Most people will agree that a “perfect” fried chicken must offer a crunchy skin, and moist, juicy meat. And that’s what you’ll get at “Chica,” Chef Lorena Garcia’s newly opened place at 5556 NE 4th Court; off Biscayne Blvd, in Miami.
Do yourself a favor and check out her “FRIED CHICKEN & WAFFLE — Colombian ‘pan de bono’ waffle, crispy boneless chicken, aji dulce hot honey, 2 eggs any style” ($24) — it’s sublime. (You’ll find it robust, smoky, tasty, and delicious.)
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Garcia is best known for her appearances on “Top Chef Masters” (Bravo), “America’s Next Great Restaurant” (NBC), and “Despierta America” (Univision). And for those of you in Nevada, she also has a critically acclaimed version of this same eatery concept at The Venetian in Vegas.
Believe it or not, the most addictive part of this delectable offering was the “pan de bono” waffle. (We could not stop picking at it.)
If you’ve never had it before, “Pandebono,” or “pan de bono,” is actually a cheese bread, usually made with two kinds of flour—cassava or yuca starch and cornmeal. We not only appreciated the slight crispiness of the waffle’s exterior but the subtle “salty-sweetness” of its interior. It paired incredibly well with the chicken.
While some had an issue with the $24 ask (before tax and tip), this delicious dish still rated a very strong “A-.” (You must try it!)
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