Did you know that Thursday, July 6th 2023 is National fried chicken day? And to celebrate this foodie occasion and their 5th year anniversary DownLow Chicken Shack has revamped their menu as well as their decor.
Immediately I was drawn in my their new red and white branded wallpaper by the sauce. A similarly patterned motif as they have at sister, gluten-free fried chicken joint: Juke. Their initials in varsity, their iconic smirking rooster logo, a red chilli pepper, and a chicken foot with its claw out. Very striking. To its left a showcase of awards and accolades. Just above it, their televised menu, which you order off of.
As a group, we would share everything, as their sandwiches are known for being substantial; and to be able to showcase all of the new menu items. We would begin with a few of their branded canned lemonades and ice teas. A great refreshing and citrusy match for the more punchy flavours to come.
DownLow is well known for their fried chicken sandwiches and now have 3 more unique ones to add to their already popular roster.
The Rookie of the Year plays off of their regular chicken sandwich with the usual shredded lettuce and tomato; but the twist is the addition of a tangy and bright chimichurri sauce to add some freshness and a burst of citrus.
The Chips n Dip is the same large chicken breast as above, but this time breaded in cool ranch chip flavoured dust, then topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, and their French onion sauce. It was tangy and added a nice layer of salt and seasoning to their classic sandwich, but I don’t know if it could say it tasted like cool ranch.
The Bougie is the same classic breaded chicken coated in a “truffled medium dust”, truffle mayo, slaw, pickles, and pickled red onion. Just reading it, it doesn’t sound like it would all jibe well; between the tangy sour of the pickles and the distinct flavour of umami truffle. Although out of the three new sandwich this was my favourite. It was surprisingly well balanced in texture and harmonious flavour. I got the listed cumin in juxtaposition to the pickle. A fun one to eat with lots of depth and dimension; and I would say that is what makes it bougie, the amount and variety, as you don’t get enough truffle to have that be the reason.
Here, the sweet and sour slaw that was included above was the taste maker, and the game changer. A refresh agent that stayed crispy throughout, and as leftovers. It is also available as a side. A nice palate refresher in between bites; and not the typical creamy rendition, but something completely unique to Downlow.
Although if you could only get one side it would be the macaroni and cheese for me. A classic that is always great with a meatier main. Cheesy noodles also help cleanse the palate.
However, their most popular side is their heavily seasoned fries. And to match our burger above we got the truffle version, and here you can taste it a lot more. Truffle dust tossed with the crispy fried to order potato, served with a side of decadent truffle aioli to ensure you aren’t missing out on the namesake ingredient.
But if you were only to order one thing off their new 5th year anniversary menu, it has to be their new Popcorn Nuggets. Served as a bowl-full, this is the same Downlow chicken that you know and love, but in an easy pop and go format.
One bowl full of tasty breaded white meat as is, but better when you have the entire onslaught of the Downlow sauce options before you. From barbecue to honey mustard, and a garlicky aioli to a tangy hot sauce; the options are endless and I suggest them all, all together.
In closing, if looking for a festive way to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day this July 6th, look to one of the best and most satisfying. Look to Downlow Chicken.
The Downlow Chicken Shack
903 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 2H2
604-283-1385
dlchickenshack.ca
