On a too hot to be outside weekday I recently popped down to try the fixins at Tender Crush, a chicken tender paradise in SoHo. The operation itself is certainly no frills. You order at a kiosk in the front, loud music plays, and nobody is behind the counter for ten minutes at a stretch making you wonder if someone is actually back there making your food. I got there accidentally at 12:20pm, before a huge lunch rush hit at precisely 12:30pm. Still nobody at the helm. Hmmmm.
Then suddenly, a friendly face appeared and she started cranking out Diet Coke Coolers with their signature slushy soda topped with a mountain of creamy soft serve and a cherry. They looked fab and I wished I had ordered one! But I had another dessert in mind.
After twenty long minutes sitting impatiently at a mostly clean booth I had to myself, Smiley called my number and I picked up my dine in food, still wrapped in a signature carry bag. I dug in! First out were the crispiest waffle fries ever. Hot and soft in the middle with a great crunch and just the right amount of spice. Yum.
Next were the tenders themselves. Craagy coating completely covered these two babies and the buttermilk dill I selected as my sauce was creamy, herby and perfect. The chicken was so moist, hot and amazing. Thank god I only ordered the Crush Box Combo with two tenders and fries. They had me at hello. I had a tender moment for sure.
For dessert I went crazy and ordered their signature I Scream Tender– a dessert novelty in the shape of their iconic new york-style crispy chicken tender with a creamy, delectable vanilla ice cream center, and a crispy white chocolate and toffee crust. Even from up close it was hard to believe I was holding ice cream. This too came with a dipping sauce and I selected the strawberry. The ice cream was so good! Shockingly good actually and the crispity crunch of the coating was heavenly. The added strawberry sauce that dribbled off the side was a total bonus.
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