"This was the year fast food fans went bonkers for fried chicken sandwiches, thanks in part to all the Popeyes hype. But Seattle has plenty of excellent local iterations that have been around for years — and Ma’aono in West Seattle may just be the crown jewel of them all. The prep alone on these birds is legendary, as they’re brined, dredged, and double-fried before being served up on toasted King’s Hawaiian buns." - Gabe Guarente