Fried Chicken Heaven

Every second Wednesday of the month since June, a group of us has been trekking to Ina's, a fixture in Chicago's West Loop, ever since we learned that the restaurant offers a gluten- and dairy-free fried chicken dinner those evenings.

When I learned about the monthly event in May, I was elated. I hadn't had fried chicken in years -- and it was going to be dairy-free, too! What's more, I found that it exceeded all expectation.

The restaurant's interior is pleasant and inviting. The waitstaff is informed, and there are gluten-free menus to indicate what's safe for celiacs to eat.

We go for the fried chicken dinner. However, in addition to the fried chicken, there's also a gf salmon entree. Chopin vodka and gluten-free beer are stocked at the bar, as well as a variety of wines, and I must say, the bartender makes good drinks. (I recommend a Chopin vodka gimlet, up.) Gluten-free bread is made available to gf patrons, and there's typically a gf soup of the day. The chicken is served crispy and hot, accompanied by coleslaw and dairy-free mashed potatoes. Unlike many gluten-free foods, this fried chicken is tasty and appeals to any palate; those in our company who are not on a restricted diet routinely order the chicken, too. The coleslaw isn't dairy-free, so I substitute it, no problem, with a vegetable. The portions are generous, so we always go home with leftovers that make for lovely lunch the next day. We typically are too full to partake of the gluten-free dessert options, but there's raspberry sorbet as well as a flourless chocolate cake to complete the meal.

(For friends and family members who aren't following a gluten-free diet and who aren't interested in fried chicken, there are a number of other regular menu items from which to choose, too.)

Last night marked our fourth gf fried chicken dinner at Ina's; we've always had a wonderful time, enjoying a great meal and lively conversation. On our way out, we typically make our reservation for the following month -- yes, it's that good.

Other points of note: The restaurant has been increasingly busy each month since more people are learning about the chicken dinner, so reservations definitely are recommended on these Wednesday evenings. Bonus -- The restaurant is a cell phone-free environment, so patrons don't have to speak over others' loud mobile conversations. And there is generously sized dedicated parking lot adjacent to the restaurant, so finding a spot to park is no problem.

B.'s only complaint: no fried okra. (Hint, hint, Ina.)

For more information on the restaurant, visit www.breakfastqueen.com.