Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Fried Chickepidia

Before I get down to the eating and increased exercise that I will need to counteract the eating, I wanted to learn a bit more. I decided to do some quick internet research on Fried Chicken’s history and some variations involved.

I grew up eating lots of Fried Chicken. Most of it was made by my mother. Hers is still some of my favorite. I think it is still kind of amazing that she made such great food while working 2 jobs with 4 kids as a single parent. My mother to this day has never brined any food. She never touched buttermilk and relied solely on a shallow pan frying method. I want to have her make Fried Chicken for me at some point in September. I also hope to make some for her to get her opinion on my cooking.

Fried Chicken has apparently been around since the medieval era. Fritters and Fricassee were predecessors to what we know and love today. It is seen around the world in different incarnations. The Vietnamese call it Ga Xao and the Italians Pollo Frito. It is largely believed to have been introduced top the American South by Scottish immigrants. (sidetracked drooling moment..Fried Chicken and Scotch Ale..mmmmmmm). Although there has been evidence of deep frying in West Africa , a time line has yet to be established to see if it predates European contact.

There are 4 main cooking methods, deep Frying (a method employed by many fast food and full service restaurants), shallow or pan frying(used by many home cooks like my mom), oven frying (I have seen more often in southern recipes) and pressure frying( shout out to the Colonel!). There are many regional variations as well throughout the south, a popular Maryland fried chicken and the latest craze, Korean fried chicken.

I plan to sample examples of all major cooking methods. I also plan to do a good amount of home cooking. I hope to come to a favorite home method by testing a variety of brines and frying methods. Wish my waistline luck.

Enjoy to adventure in gluttony.
The Skinny Fat Kid

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The video that started it all (Well sorta)

I was visiting a talented producer in Delaware @mlovephat to work on some new music. He showed me this video and I could not stop thinking about it or the spicy fried chicken it mentions. My friend is lucky he moved to Nashville. I hope to visit in September.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Places I plan To Visit in September

 I have been considering places to visit next month and it has been a very enjoyable process. Each time I think I have it all covered by state, someone mentions another contender. So this is my current list which I am sure will be adjusted before September 1st.

 In no particular order.
   Meme (Philadelphia)
   Resurrection Ale House (Philadelphia)
   Silk City (Philadelphia)
   Adsum (Philadelphia)
   Ms. Tootsies (Philadelphia)
   Butter's (Philadelphia)
   Distrito (Philadelphia)
   Meritage (Philadelphia)
   South Philly Tap Room (Philadelphia)
   Cafe Soho (Philadelphia)
   Pies & Thighs (Brooklyn, NY)
   Momofuku (NYC)
   Dooky Chase (New Orleans , LA)







  

Monday, August 2, 2010

Getting Started

     I just wanted to introduce myself and talk a little about what to expect in the coming months. I am Brian, the Skinny Fat Kid. This blog will be a journal of my appetite and cravings. I have long been enamored with food and been a glutton. I have also been blessed for most of my life with a very fast metabolism. Although my metabolism is slowing my love for eating is showing no signs of letting up.
Each month I will focus on one food. I will eat that food item at least 20 times during the month. I may even eat it once a day for the entire month.  I will try it at a number of restaurants and even cook at home. 
    This blog is not for reviews. I am not a professional food writer, although i do work in the restaurant business and eat way to much. I already have a few foods planned to be featured. September will be fried chicken month. If any readers have ideas for a food you would like to see featured or have restaurant suggestions feel free to leave a comment or an email.
    I hope you will all enjoy reading as much as i will enjoy bringing this too you.




Skinny Fat Kid