Daily dispatches on the Washington, DC area's food, restaurant and dining scene.
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Best of Washington: Rotisserie Chicken
By
Sara Levine
A beef expert, fish expert, and pork expert gave us unbiased opinions on
the subject of chickens. Photograph by Vincent Ricardel.
Rotisserie chicken has become a staple of the midweek rush when there’s no time to cook. The roasted birds are on sale from supermarkets to ethnic specialty-chicken shops. To taste-test some of the many chickens around town, we recruited three Washingtonians with no conflicts of interest when it comes to poultry: Karen Batra, director of public affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Richard Gutting, former president of the National Fisheries Institute; and Audrey Adamson, director of government relations for the National Pork Producers Council. Here’s how they rated the birds.
The winner (4 stars): The chicken from Chesapeake Chicken & Rockin’ Ribs, purchased at this Eastern Shore import (7007 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-7634; closed until December 15; $13.95 whole, $7.35 half), was the unanimous favorite. Tasters called it tender, flavorful, and buttery. “A bit greasy but in a good way,” noted Adamson. Also good (3.5 stars): Peruvian chicken spot El Pollo Rico (2917 N. Washington Blvd., Arlington, 703-522-3220; 2541 Ennalls Ave., Wheaton, 301-942-4419; $12.50 whole, $6.98 half) impressed with its “nicely spiced, nontraditional flavor,” as did local chain Chicken Out (several area locations; $10.99 whole, $8.99 half) for its “juicy, basic American chicken.”
3 stars: All tasters liked the full-flavored kosher chicken from Wegmans (11620 Monument Dr., Fairfax, 703-653-1600; 45131 Columbia Pl., Sterling, 703-421-2400; $7.99 whole). Also-rans (2.5 stars): Whole Foods Market (various locations) and Wagshal’s Delicatessen in DC’s Spring Valley (4855 Massachusetts Ave., NW; 202-363-5698). 2 stars: Chicken on the Run (4933 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-9004), Giant, and Safeway. The disappointments (1 star): Tasters didn’t like the smoked flavor of the chicken from Magruder’s and were underwhelmed by the bird from Dean & DeLuca in Georgetown (3276 M St., NW; 202-342-2500). This article appeared in the December, 2007 issue of the magazine.
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Comments
I think the Washingtonian needs to try "The Chicken Place" in Falls Church, I agree with Kyle it has the best Chicken in towm! A must for all to taste!
Posted by: Alex, Jun 26, 2009 12:04:41 PM
You all don’t have a clue(The Post). Junior’s Chicken in Old Town Gaithersburg is bar none the best chicken in the area. Order yourself a 1/2 Chicken(white meat), a side of Yuca, and rice with beans. Use the side of sauce to dip the yuca in. It’s addicting!!!!1
Posted by: Chris, Dec 27, 2007 07:24:05 AM
Where the hell is SUPER POLLO? Goodness.
Posted by: Super Chicken Man, Dec 23, 2007 10:34:56 AM
I went by Chesapeake Chicken and they are gone! What’s up with that?
Posted by: Rus, Dec 21, 2007 02:20:02 PM
The best one in the area is actually a whole in the wall place called Super Chicken in Falls Church. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Posted by: Chik a Boo, Dec 20, 2007 02:04:33 PM
Actually the little hole in the wall called "The Chicken Place" across the street from Edy’s is even better - hands down! Fabulous chicken, rice, and plantains.
Posted by: Kyle, Dec 19, 2007 04:28:26 PM
I looooove El Pollo Rico! YUMMMM
Posted by: Rachel, Dec 18, 2007 02:53:42 PM
You failed to test two of the best birds in the area. Edy’s near Bailey’s crossroads on 7 and Crisp and Juicy on Lee Hwy are both excellent. My favorite is Crisp and Juicy but both would beat any grocery stores offerings on their worst day.
Posted by: Chris, Dec 18, 2007 12:27:57 PM
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