Thursday 17 December 2009
Junior Spesh - NYC Edition with Carl
When I touched down in NYC for a couple of days in July. Carl joins me to translate some of the differences.
Monday 14 December 2009
Thursday 3 December 2009
Obama Fried Chicken + Clipse
You may have heard of this joint in New York - actually there are at least two of them, one in Harlem, one in Brooklyn. My initial reaction when Oneman blogged it for us earlier this year was to laugh: just another bit of incongruous, over-the-top Obama-branding, like the Obama ecstasy pills doing the rounds in Texas. But that was counting without the hyper-intense nature of American racial politics, especially with regards to Obama, and especially with regards to American history. We didn't notice this in London at the time, but apparently in April NY City Councilman Charles Barron organised a protest against the restaurant, unhappy at what he said were the racist connotations of the name:
“People from the community were calling me and saying they were outraged by this racist connection to Barack Obama and fried chicken... it’s exploitative. It's like saying Obama is a watermelon lover.”
The owners, unsurprisingly, say it's a celebration of the 44th President of the USA: a tribute, rather than sneering, subtle racism.
It's not really for me to say, as a white Briton, but what the hell, if it's good enough for Clipse and Cam'ron (even if MTV have problems with it), then it's good enough for me:
"That new C-L fly / Outside of Popeye's eating chicken and fries"
The tune's no Junior Spesh, but at least the home of fried chicken is trying to catch up finally.
Monday 19 October 2009
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Monday 10 August 2009
Monday 27 July 2009
Friday 24 July 2009
1Pc Chicken and Waffle
I first heard about Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles (yes, that’s right, they have a website with music) whilst doing some fried chicken related research online. Last month I was in LA and had to check it out with a friend.
Once we arrived I saw they had security on the door, at that moment I knew Roscoe's meant business, London based chicken shops should take note; if you are going to serve crackfoods employ appropriate measures.
The two of us ordered a No. 18 (1Pc Chicken and Waffle) each and 6 wings to share. Whilst we waited for the food it was a pleasant surprise to notice most of the other tables were occupied by pairs of girls; big up the beautiful chicken loving ladies, soon the food arrived and our attention was back to the matter at hand.
As you can see the waffle came caked in butter along with a generously sized pot of maple syrup.
The chicken was top quality with crisp flavoursome spicy skin surrounding moist juicy meat. On the standard of the chicken alone it is not hard to see why Roscoe's has been open some 30 years.
The waffle was also delicious and only became more so as the butter melted.
Combining both elements and adding the maple syrup as a catalyst unleashed the true power of Roscoe's.
The crispy skin/juicy meat/buttery waffle/syrup combo is a true lick, the flavours and textures complimented each other superbly whilst the substance of the meal ensured I was one tasty step closer to a heart attack. At first I was hesitant about the syrup but it soon began to flow freely.
The wings were hench and had been cooked in a different batter to the chicken which made them a nice addition to the meal. Needless to say they were well lush, I want live in a world where I can get 4 of these from Morley's for £1.
After the meal, as we walked home, a strange but warming sensation of peace and sedation took us over, liked they’d slipped us a valium on the sly, much more than your average foodcoma. We were disorientated and unsure about what had just happened but we knew it was a good thing.
Next time I go I’ll try the gravy, I wasn't feeling it from the picture but from my experience this time I'm sure it's deep.
Novelty Value: 100%
BUPA Health Rating: -2%
Hunger Quench Level: 12
Overall Rating: 8.75/10
Overall Verdict: Roscoe’s will really put you on a level. Although, at around £8 each with drinks it's hardly cheap fast food, that, and the fact I saw no special meals offered for juniors, is why it doesn't score top marks. If you're in L.A. and you love fried chicken, and lets face it who doesn't, then Roscoe's is not an experience to miss out on.
Once we arrived I saw they had security on the door, at that moment I knew Roscoe's meant business, London based chicken shops should take note; if you are going to serve crackfoods employ appropriate measures.
The two of us ordered a No. 18 (1Pc Chicken and Waffle) each and 6 wings to share. Whilst we waited for the food it was a pleasant surprise to notice most of the other tables were occupied by pairs of girls; big up the beautiful chicken loving ladies, soon the food arrived and our attention was back to the matter at hand.
As you can see the waffle came caked in butter along with a generously sized pot of maple syrup.
The chicken was top quality with crisp flavoursome spicy skin surrounding moist juicy meat. On the standard of the chicken alone it is not hard to see why Roscoe's has been open some 30 years.
The waffle was also delicious and only became more so as the butter melted.Combining both elements and adding the maple syrup as a catalyst unleashed the true power of Roscoe's.
The crispy skin/juicy meat/buttery waffle/syrup combo is a true lick, the flavours and textures complimented each other superbly whilst the substance of the meal ensured I was one tasty step closer to a heart attack. At first I was hesitant about the syrup but it soon began to flow freely.
The wings were hench and had been cooked in a different batter to the chicken which made them a nice addition to the meal. Needless to say they were well lush, I want live in a world where I can get 4 of these from Morley's for £1.
After the meal, as we walked home, a strange but warming sensation of peace and sedation took us over, liked they’d slipped us a valium on the sly, much more than your average foodcoma. We were disorientated and unsure about what had just happened but we knew it was a good thing.Next time I go I’ll try the gravy, I wasn't feeling it from the picture but from my experience this time I'm sure it's deep.
Novelty Value: 100%
BUPA Health Rating: -2%
Hunger Quench Level: 12
Overall Rating: 8.75/10
Overall Verdict: Roscoe’s will really put you on a level. Although, at around £8 each with drinks it's hardly cheap fast food, that, and the fact I saw no special meals offered for juniors, is why it doesn't score top marks. If you're in L.A. and you love fried chicken, and lets face it who doesn't, then Roscoe's is not an experience to miss out on.
Friday 10 July 2009
Chick King, Tottenham (North London)
If Carlsberg made Chicken shops I am 99% sure that it would have to be Chick King. The chicken shop situated opposite the Tottenham Hotspurs stadium, is famed amongst its North London clientele for the juicy cinnamon coating of its friend chicken. But I must warn you, the recipe is not as simple as simply sprinkling cinnamon on some chicken breasts and calling it a day. If that was the case then the Chick King facebook appreciation group would not be able to generate 1,721 members.
As far as the menu is concerned I could not even begin to tell you, because to be honest the only words that leave my mouth when I am within the premise are ‘Breast and chips, boss’, that and the infamous ‘are you in the queue?’
The latter is due to the fact that it is rare to go into Chick King and not have to wait behind a long queue. In fact I think it is now apparent why Spurs manage to attract 30,000+ punters every weekend at the Lane, I am pretty sure its not for the football.
So if you ever find yourself within and around Tottenham High Road, feel free to pop into chick king, opposite the Paxton Road entry of White Hart Lane and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Open:
Mon-Fri (11-00:30)
Sat: (11-01:30)
Sun: Closed
Ratings: 9.5/10 and that is being modest.
PS: Recent reports suggest that the KFC colonel tried to steal the recipe and was dealt with accordingly by the North London residents.
As far as the menu is concerned I could not even begin to tell you, because to be honest the only words that leave my mouth when I am within the premise are ‘Breast and chips, boss’, that and the infamous ‘are you in the queue?’
The latter is due to the fact that it is rare to go into Chick King and not have to wait behind a long queue. In fact I think it is now apparent why Spurs manage to attract 30,000+ punters every weekend at the Lane, I am pretty sure its not for the football.
So if you ever find yourself within and around Tottenham High Road, feel free to pop into chick king, opposite the Paxton Road entry of White Hart Lane and I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Open:
Mon-Fri (11-00:30)
Sat: (11-01:30)
Sun: Closed
Ratings: 9.5/10 and that is being modest.
PS: Recent reports suggest that the KFC colonel tried to steal the recipe and was dealt with accordingly by the North London residents.
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Come Grime With Me
Okay, so there's no chicken involved, but let's not split hairs here, this is top-class entertainment, and from Junior Spesh fam too... Manara cooks up a grimey storm for Bok Bok, L-Vis1990, Donaeo, and Warrior Queen. Jammer on the voiceover (NIGHT SLUUUUGS in his SECKLLLLLE voice is inspired).
Boxfresh presents ... Come Grime With Me! from Boxfresh International on Vimeo.
Monday 29 June 2009
Sunday 28 June 2009
Friday 19 June 2009
Thursday 18 June 2009
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Jaxor - VICE Interview
Only just clocked this mini-interview on the VICE site:
VICE: What’s so good about Southern Fried Chicken?Also one of the comments on that post says:
JAXOR: Every time we went to studio we always bought the Junior Special Meal. We shortened it to Junior Spesh as a joke. We then decided to put it on a beat and just keep it among ourselves. But the tune got leaked somehow and we got such a good response from the public that we decided to do a video to the song.
"I remember this old garage remix of the eastenders tune with a sample of someone ordering a starburger- gosh! the days of starburger..."
Anyone? Anyone? Sounds like a case for Oneman..
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Thursday 11 June 2009
Best Fried Chicken/Off-Licence
Best Fried Chicken on London Road in Norbury, SW16 has a strange concept.. A chicken shop that doubles up as an Off-Licence
So they sell chicken, ribs and burgers + tobacco and rizla + chocolates and crisp + spirits and beer. They even do 6 cans of lager for £5.50 (formerly known as 6 cans for £5.00 in pre-recession times). A great idea and save a trip to Mr. Patel, the only thing that would make it better is if you could get a can of Heinekken with your 2 pc. meal.
Food's pretty standard, there wasn't that much chicken left when i reached, and could have done with more chips.
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Monday 8 June 2009
Leicester Square independant chicken fail
If you're unlucky enough to be out in the West End of London there's not a lot of chicken options.
Pictured above is the ONE Halal chicken shop I know of in central, American Fried Chicken. It's basically a tiny booth / glorified doorway in Leicester Square, to quote Manara "a Halal cell".
Anyway when I went in they didn't have any chicken at all, and when I asked to take a photo of their pathetic empty rack the bossman vigorously refused me, despite my declaration that I'm from the biggest chicken blog around and that I'd give him mad exposure.
So I had no choice but to go KFC. Waste!!!!!!!!
Sunday 7 June 2009
Non-Par: The User Reviewed Fried Chicken Mapping Project
View Non-Par: User Reviewed Fried Chicken in a larger map
Non-Par is a user reviewed fried chicken mapping project. The project was concieved to geo-locate the very best fried chicken London and the world has to offer. If you would like to contribute by adding your most favourite and most hated fried chicken outlets to the map then email Chu or Mike. Otherwise just use the resource to munch in confidence.
Friday 5 June 2009
Friday 29 May 2009
cold and tasty...just the way you like it!
the joy of fried chicken isn't just in its taste or value but the minimum effort. you have no hand in making it, couldn't give a shit where it came from and you're reinforcing a sacred bond with the guy in the shop every time he hands you over the bag (unless you get delivery chicken but SE5 hasn't been blessed with this luxury apart from those fucked up halal pizza-kebab-chicken-curry-puke hybrids with nasty psychedelic food collage menus, hell no). it's a ritual that depends on the awkward boss/boss relationship. so i dunno how i feel about finding this in peckham netto:
frozen SFC.
even
10/10 for packaging and website design alone though, it's immaculate
This will make you choke on your Nandos
Andy Peters rapping and dancing? Ah man, its like they saw this blog, and was begging to get posted.
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Original and the Best?
A few months ago now my friend Mr M C Child came to London town. He was visiting from the US west coast and he had only one thing in mind. Chicken. And he wanted the Junior Spesh. He wanted that special kind of nourishing. He wouldn't settle for the local Peckham chicken. He wanted SFC and nothing less. So with this mission in mind, we headed over to Canning Town, E16. This is our story...
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Didn't have any food in the house so I hit up Camberwell KFC for dinner just now. But then I remembered they give you your chicken in paper bags now not boxes, plus the bro who served me failed to put any salt sachets, napkins or lemon fresh wipes in with my order! So I had to put up with unsalted chips, and greezy hands. No fork for my coleslaw either. The chicken was ok but the meat was a bit dark, you know? Usually I don't mind that but compounded by the shabby level of service/presentation I should really have opted for Morley's across the road. Their chips are also much crispier than KFC's...
If you ever find yourself in Camberwell Church Street, trust me don't be put off by the price difference and choose Morley's each and every.
Monday 25 May 2009
Favourite V Favourite (Chicken Beef)
A Chicken War is taking place just a few doors down from each other on Lea Bridge Road near Bakers Arms, Leyton, London.
This shop opened up a month or so ago: "New Favourite"
The shop below has been open opposite approx 30 seconds away for nearly twenty years. I wanted to interview them, but they were closing up, so they said I could come back tomorrow and do it when the managers in. I will probably forget.
In case their customers are confused by two FFCs on the same road, the older (and probably better through their years experience) they have put up this sign in the window.
I think it also doubles up as a warning shot to the other store.
How is the new favourite going to respond? Only time will tell.
I will keep you updated
This shop opened up a month or so ago: "New Favourite"
The shop below has been open opposite approx 30 seconds away for nearly twenty years. I wanted to interview them, but they were closing up, so they said I could come back tomorrow and do it when the managers in. I will probably forget.
In case their customers are confused by two FFCs on the same road, the older (and probably better through their years experience) they have put up this sign in the window.
I think it also doubles up as a warning shot to the other store.
How is the new favourite going to respond? Only time will tell.I will keep you updated
Monday 20 April 2009
meet MR Chicken
Longtime follower first time poster mr Bok Bok here. Hi, hi.
I'd like you to meet my good friend Mr Chicken
true stories!
Also I've been meaning to post about this for months so here it is: I just had to say that if you haven't had Popeyes or some other chicken shop in America you haven't really had fried chicken. Sorry to be a snob about it but that's just how it is.
NYC fried chicken is like what the chicken in the pictures in KFC looks like! Ever since I got back to the UK I've had to put up with our soggy imitation of friend chicken. We're getting such a raw deal trust me.
I'd like you to meet my good friend Mr Chicken
true stories!
Also I've been meaning to post about this for months so here it is: I just had to say that if you haven't had Popeyes or some other chicken shop in America you haven't really had fried chicken. Sorry to be a snob about it but that's just how it is.
NYC fried chicken is like what the chicken in the pictures in KFC looks like! Ever since I got back to the UK I've had to put up with our soggy imitation of friend chicken. We're getting such a raw deal trust me.
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