By Pamela Holz, local chef and cooking show host
A friend had been raving to me about Smokin Chikin, one of the many new businesses that have popped up near the intersection of Tiny Town and Trenton Roads. He would talk about the locally raised, fresh, not frozen, chicken that they served. He told me that they have actually been open for several months, but that they did a soft open to work out any kinks before their Grand Opening. He kept asking when I was going to go and check it out. I now understand why he was so eager for me to visit.
At Smokin Chikin, there are three main steps to ordering. You need to decide portion size or plate, flavor, and sides. The flavor choices reflect international tastes: La Brasa (Latin), Chimichurri (Argentina), Jamaican Jerk, Peri Peri (African), Caribbean BBQ, and Tandoori (Indian). The sides offered are Island Fried Rice, hummus, cole slaw, French green beans, broccoli, potato salad, and fries.
My friend decided on the ¼ white meat plate with the Jamaican Jerk chicken, Island Rice, and Tabouli. I went with the suggested La Brasa chicken on the ¼ white meat plate, with Tabouli and hummus with pita bread.
We picked a table and waited for our food. Island music kept us company as we took in the scene and the steady stream of customers. The restaurant decor has a very crisp, clean look. I admitted that I had been expecting smoked chicken—as in a smoky bbq type smoked chicken. This is definitely not on the menu. When our food arrived– on real plates with real flatware– we concluded that the “smokin” in the name referred to the heat of the rotisserie chicken and the spicy flavors.
I loved the Tabouli salad—fresh and green, with parsley, bulgur, chickpeas, cucumbers and onions– a refreshing option for a lunch side. The hummus was subtly flavored and paired well with the Tabouli’s sharp onions and the spiciness of the sauce that came with the chicken. My friend and I both thought the chicken was juicy and flavorful, though he commented that the preparation wasn’t how traditional Jerk chicken is made.
If you are searching for something fun and different to try, Smokin Chikin offers just that—bringing internationally interesting flavors to the Clarksville Food Scene.
Smokin Chikin
1820 Tiny Town Rd.
Clarksville TN 37042
931.896.2014
www.smokinchikin.com
