(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
A few weeks ago, I found myself with something entirely unexpected: a break in the day, when I could run errands and even grab a quick lunch. As I drove down Washington Road, I mulled over my options: fast food or local? Local won out — as it should — and it ended up being a place I haven’t visited in probably about five years: DiChickO’s Peri Peri Café.
Located inside New Life Natural Foods, DiChickO’s was first known to me probably more than 15 years ago through friends who continue to be huge fans of their sweet and spicy peri peri sauce. And the café’s menu is built around the sauce, in the form of sandwiches, paninis, flaps (grilled burritos), quesadillas and bowls in a wide variety of protein and vegetarian options. There are also soups (I suggest the
roasted red pepper), salads, desserts, and daily specials too, plus a kid’s menu (for
Little Chicks) and a juice and smoothie bar.
The restaurant is cozy, with plenty of nooks, crannies and little tables to tuck into with friends, smaller high tops for solo diners, and larger tables too for groups. That day, though, I decided to order my meal to go. So I queued up behind a young nanny with two girls who knew exactly what they wanted (“They’ve been here before,” the nanny told the cashier) and a man sitting at one of the high top tables beside the
register, tapping away at his phone.
When it was my turn, the cashier and I smiled at each other, and I instantly relaxed. That’s just the vibe at DiChickO’s. She quietly and efficiently took my order, and I had a little time to meander down the aisles of the natural foods store (they carry Dr. Bronner’s!) then take my place on one of the high tops to tap at my phone while waiting for my order.
I didn’t have long. Very soon, one of the staff brought my white plastic bag to me with another smile, and I was on my way.
Inside my car, I adjusted my sunshade, cranked up the AC and the radio, and settled in to enjoy time alone to myself — something that I also don’t often get these days. My meal was an old favorite: the DiChickO’s bowl. It’s a generous portion, featuring a bed of rice topped with onions, tomatoes, avocado, black beans, grilled chicken and a thick layer of melted cheese. It comes with a cup of rosy-each Peri-Naise — DiChickO’s signature sauce mixed with mayo. You will want to generously dress your bowl with this sauce.
I dug in. My first bite included a lot of melted provolone, the tangy-sweet Peri-Naise, some creamy avocado and the seasoned rice. The next featured the grilled chicken, which seemed to have been marinated in a slightly spicy sauce, some terrific caramelized onion and the tender black beans, with more Peri-Naise.
Although I had every intention of saving half for lunch the next day, I kept taking bites. Then, I was all in.
The dish was as terrific as it had always been. Sometimes I add some grilled broccoli, which adds a smoky component to the dish and some more healthy greens, but I love the simplicity of the original.
And on a day when I got to treat myself with a little me time, it was an added treat to revisit an old favorite. DiChickO’s has been around for a while for a reason: It’s real food, y’all, so full of flavor that you’ll want to come back again and again. DiChickO’s, it’s been way too long.
Make Your Reservation
DiChickO’s Peri Peri Café
2825 Washington Road
facebook.com/DiChickOsPeriPeriCafe
Entrée cost: $7.99 to $9.99
Danielle Wong Moores is a local freelance writer who’ll never turn down a shrimp cocktail, sushi or cheese dip. Her greatest food influences are her mom and writers MFK Fisher and Amanda Hesser. Her Dine and Dish column runs the second and fourth Fridays in The Augusta Press.
