Chow Chow Kitchen

Chow Chow Kitchen was on my 2016 To Dine Challenge list, and as you know, I never made it there last year. So, when I decided to pull over any un-visited restaurants from the past onto the 2017 To Dine Challenge list, they made this year's list as well. Then, I heard that they were closing their doors at the end of March and moving on to take over the kitchen at Parkview Nite Club. So, I knew that I had to get my butt in there ASAP if I was going to fulfill the list this year.

I hate to kick them while they're down, but Mr. H and I had a pretty terrible meal there the other day.

They have become known for their Fried Chicken ($7.50 with a side), but they have offered a few other dinners, po'boys, soups, and classic Southern side dishes. The restaurant has four tables for dine-in, but it is mostly a takeout joint.

Of course, we had to go right for the fried chicken if that's the signature dish.

Honestly, it was the oddest textured chicken I've ever had. The battered skin was crispy and not overly greasy, but the chicken itself was so moist that it actually became squishy and sponge-like. Not pleasurable at all, and I barely touched it after three bites. It was probably the worst fried chicken I've had.

The dinner came with one side dish, and I chose the mac n' cheese. It was fine, and I'll leave it at that. We also shared a coleslaw, which was not creamy enough to really any good. I like coleslaw to either be creamy, or vinegar-based. This was just raw cabbage barely dressed and bland.

They are officially closing their Lakewood doors at the end of this month, and taking over the kitchen at Parkview on April 27th. Can't say that I'd ever try that fried chicken again based on this experience. What do you think, have you had it and enjoyed it? Was it just "off" because they are closing down?

Chow Chow Kitchen
14201 Madison Avenue
Lakewood, OH