Calling this offering from Longwood Brew Pub and Restaurant a 'salad' is being generous with how much 'extra' is piled onto the plate. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

CLEAN FOOD

Signature Dish: Longwood Brew Pub’s Blackened Chicken Avocado Salad

Jul 23, 2021 | 11:00 AM

NANAIMO — Longwood Brew Pub and Restaurant’s blackened chicken avocado salad is a mountain of a meal, piled high with fresh and in-house made ingredients which come together to create a beautiful, healthy and filling plate.

Shane Hagan, Longwood’s executive chef, said the salad has become so popular, it’s taken over the ‘brewmaster’ as the restaurant’s top green offering.

“It’s a house-made cajun seasoning grilled chicken, fresh cut avocado, blueberries, strawberries, goats cheese and the house-made pecans with the tender greens. There’s a small size and a large size and you’re going to get your value with the big one.”

Two dressings accompany the bowl: a creamy balsamic-style and a citrus vinegarette and complete the goal of a perfect blend of spicy, sweet and creamy. It’s finished with a sprinkling of sunflower seeds.

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The concept of the salad came from Hagan’s own kitchen at home and is made up of some of his wife, Kim’s, favourite ingredients.

It’s an example of what Hagan calls ‘clean food’.

“Clean food to me really means the less you get into the way of the food, the better it’s going to be for you and the better it’s going to taste. Getting the best ingredients possible is definitely key then just getting out of the way.”

The candied pecans are done in house, while Hagan sources many of the greens and fruits as local as possible.

The blackened chicken salad quickly became a crowd favourite among the standard pub fare and has helped make Longwood a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.

An expansive menu offers all the pub favourites like the famous Longwood burger, nachos, fish tacos, plus entree-style dishes such as hunter pork schnitzel, fish and chips and chicken carbonara.

“Just keep it a good mix, a good blend, trial by error and find out what people enjoy and just listening to the customer. There’s a big snack culture right now, my philosophy would be to fill up a table full of good food, share it with some good beers. We put a lot of effort into the detail and how we make the food and we’re super proud of it.”

Longwood Brew Pub and Restaurant is open seven days a week at their Turner Rd. location from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except for Friday’s and Saturday’s when closing time is pushed back to 10 p.m.

You can find their entire menu and make a reservation online through their website.

Signature Dish is brought to you by Island Savings – A Division of First West Credit Union, learn more at https://www.islandsavings.ca/.

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