with lettuce and tomato, creating a harmonious and satisfying blend of savory, smoky, and rich flavors perfect alongside their craft brews.

Anton Maria Vassallo, The Larder   c.1655 

Oil on canvas | NGA 1961.9.91

Anton Maria Vassallo’s The Larder, likely painted between 1650 and 1660, is a striking Baroque still life in oil on canvas, part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Golden light from the upper left bathes an opulent array of vegetables, seafood, and game, meticulously arranged across three levels. A hare reclines on a stone ledge draped with a forest-green, gold-trimmed cloth, while a trussed fowl hangs above, wings splayed beside a cluster of vibrantly feathered birds. A live peacock stands watchfully nearby. Below, artichokes spill from a copper bowl, a rooster perches on a barrel, and a profusion of fish, lobsters, brassware, and root vegetables crowd the floor.

Vassallo’s dramatic contrasts of light and shadow enhance textures and forms, infusing the scene with both grandeur and intimacy. The work exalts abundance and domestic labor, celebrating the richness of everyday life through Baroque theatricality and astonishing detail.

Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich | R+D Kitchen, Newport Beach, Ca

R+D Kitchen in Newport Beach, an offshoot of the renowned Hillstone Restaurant Group, embodies a concept of sophisticated yet approachable dining with a focus on "crisp, flavorful cuisine" in a light-filled, indoor/outdoor setting. Since its establishment, it has cultivated a strong local following, known for its meticulously crafted American dishes and a commitment to fresh, often locally sourced, ingredients. Among their celebrated offerings is the Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, a fan favorite featuring buttermilk fried chicken, baby Swiss cheese, and a spicy slaw, all served on a homemade bun. This sandwich exemplifies R+D Kitchen's dedication to elevating classic comfort food with refined execution and a touch of their signature "research and development" flair, making it a truly amazing and memorable culinary experience.

Melchior d' Hondecoeter

Barnyard Fowl and Peacocks, c.1665 

Oil on canvas | MFA Boston 07.501

Melchior d'Hondecoeter's "Barnyard Fowl and Peacocks," painted around 1665, perfectly showcases his avian specialization. Hondecoeter's large-scale bird depictions, sometimes exceeding 15 feet in width, were highly sought after by wealthy Amsterdam citizens for their townhouses and country estates.

In this work, alongside common ducks, hens, and roosters, Hondecoeter features two peacocks. These rare, exotic birds, much like tulips, were cultivated by Holland's elite, signaling both wealth and a connection to the exotic. Hondecoeter's immense popularity earned him the 19th-century moniker "the Raphael of bird painters," a testament to his unparalleled skill in capturing the vibrant life of fowl.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/ Sweet Potato Fries

The Lobster Trap, Avalon, Ca

The Lobster Trap on Catalina Island is a bustling, casual dining favorite in Avalon, renowned for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, particularly its namesake spiny lobster. Owned by a commercial lobster fisherman, Caleb Lins, since 2008, the restaurant prides itself on bringing in daily catches directly from the Channel Islands to your plate, embodying a true "sea-to-table" experience. While celebrated for its oceanic delights, the Lobster Trap also caters to landlubbers with various options, including an amazing Grilled Chicken Sandwich. This particular sandwich features a perfectly grilled chicken breast, offering a savory and satisfying counterpoint to the island's abundant seafood, while the sweet potato fries option provided a comforting and slightly sweet accompaniment, perfectly completing a delicious meal in this iconic island eatery.