(Re-named Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken in late 2014) When you think of chicken, my thoughts and my mind loop over to say, Bojangles or Popeyes. But more often or not, Mami Nora’s and their delicious roasted chicken also comes to mind. This little, local chain started up in Durham and then opened up locations in Raleigh and Morrisville. And that’s because they dish out consistently great eats, why not spread the love? So last year I got invited to the Ethnosh for their new spot in Morrisville and I’m glad to say it’s everything you’d expect out of Mami Nora’s and a bit more.
From the outside, this Mami Nora’s location is a bit different since the two other locations are stand-alone buildings. The Mami Nora’s Morrisville sits in a tidy strip mall right next door to Goody Box Cupcakes. Inside Mami Nora’s, there’s a familiar feel to the place but some noticeable differences. The space is a bit more colorful with a bright yellow fireplace on the right hand side. The order counter is more cafeteria style with an open service area with all the chicken, sides and drinks visible and on display. For Ethnosh, we get a 1/4 chicken with three sides for $5 which is a deal here. I order up a 1/4 dark chicken, yucca fries, corn and some fried rice on the side. Service in this spot is a lot faster, especially given the Ethnosh crowd. Takes 3 minutes or so once we’re at the service area, I grab and Inca cola and go find a table.
And thankfully, the food looks great and the same as the Raleigh location. Rich, dark skinned chicken with spices rubbed underneath marks the sign of good Peruvian roasted chicken. This chicken is roasted over a wood fire making the meat tender and wonderfully flavorful. It nearly falls off the bone. The standout for sides is the yucca fries (not greasy, dense with good crunch) along with the fried rice which I believe is not a standard side, typically. And all of this great food works even better with a dab of their popular and creamy aji sauce, yellow for mellow and green for a bit o’ spice.
What can I say but I loves me some Mami Nora’s and the Morrisville location continues their tradition of great, ethnic eats for not much money. And in a bigger space and with faster service, thank you! Not all restaurant chains get better as they age and expand but thankfully Mami Nora’s is doing it right so far. So thanks for the Ethnosh love and great food, Mami Nora’s!
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken- Morrisville
9575 Chapel Hill Road
Morrisville, NC 27560
919.378.9259
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