Best dishes countdown #77: Chicken Fantastic from Safari
Like a butt in sweatpants emblazoned with the word "SEXY," anything proclaiming its own greatness makes one instinctively raise an eyebrow and think, "I'll be the judge of that."
Indeed you should be the judge, and Chicken Fantastic at Safari Restaurant in south Minneapolis will handily fulfill the promise of its name. This lovable quasi-hot dish pairs the textural delight of perfectly cooked Basmati rice with the satisfying familiarity of tender chicken smothered in a creamy garlic sauce. Strips of carrot add crunch and color, and a melty white cheese on top cinches this dish's place in the canon of comfort cuisine. It is a perfect takeout order for a snowy January day.
Should you need a blast of pepper to balance the richness of the cheese and the heavy cream (not that you need balance, who says you need balance?), Safari includes a dose of a fresh, spicy green chile sauce called basbaas cagaar. Use with caution, but definitely use — it's a cleansing jolt of vegetal heat. And according to Somali tradition, your meal comes with a complimentary banana and a mango juice (or soda if you prefer, but opt for the mango juice). It's a complete meal with leftovers for less than $12.
Happy new year. May your butts be sexy and your chickens fantastic.
100: Caramel-Bacon Puffcorn at Red Cow
99: Pappadams from the Curry Diva
In January it's so nice while slipping on the sliding ice to eat some Chicken Fantastic with rice.
98: The Kingfield at Five Watt
97: Raspberry Cream Scone at Sun Street Breads
96: Bacon and Bourbon from 6Smith
95: Biscuits and Gravy at Ward 6
94: Burgers from Peppers and Fries
93: The Everything Bagel from Rise Bagel Co.
92: Bent River Camembert from Alemar Cheese
91: Two large pizzas and a pitcher of beer, Original Red's Savoy
<!—————————————————————————————————————EndFragment—————————————————————————————————————>90: Boiled Peanut Hummus at 4 Bells
88: Fried Green Tomato BLT from Butcher and the Boar
87: Charcuterie Board at Surly Beer Hall & Restaurant
85: Aloo Tama from The Himalayan
84: Caramelized Cauliflower at Libertine
83: Banh Mi Joy Dog at Prairie Dogs
82: Salmon Poke at District Fresh Kitchen & Bar
