We’ve made it to Week 5 of  “An Intimate Pursuit of a Whimsical Summer of Dining”. As we’re just 24 hours until launch, I am giddy like a kid on Christmas eve for tomorrow’s event. Hot Chicken Takeover!  In case you’ve not been to Hot Chicken Takeover before, here’s what you can expect.

• The nicest people in Columbus: Joe and Lisa DeLoss are some of the kindest you will find; with a passion for the city, great food, and a unique dining experience where all are welcome. If smiling isn’t your thing, stop reading and go watch YouTube videos of dogs doing funny tricks. If that doesn’t do the trick, come tomorrow and we’ll work through this together.
• Food on food on food. HCT is an abundance of food. Your meal will include a large piece of chicken (dark meat, light meat, or boneless), a heaping side of homemade Mac and Cheese, their mayonnaise-free coleslaw that will cool whatever heat you choose, all the homemade ranch you could need to cool your tongue down, and the best sweet tea you can find in Yankee territory. This weekend they are debuting their newest heat level, right between cold and hot.
• Community-Centered Dining: You may be snuggled nice and close to a stranger; meet someone new, share a story, and embrace the time you have sitting leg to leg with someone. You could find a new job, a hot date, or a fun friend.  At the VERY least, you’ll have a funny story to tell for years to come. Take a photo for your Instagram feed (using #summerincbus), but then put the phone away and enjoy some simple conversation. You won’t regret it.

What’s Your Level?

Cold– Fried chicken

Warm- TBD

Hot- it’s going to burn the mouth a bit, but it’s manageable with a hearty dose of homemade ranch. My preferred choice.

Holy- I’ve been praying for you for some time. Don’t be a hard ass, it’s not worth it hours later.

Tomorrow, Joe wants to give you all a premiere experience; the serving typically starts at 12PM Noon, however if you can, show up at 11:40AM and he is going to start us out a bit early to avoid lines. (And be sure to show them some love, they are just as excited as I am). You will likely see a line forming at the window; stand there, order up, and find a seat until they bring your meal out. I’ll be the guy in the corner preparing for a food coma. I hope to keep this as informal as possible, so we won’t be using any sort of Eventbrite ticketing; look out for the tablecloth featured on all of the photography and you will likely find a few of our attendees. Whatever you do, don’t be shy! We’re all about including anyone and everyone, even those who don’t even know this series exists. You can learn more about Hot Chicken Takeover on their Facebook.

Thanks for choosing Columbus and supporting local business. See you under the tent tomorrow! –

Hot Chicken Takeover 1117 Oak Street, Columbus Ohio 11:40AM – 2PM.