"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> D.Currie wrote:
>> "rmg" > wrote in message
>> . ..
>>>
>>> "D.Currie" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> This is probably a hopeless quest, but...
>>>>
>>>> When I was a kid, my mother worked a German restaurant, and the
>>>> owner/cook
>>>> made chicken that we always called "Red Chicken." There was
>>>> probably a name for it on the menu, but I was a kid, so...it might
>>>> have just been roast chicken, for all I know.
>>>>
>>>> Anyway, the place burned down, the owner moved away, and my mother
>>>> was never able to beg, borrow or steal the secret recipe while she
>>>> worked there. I think she even offered to buy it, but in any case,
>>>> he wouldn't tell.
>>>
>>> I never understand it when people won't share their recipes. GREAT
>>> RECIPES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SHARED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>>>
>>> argh.
>>>
>>
>> The thing is, I can understand him not wanting to give it up while he
>> had the restaurant, but after the place went up in flames and he
>> decided not to reopen, I can't see how it would have hurt.
>
> I'm sorry I can't help with the recipe (the chicken may well have been
> patted well with paprika prior to roasting, hence the deep red colour).
> I've never had much problem with chefs sharing their recipes with me.
> This
> won't help in your case, but if I enjoy something very much at a
> restaurant
> I usually make a guess at the ingredients and method. Then I find out if
> the restaurant has a web site and send the chef an email with my best
> guess.
> I've gotten a number of recipes in that manner because they have enough
> ego
> to (1) want to correct me and (2) are pleased someone is trying to
> duplicate
> the recipe.
>
> Jill
>
>
This place burned down long before there was a web to be searched,
unfortunately. And the owner was a stubborn fellow, to say the least, and I
don't know how well he actually liked my mother to give her the recipes. I
recall some pretty lively stories that involved him threatening her with a
butcher's knife.

Paprika no doubt played some part, but there was definitely more than just
skin and spices.