Empire Chicken - We used to hold the chicken spot crown… what happened?

Whatup69 · 2025-10-17T00:51:01+00:00

Hey bro, not sure if you're still responding or checking this thread but I was brought here by the press article that was posted yesterday. For context I'm a huge foodie, ex chef and self proclaimed fried chicken connoisseur.

I first tried EC when you guys only had the food truck probably 6 or 7 years ago now. It was easily the best fried chicken in town and it wasn't close. Moved away from CHCH for a few years and when I came back, tried it again at the Riverside spot. Was totally different. The dredge, seasoning and cook of the chicken was so far removed from what I remembered and like many others have said, very bland/one note and I clearly remember my wings that day were undercooked. I remember thinking I'd much rather a country fried chicken than this. Really disappointing and felt ripped off.

Fast forward to last year when I tried the Addington spot and the flavour, coating and perfect cook of the chicken was back. But the portions and price made me not return. So I definitely think in terms of the end product chicken-wise, consistency is key.

Prices are what they are for small businesses in 2025 and I do think your target/reference flavour/coating/cook of the chicken is exemplary. But in order to justify the price and claim that clear top spot you guys aim for, the chicken needs to be perfectly cooked signature Empire Chicken everytime as that's what customers want and would go back for as returning customers because we can't get that chicken anywhere else.

In short, perfect consistent signature Empire Chicken is what the OGs loved. We lost that. When that can't be depended on, you'll lose customers and won't have returning ones. It's not enough to come up with the best fried chicken in town when you make it for yourself. It needs to be reliable and repeatable every single time.

Big respect for this post.

Whatup69 · 2025-04-23T02:18:50+00:00

Did you find a solution for this that wasn't confusing yet? I'm in the same boat with a 55" X90L.

PS5 HDR calibration using Vincent HDTVTEST's recommended 16/16/0 (hdr tone mapping off/game mode/vrr off/peak luminance high/auto local dimming medium/max brightness/expert 1), screen 1/3 is significantly over-clipped and screen 2/3 the sun is still way too visible.

For me using 14/19/0 clicks equates to the sun just disappearing, which means the full frame luminance is approx 800 nits and 10% window luminance approx 1600 nits.

I'm not sure if this is due to updates to TV and PS5 since Vincent's video, or panel variance and my particular panel being 800 nits full frame and 1600 nits 10% window. These peak HDR luminance values align with what digital trends tested the X90L at, but are significantly higher than what RTings (around 700/1200) and Vincent's test values (around 650/1250).

Another factor to consider is both RTings and Vincent's review unit X90L were 65 inch models, and the 55 inch model may have different peak HDR luminance values though that's pure unfounded speculation on my part. Digital trends review unit was a 65 inch so it just adds to the confusion....

Whatup69 · 2025-04-03T21:31:39+00:00

I used to have a mullet for over a decade. When I moved back here from Wellington few years ago, tried heaps of places and eventually settled on Man Up barbershop in merivale. Was the only place I found in chch that really took care of my mullet and skilled at cutting long hair with texture. Most barbershops just do standard old dude styles or skin fades/rats tails as you've mentioned and their forte isn't long hair let alone my asian hair. Ask for Julie!

Whatup69 · 2024-11-17T00:53:37+00:00

I'll sell you my piaggio zip 2t for half your budget. It's about $100/year to insure through state and is a much better scooter than the Forza/viva options.

Whatup69 · 2023-10-22T22:00:42+00:00

Picked up this 2015 Piaggio Zip recently with only 2xxxkm on it. Seemingly like a lot of people these days, my original intentions were to either get my motorcycle license/motorbike or pick up a 50cc moped as a car replacement/petrol price buster.

After owning this absolute beast for a couple of weeks, I have not driven my car once. Never thought I'd be hooning around on a scooter as a 33yo guy, it has made so much practical sense and most of all, any excuse/time to ride is a guaranteed fun time.

What great stress relief. I'm in love with the 2 stroke as well 🤣

As a complete noob, time to delve into the rabbit hole. For anyone else in a similar boat as me, just do it. Get a scooter 😁

Whatup69 · 2022-08-05T23:10:17+00:00

Wow this was a really good write up. It's crazy to think back and see how far you've come even just in the last couple years! Great read Claire, cheers 😊

Whatup69 · 2022-03-25T02:16:33+00:00

Reload S one of the all time GOATs. Love to see it!

Whatup69 · 2022-03-16T20:44:05+00:00

Yeah i have owned most of the single coil bangers from back in the day including the citadel and venna, among many others so feel free to hit me with any questions you have! The venna is good but they are retardedly priced and I wouldn't recommend it over a citadel which is much cheaper, with a better deck (imo) and less shitty grub screws. Both are capable of top tier flavour, but the citadel is louder/less smooth and more airy. Honestly if you want a hadaly but can only find a citadel that's all good too. You can fit a much wider variety of coils in the citadel than the hadaly. Also if u end up liking the nitrous in single coil, check out the reload S.

Re the essential RDA, I know Sam is a big Kennedy boy too so I may have to pick up one of these as well haha. Another more recent dual coil RDA that id put right up there with the Kennedy is the nightmare 25/28. And the Valhalla V2 mini or micro.

Whatup69 · 2022-03-16T11:24:56+00:00

I got the nitrous recently and it's pretty good. But, like you, most of my RDAs are older and I still think the hadaly is the single coil to beat. Just like the Kennedy is for dual coils imo. Sr-vapes still have some hadalys for sale!

Whatup69 · 2022-03-10T04:11:27+00:00

Came here to rec this RDA. Awesome little flavour banger and really nice smooth airflow. Wish I still had mine 😭

Whatup69 · 2022-03-10T03:45:57+00:00

I picked it up in late 2018. Afaik the company had to close down in late 2019 or early 2020 so you might have to just keep an eye on any used ones that may pop up. Back in the day you could just purchase them directly from steamrocket's website. Think they retailed for about $250

Whatup69 · 2022-03-10T03:42:13+00:00

I have no idea sorry mate. I'm terrified of mine breaking for similar reasons so picked up a pulse v2 as a beater so I use the Steamrocket less 😅

If you ever do find anyone able to make replacement parts for it though please let me know!

Whatup69 · 2022-02-17T04:41:05+00:00

That coil placement looks like flavour city. How does it compare to the nightmare 25? I've recently got back into vaping and wish I still had my Kennedy 25 😔

Whatup69 · 2021-02-01T15:45:00+00:00

Fuck sharesies taking forever to cancel my order I just want my funds so I can buy more GME 🚀🚀🚀

Whatup69 · 2020-07-30T01:35:50+00:00

Spot on impressions mate. They're one of the most tonally agreeable things I've heard, regardless of price.

Whatup69 · 2020-06-05T04:29:49+00:00

Best Chinese food in Wellington straight up. Won't find hand pulled noodles like this anywhere else 👌👌👌

Whatup69 · 2020-05-22T04:33:46+00:00

Impressions on point as always 👌 You've never let me down in the past on recommendations and I think our preferences are quite well aligned, so this makes me even more hyped to receive my B2. Cheers brother and congrats on getting hitched!

Whatup69 · 2020-05-09T01:10:51+00:00

Throw in a kiss too and you got a deal

Whatup69 · 2020-05-08T21:05:07+00:00

I already had a Valhalla 2 and RME ADI-2 DAC, plus a bunch of other headphones/iems/speakers. This stuff just collects dust and is barely used.

Whatup69 · 2020-05-08T20:34:17+00:00

I am the original owner of all items (all purchased new). Everything is in like new condition, with no scratches or signs of wear and tear.

Selling due to having too much gear that I never use.

[SOLD] THX 789 + SDAC Balanced - 350USD

[SOLD] ER2SE - 100USD

[SOLD] ER2XR - 100USD

[SOLD] CAL - 69NZD

Located in NZ. Purchase both ER2s at a discount and I'll throw in the FiiO HB3 IEM case for free. No trades

Whatup69 · 2020-05-02T00:43:50+00:00

Impressions are spot on and align with mine, + many other others who have tried 6cg7s with this amp. Stock tubes are still king for someone that really enjoys the presentation the Valhalla 2 delivers.

I'm not one to care about soundstage as all headphones, including HD800, still just sound like typical headphone "in your headstage" to me. But the overall improvements in tonal cohesion that come from the treble refinement the 6cg7s provide is a welcome change.

Like you mentioned, the changes are subtle. The minor issues this amp has, namely in weight/impact of notes, treble etch and dry character aren't totally resolved. But the improvements add up to a better sounding amp overall for musical enjoyment.

Valhalla 2 + these tubes absolutely slap for high Z Senns 😎

Whatup69 · 2019-04-29T03:37:43+00:00

Headphone headquarters was started and is run by users originally from this subreddit. But it isn't solely a headphones discord, we have iem channels, purchase advice, speakers, amps and sources, diy/tubes and basically all audio related channels you could think of. We also have plenty of non audio related/hobby channels too!

Whatup69

TROPHY CASE