Get a taste of Hot Chicken Takeover

On Sunday, I got my first taste of Hot Chicken Takeover at the first of two popups the spicy fried chicken to-go concept is hosting this month. Here's how you can get a taste.

Hot Chicken Takeover, located at the pick-up window at the Near East Side Cooperative Market (1117 Oak St.) in Olde Towne East, is a presale ticket only event. The next popup will be April 26, and to get a notice of when tickets go on sale, you'll need to sign up for their newsletter at their website here. It sold out in days last time, so act fast.

If you miss the next popup, don't worry. Joe DeLoss, the "head fryer" behind the concept, plans to open Hot Chicken Takeover from this carryout window on weekends starting May 10.

For those who've never made the trek down south (specifically to Nashville, where hot chicken is a signature dish, made popular at no-frills spots like Hattie B's), hot chicken is really just spicy fried chicken. Typically hot spices like cayenne are added to the batter for a kick that'll leave your lips tingling. As many of my companions at the community table at Hot Chicken Takeover commented, it's a "burn so good" dish.

DeLoss's Hot Chicken Takeover-a concept he and his wife were inspired to launch after a trip to Nashville in November-nailed the classic taste. It's great spicy fried chicken-a crisp fried coating that's full of heat and flavor with moist chicken underneath, and each piece sits on a slice of white bread to soak up the juices and help conquer the spice. The sides-mac and cheese and coleslaw made from recipes borrowed from DeLoss's grandmother-are perfect comfort food accompaniments. Be sure to wash it all down with a big glass of homemade iced tea.