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inthekitchen Fried Chicken A longstanding staple of the diner and fast-food experience, our current era of elevated dining has inspired new takes on classic fried chicken. Most recently, the temperature has been turned up–in some instances, way up–as the hot chicken trend establishes its foothold. But be it mild or spicy, this crispy, breaded and tender fare has been checking all the boxes (or should we say buckets?) for decades and isn’t giving up its seat at the head of the picnic table anytime soon. Brazen Hall ■ Fried Fricken Chicken Order it cajun. Order it crispy. Order it Nashville. No matter the style, order chef Jose Noboa’s Fried Fricken Chicken (above). Served in a half or whole order, the latter for those whose eyes and stomach are directly proportional, these big, slathered-in-sauce birds are multi-napkin endeavours with a flaky exterior that breaks away to reveal juicy meat. And don’t worry about a single, solitary drop of the dressing going to waste. A healthy helping of thick house-cut fries is perfect for sopping up every ounce of stray sauce. Most clever is the draping of thinly sliced dill pickle atop it all. They offer some soursweet tang that plays in perfect contrast to the palate-pleasing spice provided by the Nashville seasoning’s heat. Tallest Poppy ■ Fried Chicken With creamy and extra-cheesy grits, smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes and warm, delectable biscuits as available sides, the influence of the Deep South is evident in chef Talia Syrie’s creations at this Sherbrook stop. And all of that is even before one gets a whiff of Syrie’s fried chicken (above). The well-battered pieces give off a scent that eliminates the need for any further evidence justice is being done to soul food classics at The Tallest Poppy. If that isn't enough, though, one bite into a juicy piece removes all doubt this is an upper-echelon dish. Its pleasing and distinctly peppery accents are on point and ensure no serving is here to stay. Photography: Ian McCausland, Courtesy of Brazen Hall (Fried Fricken Chicken & portrait), Courtesy Magic Bird (Fried Chicken & portrait), Courtesy Red Top Drive-Inn (Chicken Dinner & portrait) 18 ciao! / summer / two thousand twenty