After an awesome New Year's eve celebration (with lots of tasty food might I add), Dan and I made plans to start the year off with even more deliciousness. Planning to make homemade fried chicken and waffles, we prepped the ingredients a day ahead of time, brining the chicken to ensure great flavor.
The recipe for this dish came by way of a generous gift we received from our friend Matt in the form of an Ad Hoc Fried Chicken Kit. The kit includes 2 portions of chicken brine as well as packets of coating mix, which is enough to make two whole fried chickens.
A neat little trick I learned by making this was to buy a whole organic chicken and then get it butchered at your local supermarket. Not only were the folks at our local Fred Meyer happy to help, it didn't cost anything extra and allowed us to buy a high quality organic bird.
Here's the Ad Hoc Fried Chicken recipe, courtesy of 7x7
For the waffles, feel free to use this trusty recipe, courtesy of Chow
Just a few weeks ago, my family and I paid a visit to the vibrant neighborhood in Harlem. Totally wowed by the burgeoning food and cultural scene, it’s certainly a place we’ll return to in the future – especially when it comes to checking out new restaurants. During this visit, we dined at the old dependable Sylvia’s, which was an experience I’d gladly repeat.
Atmosphere:
Since it was Sunday, we were eager to check out Sylvia’s for their Gospel Brunch. The restaurant was quite busy, as during this time they feature live music by a talented gospel singer, so we had to wait outside for a bit to be seated. Unfortunately they don’t take reservations, but since they’re organized, it didn’t take long to get a table, and waiting on line was an experience on its own. We enjoyed hanging out with the other soon-to-be diners and made some friends during our wait.
Once inside, we were glad we waited, as the atmosphere is friendly, social and warm. The space is divided into several dining areas, some larger than others and some more private. We were happy to be seated in one of the prominent rooms, situated to the left of the entrance, which seemed to be where most of the action was taking place (including the singing). The room itself is simple, no frills, but the energy of the restaurant and all the happy people inside added to it.
Food:
We came for the comfort food, and the fried chicken to be exact. Most of us ordered this dish in one form or another, while I decided to be the oddball and chose the ribs instead.
Chicken and Waffles – Simply a good ol’ classic, this chicken and waffles had it going on. The chicken drumsticks and breasts were on the bone, which made them super moist and juicy while the batter remained crispy but not oily. I liked that the batter had a little bit of a kick to it, and the waffle was soft and fluffy on the inside, but also had a slightly crunchy crust you had to get through.
Ribs and Sides – Since I knew I’d get a generous helping of Dan’s chicken and waffles dish, I decided to order something different and went with the BBQ spare ribs and two sides. The ribs were smothered in a slightly sweet BBQ sauce, (aka Sylvia’s Original Sassy Sauce), and the ribs themselves were tender and falling off the bone. They were a little fatty for my taste, but whatever meat I got off of them, I enjoyed.
The sides of collard greens and the candied yams were amazing. Collards can be a hit or miss, but these were perfectly cooked in a fragrant stock that made them taste like home. Out of this world sweet and tender, the yams tasted more like dessert than a side dish. It reminded me of something I’d have on Thanksgiving, except I’ve never had a yam dish this delicious – and for the record, no marshmallows were needed.
Dessert – Even though we were full, we couldn’t resist the temptation of a down home comforting dessert, and ordered a portion of the peach cobbler and the red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Both things were scrumptious, but I had a strong preference for the red velvet cake, which was really moist. While the cake itself was pretty sweet, the cream cheese frosting gave it a hint of tang that cut the richness. We all agreed this was a pretty stellar take on a Southern classic.
Service and Cost:
The service at Sylvia’s reflected the personal, family oriented vibe of the restaurant. From the lovely hostess (who I think was the late Sylvia’s daughter) to our nice waitress, we felt comfortable and well taken care of. Looking around the room, other diners seemed to have the same experience, and it’s no wonder that Sylvia continues to be the popular foodie landmark in this thriving part of the city.
Costs are fair and certainly not overpriced for what you’re getting. A hearty meal with drinks, entrees and dessert set us back about $28/person including tax and tip.
3 down home Mmmms
Sylvia’s – 328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York NY 10027
212.996.0660
2 Train to 125th Street
www.sylviasrestaurant.com
Since it's already been an exhausting week and it's only Tuesday, Dan and I decided to treat ourselves to something comforting and yummy. As it happens, he's never been to Sugarfreak, and I thought he'd really enjoy it, so we went for an impromptu dinner. Both of us tried new things that really impressed us and we walked out happy, satiated and eager to come back real soon. Here's what we enjoyed:
Crawfish/Shrimp Bisque - Dan spotted this on their specials menu and it sounded good. It was especially appropriate since the weather really cooled down, and we wanted something warm and comforting to perk us up. While the soup took a while to come out, it was pretty good. The broth was rich and hearty and had a real nice, warming spice to it. There were generous chunks of shrimp and crawfish inside that were fun to find and devour. But the best part was the buttery and still crunchy crouton that floated on top and really soaked up all that nice broth.
Chicken and Waffles - I'm a sucker for a classic chicken and waffles and like to compare this dish in different spots to see how it stacks up. While I'd say that the waffles here knocked it out of the park, the chicken was a bit on the dry side and I was expecting something on the bone rather than a breast. However, the rich bananas foster sauce that decked those beautiful waffles was a good way to get over the slightly dry chicken meat, and actually made the whole combination quite delectable. Although it was a hefty portion, we couldn't help but finish the whole thing.
Blackened Catfish Po Boy - Dan loved his choice of main and even though it looked huge, he kept talking about how light it was. I didn't believe him and took a bite only to share his experience. Each taste was real light and airy, the bun being a good vessel to hold the delicate fish, but at the same time, it wasn't too dense on its own either. The spicy Cajun flavorings brought it all together and the spicy mayo sauce that came as a side was a nice way to further jazz up this sandwich (or the fries that it came with).
Service and Cost:
Even though the restaurant was real busy, the service was attentive and our waitress checked on us quite a few times. She took notice of the fact that we were getting a wee bit impatient when waiting for our soup, and really helped to expedite things along. I like that she bought us a tasty shot of beer to make up for the wait, which didn't go unnoticed.
Costs are pretty fair for the generous portions and the good quality food.
The dinner I just described set us back about $72 in total, including drinks, tax and tip.
3 MmmmsSugarfreak - 36-18 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11106
718.726.5850
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.sugarfreak.com
Last week, we celebrated our Winter Blogger Social with my We Heart Astoria crew along with other Queens bloggers. It's always a fun time when we get the group together, and especially when we have a fantastic venue secured such as last week's at Alobar.
Working out a special family-style menu, a group of us shared a few portions of each course including apps, entrees and dessert - some of which were veggie friendly. Here are the highlights.
Apps - Starting with an assortment of goodies including the pickled veggies, an array of different cheeses, charcuterie, and the citrus roasted beet salad, there was plenty to choose from. While I've tried some of these dishes already, others were new to me such the beets, which turned out to be my favorite. A mixture of peppery arugula, crumbly goat cheese, salted pistachios and of course those amazingly tart beets provided a deliciously earthy combination. Veggies and carnivores alike enjoyed this very much, as it was also the lightest dish.
Entrees - New things I sampled that night included the ginger glazed baby back ribs, the fried chicken, a bacon wrapped meat loaf and the mac and cheese. While I stayed away from the latter, the meat-based dishes really sang to me, especially the meat loaf, which was incredibly tender and oh so smoky from all that bacon wrapping.
The chicken dish looked great and tasted nice too, but while I should've paid more attention to the bird, the pickled watermelon and radish slaw is what really got me going. I liked that the watermelon pieces were really bite sized, providing a welcome element of surprise and delight with every bite.
Desserts - Even though we were pretty full by this point, we couldn't not try the trio of desserts, including the salted caramel bread pudding, the goat cheese cheesecake and a ginger beer ice cream float. The first two blew me away, and the cheesecake had an especially nice texture and a richness that wasn't overwhelming, as can sometimes be with this dessert. The float was the most interesting of the sweet dishes, and it boasted complex and sophisticated flavors, that may have been a little too much so. Classical palates, you may prefer the more traditional options , but adventurous eaters, don't be afraid to ask for it.
Service and Cost:
We were very happy with the warm service that started out well and continued throughout the evening. Not once did we feel rushed or anxious, and I loved the fact that the staff was knowledgeable and ensured that everyone was well taken care of.
Costs are moderate and since we worked out a special menu with Alobar, it set us back only $25/person excluding tax, tip and cocktails.
3 Mmmms
Alobar - 46-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC NY 11101
718.752.6000
7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue
www.alobarnyc.com
Queens Comfort - 40-09 30th Avenue, Astoria NY 11103646.597.8687
N/Q Train to 30th Avenue
www.queenscomfort.blogspot.comAfter hearing some pretty darn wonderful things about Queens Comfort, I could hardly contain my excitement when my We Heart Astoria colleague and friend Meg suggested we try it. Mackenzi, our other partner in crime joined as well, and we indulged in a deep fried adventure of comfort food that made our bellies and our spirits happy.
Atmosphere:
Just like its name suggests, the surroundings at Queens Comfort are...well comforting. A warm, nostalgic feeling overcomes you when you set foot inside its cozy dining room. Rustic wooden tables that are set up in a communal format evoke memories of a large family meal, meant to be shared with the ones you love. Old photographs, vintage Americana accessories and exposed brick walls make the vibe laid-back and casual, making it clear that at Queens Comfort, tradition is king.
Despite the social atmosphere, we noticed a few diners sitting solo, enjoying their meal with a good book or an e-reader of choice (that part quickly brought us back to reality).
Food:
The simple yet mouthwatering menu set our tastebuds aflutter. Each of us having distinct preferences made us choose very different dishes.
Fried Green Tomatoes - An easy consensus for us, we couldn't wait to try this appetizer. It's hard to find good (or any for that matter) fried green tomatoes in NY, and the last place I had them was in Austin Texas, where they totally rocked my world. I have to say that Queens Comfort's far exceeded my expectations - they were substantial in size and had a wonderful crispy (but not oily) exterior and a nice firm and slightly tangy interior. Served with a side of goat cheese remoulade, this elegant sauce elevated the dish from country to chic.
Skillet Fried Chicken - Although I was at first hesitant to order the fried chicken, as I'm often disappointed by its oiliness, in the end, I couldn't be happier with my decision. Sandwiched between a flaky, buttery, sweet, salty and smoky maple/bacon biscuit, the chicken represented comfort raised to the nth level. Made of surprisingly juicy white meat, the chicken was battered in a thick flour and egg coating that also had a generous amount of hot sauce incorporated into it. This latter component made the chicken slightly spicy but not overwhelmingly so. Simply put, this classic country dish was done right, and I'd be surprised if a Texas granny worth her salt didn't agree.
Other Comforting Dishes - I had a bite of Meg and Mackenzi's food too and was generally impressed. Meg ordered the smoked pulled pork in Stumptown BBQ sauce, which looked incredible but was slightly lacking in flavor. This might just be a personal preference, but I like my pork on the sweet side and this version didn't reflect that.
Mackenzi's baked mac 'n cheese was delicious and boasted a well-done top coat that was nice and golden brown. The pasta was cooked properly and oozed with chedda.
Drinks - Even though this food begs for good ol' fashioned brew, we shared a bottle of vino, which I brought over. Because Queens Comfort is still BYOB, I encourage you to bring over your favorite beverage and they'll serve it to you graciously.
Service and Cost:
Generally the service was very good and quite personal. I enjoyed the playful banter we had with our waiter, but at times I felt that he didn't know quite as much about the menu as I'd hope. I didn't hold it against him, as I'm sure the staff is very much still learning everything and I expect this aspect of the experience will be polished soon.
Prices are wonderfully affordable and include the following:
Sandwiches - $7.50 - $8.50
Snacks - $3 - $7
Soups - $6
Dessert - $1.50 - $2.50
3 Old Fashioned Mmmms
Hill Country Chicken - 1123 Broadway, New York NY 10010
212.257.6446
N/R Train to 23rd Street
http://www.hillcountrychicken.com/
Recently learning that one of my favorite BBQ joints in the city, Hill Country was launching a fried chicken place that just opened, I was gung-ho about trying it. My friend Bo, who's also a fried chicken fan joined me, and together we indulged in a very delicious, Southern-style lunch.
Atmosphere:
Although in a completely different location than Hill Country, you can tell that Hill Country Chicken is its close relative. The fun whimsical vibe and the vibrant employees embody that same Southern hospitality feel, although Hill Country Chicken is a lot more out there and colorful. The color palate is so bright and cheery that it stimulates your senses from the minute you walk in. I especially love the decorative wallpaper that differs on each wall and the huge star on the far back wall, which your eye naturally focuses on.
After you take everything in, you're ready to wait in line to be served at the bright yellow counter, displaying all the freshly fried chicken, flaky biscuits, sides and other yummy grub. A separate pie counter is located on the side, for which the line is considerably shorter and you can visit it after you finish your chicken, as to not spoil your appetite (or to receive a freshly baked piece right out of the oven).
Food:
Chicken is of course the star of the show and it comes in various methods including straight up fried pieces, chicken tenders, sandwiches such as a chickwich, a club sandwich, and even a fried chicken salad. Bo and I chose the simple fried chicken and the Hill Country club, along with sides and some pie too.
Fried Chicken - We got a couple of pieces of fried chicken including a leg and some wings. I personally munched on a good sized wing with crispy skin and a wonderfully juicy inside. Bo noticed that the chicken had a unique flavor and was slightly sweet. That was fine by me and besides the hint of sweetness, there was some spice to it too.
Hill Country Club - I also ordered Hill Country's club sandwich, which looked very impressive. Bo and I watched it come together before our eyes - a large, thick, fried chicken cutlet, big hunks of avocado, a beefsteak tomato and creamy mayo sauce that tied it all together. Even though it looked messy, it was a pleasure to eat - the delicious, succulent meat being the star component yet again. Since this sandwich is quite large, I suggest sharing it with your dining companion.
Sides - Two small sides accompanied our hearty lunch including a buttermilk biscuit and cheesy fried mashed potatoes. We ate the former with the fried chicken, of course and it was light, flaky and freshly baked. You could tell it was made from scratch and not from some artificial mix.
The cheesy mashed potatoes were out of this world and unlike any mashed potatoes I've had. I loved the stringiness of the cheese and how it wrapped around the soft potatoes. There was a surprise ingredient too - fiery red peppers that gave these already scrumptious potatoes additional panache.
Pies - Hill Country's mini pies are worth talking about. They have about six flavors each day, and they're all enticing. I went with a peach blackberry cobbler with a pretty star design on top. The minute I bit into it my eyes lit up - the filling was chunky, zesty and not too sweet while the crust was perfectly buttery and crumbly.
Service and Cost:
The servers at Hill Country personify Southern Hospitality. I appreciated the welcoming attitude they all had and the willingness they portrayed to make sure that we had everything we needed. The staff was cheery, friendly and stood out as a highlight of our experience.
Costs are moderate but a fair trade for what you're getting:
Fried Chicken - $1.75 - $5.50
Texas Tenders - $6.50 - $19
Sandwiches & Salads - $5 - $10
Sides - $.50 - $5
Pies - $3 - $40
3 Fried Mmmms
