Takeout Adventures: Peruvian Chicken

If you were to evaluate what I've been eating over the past few days, you'd think I was covering a beat on City of Decatur takeout options. Saturday was Subway for lunch then Publix sushi for dinner. Sunday lunch was delicious panini sandwiches and three-cabbage coleslaw from Java Monkey, followed by Noodle peanut noodle dinner bowls for dinner.

Nope. The exorbitant amounts of takeout is due to us moving from our seedy Virginia-Highland apartment into our new casa in Decatur. Since we've been busy moving and I am not being paid to review restaurants, we've been exploring new, affordable takeout options in our new 'hood.

For dinner tonight, I did an imaginary drive-through of downtown Decatur, trying to brainstorm spots we haven't yet explored. Then it came to me.

Las Brasas!

Every time we've been to Feast, we've curiously peered over at the Peruvian rotisserie chicken place next door. I had a good feeling about the place. A quick Urban Spoon search validated my quest for tasty chicken at Las Brasas: a mere seven reviews but all incredibly positive. I read things like "best chicken in ATL" and "I am constantly recommending this place to people." Jennifer Zyman had good things to say in her 2008 Creative Loafing review. Okay, the stage was set.

I dialed up Las Brasas (310 East Howard Avenue; Decatur, GA; (404) 377-9121), where a nice gentleman answered the phone and did not bark at me to "hold please." I said I wanted to make a takeout order, but that I did not actually know what I wanted. I asked for his recommendation.

He proceeded to patiently tell me that the rotisserie chicken is most popular — and that Las Brasas runs a $6.95 special that includes a quarter chicken, one side and a drink. Side options included pinto beans, rice, sweet potato fries, steamed veggies or sauteed veggies. I wish I could have ordered the whole menu! I went with the chicken special (with sweet potato fries) for Dan — and a rotisserie chicken salad for myself. The order taker recommended the balsamic vinaigrette. I was also tempted to order the special potato salad this man recommended, as layers of potatoes with a creamy cheesy sauce and Peruvian spices sounded pretty damn good.

When I arrived at the humble, painted red cinderblock restaurant ten minutes later, I noted a nice little patio that would be great for casual, summer dining. I was greeted by a friendly man named John (likely the proprietor). John was cheerful, gracious and happy to see a new customer. As he finished packing my food and printing my receipt, John asked, "Kathryn, do you like hot sauce?" I said, "sure." So he grabbed a second dressing/sauce from the back and threw it into my bag.

Dan's hearty-sized chicken breast was juicy, tender and flavorful. The sweet potato fries, while not likely fresh to order, were still tasty. My salad was comprised of simple-but-delicious romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, perfect avocados and sliced chicken. The vinaigrette was good but the creamy/spicy/avocado-y second dressing was even better. We both finished the meal very satisfied. Two meals and a drink: $15.

Las Brasas is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. They also provide complimentary delivery for orders $15 and up in a limited area. http://lasbrasasdecatur.com. See the menu here. Because Las Brasas doesn't have a liquor license, they allow BYOB for patio dining.

If you check out Las Brasas this summer, you may find us on the patio with pinot grigio in tow.