Big Jones - Part II (Andersonville)

The June 2010 issue of Bon Appetite magazine named Big Jones one of the top ten places in the United States to eat fried chicken. I know I've reviewed this place before, but how could I resist another trip after reading this!

First of all, I recommend making reservations if you plan to go on a Tuesday night. Try to book earlier in the evening as the hostess informed me while making my reservation that the fried chicken "often sells out."

4 cuts of the chicken are battered, fried and served: breast, thigh, wing, and leg. My dining partner has "skin and bone issues" but Big Jones was able to deliver half a chicken that had her overcoming that problem. Served with greens and mashed potatoes, this dish has the essence of soul food with an upscale twist. The greens were well cooked and seasoned and had a kick of spice, which was nice.

Big Jones did a nice job creating a standard soul food experience, but nothing can beat the real thing. Although I would recommend Tuesday nights at Big Jones, if you want fancy your palette with some superb soul food, head to the South Side.

Klopa Grill (Lincoln Square)

Klopa Grill4835 N. Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(774) 745-5672
www.klopagrill.com

Don't be fooled by their fancy schmancy website. You won't get head bopping music or elegance. What you do get is downhome Serbian cuisine. It seems like one fella runs the place, quickly running from one end of the place to the other. He takes your order, cooks it up, and serves it to you, all with a sense of Eastern European hospitality.

If you've never had Serbian cuisine before, allow yourself to be adventurous. I asked the nice fella what I should order and he brought me out a traditional sausage and onion plate. This critic was delightfully surprised.