<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

After watching a recent episode of “Top Chef” (one of my favorite reality shows) where the contestants had to make fried chicken, I had a hankering for the crispy, juicy Southern staple that could only be quelled by a trip to Maryland Fried Chicken, one of Beaufort’s favorite joints for fried food of all kinds. Lucky for me, the restaurant is located down the street from my house, and the rest of the Lunch Bunch

[caption id="attachment_9870" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_0053.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9870" alt="Fried seafood platter." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_0053-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Fried seafood platter.[/caption]

was enthusiastically on board to eat here.

[caption id="attachment_9868" align="alignleft" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_0057.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9868" alt="Individual dinner with three pieces of chicken, potato salad and mashed potatoes." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_0057-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Individual dinner with three pieces of chicken, potato salad and mashed potatoes.[/caption]

I ordered the Individual Dinner that included three pieces of fried chicken and, apparently felt carb-y in choosing my two sides of mashed potatoes and potato salad, and two rolls. That first bite into a fried chicken leg was exactly what I hoped it would be — warm, crunchy and absolutely delicious.

Elizabeth tried the classic Mini-Pack that comes with two pieces of fried chicken, two rolls, and her sides were green beans and tri-taters, which are basically three-sided hash browns that are quite yummy. She also ordered six fried oysters and said they were so good.

We were treated to the company of two of Buck’s three sons — David and Skyler. Buck loved his seafood platter with fried whiting fish, shrimp, oysters and crab nuggets, while Skyler ate every bite of his chicken strip meal with fries.

Nikki was excited about her fried gizzards with fries and potato salad. As someone who did not grow

[caption id="attachment_9869" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_0049.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9869" alt="Mini-pack with two pieces chicken, green beans and tri-taters." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_0049-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Mini-pack with two pieces chicken, green beans and tri-taters.[/caption]

<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_00561.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-9871" alt="DSC_0056" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DSC_00561-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a>up in the South, I must admit that the word “gizzard” grosses me out a bit. But since David also ordered the gizzards and livers dinner, I figured I should at least try one, and it wasn’t too bad. As David said, gizzards are an acquired taste, but I can see why people like them.

Our meal was made complete with banana pudding for dessert.

The restaurant is frequently voted best fried chicken by Beaufortonians, and the honor is well deserved.

Maryland Fried Chicken is located at 111 Ribaut Road, Beaufort — you’ll recognize the iconic sign next to Piggly Wiggly. Call 843-524-8766 for take-out orders or to ask about specials.