Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/836013
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYDEN WALKER (THE TOWNSEND); JODY HORTON (YOUNGBLOOD'S) and smoked potato salad. 2043 S. Lamar Blvd., 512-297- 2423, lucysfriedchicken.com THE TOWNSEND The scene: A dressy after-work and date-night crowd sips cocktails and grazes on a small but smart dinner menu. The main event: Known more as a bar, The Townsend's take on hot chicken is a secret too good to keep: a hot curry chicken thigh platter served with pickles and flat bread. There's heat, crunch, and acidity--each in good measure. On the side: The Really Big Board of cheeses and charcuterie. 718 Congress Ave. No. 100, 512- 887-8778; thetownsendaustin.com DAI DUE The scene: East-siders and locavores converge to end the weekend in style at Chef Griffiths' acclaimed restaurant, where fried chicken is a Sunday-only special. The main event: The brined and tallow-fried chicken from Dewberry Hills Farm wins raves for sourcing and flavor. Everything here comes from Texas, including the pickled jalapeños. On the side: Seasonal greens, housemade biscuits, and mashed potatoes. 2406 Manor Rd., 512-524-0688; daidue.com GUS'S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN The scene: Tourists, business travelers, and the working lunch crowd pack one of the rare chain restaurants embraced by locals. The main event: Gus's recipe is a secret, but the spicy fried chicken's notes of paprika, pepper, and cayenne have spawned countless Internet imitation recipes. This is a simple idea executed brilliantly, and a true Tennessee classic, albeit one in downtown Austin. On the side: Fried green tomatoes and Chess pie. 117 San Jacinto Blvd., 512-474- 4877; gusfriedchicken.com . A leg up: Chicken goes upscale at The Townsend, which offers a yellow- curry version. Order it alongside the Really Big Board for a full meal at this elegant downtown hotspot. Winged victory: Noted Austin chef Todd Duplechan helped revive J.T. Youngblood's, a popular Texas brand of fried- chicken joints from the 1940s-'60s, with this retro-inspired restaurant in the Mueller and Windsor Park area. AUSTINWAY.COM 53