On the east side of the river in Portland, there is a small, yellow-painted restaurant that will change your life. It won't serve gold encrusted truffles or give you a million dollars, but it will serve the best chicken and waffles you will ever eat.
If you're like me and are thinking "Chicken and waffles? Why is that even a breakfast food? Stick with the french toast" I'm here to tell you, you are wrong and making a terrible mistake. The first time I visited this restaurant I did them same thing. I got the french toast (which was also incredibly rich and tasty), but then I took a bite of my partner's chicken and waffles and my world opened up.
The waffle is a sweet potato waffle with hints of warm spices throughout. The chicken is juicy, tender and perfectly cooked with a crunchy, spiced breading. Covered in warm syrup and powdered sugar this dish makes your mouth water before it's even been set down in front of you. My partner and I stick with the one piece (there is a one, two and three piece option), which is plenty of food and has a splendid ratio of waffle to chicken throughout the meal.
The mission of Screen Door is to present "a revival of regional American cuisine, a survey of the south, from South Carolina Lowcountry cuisine to soul food and Cajun one-pot cookery to the refined Creole and French preparations found in New Orleans. We celebrate Southern cuisine from the quintessential hearty fare to the everyday foods gathered fresh from the garden." They make sure to use natural, local and organic ingredients, so no matter what dish you end up choosing, you can be sure it'll be heaped with goodness.
If you do decide to visit the restaurant, make sure you show up early. It's no secret how good the food is. We showed up ten minutes before opening and there was already three parties ahead of us. If you swing by later the wait can be up to forty five minutes. But the wait is definitely worth it for the great food, good atmosphere and quick, friendly service. If you're in Portland, Screen Door is a must.
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