Friday, January 13, 2012

Fried Chicken @ The Redhead & Nightcap @ Peels

My admitted weaknesses to-date include:
1. Restaurants with the word "Factory" in the name
2. Cinnamon
3. Flavored butter
4. Food served flambé

You can also add onto the list: superlatives.

I try to ignore words like "Best" (of any geographic area or of one's life) or "to die for" (a fair sacrifice), but the words just start tugging at me...

Could it be...?
...the BEST?

No one could possibly use that word lightly.  It has to be true.  And people would not die for mediocrity.  

And so Thanan, Josh and I found ourselves at The Redhead to confirm Serious Eats' declared champ for the "Best Fancy Pants Fried Chicken."

Deliberating on pants and life.
We began our meal with their famous bacon peanut brittle, a bowl of candied peanuts that are savory, sweet and addictive.


After, we dabbled in some housemade crispy tator tots, little cubes of squishy potatoes that were fine and not notable.


And then the trio of plates of fried chicken arrived at our tiny table with a flourish, the pants conversations quieted as we delved into the piping hot pieces of poultry.



The $17 chicken plate comes a breast and a thigh to a plate, a small side salad and a cornbread muffin.


Though I found the crust beautifully golden and crunchy, the chicken fairly moist and flavorful, I was generally disappointed to find that this bird was nothing special, that each bite did not elicit feelings of euphoria and exclamations of superlatives to the heavens.  I know.  I wish it could've worked out for the both of us, but let's face it.  It's average.  It gets the job done and with a remarkably delicious piece of cornbread at that.  (The quest for the best continues !)

After, we strolled into Peels, yet again, for some dessert.

S'mores cake with graham cracker.  Was okay.  Thanan did not finish this tiny dish, which is evidence of its mere okayness.

Apple pie.  Josh had no problem finishing this, since he finishes just about anything.

Sundae: peanuts, pretzels, salted caramel, brownie bites, hot fudge. Yup.  I tapped that.
The sundae was pretty slammin', especially served in a jar.  Jars just might be another weakness of mine.

'Til next time!
-haaaaaaaaaan


Redhead
349 E. 13th Street
East Village, New York City
The Redhead on Urbanspoon


Peels
325 Bowery, NYC
The Redhead on Urbanspoon

2 comments:

  1. i want all of that that toasted marshmallow!!!!

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  2. We are happy to share a classic and marvelous interior with our guests. At the same time we know that these all can be valueless without the satisfaction of our guest, so we give very personal attention to each and every customer in our refreshing environment. According to our guests preference not only the chef team but also the brilliant floor staff tries every possible steps for the happiness of our guest.

    ReplyDelete