In a funny episode of my favorite television show, “Frasier,” Niles Crane and his brother think back on the wonderful meal they’d just eaten at a five-star restaurant.
As they recall the food and the standard of service, they’re in a state of near bliss. Then Niles mentions a small detail that failed to meet his well-heeled standards. While sipping sherry and nodding smugly, Niles says, “There’s nothing better than a great meal with one tiny flaw you can pick at.”
That’s a sad, but true, statement. I often find myself in “critic mode” after seeing a movie or eating out, grousing about this and that.
But I noticed something interesting after eating at Chicken Salad Chick, a new fast-casual restaurant at the corner of Market Street and 6th Avenue: I had nothing but good things to say. Concerned I’d lost my edge, I returned, determined to pull a Niles.
Judging by the long line in which I’ve stood every time I’ve been there, chances are many of you have already experienced the pleasures of Chicken Salad Chick. However, for the uninitiated, Chicken Salad Chick serves a variety of delicious chicken salads – 15 to be exact. From the Classic Carol, to the Jalapeno Holly, to the Fruity Fran, if you like any variety of chicken salad, or are a chicken salad fan and want to try new kinds, Chicken Salad Chick has your number.
Each variety can be placed on one of several breads – including white, wheat, sour dough, and more – or a salad. My favorite is the Jazzy Julie, which comes with a spicy blend of cayenne pepper, bacon, and shredded cheese on soft, white bread. Mmm, mmm, mmm. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Complementing the sandwiches are a host of tasty sides, including potato chips, fresh fruit, pasta salad, broccoli salad, and grape salad. Meal specials also come with a cookie and a pickle spear. From there, you can add a drink, and you’re good to go.
So, the long line. I’ve been to Chicken Salad Chick four times, and each time, the line extended out the door. However, it moved quickly, and I have yet to find myself growing impatient. In fact, my first time there, I would have appreciated more time in line, as I hadn’t finished poring over the menu.
The cashiers I’ve encountered were friendly, informative, and quick to take my order and my money. In fact, speed seems to be a matter of policy at Chicken Salad Chick, as I have yet to beat my food back to my table after selecting a place to sit and then getting my drink at the fountain.
With nothing to complain about in the service department, I dug into my meal, Niles’s words providing inspiration: “There’s nothing better than a great meal with one tiny flaw...”
I knew I wouldn’t be able to complain about the chicken salad. Simply put, it’s delicious. I love, love, love good chicken salad, and frankly, there’s been more bland and even bad chicken salad out there than good. Chicken Salad Chick has tipped the scales back in favor of good. It’s moist, not dry; packed with flavor, not tasteless; and the chunks of chicken are just the right size, not too big or too small. I realized I felt like Goldilocks after she found the perfect bowl of porridge, so I moved on to the broccoli salad.
Again, delicious. What could I criticize about its fresh broccoli florets, shredded cheese, bacon, and zesty dressing? Nothing! So I moved on.
Alas, the pickle spear was crisp and tart, the chocolate chip cookie was chewy and yummy, and the sweetened tea was perfect – not bitter or too sugary.
Having reached the end of the meal, I was desperate, so I took in my surroundings. Only then did I realize how relaxed I felt in the spacious, clean, and nicely decorated dining area. The booth was spacious and comfortable, there was plenty of seating for guests, and I had a nice view of the sad sacks on Market Street who weren’t fortunate enough to be enjoying lunch at Chicken Salad Chick.
Then I thought, “Ah ha! The restrooms!” I didn’t find anything to complain about in there, either.
The Chicken Salad Chick concept was established in Auburn, Ala., in 2008 in the kitchen of founder Stacy Brown. When Brown learned that selling a homemade recipe from her kitchen is against the law, she decided to solicit the business expertise of her future husband and fellow founder, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, then quickly added more locations due to enormous demand. Chicken Salad Chick has sold 63 franchises to be developed across the states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and has plans to expand nationally in the coming years.
You might be thinking I left Chicken Salad Chick with my head hanging in defeat. But no. I’d thoroughly enjoyed my meal and the break in the day. I did, however, feel sorry for Niles:
Niles: Maddening!
Frasier: What now?
Niles: They have a new moisturizer dispenser in the men’s room, and the cream is entirely too oily, so I had to rewash my hands, and wouldn’t you know it, that is when the hot-air hand dryer decides to break down!
Frasier: How do you get through the day?