Nashville Fried Chicken at Peaches Hothouse

It seems like I've been on a fried chicken hiatus.  You may have been worried that I have been concentrating on developing a most terrific summer body.  I assure you that I am not.  I am still eating *plenty* of fried chicken.  Here is one of them!

I've never been to Nashville.  I do want to go sometime.  I'm sure you do too.  But until that day ever comes, the only option we New Yorkers have that delivers semi-authentic (inspired?) Nashville fried chicken is Peaches Hothouse, located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant.

The only thing I can understand about Nashville fried chicken, that distinguishes it from other fried chickens, is that it can come in various levels of spiciness.  Here, you can get it regular, hot or extra hot (fully italicized, like the menu).  As any proud Asian, I got the extra hot.  Nashville ain't got nothin on me!

The waitress hesitated taking down our order.  "Are you sure?  It is unbearably hot."
"I'm sure."
"Many people have asked for the chicken to be refried because it is too hot for them."
"I'm really sure."
She stares at us.
I take five Serrano peppers out of my purse and chew them like bubble gum in front of her.
She appears satisfied and takes our order.

And then it arrived.  My dish included thick fries, crisp and full of fluff, and three pieces of chicken balanced on top of a thin slice of Wonder bread.

Doesn't look so spicy.

Okay.  That piece looks more spicy.

And you know, the first bite was not that spicy, as to elicit the description of 'unbearably spicy.' We initially grew confident only to find that the spice does creep up on you, growing profoundly louder inside your mouth with each bite.  The chicken was moist inside regardless whether the piece was white or dark, but the spice definitely distracts from any sort of proper taste function.  It's not unbearable, but it may potentially be immobilizing.

But that's what these guys are for, to soak up the spice!

Other side options include the red potatoes / home fries which were not as crisp as they look, though has pretty good flavor from the fresh scallions.  No mashed potatoes were available during brunch time (*tear*).

I think two fried chicken pieces into the meal, I made the genius move of rubbing some spice into my eye, and I think I felt what was the true definition of unbearable.  

Nothing a $5 brunch cocktail couldn't help ease me through.  This fruity thing was alright!

Is the fried chicken worth the trip down South?  Probably not.
Is the fried chicken worth the visit if you're in the neighborhood and want your stomach warmed for hours after?  Sure.
Should you get the Extra Hot?  I think it's fun, but maybe Hot will let you taste your food.

'Till next time, my precious chickadees!
-h

Peaches Hothouse
415 Tompkins Ave
Brooklyn, NY