Chef Sean Brock Reveals the 5 Fats That Flavor the Essential Fried Chicken at Darling Restaurant, Why He’s Obsessed With Vinyl and His Scary Dolly Parton Story

Chef Sean Brock revealed on March 18, 2024, that Darling, his West Hollywood restaurant, uses a blend of five specific fats for its fried chicken. The fats include rendered chicken fat, lard, beef tallow, duck fat, and clarified butter, a combination he believes is essential for achieving the dish's signature flavor. Brock, a proponent of preserving traditional Southern culinary techniques, also discussed his passion for vintage Southern-flavored vinyl records. A prominent listening bar, stocked with records from artists like Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard, is a central feature of Darling, reflecting his dual interests. He shared a personal anecdote about Dolly Parton, describing it as a "scary" encounter, though details of the story were not elaborated upon in the provided text. Brock's approach to food emphasizes authenticity and historical context, extending to his curated music collection which complements the restaurant's ambiance.