Dish of the Week: Fried Chicken and Waffles

Fried chicken and waffles is a uniquely American food innovation. Like many comfort foods, the exact origin of this fantastic pairing is murky. One account suggests that the dish emerged when Thomas Jefferson brought a waffle iron back from France in the 1790s, where it became popular as a Sunday morning meal in the South. Elsewhere, the dish is said to have first been served at Wells Supper Club in Harlem in the 1930s. Owner Joe Wells supposedly came up with the concept while serving late night diners, including jazz greats Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, because it was too late for dinner and too early for breakfast.

Whatever the true history may be, anyone who has taken a bite of crispy chicken and syrup-smothered waffle can attest to the beautiful marriage of flavors and textures. It is the perfect food for the indecisive. Can't decide between breakfast or dinner? Sweet or salty? With fried chicken and waffles, you get it all. This Southern staple can be had at a number of restaurants around town, including Marvin, Creme, and on the late night menu at Oohhs and Aahhs. Did we miss your favorite spot to get this delicious breakfast/dinner hybrid? Let us know in the comments.

Small Bites

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!
If it's the third Thursday in November, it means it's time for Beaujolais Noveau. Celebrate the uncorking of the 2009 edition by getting drunk on a Wednesday. While Bistro du Coin's annual party is already completely booked, you can try Brightest Young Thing's Breathless Beaujolais Party at 1905 ($10). For something swankier, head to the French Embassy on Thursday for their “fête populaire”. The $60 ticket gets you wine, a buffet, pastries, live music, and a silent auction.

Easy as pie
Learn how to make all the Thanksgiving classics at Art and Soul's pie-making class on Saturday afternoon. Pastry chef Lauren Whitledge will show you how to make apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie, along with a pear tart. The class is $40 and includes your own baby pie. Register here.

Openings and closings
The Washington Business Journal reports that Penn Quarter restaurant D'Acqua has officially closed its doors and UK chain Ping Pong Dim Sum is scheduled for a December opening.

Filed in Food and Drink and tagged art and soul, beaujolais, chicken and waffles, d'acqua, ping pong dim sum, weekly feed

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