‘Top Chef’ Alum Unleashes Fried Chicken-Filled Waffle Cones on Dupont Circle

A year and a half after arriving in Dupont Circle, Canadian chain The Chickery is calling in Top Chef alum and fellow Canuck Spike Mendelsohn to revamp the menu.

The relaunch details are being kept under wraps for now, but a private tasting scheduled for Monday, October 2, hints at a “reimagined and improved menu” — including an Asian-style chicken sandwich, cauliflower-based creation, and fried chicken-filled waffle cones — coming under the D.C. restaurateur’s watch.

During its first year feeding the 9-to-5 crowd, the quick-service eatery at 1300 Connecticut Avenue NW has focused on rotisserie chicken paired with sides. One of its biggest waistline expanders is a fried chicken finger sandwich.

Mendelsohn has his hands in an assortment of projects around the city as of late. This summer he transformed dimly-lit steak frites spot Bearnaise on Capitol Hill into a brightly colored space for taco lovers. And he’s involved in Morris, the new speakeasy sibling to existing cocktail den The Sheppard that’s headed to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

That opening’s now delayed by about another month. Partner David Strauss tells Eater the team is now hoping to start pouring drinks between late October to mid-November.

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• Look Inside Santa Rosa Taqueria, Spike Mendelsohn’s Splashy Street Taco Spot [EDC]
• The Sheppard Will Stay Open When Morris Debuts [EDC]