Piri Piri Grill

• Cuisine(s): African, Sandwiches
  Hours: Breakfast, lunch, & early dinner daily 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  Price: $ $
• Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
  Attire: Casual
  Features: Takeout, Delivery, Private Party, Catering, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly
• Serving: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  Reservations: Accepted, Not Necessary
  Parking: Meters

Description

This newcomer has the same owner and the same location as the former Bianca's Gourmet Shop. The same sandwiches, salads, burgers, and wraps too, but the emphasis has shifted to grilled chicken and ribs, and the signature South African-inspired "bakkie." Bakkies come in a clear 16-ounce plastic beverage container. On top is a coarsely chopped coleslaw; the rest of the cup is packed with white/wild rice mingled with the main component of your choice: chicken ($6.99), steak ($8.49), shrimp ($7.49), salmon ($7.69), or veggie burger ($7.69). A triangle of pita bread is wedged in as well, but you can't get it out until you've eaten at least a third of the bakkie, unless you want to spill rice all over the place. The meal-in-a-cup comes aromatically seasoned, with a slight brown sugar sweetness, and is ever-so-mildly piquant owing to a pinch of the namesake piri piri, also known as the African red devil pepper. The pepper is used parsimoniously in piri piri chicken ($8.99 for a half bird), which doesn't differ much from those proffered at other chicken kitchens around town - nicely marinated, moist meat. You can get more of the bite in a vinegary dip or barbecue sauce that come alongside (offered medium or hot). Tender, meaty ribs are $11.99 for a half rack. Two side dishes accompany all grilled items.