Published April 12, 2023

Southern Food in the PNW: Chicory

Written by Dawn Weisdepp

Southern Food in the PNW: Chicory header image.

One of the pandemic’s best kept secrets was the start up of Chicory, a casual fine dining restaurant. Featuring a menu with Southern food influences, this restaurant made a splash when the chef, Elise Landry, won a competition on Food Network’s Chopped Next Gen.

Now, what was once a local secret is now becoming one of the hottest dining spots in Olympia. The menu offers Chicory’s staple – the Hot Chicken Sandwich (think “Hot Nashville”) but also features Seared Duck, Braised Short Ribs, and other Cajun-style favorites (Gumbo, anyone?).

A Chicory Manhattan and Good Ole’ Potato Chips

I knew going in that the food would be great – too many of my friends and neighbors had said “have you been to Chicory, yet?” for it not to be. What could go wrong when Southern food meets a PNW influence? But what I didn’t expect was the quality of the handcrafted cocktails on the menu. I had the Chicory Manhattan (it has Pecan Bitters!) and had a sip of a delicious Old Fashioned, before my spouse slapped my wrist and told me to drink my own. Ha!

Southern food, really?

Yes, really. Do yourself a favor and check out the Hot Chicken Sandwich, with Nashville-style fried chicken, smothered with pimento cheese and served on a buttermilk biscuit. I’d recommend using a fork and knife for this one.

We also tried the Seared Duck Breast over crispy potatoes, which was frankly, the best duck I’ve ever tasted.

Last but not least, we tried an interesting twist on dessert – Sheep’s Milk Granita with Concord Granita.

I really enjoyed my recent night out at Chicory. It was casual but felt “fancy”, our host was friendly and made great recommendations, and we left impressed…and full! I see why everyone in town has been talking about Chicory.