We hold this truth to be self-evident: Golden Flake’s Sweet Heat BBQ chips are the best things that ever happened to a potato. Don’t @ me, bro. The combination of sweet and spicy perfectly tickles the palate, and competitive barbecue cookers have learned that the best way to delight judges with their smoked meats and sauces is to offer both these flavors layered on top of each other.
So I’m extremely fired up to hear that Shane Nasby of HoneyFire Barbeque and John Lasater of Hattie B’s have decided to bring their sweet smoky and spicy hot chicken together for a collaborative dinner at Nasby’s Bellevue restaurant this Sunday, Aug. 11. The duo met while cooking at various food events and became friends, and it didn’t take long before the idea of a collaboration started percolating within their culinary genius brains.
Both chefs recently appeared on WSMV’s Today in Nashville show to talk about the event and explain the process behind their combined dish. The main course of the four-course family-style dinner will feature honey-rubbed chicken smoked over hickory by Nasby, and then battered and fried before being dipped in Hattie B’s signature spice and then presented with a flight of HoneyFire’s sauces for diners to pick from. Both hot and mild versions of the Franken-chicken will be available to meet your capsaicin needs.
The chefs also collaborated on inventive side dishes to show off their signature spice profiles for the $50 dinner, including some dishes that are not usually part of their regular menus. Here’s what they say they’ll be serving that evening:
First Course — Honey Hot Block Bites and Hot Chicken Bites
Second Course — Georgia White Hot Shrimp with Smoked Lemon Vinaigrette and a Simple Salad
Third Course — Smoked Hot Chicken served with Pimento Mac n Cheese, Beer Braised Greens, and Grilled Potato Salad with Candied Bacon
Fourth Course — Buttermilk Pudding Cakes with Bourbon Peaches and PB Banana Pudding Shooters
There will be two seatings, at 5 and 7 p.m., and all tables will be filled up to facilitate the family-style service. So don’t be concerned if you’re seated with strangers; everyone is friendly around the hot chicken table. Tickets include passed hors d'oeuvres, salad, main course plus sides, and dessert as well as soft drinks or tea. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. The event is designated as an 18+ event, so it’s for adults only. You’ll need to make reservations in advance at HoneyFire BBQ’s website, so pick whether you’d prefer to eat early or late and make your plans accordingly.
