Weekly Lunch Pick: the just-greasy-enough fried chicken thigh sandwich at The County General
Greasy southern comfort food has been surging in popularity for a few years now, but it’s always difficult contemplating a return to the office after a helping of chili, say, or fried chicken. The County General, Splendido’s cooler younger sibling on Queen West, has a solution, in the form of its perfectly lunch-sized fried chicken thigh sandwich ($14).
Between the two springy halves of a sesame and poppy seed milk bun is a flavourful and juicy hunk of dark Cumbrae’s chicken that’s been soaked in buttermilk, cooked sous vide and then dusted in corn starch and fried until it’s shielded by a thin yet crispy crust. Instead of the usual tomato and lettuce, The County adorns the tiny, perfect sandwich with buttery avocado chutney, green onions, pickled red onions and bright sprigs of coriander. We side our order with a cup of crisp, golden French fries and homemade smoked ketchup instead of the bib lettuce and radish salad we spy landing at another table—no need to be too healthy when you’re having fried chicken for lunch.
The cost: $23.50, including tax and tip and a mug full of puckering cinnamon limeade ($3.50)
The time: 28 minutes, or get it delivered with The County General’s new lunchtime delivery service in the area bounded by College St., Dufferin Ave., Front St. and Spadina Ave.
The County General, 936 Queen St. W., 416-531-4447, thecountygeneral.ca, @CountyGeneral
