Not sure how new this is, but it’s the first time I’ve noticed it… calorie counts posted in the Church’s Fried Chicken/Subway/Nathan’s food court on 8th Ave. btw. 44+45th St. They’ve been shut down a number of times by the DOH in the past year or two, and I can’t help but wonder if it was for not complying with the city’s calorie count laws.  In a related story, the New York Daily News gets a bunch of tourists on the record talking about how much they hate seeing the calories on the menus of their favorite upscale chains in Midtown, like The Palm and McCormick & Schmick’s.

Personally I’d rather not know how many calories are in that Church’s fried chicken meal I’m eating, but I also take a bit of joy in knowing how much pain the calorie counts inflict upon those who think that eating a cobb Salad is healthy.

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Wasn’t the horrible economy supposed to put an end to this?  That was going to be the one good thing about complete and total economic collapse:  no more random FroYo places with terrible names.  And then this comes along inside the Church’s Fried Chicken food court on 8th Ave. btw. 44+45th.  Are you joking?  WTF is Voguert?  Seriously.  What… the… fuck… is Voguert? With Red Mango located just one block away, I give this one 3 months top.

There is some semi-worthwhile news from the 8th Ave. food court…

All the weird, non-chain food has been replaced by a Subway (and the yogurt.)  So now the mini food court is a pretty standard (read:boring) pizza place, Subway (which was packed yesterday at Noon), Nathan’s/Arthur Treacher’s/Kenny Rogers Roasters, and of course… Church’s Fried Chicken (the saving grace).

In fact, right now all combos at Church’s are 10% off.  Enjoy!

Speaking of Popeye’s, the branch on 40th btw. 7+8th has also reopened, since being closed last month for tax issues.

Related:
8th Ave. is the Fried Chicken Corridor of New York City

So it looks like that food court on 8th Ave. btw. 44+4th is not gone for good.  A new sign has gone up, and it looks like Church’s Fried Chicken made the cut, along with the Subway & Nathan’s.  Not sure what Mama’s Food is (was that there before?) and maybe there will be pizza and a juice bar of some kind?  Or were those old signs left over from before the previous incarnation? Not sure. Whatever… Church’s Fried Chicken fans should be happy.  Still not open yet, but we’ll keep an eye out… 

Related:
8th Avenue is the Fried Chicken Corridor of New York City

When they cover up the sign, I think it’s safe to say the mini Food Court on 8th Avenue btw. 44+45th is gone for good. So, say goodbye to Midtown’s only Church’s Fried Chicken. Thankfully we still have Popeye’s and a few other good options in the area… plus if you noticed in yesterday’s profile, there is a rumor going around that Bojangles is looking to expand to New York City (with a reported 41 new stores in 2009.) I contacted the corporate office, and their response is after the jump.

We have had a number of conversations with several qualified NY restaurant groups but as of yet, have not reached any formal agreements with anyone. I wish I had some good news for you now but I will keep you in the loop at the appropriate time.

And that would be some good news… not just because I love spicy fried chicken and biscuits, but it would pave the way for a Popeye’s vs. Bojangles Fried Chicken Off!

Any food court closing is a sad thing in my book, even though this particular one (on 8th Ave btw. 44+45th) could be better. It is, however, home to the only Church’s Chicken in Midtown- so for that reason alone, there is some sadness. No word on whether this is related to the past electricity problems this place has had, or a DOH issue… but if I were a betting man, I’d go with DOH. It would make sense that they were working their way up 8th Ave. Tips are always welcome at zach@midtownlunch.com

I have never met a piece of fried chicken I didn’t like. Sure, there have been some transcendent fried chicken moments. My first visit to Roscoe’s Fried Chicken and Waffles in L.A. comes to mind (although you may say the waffle had a little something to do with that.) And of course there was Dunbar’s in New Orleans, which is still the best fried chicken I’ve ever eaten. Hopefully the rumors of its return are not exaggerated. But I don’t mind slumming it either, and it doesn’t take much to please me. Hot Oil + Chicken (+ Salt & Pepper) = Good.

There is some damn good fried chicken in Midtown. I’ve mentioned Cafe Cello as one of my favorites (on 46th btw. 5+6th) and even KFC has gotten the obligatory mention on the site. But if you want to be at ground zero for NYC fried chicken there is only one place to go. Eighth Avenue. The stretch of that road between the Mid 30’s and Mid 40’s is jammed packed with fried chicken goodness. Here is your guide to navigating the corridor. (A Fried-Chicken-Palooza if you will)

Chicken House

Nickname: El Sucio
Location: 36th btw. 7+8th
Price: 2pcs w/ french fries, $2.50; 2pcs w/ french fries, rice & beans, $4.50
I like a good adventure, and while NYC Fried Chicken is mildly scary this little fried foods diner is a real horrorshow (in the best possible way.) It may even be the cheapest fried chicken in all of New York City. The big downside: they don’t season their chicken at all- but it’s nothing a little hot sauce can’t fix right quick. Read more about Chicken House here.

Church’s

Nickname: The Newbie
Location: 8th Ave. btw. 44+45th
Price: $6.49 for 2pcs, biscuit, side dish & drink
Ok, so maybe it’s not new to some of you- but Church’s is new to the Midtown Lunch landscape. This small branch opened in a strange food court on 8th Ave. a few months ago, and while I don’t think it’s quite good enough to unseat the King (aka Popeye’s) it is a suitable alternative for those who don’t want to walk the extra 5 blocks south. The thing that will set them apart from the competition: a honey glaze on their biscuits, and fried okra as a side dish. Nice.

Golden Krust

Nickname: Homestylie
Location: 8th Ave. btw. 38+39th
Price: $6.99 for 2pcs, rice, beans, and plantains
Golden Krust, the Caribbean chain, is not exactly known for their fried chicken- but if you happen to order it you might be delightfully surprised. Nicely seasoned, and served with rice and peas and plantains, it’s the one place where you feel like you’re getting some good homemade fried chicken. Because as much as I love Popeye’s and the rest of the chains, it’s tough shaking the feeling that you’re eating some kind of processed food that comes out tasting the same every time.

NYC Fried Chicken

Nickname: The Bastard Son
Location: 8th Ave. & 39th Street
Price: $4.25 for 2pcs, mashed potatoes and a roll
It’s hard to beat the price at this Midtown eyesore that has been serving fried chicken on the same corner for god knows how long. Most common response expected at the mention of NYC Fried Chicken: “I’ve always wondered about that place!” Skip the terrible rolls, and the strange looking mashed potatoes and gravy… you’re not there for side dishes. You could only be there for one reason… price, price, and price. Well that, or if somebody dares you. The fried chicken is fine, and it’s fun for the adventure factor, but with other better options so close (i.e. Popeye’s) I wouldn’t bother more than once.

Piece of Chicken

Nickname: The Real Deal (will also answer to “Variety Central”)
Location: 45th btw. 8+9th
Price: $1 for each piece of chicken, $1-3 for side dishes
What Popeye’s and Church’s try to replicate all over the country, Piece of Chicken actually is. Out of the ashes of Jezebel, an upscale soul food joint, this little window hit the scene, serving up fried chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas, cornbread, and more. And it’s modeled after the McDonald’s $1 menu. What more could you want? Read more about Piece of Chicken here.

Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits

Nickname: The King
Location: 40th btw. 7+8th
Price: $5.99 for 2pcs, biscuit & one side dish
I’m sorry, but Popeye’s still reigns supreme in my book. They just know how to make damn good fried chicken. They offer spicy or mild, but who would order the mild? Their biscuits are amazing (you may say the secret ingredient is a shitload of butter), and their red beans and rice will remind you why people who live in Louisiana still eat at (and love) Popeye’s. Read more about Popeye’s here.

It’s a great time to be a fried chicken lover in Midtown… I only wish Ressie Mae’s Soul to Go had lived to see the day.

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I’ll admit, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten at Church’s.  I was always a KFC fan growing up, a Popeye’s fan later in life (after spending so much time in New Orleans), and I had a brief flirtation with Bojangles in 1986.  But never Church’s.  Anybody a big fan?  Feel free to sound off in the comments.  I’m curious if this new addition to the Midtown Lunch’ing landscape is something to get excited about…