“Fry delis” – are a distinctly southern thing, a serving counter of fried on location foods like chicken, catfish, sausage, biscuits and potato wedges, found at gas stations and other outlets below the Mason Dixon line. I explored a few on a previous sojourn when I was comparing chicken fingers and strips in LA, MS, GA, and AL last year.
This trip was no exception, as I grabbed pieces of fish or chicken to nosh on at various locations on this expedition, including some from “Chester Fried“, and ‘Krispy Krunchy“, two inexpensive (to own) franchises stuck into corners of gas station along the way.
Brother’s Food Marts is a local chain New Orleans of mini-marts (New Orleanians are fiercely loyal to local businesses, some chains have never successfully penetrated the market – like 7-Eleven or Starbucks). You’ll find Brooks scattered around the metro, sometimes as stand alone locations, sometimes at gas stations. There’s one in the CBD (Central Business District) a few steps from the both the French Quarter and my hotel base this trip. This one is open 24 hours and their fry deli is amply stocked with fish, chicken, and fries, as a “meal combo” or to be purchased by the piece.
Nothing like being able to get a crispy hunk o’ catfish at 3 AM, I say. Which I did. Later on, down the highway, I hit a Chester’s for some strips, which were lightly breaded and H-U-G-E compared to other chicken places. Tasty. Course if you want something a little lighter, you can always opt for a cup of boiled peanuts, regular or Cajun seasoned!
Brothers Food Marts