For my birthday two years ago, my mom took my sister and I to Solage in Calistoga, CA. After a day of mineral baths and massages, we were ravenous. My sister got some tar tar and pasta, but I didn't see anything I liked until I saw the special: fried chicken, family style. I'm usually not a fan of fried chicken, but this was delicious, melt in your mouth good. It came with pole beans and cole slaw, and for dessert, freshly made doughnuts and chocolate dipping sauce.

Here's a photo:

When we asked later, it turns out it's known around Calistoga as Fried Chicken Tuesday. The chef was born and raised in South Carolina, so it's southern. It's really, really good. The only thing I wanted when I came back from a summer abroad in Paris was this fried chicken and doughnuts. It's that good.

Yesterday was no exception. I went with my uncle and mom and had the whole thing again, and it couldn't have been better. It started out with a lovely soup of cocoanut and lemongrass with duck confit and sweet potatoes.

The main course: buttermilk double fried chicken with brussels sprouts and pancetta, baby artichokes and cheddar cheese polenta.

For dessert we had banana cream pie with chocolate ganache and doughnuts with two complimentary dipping sauces-- one creme anglaise with bailey's, and one chocolate fudge syrup (also known as chocolate syrup, butter, and heavy cream). 

26 Aug @ Sol Bar, Maroochydore