The Reader Digests | Fried Chicken and Waffles

One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering new places to eat.  About a month ago, I went to Phoenix and was looking for something close by the ASU Downtown campus.  Lo and behold, Lo-lo's Chicken and Waffles was just down the road. Now, I had never tried this fried sweet and salty combo before, but I'll try pretty much any food once - no food discrimination here.  My friends thought it sounded gross.  Really, what's odd about it?  We eat chicken fried steak for breakfast, we dip bacon in maple syrup, we pair fruit and meat all the time, and we coat pretzels with chocolate. So, what's so weird about fried chicken and waffles?  Nothing! It's delicious!  We all loved it!

Lo-lo's....yummmmm

Where did this scrumptious creation come from?  Who was the genius who put this together for the very first time? Well, according to The History Kitchen, the first chicken-waffle mixers were the Pennsylvania Dutch.  However, the first FRIED chicken and waffles were served up at the Wells Supper Club in Harlem, New York around 1938. And the fried part is key, in my opinion.  Ann and John Wells served up the delicious combo to late night diners such as Sammy Davis Jr., and Nat King Cole.  The meal was perfect for binner, dreakfast, supfast, or brupper - the meal between dinner/supper and breakfast. I have no idea if any of those are real terms, but if someone takes them, I said it first!

The book was adapted to film - twice!

The Wells Supper Club closed down after a 40-year run, but you can still find plenty of chicken and waffle restaurants all over the United States. Some of the closest to SSCJPL are Gussie's Chicken and Waffles (SF), Home of Chicken and Waffles (Oakland), and Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles (LA Area).  

And, you can even find Chicken and Waffles in the library!  Pick up a copy of Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain, a 1941 book about (among other things) a single mother during the Great Depression who successfully opens up chicken and waffle restaurants in the LA area. Or, pick up a couple cookbooks about fried chicken and waffles and make some of your own! 

Food, Food, Food | Meet Mazie Reynolds

Now you will all get to meet Mazie Reynolds.  Mazie is a Chihuahua mix that literally walked into the library and my life.  She actually marched right up to the Information Desk and seemed to be asking a reference question about where she could best serve our customers.  I took her home “for the night” and it is turning out to be the longest one night stand in history.  She has a complete wardrobe that includes some sweaters, a rain slicker and several sundresses.  Her most recently dress is a leopard print one so that we can dress alike. 

Don’t forget that your library has lots of books about dogs.  My new favorite is Chihuahuas are the Best! by Elaine Landau.  My sweet girl sort of looks like the glamour dog on page 11. 

Back to food!  My favorite restaurant in town is Centrale.  They just released their Winter Menu and it is full of yummy treats.  My person favorite is Apricot/Bourbon chicken fritters with fries.  For brunch I love their Belgian Waffle because it comes covered in fruit and with a side of melted chocolate.  Melted chocolate!    They have a new dessert on the menu- Apple Fritters.  Order with a side of sour cream, I promise you will be happy you did. The wait staff is outstanding and I am a bit embarrassed to admit that most of them know what I want to drink when I get there. 

I’d love to hear about other favorite restaurants in town.   Post a comment.  I will try your suggestions and review them myself.  It will give me an excuse to go out to dinner!