The Ultimate Wingman Is Back! And Reporting Live From The NYC Wingfest.
We asked our buddy the Ultimate Wingman to file a report from this weekend's 4th Annual New York City Wingfest. You may recall his journey to consume 2,011 wings in the year 2011. So, what we're trying to say is this man knows wings.
The aroma of chicken wings filled the air as New Yorkers and tourists rolled up their sleeves for the 4th annual New York City Wingfest this past Saturday at Center 548. More than 30,000 chicken wings were consumed by the 1,800 wing fanatics who flocked to the event, where a dozen of the city's finest barbeque and chicken wing restaurants competed for bragging rights to the title of "Best Wings in New York City."
Defending champ Duke's NYC was in attendance, serving up General Tso and Buffalo-flavored wings in hopes of taking home the golden chicken wing trophy for the third year in a row. However, it was newcomer BBQues Smoke Shack who tallied the highest number of votes with their signature super-spicy wing. With a barbeque cornbread coating, the fiery winning wings were certifiably mouth and eye-watering. Each sample was also served with a side of habanero sauce for wingmen and wingwomen who dared to dial up their heat-meter.
BBQues Smoke Shack co-owner Joe Cutolo said of the win: "We're ecstatic to win the title The Best Wings in New York. Thanks to my co-owner Stuart & GM Mike for such a great job. Amongst the competition we had, we're honored to have won and look forward to defending our title next year at NYC Wingfest."
Rathbones nabbed second place with a traditional buffalo wing that would make any Buffalo native proud. Doused in its special sauce and crisped to perfection, they were dished out with an extra-thick dollop of bleu cheese to temper the heat.
Other competitors included Hill Country Chicken, Tribeca Tap House, Wildwood BBQ, East End Bar & Grill, Neely's Barbecue Parlor, The Windsor, Bon Chon, Blue Haven and Mason Jar.
The Windsor cooked up a delicious wing that was so tender that it virtually slid off the bone on bite, while Neely's racked up huge presentation points with an impeccably plated Applewood smoked wing that exuded a bold BBQ flavor. Tribeca Tap House unveiled to folks a sneak peek (and taste) of a wing that has yet to hit their menu. Cooked with a spicy bean sauce, these newbies were sticky and left a sweet after-burn in my mouth. Wildwood BBQ served a mustardy "Voodoo" wing and Blue Haven rocked a sweet chipotle flavored wing.
Event producer Grant Hewit said of the afternoon, "From traditional Buffalo wings, to numerous BBQ styles, to Korean BBQ, it was an amazing field, and congrats to BBQues Smoke Shack for winning the title! In two weeks the Wingfest Series stops in DC and we're eager to see how the Washington, DC field stacks up against the best in NYC."
Are you hungry yet? DC Wingfest is just around the corner on October 13th. Tickets are still available on the Wingfest website.
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