‘Dave’s Hot Chicken’ Has Landed In Canada And Are You KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW???
I’m a chicken freak.
I’ve tried every wing and tender but I’m really a sandwich guy. I’ve eaten every chicken sandwich on the planet and ranked my favorites over time.
5. McDonald’s Habanero McChicken
4. Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich
3. Dean’s Own Chicken Sandwich (BLT with chicken patty, pickles, and hot mayo)
2. Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich
1. Mary Brown’s ‘Big Mary’
30 years of research and I’m ready to fuck up the entire game over a fried chicken sandwich I saw on Instagram this morning.
Say ‘Hi’ to Dave’s Hot Chicken, Canada. I’ll be introducing myself to Dave’s Hot Chicken this weekend and yes, it’s a planned event.
I AM GOING TO PICK UP FOOD FROM @hotchickendaves THIS WEEKEND AND NO ONE IS GOING TO STOP ME. pic.twitter.com/5gCha2rfYB
— Dean Blundell (@ItsDeanBlundell) February 12, 2021
Dave’s is an American chain that specializes in Louisiana fried chicken. It’s one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in America and one smart person decided Canadians needed this chicken in our lives.
Now open in Toronto (Parkdale) 1582 Queen Street West, Dave’s serves hot chicken draped in cheese, covered in Kale Coleslaw and pickles as slider or without the bun in one of several ‘combos. They load your tray up with seasoned crinkle-cut fries and your choice of more Kale Slaw or Fresh Mac n cheese too, but it’s the Sandwiches that get me.
They look like fried chicken porn on a brioche bun.
Dave’s Hot Chicken originates from Los Angeles, specializing in hot chicken tenders and sliders, with your choice of seven different levels of spice, No Heat to Reaper.If you go for the ultimate kick, participants must sign a waiver before they dip their hands into the heat. They also offer a variety of sides, including Kale Slaw, creamy Mac n’ Cheese, and crispy French Fries. “We were devoted customers before we got the opportunity to introduce the brand to the Canadian market next year,” said Blair Bitove, Director of Business Development, Obelysk. “In just a few years, Dave’s Hot Chicken has established a cult and celebrity following across the US with its craveable menu offerings and unique combinations of spices. We look forward to continuing that momentum across Canada and watching Canadians flock to the brand.”
Like it hot?
Trinidad Scorpion, Ghost Pepper, and Carolina Reaper sauce are available for people like you and me who like to question life when we eat provided we sign a waiver form (my parents made me finish suicide ‘Kung Pao’ chicken when I was 13 and I fell in love with the sweaty scalp and tears that came with every last morsel, and I’ve been chasing the dragon ever since).
Don’t ask for vegan or calorie-conscious options when you go to Dave’s Hot Chicken. You don’t go to a place like Dave’s hoping to eat something light. You go to Dave’s because you’re hungry and you, like me, want to try something new to challenge yourself and chicken sandwich norms.
Can Dave replace Big Mary as my number one? Does the heat overpower the flavor? What’s the tender to crispy ratio and do the tenders have any fat/gristly surprises? Is the crown of my scalp percolating with sweat by the fourth bite?
I’m going there tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Dean Blundell
Dean Blundell is a Canadian radio personality. Best known as a longtime morning host on CFNY-FM (The Edge) in Toronto, Ontario. In 2015 he was named the new morning host on sports radio station CJCL (Sportsnet 590 The Fan). Dean started his career in radio in 2001 and for nearly 20 years been entertaining the radio audience. Dean’s newest venture is the launch of his site and podcast which is gaining tremendous momentum across North America.
