I like to consider myself one of Chef Theo Adley’s biggest fans. He’s young, adventurous in the kitchen, and is an overall fantastic chef. Theo was known for his unique menu at his former restaurant, The Pinyon, and became quite well known for his signature dish, Fried Chicken. After months here in Boulder without The Pinyon, many Adley fans find themselves craving his food- especially that fried chicken.

On October 14, The Kitchen [UPSTAIRS] invited Theo to cook in their kitchen for a night. I had that date in my calendar for a couple weeks, actually.

What unfolded was a delicious reminder of why Adley is one of my all time favorites.

I started with a classic Adley dish, Roasted Brussel Sprouts. These aren’t just your standard roasted brussel sprouts. Adley tosses them with cornflakes for a slightly sweet corny crunch.

I also went for a charred octopus dish that had a fried egg, potatoes, and celery heart in it. I don’t know that I’ve ever had that combination in a dish, but it worked.

And then she came to the table… A bird so lovely she could only have been fried in Adley’s kitchen. Theo is a chef who really loves a perfectly fried chicken. He takes great care in bathing the bird in a spiced buttermilk blend for something like twenty hours, and potato flour makes his bird gluten free. It’s just one of the best bites in Boulder, period.

So, Thanks to The Kitchen [UPSTAIRS] for hosting such a cool culinary evening. I’m looking forward to more.