Remember Nina, the “Somebody’s got a case of the Muuuundays” receptionist from Office Space, who answered the phone like a cheerfully robotic corporate drone?

“Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking, just a moment…
Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking, just a moment…”

I thought of her at Chickens Gone Wild; the phone kept ringing, and the poor woman behind the register had to answer it:

“Chickens Gone Wild…
Chickens Gone Wild…
Chickens Gone Wild…”

Saying “Chickens Gone Wild” all day has got to make a person a little batty, don’t you think?

It’s a clever name though — conjures up images of cavorting chickens in bikinis and “Chickens of the Big 10″ calendars.  The place even has a mascot, “Chicken Man”, with his own Myspace page.  There are dozens of pictures of customers with Chicken Man on one wall.

All of this makes Chickens Gone Wild sound like it’s one big joke, but here’s the thing… it’s not.  They’re serious about their food. In fact, I was very pleasantly surprised by how solid the food was.  My order:

Quarter chicken with two sides — I chose yams and peas — with grilled pita bread and sides of hot sauce.  All for, get this, $4.25.  It’s part of their “Lunchtime Recession Special.”  That’s a great deal any way you cut it.

And the food was really tasty.  I’ve always liked Boston Market because it’s convenient and consistent, but this was way better.  My white meat chicken was meaty, moist and char-grilled on the outside; the pita and sides were good too, especially the yams sweetened with brown sugar.  And it’s just a nice touch that they give you two hot sauces.

Chickens Gone Wild also has burgers, steak and ribs on the menu — has anyone tried the ribs?  There are a few tables, but the place is primarily take out.

Keep on, keepin’ on,  Chickens Gone Wild.  You’re goofy, but I like you.

Chickens Gone Wild
211 Main St.
New Rochelle, NY
914-235-4010