Roadfood with Misha Collins | Barberton, OH: Episode 6: Barberton Fried Chicken

Small town, lots of chicken:

In Barberton, OH, this small town of 25,00 people in the Northeast section of Ohio, Misha heads out to eat as much fried chicken as possible..

In the beginning of the episode he meets David Yankovich, a friend of Misha’s who lives in this town.  Additionally, he is a senior political advisor.  They meet up at the Coffee Pot, a Barberton staple, for a hearty breakfast.  They talk politics and discuss the shift from Blue Democrats to Red in this town in particular. 

The Magic City:

Barberton is known as the fried Chicken capital of the world.  Once called “the magic city”, it was filled with union jobs and had a thriving community economically for a long time.  The change is palpable to the residents because they see the lost jobs, and empty warehouses, but are incredibly proud of their town.  

The question that no one will answer:

Next up Misha passes through a farmer’s market and meets many people who grow and sell their produce.  He runs into the  mayor, who describes the character of Barberton as a “hardworking, blue-collar city with resilient people”. The one question that he would not answer that Misha asks is, “What is your favorite chicken place?”  This is a loaded question in Barberton.

Belgrade Gardens, which is the first restaurant to serve Serbian Fried chicken, or otherwise known as Barberton Chicken.  Milos Papich, the owner of this establishment gives him a tour behind the scenes.  It is served with a side of hot rice, which is a traditional recipe made with tomatoes and onions passed down through generations.  

Polka anyone?

The crew then ventures to the Slovene Club where he crashes a polka dancing community gathering and learns the bouncy dance.  Gene Kovack, the host of “Polka Time Again” gets in on the action.  They discuss this show, which is the longest running polka dance television show in history.  There is a live accordion band and some lively dancers all around!

A wrestler and a race:

This episode does not slow down!  Next Misha meets up at Hopocan Gardens & White House Chicken with Steve Brookens or better known as, “The Green hornet”.  He is a former Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, who is also the announcer at the car races in town at Barberton Speedway.  Brian Canale, the owner of this restaurant sits down with Misha to give their chicken a try, which is again, juicy and crunchy in all the right places.

This episode has it all!  Car races, polka dancing, motorcycle riding, political discussions and of course, an extra serving of very hot and yummy fried chicken.