fried chicken! (ma'ono fried chicken and whisky, west seattle)

In honor of Derby and the good ol' South, we made our way to West Seattle for some delicious fried chicken. Ma'ono Fried Chicken and Whisky is the re-invention of the former Spring Hill, serving fried chicken seven-nights a week.. a fun extension of Spring Hill's popular Monday night chicken dinners.

Ma'Ono Fried Chicken and Whisky: 4437 California Ave SW

Supposedly the name, Ma'ono, is Hawaiian for flavor. I've only known the word "ono" to be used as an adjective meaning tasty or delicious ("So ono!"), but what do I know? Either meaning is a fitting choice for this vibrant spot at the north end of the West Seattle Junction.

The food here is more Hawaiian than Southern, featuring many Chinese- and Korean-inspired dishes found on the islands: kalbi, Korean beef short ribs, and manapua, a Hawaiian-style Chinese pork bun. Many of these dishes are a little more sophisticated than the original -- sometimes it works (kalbi -- great flavors with a little spice) and sometimes it doesn't (saimin -- too fancy and complicated with overcooked pork belly). Regardless, it's the fried chicken that's the real draw to this place, and I'd be willing to bet that it passes muster with Hawaiians and Southerners alike.. and anyone else with an appreciation for deep-fried and happily raised poultry.

Wood grilled kalbi (Korean beef short ribs)

Reservations are highly recommended, and not just for a table. I once made a reservation online and was promptly called to ask if I would like to reserve a fried chicken as well. Ma'Ono easily sells out of chicken on most nights. The way it is served has changed a bit over the past several months. It used to be offered in original style (just perfectly seasoned and fried, golden brown chicken), or tossed in two different sauces (you could choose one or get a half order of each). It's much simpler now: you order the chicken, and it comes with the two dipping sauces on the side (honey mustard and red chili).

Fried chicken with kimchi, rice, and dipping sauces.

If you're not from Hawaii, the sides of kimchi (a Korean staple consisting of spicy, fermented vegetables) and rice sprinkled with furikake (a salty Japanese condiment of dried seaweed, fish flakes, sesame seeds) may seem a little strange. But try it -- you may like it! You can also order other sides, including warm sweet rolls with whipped pan drippings and Hawaiian sea salt (yum) and grits (not so yum).

Warm sweet rolls with whipped pan drippings.

Finally, I should mention the whisky. There are 30 types of whisky listed on the menu, along with a dozen or so scotches. If you're not a fan of straight whisky (I hear that's blasphemy, and yet I still can't drink it), there is a great selection of whisky cocktails and other liquors and wines to choose from. My favorite cocktail here is the Napoleon's Kick: Four Roses whisky, lemon, sugar, and falernum (a sweet, spiced Caribbean syrup).

Woodford Reserve neat, in a stylish glass.

Napoleon's Kick: Four Roses whisky, lemon, sugar, and falernum.

hhf says: As their name clearly states, it's all about the fried chicken and whisky at Ma'ono. Reserve your table, and your chicken, immediately. 

Jimmy Choo natural canvas and leather peep toe heels.

Shoes: A spring/summer staple -- Jimmy Choo natural canvas and leather peep toe heels. They're several years old and a bit tattered now, but nothing ever comes close to replacing them!