Patch Picks: Sweet Potato Fries at El Pollo Loco

I know, I know. With the attention being paid to healthier living in Lemon Grove through the 14-week as well as the Rotary Club's “” utility box art project earlier this year, I probably shouldn't be waxing rhapsodic about fast food.

But I just can't help myself with these sweet potato fries from so I'll couch my praise with the reminder: Everything in moderation (including moderation—at least if you're Oscar Wilde).

I hadn't actually been to El Pollo Loco in quite a while. But Tuesday night after the school board meeting I just wanted something quick and easy—and there they were. I was surprised by the premium side choices on the menu, and as I was still enjoying the memory of sweet potato fries I had while on vacation in Ashland, OR, just the week before last, I added those and a side of flame-grilled corn to my two-piece meal.

Lightly battered and deep fried, the sweet potatoes were blazing hot to the touch from the drive-through window. They obviously hadn't been sitting around. Crispy on the outside, they had a tender, almost custardy texture on the inside. The combination of sweet and savory was heavenly.

While El Pollo Loco aims to offer healthier food choices, I can't say what the benefits of sweet potato fries over regular french fries might be—but I did find them to be delicious. A small order (3.6 ounces) has 327 calories with 20.2 grams of fat.

They're not an everyday treat, but they are my Patch Pick of the week.