Before refrigeration, fried chicken made for the best summer meal. It was ideal for traveling long distances or for outdoor picnics — it was already cooked, it stayed crispy, and it was inexpensive. Today is National Fried Chicken Day, which pays homage to the deep-fried delicacy. Kansas Citians so love the dish that the two locations of the iconic Stroud's (4200 Shawnee Mission Parkway in Fairway, 913-262-8500, and 5410 Northeast Oakridge Drive, 816-454-9600) have been serving a classic three-piece dinner — with soup or salad, potato, green beans and cinnamon rolls — for 78 years (even if it now costs $15.50 and $14.50, respectively). The $4.99 chicken dinner at Niecie's Restaurant (6441 Troost, 816-444-6006) is a cheaper meal: three pieces of fried dark meat with two side dishes and a choice of dinner roll or cornbread. Looking for a great gluten-free fried fowl? Oh Boy! Chicken in Lawrence (1006 Massachusetts, 785-856-6269) serves an eight-piece bucket for $13.85.
