Many years ago on a trip to New Orleans, I was seeking out what I had heard was the best fried chicken in Louisiana. The shop I was looking for was called Willie May's Scotch House. And while it was very good, it didn't quite blow me away, nor was it up to the memories I had of my Grandma Opal's fried chicken in Greenville, South Carolina.
As I was walking back to the Quarter, I happened upon Dooky Chase in the Treme, just a block or two away from Willie May's. Although I was thoroughly stuffed, I walked in with my wife and we sat down an ordered up the fried chicken buffet, complete with chicken, gumbo, peach cobbler and mac & cheese. I didn't see any collard greens, so I asked for a side. What came out in that little bowl of greens forever changed my life, and put me on this crazy mission to re-create not just those greens, but to find out exactly what was in my Granny's chicken, so I could taste that love again.
After so many test runs, and experiments with batter, brine, breading, fry temperatures, fryers, ingredients, etc., I felt like I have finally discovered exactly the taste I was looking for, and what I believe is truly great fried chicken and sides made primarily with LOVE & SOUL. Those are the two magic ingredients that make my food stand out in a world full of mass produced fried chicken. Thing is - many people don't have access to those ingredients - but my life has been so full of loving special family and friends and influences like MISS LEAH CHASE, who brought that LOVE & SOUL in to my food. In fact the year before she died, she cooked for our family and friends at our wedding rehearsal dinner at Dooky Chase in New Orleans.
I appreciate your time and hope you like our food. I made it all just for you with LOVE & SOUL.
- chris