This is my friend Connie Honaker. We LOVE food. She shared Mile End Bagels and then I shared Belle’s. You know we actually visited them on the same day. Who cares it was a great day of eating!
So Belle’s founder, Chef Morgan McGlone perfected his fried chicken in the US fried chicken haven of South Carolina. We are talking where fried chicken began- where chefs and Moms and people know how to fry chicken. Originally from New Zealand and growing up in Australia – Chef McGlone has been cooking a wide range of cuisines both haute and home grown. He’s a genius – just try his fried chicken and I defy you to disagree. Your mouth will water just looking at the Belle’s Instagram.
What about the fried chicken you ask? McGlone has created chicken and waffles (weekend lunch only and worth the effort to make it on Saturday or Sunday) – my personal fav. I do medium – which is a seasoned flour blend of flour, sweet and smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, ground coriander, salt and pepper. But that’s just the chicken seasoning. There’s another list of seasonings used during and after frying – which I believe is what McGlone has done to make fried chicken nirvana.
Broadsheet posted his recipe for Belle’s Fried Chicken sandwich – go for it, but I recommend visiting any of Belle’s locations-including Fitzroy and Richmond in Melbourne or Sydney. You can check out the full menu here – in addition to different chicken parts, the menu includes ribs, fish, mushrooms, mac and cheese and other great sides, different sauces and can I mention – great service. Basically you order your choice of meat, side, sauce – five temperature options from Southern (salt & pepper) to really f’ing hot. Enjoy. Bring some pals so you can share more sides, taste different meats and temps – go for it! You will not be disappointed.
Like most restaurants you can also place to go or delivery orders. I am a fan of fried food served and eaten as soon as it leaves the fryer. But if you need comfort food and can’t leave home or office – choose Belle’s Hot Chicken.
This blog is dedicated to art, artisans, food, travel and markets because I love the journey of discovery. I enjoy finding local artists, markets, food and supporting the local economy wherever I may be. And now I have chosen to share my discoveries with you!
Beyond Melbourne 