“As you know in fast food, everything is prefab and here, everything is from scratch, so it’s a healthier alternative to fast food restaurants,” said Peter Pryor owner of Melachia’s Savory Meals and co-owner of Kina’s Homemade Burgers.
“Everything we make is from scratch,” said Peter Pryor owner of Melachia’s Savory Meals and co-owner of Kina’s Homemade Burgers.
“Our buns are from scratch, we smoke our brisket in house, our own pork…”
The only things frozen, he said, are the French fries. But, in this scenario, fries are incidental considering the menu includes things like the Chandler Burger. It’s a burger stuffed with either blue or pepper jack cheese, topped with grilled mushrooms, onions and tomatoes.
There’s also the Gobbler, a turkey burger with lettuce tomato, grilled onions and pickles. Rounding out the burger menu are the Cuban veggie, the spinach lentil and the Jane Burger, a classic of sorts with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and cheese for those who like it. Beyond burgers are signature items like Melachia’s Creole crab cakes, served with homemade tartar sauce and coleslaw; and a freshly made seafood gumbo.
Hailing from the East Coast, Pryor has been in the restaurant business for 25 years, he said, doing stints in fine dining and hotels. Kina has been in the catering business for seven years, burgers are her specialty. Pryor moved to Los Angeles about three years ago, searching for a permanent restaurant location.
He found it in Baldwin Hills and eventually bought Kina’s. Together, the duo has created a comprehensive menu that includes soups, salads, signature sandwiches and homemade desserts. Melachia’s has been here for two years and so far, said Pryor, the response has been positive.
“As people discover us, they’re like ‘wow,’” he said during a recent interview with the Sentinel.
“[Because] we’re more like a gourmet… we’re not a fast food restaurant. As you know in fast food, everything is prefab and here, everything is from scratch, so it’s a healthier alternative to fast food restaurants.”
Unlike Pryor, Chef Kina Jones is a Los Angeles native. The youngest of eleven, Jones took on the task of feeding her large family at an early age. In a span of over 20 years, Jones has developed different cooking styles and techniques that have garnered her food compliments like “innovative” and “quality.”
Melachia’s and Kina’s is located in the Baldwin Hills Center, 3745C South LaBrea (between Rodeo and Coliseum). For more information call 323.294.1484 or visit www.kinasburgers.com.
