Anthony Bourdain traveled the world in the name of finding the best authentic foods. But his favorite spot for fried chicken hits closer to home than you might think. The late host of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown visited diverse regions for his work (except this country), so it came as a shock when he shared that his favorite spot for fried chicken was none other than Popeyes.
Read more about how Anthony Bourdain changed how the world eats.
This Is Why He Loved Popeyes
The former Brasserie Les Halles executive chef shared in an interview with People in May 2018 that all he wanted after returning from Bhutan and Hong Kong was Popeyes. He explained: “To me, Popeyes is exotica. I was eating noodles and roast goose and Chinese food for the past 10 days. So to be back and eat some Americana food, well, I will weep with gratitude at macaroni and cheese.”
The particular Popeyes where the interview took place—located in Lafayette, Louisiana—is the last in the country with a buffet. At the time, the 61-year-old was in town to film a Cajun-themed episode for his CNN show.
What Was His Order of Choice?
Bourdain had a specific order, because according to People he’s done his research. During his third trip in three days to the fast food chain, Bourdain had chosen mac and cheese, spicy fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, with a fountain Dr. Pepper.
See where Popeyes ranks on our list of the best fast food chicken joints.
The Ultimate Guilty Pleasure
For Bourdain, Popeyes was about more than just the fried chicken. He previously told The Boston Globe about his real dirty pleasure, the mac and cheese: “But my real guilty pleasure—my really disgusting, shameful pleasure—is the mac and cheese at Popeyes fried chicken.”
Anthony continued, explaining that he feels so shameful about the indulgence, that he goes in disguise: “Late at night, I’ve been known to sneak in there with a hoodie on—and I always get nailed. People are like, ‘Dude, I’m going to put this on Instagram.'”
In remembrance of Anthony, we shared our favorite quotes from the late chef.
Enjoy a Louisiana Fast Meal at Home
For our family, it's not a picnic unless there's fried chicken! Chicken, deviled eggs and potato salad are all musts for a picnic as far as my husband is concerned. This is a "Golden Oldie" recipe for me—I've used it any number of times. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
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The recipe for these four-ingredient biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
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My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? —Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
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For an awesome crunch and golden color without deep frying, we coat fish with cornflake crumbs and bake it. Try it with homemade french fries for a fun spin on fish and chips. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
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When I was in high school, my best friend's mother baked this mini apple pie recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
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This twist on the traditional po'boy sandwich adds flavor and veggies while reducing fat and calories. For a smoked flavor, grill the shrimp. For a lower-carb option, serve the po'boy open-faced on a baguette half. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
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A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member
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Fried chicken may have been perfected in the South, but it is loved everywhere! Seasonings add a little something extra to this recipe, as does a rich gravy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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These crunchy chicken tenders are a little sweet, a little tangy and a whole lot of fun. In half an hour, your family's new favorite dish is ready to eat. When I have extra time, I roast garlic and add it to the sauce. —Andreann Geise, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Cheesecake lovers will savor every bite of this light and pretty pie, even if they don't have to watch their diets. Our whole family enjoys it. —Kim Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
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This simple slaw tastes best when it's refrigerated for at least one hour. The mixture seems to get creamier as it sits. —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
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During chilly months, I fix this jambalaya recipe at least once a month. It’s so easy…just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
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I love blackened chicken and was thrilled when I discovered I could cook it at home. I adjusted an old recipe, making it spicier to fit my taste. If you prefer milder flavors, simply omit or reduce the cayenne pepper. —Lauren Hardy, Jacksonville, Florida
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Looking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio
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These fries are always popular with my meat-and-potatoes bunch. The cheesy seasoning can easily double as a flavorful baked potato topper, too.—Maribeth Edwards, Follansbee, West Virginia
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These onion rings cook to a crisp, golden brown. This is one of those foods you never tire of and a great side dish to so many meals. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
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I’m a busy stay-at-home mom, so I wing it at mealtime. My wraps loaded with Buffalo wing sauce chicken, lettuce and tomatoes are a snap to make. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
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Cajun rice from a restaurant or box can have a lot of sodium and fat. Here’s a hearty, healthy way to trim it down. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
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A subtle orange-flavored filling contrasts nicely with a chocolate-crumb crust. Family and friends always comment on the wonderful flavor and color.—Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
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Mashed potatoes make a wonderful accompaniment to most any meal, so keep this recipe handy.
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This cake mixes up quickly and bakes while we enjoy our dinner. My son, David, loves to help decorate it. —Coleen Martin, Brookfield, Wisconsin
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I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
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This juice is a favorite at our place. I'll often double the batch and send a jar next door to my mother-in-law! I was looking for a way to sweeten lemonade without using more sugar when I came up with the recipe. —Wendy Masters, Grand Valley, Ontario
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I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
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The post Anthony Bourdain’s Favorite Fried Chicken Joint Is NOT What You’d Expect appeared first on Taste of Home.
Jacqueline Weiss
