Tracking Down The Best Fried Chicken Sandwich - A Quest

I've been stalling on this post for awhile. Mainly, I was thinking that it's the start of a new year and with that comes lots of amped-up ideas about exercising more and eating less - less "bad" stuff at least. So I thought no one really needs to read about my quest to find the best fried chicken sandwich.

But I don't often write about what you "need" because it's more fun to write about what you "want". And sometimes what you want is to suspend any ideas about good vs bad food and just simply enjoy a delicious sandwich. 

I grew up in the South, so I know a thing or two about good fried chicken. But what I've learned here in the SF Bay Area, is how quickly good becomes great with the addition of fresh, top-notch ingredients.

All 3 of the sandwich makers listed here understand that concept and they are on my favorites list because of it.

Say BakeSale Betty out loud and everyone within earshot will moan and for good reason. Their tender chicken fillets fried in olive oil and served on a big, chewy roll with a vinegar-based, jalapeno-laced coleslaw ensures there's always a line out the door. 

Gregoire makes so many yummy sandwiches you'll be hard-pressed to choose just one. But trust me, you'll want to try the fried buttermilk chicken with spicy coleslaw on a sweet roll at least once. And while you're tossing dietary caution to the wind, order the crispy potato puffs too! They are basically deep-fried mashed potato balls, but there's nothing "basic" about the taste. They are light and fluffy and delicious and you are going to hate me for telling you.

The problem with this place - other than non-existent parking of course, is they don't offer fried chicken every day. They do publish a menu on their website so you can check it out before you make the trek. If you see the Dogpatch Millionaire - Indian-inspired fried chicken sandwich, with garam masala honey, spicy cabbage and coriander, I suggest you hustle on over to SF because that is one of my top favorites.

Tops so far at least. I don't really see a reason to rush to declare a winner - not yet.

Hudson

There is seemingly no end to the revamp/reinvent budget for these restaurateurs.

Garibaldi's turns Marzano-Garibaldi's turns Hudson - all in the span of a few short years with nearly undetectable disruption and great flair.

The latest rendition - Hudson, boasts an atmosphere that is warm/cozy meets sexy/polished while the menu boasts comfort food meets sophisticated brasserie.

A sampling would include: Appetizer - fried artichokes "roman style", crispy lemons, orange gremolata & meyer lemon aioli. Pasta - house-made meyer lemon tagliatelle, dungeness crab, tomato concasse, chili, savoy spinach & nuevo olive oil. Entree - roasted chicken, toasted farrotto, tokyo white turnips, chanterelles & house tasso - all super tasty and all well-executed.

And then there's the Tippitular Fixings from the bar. I like The Ante - white rum, lime, cassis, mint & Prosecco on the rocks.

Cheers to some things staying the same for awhile - at least until those sassy banquettes start to wear!

Ah Yeah for Amba!

I have always had a thing for Middle Eastern food. Could be that I am part Lebanese, could be it's largely vegetarian or could be that I'm just mad for the mezze platter.

Whatever the reason(s), it doesn't have much bearing on what makes this place so great. Because what makes it great is LOVE; love of only the best, freshest ingredients, love of technique and love of good, simple food.

If, as a general rule, you're under whelmed by falafel or hummus or baba ganouj or even pita bread, I promise you one visit to Amba will change that. The falafel is cooked to perfection - crunchy on the outside and almost creamy on the inside (that's where the love of technique shines through).

The hummus is fresh and delicious because apparently they make it in small batches several times a day. And the pita bread is in a class all its own - warm, soft and fluffy vs those cold, hard cardboard-like impostors. Unless you are a baker - or you are very cozy with one, I seriously doubt you have access to pita like this. These people promise it's easy to bake good ones at home. Maybe. I think it's easier to order a bag full and take them home.

Put all of these things together with a tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw, fresh tahini and a few house-made pickles and you have the best falafel sandwich this side of the Jordan River.

I love the hummus bowls too. They are big enough to share and include tasty toppings like fava beans, roasted eggplant and fried mushrooms. There's a vast array of salads and dolma made fresh everyday - great fodder for that top-shelf mezze platter I mentioned and/or a fresh catering option.

Now you notice their logo says, Amba - Falafel/Hummus/Salads/Fries. If you crave, I mean appreciate, great fries the way I do. You have been warned. Try these once and now you are the junkie and Amba the pusher.

If this is as close as I get to the Promised Land - well then, so be it.

Juhu Beach Club

Loving this new "vacation spot" in the ever-burgeoning Temescal Triangle. The casual yet lively vibe coupled with the best flavors of Mumbai street food will make you forget you're in Oakland from the moment you walk in.

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​The bright pink, floral wallpaper screams we're here to have fun, and the friendly service and accessible menu will ensure that you do!

The Desi Jacks are a great starter - sweet, salty, spicy popcorn, peanuts and pistachios and The Pavs, or sliders, are a must -  especially the Vada Pav with fried potato, pickled onion and pepper chutney, as are the Masala Fries with Tamarind Ketchup. If it's curry you crave they have those too - the JBC Whole Chicken Leg served with lemon rice, raita, kachumber salad and pickles is amazing!

An excellent selection of beer and wine on tap, plus tasty coolers and chai guarantees you'll have an appropriate chaser for all those incredibly exotic spices - and what's a vacation without chasers?

The Night Light

​Aptly named and well-positioned, the latest addition to Broadway's booming West End is definitely lighting up the night.

From the stately facade with the carnival-esque lights and Wild Wild West signage to the warm glow of a slew of crystal chandeliers and wall sconces, The Night Light is beaming the modern-urban-oasis-meets-sexed-up-saloon vibe.

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With vintage details abound, like the cash registers, the lush, leather club chairs, the bordello-esque wallpaper and boudoir paintings, the distinct crackle of vinyl over the Hi-Fi, and their own version of Miss Kitty (Miss Megan) behind the bar slingin' high-octane drinks, it's like a step back in time that is right ON time.

Makes sense coming from the former owners of The Ivy Room in Albany and Kitty's in Emeryville. It's not their first trip to the rodeo, they do seem to know a thing or two about attracting and keeping a hip and loyal clientele.

Works out great for us Oaklanders. Now the Uptown Crawl merges with the Downtown Crawl with other great haunts like The Trappist, Beer Revolution, Tamarindo and Haven and the Oaktown party don't stop...