Cluck 'n' Cleaver chicken joint opens in Calgary

Cluck 'n' Cleaver, Nicole and Francine Gomes' much-anticipated chicken takeout joint, has finally opened in a small, stand-alone building beside Joey's at 151114thSt. S.W. that was once a rock and gem shop.

The concept combines Francine's love of raising chickens and Nicole's passion for cookingas the owner and chef behind Nicole Gourmet she's been known for her spectacular fried chicken for years.

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"It's a concept we came up with about 10 years ago," Francine said.

"And then I was like, see ya, I'm moving to theKootenays!" There, Francine was a chicken farmer, foraging and living off the land.

Meanwhile, Nicole opened her own company, Nicole Gourmet, and established herself as one of the best chefs and caterers in the city.

But the idea stuck, and when she called Francine to say she thought they should go ahead with their chicken concept, her sister came back home and the pair set to work branding, recipe testing and eventually revamping their space last November.

What's on offer

Their menu is short and simple: perfect fried and rotisserie chicken and sides to go with it: potato salads,chipotlelime, black bean and corn salad, hand-cut fries and spectacular buttermilk biscuits.

To wash it all down: vintage sodas and milkshakes, with jars of homemade cookies on the counter for dessert.

The fried chicken is sold by the piece or box, while rotisserie is available by the quarter, half or whole bird.

With a small parking lot out front and a chicken-inspired curious cabinet inside, it's already a popular stop for those seeking real food, fast.

Cluck 'n' Cleaver is located at1511 14 St S.W., 403-266-2067, cluckncleaver.com, @cluckncleaver.