When Bleu Kitchen chef Calvin “Grubby” Johnson reached out to me to share his newest venture, I knew it would be good. The neighborhood thought so, too: Since opening day, a long line has snaked around Bleu Bird, a savory, deep-fried beacon less than one mile away from the historic street corner of Florence and Normandie Avenues. Johnson has been a partner at Westchester’s always-busy Court Cafe, and made waves with the Bleu Kitchen food truck: I still can’t stop thinking about his gumbo pot pie. The chef splits his time between Las Vegas and his native Los Angeles, and expanded the Bleu brand with the summer 2025 opening of Bleu Bird. He partnered with Taco Mell’s Jermelle Henderson and Mr. Fries Man’s Craig Batiste to produce a walk-in spot
that rivals bigger chicken chains. One can walk in, place an order on a digital screen, and minutes later emerge with a two-, three-, four-, or 10-piece bucket with sides sure to please: smoked turkey, macaroni and cheese, and smashed fried okra.
What to order
- Bleu Bird’s chicken is as crispy as it is flavorful, with saucy options that can lean traditional or turn up the heat levels: think Jamaican jerk, actual shreds of Parmesan with a burst of garlic, or with a wonderfully sticky and sweet Korean sauce.
- The price feels right to the community: Find plenty of specials under $10, depending on the day of the week. Tender Tuesday includes three chicken tenders, beans and rice, and french fries; while the Thursday two-piece special adds two side dishes and a roll, runs for the same price. For $25, the weekend’s eight-piece family meal consists of two large sides and six dinner rolls.
- I have yet to finish the massive fried chicken (or catfish) sandwiches in one seating, which can be dressed with the same sauces mentioned above and placed between a toasted brioche bun, layered with bread and butter pickles and a truffle-garlic aioli.
- Don’t sleep on the sides. I enjoyed the chicken andouille sausage threaded throughout the gumbo greens that use a balanced use of vinegar, and Bleu Bird’s macaroni and cheese is as creamy as one would imagine for this very American dish. Finally, order the sweet potato biscuit in all of its pillowy, sweet, and slightly savory glory.
The vibe
This is a minimal fast-food spot where you order at the counter and takes the goods to the car or home. Some people arrive in pajama pants, which feels more than fine.
Insider tip
Parking can be challenging during peak hours, so try to plan to visit just outside of the busy lunch and dinner window for the optimal experience.
