What’s the saying? When one door closes, another opens? Something like that. I think I read it in someone’s bathroom, a framed inspirational message to ponder. Those framed inspirational messages always make me nervous.
Clearly, Rob is not nervous. That’s because his fried chicken is famous, even though this eatery just opened next to Panini’s Italian Cucina on the east side of Jasper Avenue. And, it’s no coincidence that the two restaurants are neighbours — there’s shared ownership at work.
And the opening of Rob’s, which specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken, comes just weeks after the city lost Northern Chicken, which used to be our favourite spot for Nashville-style hot chicken.
Rob’s offers a simple menu; chicken, wedges, Alabama slaw and ice cream. I have always liked the keep-it-simple approach. Focus on what you do well.
I order two of the jumbo strips. Don’t think “chicken fingers.” Rob is not serving five-year-olds. These strips are actually big chunks of chicken, covered in breading that has a nice amount of crunch. The meat is juicy, and you’re likely to get a bunch of it on your fingers, so go for extra napkins. It’s all coated in a rub that offers heat, salt and, wait… is that a touch of sweet? Just in the background? Somehow, a Nashville hot chicken has flavour subtleties. How does that happen? In the end, two strips is more than enough for a meal; did I mention how big these things are? Oh, I did.
Edmonton already has a few fantastic options for fried chicken — and now Rob has entered the fray. Good for you, Rob.
Rob’s Famous. Fried Chicken
Boyle Street | 8540 Jasper Ave, Edmonton | 587.873.4707 | robsfamous.ca
