Alchemy - transmutation of base metals into precious metals.
Great cooks perform a modern form of alchemy, turning basic ingredients into something delicious and wonderful. That alchemy is what I so often search.
We began the day by driving through rain and sun to the promised land, for Binko said it was so. And we were greeted by the griffins of old, guarding entrance to the magical kingdom (no, not Disney!)
Our entrance promised delights beyond imagination, almost, and our spirits soared with expectation.
But, sadly what came was less than we had so eagerly anticipated.
To speak bluntly, service was affable but dazed, the fries were very good, the vinegary slaw with a touch of sugar even better, chicken dumpling soup sweet and cinnamony, with rolled dumplings like the train of my liege's robe leaving us befuddled, and chicken flavorful with a bread crumb crust, but a bit greasy and seemingly underseasoned. And the lemon meringue pie is best described as industrial in its aspect.
We left saddened, disappointed in our quest, but with a bag of chicken to go, ordered at the beginning of the meal when we were fresh and full of hope.
We journeyed on, heavy of heart and soon of bladder, for the iced tea had been good and plentiful, and thus found ourselves at a rest stop two hours later. Without thought, while awaiting my cherished companions' return, I reached into the bag, to while away the time with a snack of chicken, nothing more.
It is said in some sacred eastern teachings that it is only when one forsakes all ambition, all pursuit of fortune, that jewels shall approach you, and thus it was. This chicken, humble drum stick at room temperature, was perhaps the most perfect food I have ever eaten. Fresh, firm, flavorful chicken, encased in a crisp, golden crust, glowing and resplendent with perfectly balanced flavors of savory and sweet to complement, yeah even exalt, the flavor of the bird. I took another bite, not believing this chicken to be the same that had seemed so humble a mere two hours earlier, but it was so.
Yes, I ate a second piece for I still doubted, but my faith was restored - I had found the Grail.
A day later I sampled the remaining chicken which had now been chilled, and its luster dimmed.
I cannot explain what happened that day.
Were the two orders of chicken prepared differently - one left over from lunch and rewarmed for me, and the second prepared fresh? Or is this chicken best eaten after sitting for a bit and allowed to cool so that the crust can set up? Most likely some of both, but maybe it was all magic and a lesson to be learned for this humble pilgrim.
But I do know it was the best fried chicken I have ever tasted - yeah verily, the only fried chicken that has ever passed through my lips, for all others were as base lead to its golden perfection.
Belgrade Gardens, mark it down (address info above) and take your time eating your chicken - let it cool a bit.