The chickens roam freely over the pastures at Avrom Farm in Ripon, Wisconsin. But you might have spotted them in the wild this season at the Green City or Wicker Park farmers’ markets, where they nest on warm buckwheat waffles battered with their own eggs.
This Wednesday they’re flocking to Irving Park for Monday Night Foodball, the Reader’s weekly pop-up chef series at the Kedzie Inn.
Farmer Hayden Holbert grew up in Bucktown, but he introduced full-scale sustainable, regenerative agriculture on his grandparents’ 275-acre livestock farm five years ago. The birds are into it: the chicken and waffle stand arose this spring out of a need to utilize poultry overstock. This Monday, September 26, you can order your buttermilk-brined boneless fried chicken waffle tacos in a variety of dressings supplemented by produce from neighboring farms. I’m partial to the kimchi waffle with honey sriracha and chives, but you can go your own way with feta-arugula-balsamic; sour cherry and maple syrup; or any combo of toppings your demons demand.
If waffles aren’t your way, go for the wings; add sides of fried okra or tomato salad; and ask Jon Pokorny to spike your hibiscus lemonade at the bar.
There’s no advance planning required. Walk in any time after 6 PM at 4100 N. Kedzie and place your order.
Meantime, look ahead with the new and improved Monday Night Foodball fall schedule. Keep your Friendsgiving open.
10/10: Pasta night with Tony Quartaro of Gemma Foods
10/17: Night of the Copi (the invasive species formerly known as Asian carp) with Chả Cá Nuggs
10/24: Traditional Jewish deli with a modern purpose with Schneider Provisions
10/24: Sausage party with the Hot Dog Box
10/31: Halloween bye night
11/7: Plant-focused taqueria pop-up Piñatta
11/14: The return of barbecue ronin Heffer BBQ
11/21: An all-star Umamicue Friendsgiving
11/28: Thanksgiving Break
12/5: TBA
12/12: Kimski rumspringa with Won Kim
12/19: First night of Hanukkah with Zeitlin’s Delicatessen and Schneider Provisions
Kedzie Inn4100 N. Kedzie(773) 293-6368kedzieinn.com