When DiChicko’s Peri-Peri Café announced it was closing its Washington Road location last year, it was a blow. After all, DiChicko’s is where I got my start, as the first restaurant I had the privilege of reviewing for another publication many moons ago.
So, I was thrilled when I heard that the owners had just relocated to North Augusta. Even better, my friend Amanda told me that their new location was right inside Riverside Antiques and Treasures.
Antiquing and lunch? For two busy working moms, it was the perfect recipe for a quick get-together.
Amanda was already shopping when I got there, but we quickly found each other and headed to the café. It was like stepping back in time — the café looks almost exactly the same, down to the color palette of rich mustard, vibrant orange and black; the little grocery area with natural products; and the rows of sauces available to dress your sandwich, flap or bowl.
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Because, yes, the menu also looks just about the same, with flaps (grilled wraps), paninis, sandwiches, salads, quesadillas, and bowls and plates (plus apps and soups and a menu for the Lil’ Chicks).
I’d also forgotten (or maybe just always missed in my hunger for a generous platter of food) that there’s also a menu of fresh juices, smoothies, power shots and wheat shots. Rose Delight (strawberries, honey, almond milk and protein) or Aloe Glow (aloe, wheatgrass, acai, blueberries, pineapple and honey) both sounded amazing.
Food wise, I’ve almost always ordered the DiChicko’s Bowl — black beans and rice topped with peri-peri chicken (as spicy as you want it), avocado, onion, tomatoes and a thick cap of provolone — and added the grilled broccoli to it. But today, I was tempted by something different. Perhaps the Mediterranean Flap to get in my day’s supply of veggies—it’s packed with hummus, cucumber, tomato, black olives, onions and feta. Or the Wild Salmon Flap, with salmon, avocado, walnuts, cranberries, onions and fresh greens. Also in contention were the melts, a club sandwich, a veggie burger or a big Greek salad.
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But I’ve always loved the flaps. Some of it is the name — genius! But there’s also nothing like that warm grilled tortilla, folded over a yummy and savory mix of veggies, meat and sauce. So in the end, I chose a different comforting favorite, the Cherokee Flap, filled with chicken, onions, tomatoes, black beans, rice and provolone, and added a cup of the roasted red pepper soup.
Just like the old days, we ordered at the counter, then filled up our drink cups and grabbed a table. Our baskets of food arrived soon after. The cup of soup came with grilled bread, perfect for dipping. Temperature wise, it was piping hot, but I couldn’t wait for it to cool down before trying a bite with bread. It was creamy, earthy and peppery, with great bits of chewy melted gouda throughout, and the bread was crisp with lots of flavor from its quick grilling.
I’d ordered my flap medium, and it was just right, spicy and warm but not overwhelming. The basket also came with a cup of my favorite perinaise — peri peri sauce combined with mayo, sweet, spicy and creamy all at the same time. I slathered it on every bite and was thoroughly happy. The chicken was tender, the beans and rice perfectly seasoned, and the tomato and onion adding their flavors to the mix.
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I’d planned to save half my sandwich for later—but I couldn’t. Each bite took me back, to those early days when I’d just discovered DiChicko’s. If you haven’t discovered it yet, here’s your invitation.
Make Your Reservation
DiChicko’s Peri-Peri Café
646 E. Buena Vista Ave., North Augusta
Entrée cost: $10 to $14
