IMBIBE | Chickadee Room x Juke Fried Chicken x Chinatown

Chinatown—(July 12, 2020) As a result of BC's Phase 2 reopening COVID-19 protocols, the team behind Juke Fried Chicken established The Chickadee Room run by bar manager Sabrine Dhaliwal—you can usually spot her safely behind the plexiglass-protected bar in a full face shield—as a separated cocktail spot and cozy dining room offshoot to their takeout counter located in the adjacent space (now separated by a spiffy new black and pink wall).



The reason for the new concept is to reduce as many points of physical contact as much as possible. You order online from an array of handcrafted signature and classic cocktails as well as their full menu of Southern-fried fare including the usual chicken and ribs (served in disposable takeaway boxes) on your phone and enjoy your own personal space in the intimate, retro vintage-themed room.

Greyscale (with gin, black lime, black sesame, lime juice, and egg white)

This new setup allows the very talented Dhaliwal (formerly of West, Uva Wine Bar, and Pourhouse), who joined the Juke team last fall, to put more of her own signature stamp on Chickadee's expanded cocktail program. It's hard to describe how truly enjoyable and refreshing it was to finally taste a complex and professionally handmade drink from a trained bartender again.



I also highly recommend the choose-your-own-cocktail option (aka "Dealer's Choice") where your bartender will make an original, customized libation based on your preferred style (neat, rocks, short, or stirred) and flavour profile (citrus, bitter, sour, or smokey). Also, get the chicken and waffles (with biscuits and dipping sauce).

Backyard Shenanigans (with bourbon, Campari, honey, lemon, and grapefruit bitters)

Chickadee's emphasis on safe physical distancing while maintaining the same sense of fun in dining and imbibing feels like a winner. It's probably as comfortable as you're going to get eating and drinking in a safe environment indoors.

Please continue to stay safe, especially when going out, and follow all the outlined precautionary measures.


More | YVArcade / 2018 / Globe and Mail / Straight / Van Mag