OUR STORY
It all began in our pandemic-shuttered restaurant…
A team of wild over-thinkers and mild obsessives with kitchen space and far shorter prep lists than we were used to. An idea floated. Seemingly simple. We tried to define the ideal form of fried chicken.
We compared notes on the best versions we’d had. We debated personal preferences and family recipes (things got spicy). We dreamt about the Perfect Crunch. Then, we got to work.
In the same way recipes and techniques are developed for our tasting menu at Birdsong, we dove down the rabbit hole. Brines, dredging mixes, batters, spice blends, seasonings, sauces for days. We tested and tasted it all.
Some things though, didn’t require experimentation. Experience and logic dictated using only the highest quality poultry available to us - chickens raised humanely by farmers who care.
We sourced them whole, which allowed us to do several things:
1. Ensure the quality of the meat - a direct result of excellent agricultural practices
2. Emphasize the tastiest aspects of each part through precise cooking
3. Develop a more sustainable menu we were excited about serving.
Importantly, it was the kind of fried chicken we wanted to keep eating ourselves.
It was the kind of fried chicken that our moms would be proud of. It was the kind of fried chicken that other fried chicken would be proud of. It was the kind of fried chicken that other fried chicken could even look up to -
ethical, gorgeous inside and out, seasoned like a pro.
Full of flavor (real flavor), juicy and tender in all the right ways, and ridiculously crunchy to the last bite.
it was the kind of fried chicken that checked all the boxes.
…and so, a shell cracked, a chirp rang out, and a new bird was born.
A NOTE ABOUT CLAUDE
Sure, Claude the claw is a little infamous. Here’s why we’re okay with that.
The heads and feet of chickens that come from the industrial poultry complex are often so battered that they must be removed in order for the chickens to be sold “whole”.
Birdbox birds are sourced with their heads and feet intact. Whole, unashamedly.
While possibly intimidating at first blush, Claude the Claw is our source of reassurance and an indicator of quality. Claude is a reminder of the kind of food system we are proud to support. A kinder one. Also more delicious.