There's a Creole saying that goes "He-goat makes the gombo; but Rabbit cats it." I have no idea what it means. It's confusing. Almost as confusing as the chef's seasoning choices at Chick & Benny's.
Their shoestring fries? Brilliantly seasoned with Cajun flavor. They are seriously good. So good that I licked my fingers to get all the seasoning off. Rather than just salting up the shoestrings, Chick & Benny's tosses them in a heavy Cajun seasoning that evokes the best flavors from New Orleans kitchens.
So, why three stars?
Here's the problem: It's a chicken joint and I am touting their fries. Because, for some reason, the kitchen put no seasoning on the chicken fingers. The chicken strips weren't all bad. The chicken they used was quality and juicy (although a little tough). The breading was crispy and crunchy like a good chicken finger should be. But the flavor was lacking. No seasoning on the chicken. I wanted to rub the fries all over the chicken and hope the Cajun flavor would transfer. Instead, I just drowned the chicken fingers in honey mustard.
The beignets? Quality, classic powdered sugar pastries--lightly fried and delicate. I'm a fan.
I want to like this place. It's small and brightly-colored. The staff was friendly and very welcoming. Add in brilliant fries and quality beignets and the place earns 3 stars. I just need the chicken to step up its game.