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| The Thigh & Mighty Sandwich |
Nando's PERi-PERi is already one of our favorite fast casual restaurants; so I was extra excited to sample their new menu at their newest location at 411 H Street, NE, along the H Street Corridor. Nando's familiar stars (Nandocas' Choice, Portugese Rice, PERi-PERi Nuts) are still available; but Wednesday's visit was all about the new kids on the block, led by the Thigh & Mighty Sandwich, which lives up to its name (and then some.)
Please don't take my words lightly. The Thigh & Mighty might be the best chicken sandwich I've ever had. Two thick, juicy boneless thighs tucked inside a Portugese roll (toasted, of course) and topped with fresh arugula, PERinaise, pickled red onions (the pickling makes a huge difference) and a chunky wedge of tomato. Perhaps you're thinking: Chicken... How good could it be? Nando's chicken isn't like other chicken: It's packed with spices that transcend Mom's Sunday bird into a succulent recreation, that you can't wait to have again (and again.) Highlighting dark meat only enhances its already stellar flavor; and it's a steal of a deal for $11.95 with a regular side, or $13.95 for two.
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| Chicken Thigh Skewers (with PERi Chips) |
Just in case you're trying to avoid bread (and shame on you, if you are) Nando's also offers Chicken Thigh Skewers with red onions and peppers (and a side for two quarters less, $11.45.) The chicken's just as delicious; but the pickled red onions and sweet tomatoes in the sandwich, up the ante... so much so, you can justify a few extra carbs from the roll. On the plus side, the skewers total a mere 310 calories (minus the side, versus a still healthy 523 in the T&M.)
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| Quinoa Salad |
Then again, salads might be your thing. I normally go for the Mediterranean Salad (with chicken) but rarely do I walk away impressed from something new and green. Such was the case with Nando's Quinoa Salad ($9.45.) Be warned, it's high in calories (almost 1,000) but it's packed with flavor, courtesy of creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes and squash, atop a bed of black quinoa and zesty greens. Best of all (yes, there's more) there's a generous sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese that makes it even creamier. Yum.
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| Braised Brussel Sprouts |
Also new to the menu, Braised Brussel Sprouts, which I must admit aren't my favorite green; but Nando's is smart enough to braise them in sweet butter with a kick of chili at the end. Even with the butter, a side weighs in at a svelte 111 calories. Score! You know me: I'd much rather opt for Cole Slaw or the underrated Butternut Squash and Grilled Corn... but I finished a rather large bowl of 'em, so who knows? Perhaps I'm a convert. One more reason to try something new: You never know what's gonna become a new favorite.
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| Blood Orange & Mango Lemonade |
No new desserts (cue tears) but Nando's does provide two tasty new libations... perfect for the upcoming hot weather. Blood Orange & Mango Lemonade and Pineapple Lemonade (both $3.25 a glass.) The former's twice as tasty (blood orange rules) but if you like pineapple (me, not so much) you're in for a treat, as it's batch-made and very pineapplely.
Service at the new H Street location was (as at most Nando's) terrific, especially our hostess/server (whose name sadly escapes me.) The new digs feature original works of art, a striking 25-foot high chandelier and exposed walls that pays homage to the H Street of old. There's also a large communal table on the first floor; although I prefer sitting upstairs (more cozy and quiet.) The space measures in at a tidy 4,550 square feet, and seats 138 customers over two levels. Check out the new menu additions below, and click here to see the full menu. Coming soon: A new location at Woodley Park (this summer) less than a mile from home. Cue applause (and frequent visits.)
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| Click above to enlarge |
