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Fried chicken is synonymous with Southern country cooking, but the cooking method is still up for debate. Should it be deep fat fried? Or skillet fried the way your mama did?
Fans of the latter method go to The Coffee Cup Grill (914 S. Clarkson St., 704-375-8855). The Cup may have had a succession of owners, but the pan top frying has been the same for about a half-century. Their skillet-fried chicken is $6.95 for either white meat or dark with two sides.
Over in SouthEnd is the venerable, stand-in-a-line-eight-deep-to-pick-up-your-box Price's Chicken Coop (1614 Camden Rd., 704-333-9866). Arguably this is the best deep fried chicken in the Carolinas, maybe the South. OK, the world. Price's chicken is marinated in their I'd-have-to-kill-you-if-I-told-you mixture overnight, coated with flour, and then plunged into a sizzling vat of hot peanut oil. Nestled in the chicken box, which itself is a treasured piece of Charlotte memorabilia, are slaw, puppies, and a roll. If you'd rather have more hushpuppies and no roll, tell them you want it "all pups."
New to the competitive deep-fat fried chicken fray is Otto's Knife and Fork (2531 North Sharon Amity, 704 568-9711). This location, once a greasy spoon, has been transformed by owner chef Robert "Otto" Graham, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. His tender fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk, greaselessly deep fat fried, and served with collards, mashed potatoes, cornbread and a soup or salad ($12.95).
Perhaps even more Southern than fried chicken is Chicken and Dumplings. For this dish, go straight to dish (1220 Thomas Avenue, 704-344-0343). Chicken and Dumplings can be the epitome of comfort food on a chilly night. What better way to warm the soul than dipping into a large bowl of shredded chicken lazing in a lightly seasoned sauce, covered with a flotilla of hefty dumplings?
For those who prefer to stick to the basics, a flavorful rotisserie chicken can be ordered at Black Oak Grill (9311 J.W. Clay Blvd., 704-503-3335). Not only is the chicken tender (it actually falls off the bone), but also the sides, especially the cinnamon apples, are worthy accompaniments. New to Black Oak's side list are smashed sweet potatoes and a healthier choice, whole baked sweet potatoes. A half-chicken is $8.49, which is inclusive of two sides.
For a zestier chicken, turn to Anntony's Caribbean Cafe (2001 E 7th St., 704-342-0749), for their succulent Caribbean-styled chicken flavored by their trademarked sauce (available in area grocery stores). A half-chicken with two sides, preferably their cornbread and marvelous greens, is a mere $6.99.
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Aria Tuscan Grill Featuring Allegrini - Charlotte Wine + Food Week @ Aria Tuscan Grill
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Angeline’s Featuring Sciandri Family Vineyards @ Angeline's
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Charlotte Wine + Food Week Presented by Truist @ Charlotte, NC
- Fri., April 19, Sat., April 20 and Sun., April 21
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Cakeable Cafe Grand Opening @ Cakeable Cafe
- Sat., April 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
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Haw River Wine Tasting @ Carolina Beer Temple.
- Wed., April 24, 5-7 p.m.
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Dorie Greenspan's Tiramisu Cake
This layered cake is definitely a "pick-me-up" with a little booze and caffeine.
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Authentic New York-style Bagels Come to South End 1
Poppy's expands its empire
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Eating With Your Dollars: The best fast food money can buy 14
The Food Babe talks juicing.
