In an episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” Guy Fieri ventures into the heart of Albuquerque, mexico/" class="ddd-auto-link">New Mexico, exploring a unique culinary spot nestled in an industrial area rich with microbreweries. The destination of choice? Nexus Brewing Company, renowned not only for its beers but also for its distinctive twist on Southern cuisine.
A Brewery with a Culinary Twist
Located just 10 minutes north of downtown Albuquerque, right off the I-25, Nexus Brewing Company stands out in a neighborhood brimming with microbreweries. Initially, patrons, including Guy Fieri, might visit for the craft beers, but it doesn’t take long for the food to steal the spotlight.
New Mexican Soul Food
Behind the enticing dishes is Albuquerque native Ken Carson, who has artfully combined Southern cooking with New Mexican flavors to create what he proudly calls “New Mexican soul food.” This creative fusion is reflected in dishes like green chili mac and cheese, chicken gumbo with homemade pico, and the star of the show—Chicken Fried Chicken.
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Crafting the Perfect Fried Chicken
Guy delves into the kitchen with Reina, who walks him through the process of making their signature Chicken Fried Chicken. The journey begins with crafting a flavorful brine. “We start off with our water,” Reina begins, adding sea salt instead of regular salt to enhance the flavor. Equal parts of sugar and salt, chopped garlic, and onions are mixed into the brine, where the chicken soaks for 24 hours.
Next up is the egg wash, a concoction that adds a flavorful punch to the chicken. Reina explains, “We use Frank’s Hot Sauce to give it a spicier side,” along with eggs and a bit of water. The brined chicken is then dipped into the seasoned flour—lightly seasoned with salt and pepper—before heading straight to the fryer.
Sides that Steal the Show
While the chicken fries to crispy perfection, Reina prepares some classic sides, starting with collard greens. The greens are sautéed with onions, bacon, and red chili pods for an added kick. The mashed potatoes, topped with a rich gravy made from shallots, cream, and black pepper, complete the comforting plate.
A Flavor Explosion
Guy eagerly dives into the plate of fried chicken, collard greens, and mashed potatoes, his enthusiasm palpable. “I mean, that is some crispy chicken, man,” he exclaims, noting the excellent crunch without the breading being overly heavy. Despite the use of hot sauce, the flavor is balanced and not overly spicy. “Nice mashed potatoes, good crunchy chicken, a lot of flavor,” he summarizes with satisfaction.
The collard greens, however, are the unexpected star for Guy. “My favorite out of all of them is the greens, which I can’t believe I’m finding collard greens in New Mexico,” he says, clearly impressed.