Demetria Obilor, beloved for her charisma on TV and her passion for food, recently brought her taste buds to Harlem’s iconic Charles Pan-Fried Chicken.
Known for whipping up the best Southern comfort food since the 1990s, Charles Pan-Fried Chicken welcomed Demetria with open arms—and an apron—as she dove headfirst into their legendary kitchen and flavors.
“This is the best experience I’ve had in New York so far,” Demetria gushed while sampling the restaurant’s celebrated offerings. And she didn’t just taste; she cooked.
Greeted by staff who recognized her from her broadcasting days, she was whisked from the street to the kitchen.
“I felt like family the moment I walked in,” she said, donning a hairnet and rolling up her sleeves to get hands-on with their famous pan-fried chicken.
A Soul Food Feast
Demetria didn’t hold back when it came to tasting Charles’ signature dishes. From juicy, perfectly sauced fried chicken breasts to tender greens and sugarcane-infused honey drizzled over moist cornbread, every bite delivered comfort and flavor. “The fried chicken was so juicy, I almost lost my lip gloss,” she joked, savoring the crispy skin and homemade barbecue sauce.
She also raved about the tender, smoky ribs and pulled pork, calling them “soulful” and “perfectly marinated.” For Demetria, a Kansas City native who knows her way around barbecue, the dishes were a pleasant surprise.
“This could go toe-to-toe with KC barbecue,” she proclaimed.
The experience wasn’t complete without dessert. Demetria savored a slice of New York-style cheesecake with a unique twist that left her calling it “the best I’ve ever had.”
Hot Sauce Heaven
As a self-proclaimed sauce connoisseur, Demetria found herself smitten with Charles’ hot sauce.
“This might be the best hot sauce I’ve ever had in my life,” she exclaimed, urging her Southern followers to head to Harlem for a taste.
A New York Highlight

Demetria’s Harlem adventure wasn’t just a meal; it was an immersion into the heart of soul food culture.
“This is why I love New York—amazing food and even better people,” she said, beaming after her visit.
For anyone craving authentic pan-fried chicken and a true taste of Harlem, Demetria has spoken: Charles Pan-Fried Chicken is a must-visit.