Foodaholic: The Journal of a Food Lover: Glady's Knights & Ron Winans

I remember telling my cousins about the magic that is the Midnight Train, one of the signature dishes at Glady's Knights. I was met with blank and slightly disgusted stares. Apparantly chicken and waffles is not for everyone, but it should be! I like to think if a restaurant is packed most of the time it's because a lot of people are of similar opinion to me, that opinion being, the food is pretty damn decent. Glady's Knights is always packed. Even late nights you can find small groups of people milling under the neon sign or sitting on a small bench outside waiting for their party to be called. Inside the hum of conversation intermingles with the sound of R&B music all overlayed by the scent of fried chicken. The burgundy walls are covered with anything music related and pictures of celebrities who've all stopped by the restaurant, tempted by the legendary chicken & waffle combination. You can find the history of the unlikely duo on the restaurant's website (I've posted a link below.) It has it's roots in 1930's Harlem with jazz players who after playing long sets would come of stage and not know whether they wanted breakfast or dinner. Although fried chicken and waffles seems a random combination they make a truly mouth watering pair. The chicken at Gladys Knight's is fried to crispy golden perfection but is still deliciously juicy to sink your teeth into (I like to eat my chicken with hot sauce and ketchup). The original waffle which is served as part of the Midnight Train is fluffly, light and slightly sweet, even without syrup. The texture is wonderful, crisp yet still soft and a little spongy which helps soak up butter and syrup flawlessly so you can taste both in every bite. That is not to say there aren't other tempting offerings like Gram's Grand Chicken Salad--described on the menu as "A boneless chicken breast, fried or grilled, served atop a fresh selection of mixed greens and tomatoes, topped with shredded cheddar cheese." I favor it because they are very generous with the chicken and I'm the type of girl that likes my salad with more "stuff" then green's. The menu is filled with Southern staples like fried green tomatoes, black eyed peas, grits and smothered chicken so if you're looking for a stomach filling southern influenced meal Glady's Knights is the place for you. I also suggest trying the "Uptown" aka Arnold Palmer, a blend of sweetened tea and lemonade that has a pleasent little tang to it and is the perfect compliment to a hearty meal. Also try the sweet potato cheesecake for dessert, it's delicious!