The Chickery

http://www.thechickery.com/

Ahhh...the aroma. I think we first noticed this small place on Camden by the aroma - this unforgettable aroma of roasted chicken. Also, the memorable rooster graphics were hard to miss. Chickery was an instant candidate for lunch sometime soon. Especially since we both work nearby. We only hoped that this is not an overpriced KFC going through a rebranding effort.

APPEARANCE

bright yellow, very light
Lots of glass and somewhat of a rustic look overall. The details of this modern loft seem to be paying homage to a small, southern town eatery. We first noticed some vintage cola containers near the door. We loved the theming from the custom barn-style incandescent lamps hanging from the ceiling - these lights looked like they might have been reincarnated from their past life as hen warmers. There are two styles of wood - not very well blended though-out. One type is covering some of the walls – it is artificially aged wood, dyed in light violet. The second, authentic type, we noticed under the counter - with barn nails holding some of the boards together. Another, not-to-miss element was the type. Some on the walls had guiding principles about Chickery – generic content, but cute style of writing.

SWIRL

no long legs, chilled wine leaves some moisture on the glass walls
We walked up and ordered their quarter chicken (white) and chicken fingers sandwich. The price seemed relatively high at first, but we realized that it all included one side which was not such a bad deal after all. The cashier was pleasant, but definitely in no mood to chat – understandable, considering the stampede of people around us. According to her, the most popular menu item was their pulled chicken sandwich, but we set our mind of something else already. We came there at 13:10, but it was likely packed at around noon. It was still busy at this later lunch hour. We grabbed the number and sat ourselves on the side, the bar stool area was all busy. Next to us were two ladies from an ad agency, hoping the ambiance to spark some creativity in them.

NOSE

light citrusy smell breaking through, crisp    
The wait was looong. We sat for about 10 minutes before our food appeared. It looked like quite a few folks were waiting anxiously for their orders to arrive. At some point, the waitress activated and served all the tables almost at once. My quarter chicken was served on waxed paper on a metal tray with a side of bbq sauce. Looked great, a bit small though. Ma Cherie's sandwich had a bit more presentation to it – the sandwich halves were pierces with thin slices of radish and carrot on a toothpick. A definitely loaded meal!

PALATE

tong biting, crispy taste; earth tones, but very light overall
I found my chicken not overly dry, but Ma Cherie disagreed. It was still very tasty with an original rub and with their excellent bbq sauce. A simple, but genius meal. Well cooked throughout and not burned at all. The sandwich on the other hand, was not simple at all. It had pickles, cut greens and a piece of buttermilk breaded crispy chicken inside. Cajun mayo inside and a bbq sauce on the side had it work Maybe a tad difficult to eat due to all the goodness packed in and the chicken sticking out of everywhere. Nonetheless, I had a few bites and enjoyed it quite a lot.

FINISH
Could use some more maturing. Well rounded overall. 
Nice...despite the wait, we left satisfied. The place has great atmosphere and good food. We both thought we should’ve tried their fries, but shortly realized that they don't offer any. Oh well...still worth visiting again, especially to try those bleachers at the front.

Overall - a young unoaked Chardonnay

Saving Grace

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/savinggrace

We came here back in the winter, 15min before opening and entered as it was unlocked. We were quickly asked to leave and didn't make it back until now.
This time we came after 11 and it look 30min to be invited. Oh and the common etiquette is that you put your name on the clipboard hanging on the inside front frame - wait list.

APPEARANCE
medium-light golden, attractive
Outside bright, highlighter pink and green with contrasting details and a right-on green bench. This place is hard to miss - there are people always standing around. After almost being skipped, as the waitress felt like reading the list the opposite way, it was our turn.

NOSE
butterscotch, stuffy - needing air
Inside, very simple and trying to look bigger than is - white walls, black lamps and a large mirror. It reminded me of a fitting room, especially being warm and stuffy. That might have also been because we were sat on the small top floor overlooking everyone. All I have to say is, thank god for the high-ceilings adding some space and air.

SWIRL
hazelnut, hint of cinnamon
Setting down, we were entertained by the sun revealing the previous store sign underneath.
Cups with steaming ice and a charming airtight glass water bottle came on our table. They gave out either this type of a bottle or a wine olive-green glass one, both pretty cool.
I asked for the Strawberry-Agave Shake. We were quick with our food order, feeling a bit exposed to ally eh other waiting outside. I was hoping to have space at the end for that popular French Toast with Caramelized Bananas, as we really felt like something more substantial before. We got their Rajasthani Eggs and the Old White Cheddar Sandwich.
As we waited, I noticed the cute chalk-board with a version of the menu on the wall. I  kind of wished I read it earlier. A bunch of people were having the iced fresh ginger, looked interesting. Also, we were entertained by the sun revealing the previous store sign underneath in front of us.

PALATE
smoky, spicy, smooth texture yet drying
My shake came warm and I was ready to whine for ice, but it turned out that there was a big cube near the bottom. The shake was too think to let it swim out though. It was that same steaming ice, making my drink ice-cold in a few minutes. I was quite happy and impressed; it held the chill for some time. It was a bit sweet, but the light yogurt base was a great balance.
Next came out plates. I started off with half of the Old White Cheddar Sandwich. It came well toasted with grill marks, a spring salad and their house potatoes. The bread added a lot of interest to this dish, as it was whole-wheat raisin with a few walnut pieces. The insides were tomatoes, avocado and a yummy rosemary mayo. The cheese only got a bit of attention, competing with all the tastes going on, but overall it was delicious and a bit heavy.
The Rajasthani scrambled eggs had a very spicy red-onion, tomato chickpea masala. There was also a side of herbed, corn paratha and a side of potatoes. The cilantro and sour-cream were essential in my tolerance of this dish, but still not enough. Rajasthani is definitely not for my tummy in the morning, but I it has a hidden purpose - to make you sweat so that this room no longer feels warm or stuffy.

FINISH
hint of melon-pineapple and freshness
I wish I had space for dessert, perhaps next time I will sharpen my sweet tooth from the beginning.
Whoa, getting out makes you appreciate the breezy cool weather outside, even if it is mid 30C.

overall.. an intense (stifle) Chardonnay