Oct. 18—There’s something special about enjoying a bowl of mac and cheese. It takes you back to childhood, doesn’t it? That feeling hit me during my visit to New Mexico’s first Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurant. It opened its doors on October 10.
Before the grand opening, friends and families of the staff were invited to preview the menu. It was packed! Every seat was taken, and the excitement flowed outside into the parking lot.
Deryl Pangelinan, COO of DHC Licensing, the franchise group behind Dave’s, mentioned that the turnout was busier than expected. They’ve already opened over 20 locations. “Seeing the community come together is what it’s all about,” he said.
Among the guests was Toni Kersting and her 5-year-old son, Nolan. Nolan loved the mac and cheese, and Toni couldn’t resist trying the Reaper chicken sandwich. The heat comes from Carolina Reaper peppers, one of the spiciest in the world. Customers must sign a waiver to try this fiery dish.
“It’s really spicy,” Toni admitted, “but I think it’s delicious.” I asked Deryl if New Mexicans could handle that level of heat, given their spicy chile background. “Many from Albuquerque can, but I suggest starting with a milder option first,” he recommended.
At Dave’s, you can choose from seven spice levels: No Spice, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot, Extra Hot, and Reaper. For my meal, I opted for Medium and Hot. Let me tell you, there was a clear difference. The Medium offered a pleasant kick, letting me savor the juicy tender and its savory, slightly sweet breading. The Hot, on the other hand, tested my limits! Even as a fan of spicy food, I couldn’t quite cope without frequent sips of drink.
The other menu items were a hit too. The mac and cheese was creamy, the pickles were crunchy, and the fries were well-seasoned, although I wished they were a bit crispier. Overall, my first experience at Dave’s Hot Chicken was satisfying. It filled a void left by KFC when they removed their Nashville Hot Tenders meal years ago—my first taste of Nashville chicken that opened my eyes to a whole new world of flavors.
I was also impressed by the restaurant’s vibrant decor, transforming the former Panda Express space into a lively spot. The art reflects local culture, featuring nods to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and “Breaking Bad.”
In recent years, several chicken chains have opened in Albuquerque, sparking conversations among locals. Some feel overwhelmed by the options, while others appreciate the variety. As a picky eater and chicken lover, I welcome the new choices, and I think Dave’s Hot Chicken stands out.
If you’re thinking of visiting, you might want to wait a couple of months for the buzz to settle down. The restaurant can get crowded, but it’s definitely worth a trip. Chicken lovers, rejoice! For more on culinary trends and spicy food, check out [this article from the Food Network](https://www.foodnetwork.com/news/what-is-nashville-hot-chicken) for a deeper look into Nashville hot chicken dishes.
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mac and cheese, chicken restaurant, Hot Chicken, Deryl Pangelinan, Pangelinan, Toni Kersting, heat level, Nolan Kersting
