Even a top chef can appreciate hot chicken.
Writer Jennifer Justus and world-renowned chef/2010 James Beard Award nominee Thomas Keller ventured out this week to what is arguably the defining spot for hot chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, while the chef was in town for a book signing over in Green Hills.
In one sense the chef was completely out of his element: Justus notes in her piece that nine-course meals at Keller’s French Laundry restaurant in California go for more than $200 per person, while all the chicken and sides they ate at Prince’s cost just $35 total. But in another sense, Keller was completely within his element – after all, he is a chef, and true food people often appreciate the simple things the most. “I’m tempted to do this more,” Keller told Justus as they finished their meal. “It kind of captivates you, the spiciness of it.”
So, if you ever doubted how lucky you are to have hot chicken right here in your backyard, remember: at least one man held in high esteem by the food world thinks it’s something special. If you can’t find the time to make it to Prince’s or any of Nashville’s other hot chicken spots in the near future, at least make sure you get over to the Hot Chicken Festival at East Park in July.
Check out the full Thomas Keller article over at the Tennessean. And check out more from Jennifer Justus at her blog, A Nasty Bite.
