Maple Syrup Makes This the Best Fried Chicken in Maine

I had to check it out the place recently praised for serving Maine's best fried chicken.

The Food Network recently went on the hunt for every state's best fried chicken. They said that Hot Suppa on Congress Street in Portland was Maine's.

Here's what the Food Network had to say about Hot Suppa's fried chicken:

In Portland, Hot Suppa is known for serving the best-fried chicken in the state. The chicken is locally sourced, brined in sweet tea (a nod to the South), and served with a buttermilk waffle and syrup from Maine to sweeten the deal. Load up on sides like mac and cheese or sweet potato salad and enjoy a great meal.

It was a damn fine piece of fried chicken. They use a boneless thigh, which I often find my favorite part of the chicken. It's always juicy and flavorful. That sweat tea brine gives the chicken a super subtle sweetness, brought home by dipping it in pure maple syrup. It reminded me of my mom's fried chicken she would serve with honey. I consider myself an expert on fried chicken based on my upbringing of having the finest.

I love fried chicken so much that it would be my last meal. You know...the last thing you eat before...they pull the lever. I've known my last meal request forever:

• Fried chicken
• Mashed potatoes
• Gravy
• Corn on the cob with butter and salt (might as well)
• Very, very moist chocolate cake
• Diet Coke

I adore fried chicken, and good ol' Portland has the best fried chicken in the whole state. Do they? It was very, very good, but I still remember Figgy's in Portland. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for that amazing fried chicken.

But Figgy retired, so right now it's Hot Suppa! I may do a fried chicken circuit to see if they truly are the best. Stay tuned...