Flavors Got Soul

October 19, 2007 by Matt  Send to a Friend

Oh man, if there is one thing I could eat for the rest of my life without any consequence whatsoever, it would probably be fried chicken. It’s just one of those things that hit’s the spot. The savory crunch of the crisp breading, the moist, tender flesh and the grease; ahhhhhh the grease! So I invite you, to take a trip with me through Arlington, down Columbia Pike to a place called ‘Flavors’.

It all started when a grumbling in my stomach was screaming, “FEED ME SOUL FOOD!!!!” However, I wasn’t to keen on going to Anacostia or Largo to get it. Alas, the memory of driving by this place on my way to pick up the U-Haul that I had to wait three fucking hours for (bitter?) shot through my brain like an ice pick. I quickly grabbed my stuff and rushed out the door.

My first visit was on a Tuesday night. The place was very quiet and relatively empty. After a quick glance over the menu, I picked my comfort food. As I ordered my dinner, the owner said to me “20 minutes”. I thought in my head “20 minutes? What the hell? Why would it take so . . . . Oh shit! This chicken is cooked to order?!?!?!?! Fuck yeah!” I grabbed a drink and patiently waited, trying so hard to keep my excitement to a minimum.

Waiting is always the hardest part (I guess Tom Petty was right). It was like Christmas morning when you’re a kid and wake hours before your parents. It was a good wait, not like the DMV. I could see them breading my dinner in the back, my mouth began to water. Finally, my name was called. I shot out of my seat and rushed to the counter. Lo and behold, a very large piece of still steaming fried chicken was right in front of me. It had a perfect golden-brown color and just by looking at it, I could tell that it was seasoned well. I opted to go the “dinner” route (meals are served in three sizes: Sandwiches, Platters & Dinners) in which I had a choice of two sides. I chose collards and red beans & rice. My date chose collards and mac & cheese. We each also had a piece of cornbread. We topped off our fountain drinks and headed to the table.

I really don’t think words can describe what happened next, but the easiest way I can put it would be that if I met this piece of fried chicken at a bar or club, I would stalk it relentlessly, finally woo it somehow, take it home, roll all over in it’s greasy, juicy goodness and go to bed with it. I know that sounds very gross and a little weird, but for fuck’s sake, this was the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my life! (*Note: For the record, I would never, ever, ever fuck a piece of fried chicken.)

The chicken breast was the most moist I have ever had. The skin and breading alone was to die for. Combined with the sweet, slightly vinegary collards, wonderfully cooked red beans & rice, and one of the best pieces of cornbread I’ve had in a long time, the chicken was amazing. Now, I could go on and on, telling you how great this chicken is, but you know what? Unfortunately you can’t get flavor from the internet (yet?), so I invite you to go there (but not on a Monday, they’re closed) and eat some fried chicken. I’ve been back about four times since this virgin excursion and the quality of the food in incredibly consistent.

Now I’ve eaten fried chicken in a lot of places. From Popeye’s (still a favorite) to Kennedy’s to KFC to Bojangles, there is no comparison to Flavors. I strongly advise that you call ahead to avoid the wait. The first night I went was quiet, but every other visit since the place has been packed. So stop doing your shitty Buckethead impression with that empty tub of KFC and get on over to Arlington, it’s worth it.

(for menu/directions/hours and the like go to: http://www.flavorssoulfood.com/)

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