IN SEARCH OF WINGS
IN THE reality TV show Newlyweds, American singer Jessica Simpson was notoriously quoted as declaring over dinner that she could not eat buffalo wings because she doesn’t eat buffalo:
[Nick, Jessica, Drew, and Lea are eating dinner at a restaurant]
Lea: [referring to the buffalo wings on the table] Try these?
Jessica: I don’t eat buffalo
Lea: It’s not buffalo, you idiot! Oh my god...
Jessica: It’s not?
Lea: No, it’s chicken!
Jessica: Well, it’s – then, why do they call it buffalo wings?
Nick: Baby, come on, you know it.
Jessica: I don’t know this!
Drew: ’Cause barbecue wings started in Buffalo or something like that... You don’t find it weird that buffaloes don’t have wings?
Jessica: Never thought about it.
As a matter of fact, buffalo wings are said to have originated at a bar in Buffalo, New York. There are various stories: wings instead of backs or necks for spaghetti sauce arrived; son arrived unexpectedly and husband and wife bar owners had to create something quick; husband wanted to treat customers at midnight and only wings were available.
My favorite version told of a wrong delivery which had bar owner Frank Bellissimo, thinking it would be a waste to use the wings for spaghetti sauce, instructing his wife “to figure out a more dignified end for the wings” (story from The New Yorker).
Whatever the version though, they all acknowledge that the recipe is by Anchor Bar co-owner Teressa Bellissimo, who whipped up the spicy barbecue sauce and deep fried the wings in the ’60s. (Incidentally, the historic creation date is said to be October 30, 1964 so Happy Buffalo Chicken Wings Anniversary!)
Here in the Philippines, our first experience of these chicken wings would be from American franchises such as T.G.I.Friday’s and Chili’s. Recently, Hooters at the Mall of Asia has become an attraction for its chicken wings (served, of course, by the pretty Hooter girls). It seems, though, that Manila has decided to take a break from franchise restos as small, out-of-mall buffalo wings joints have been popping up in the Metro in the past couple of years.
In Katipunan (also with a branch in BF Homes) is Flaming Wings. A favorite student hangout because of its affordable prices, Flaming Wings has been word-of-mouth accredited by seasoned wing eaters. Best on the menu is the New York Style Chicken Wings in Original Sauce. The skin is slightly crispy, the flavor biting. Other flavors include Mild n Sweet, Wild, Smokey Barbecue and Caribbean but I feel there is no need to digress; a bucket of the Original and you’re good to go.
Even better than Flaming Wings, though – and Flaming Wings fans are free to disagree – is Ortigas Home Depot’s Buffalo’s Wings n Things. The wings here are slightly plumper and the bite is sharper. Do also try their Garlic and Parmesan wings, whose parmesan calls for attention. Do not be a sissy and make do with the Rookie (mild flavored). But do NOT attempt the Armageddon, either. Spicy as hell with flames that creep up your throat, it is as painful as watching Bruce Willis die in a movie.
Recently gaining immense popularity, thanks in large part to the publicity from athlete/host /co-owner Reema Chanco, is Wingman at the Collective. While the classic wings continue as Wingman’s bestseller, if you care to digress from original flavors, this is the place to go. Chef Erik Waldie has created twists with mango flavors and such that are endearing to the Asian palate. The place has formed a cult following among sports lovers (ultimate frisbee or football fanatics) and niche celebrities.
Meanwhile, at The Fort beside the Shell gas station, is a wings take-out stand called Wing Kings. The wings here lack the energy of the competition but the convenience of delivery is offered, as well as pleasant creative versions like Sesame Teriyaki and Oriental Kung Pao.
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| Chicken "lolliwings" instead of Chicken Wings at Mr Jones |
Then again, you can always just make your own chicken wings. At just around P120 for a kilo at the supermarket, that’s a bucket of almost 2 dozen wings to enjoy at home! •
Flaming Wings.
Quezon City: 318 Katipunan Ave., QC.
Tel 929-6900. BF Homes: 302 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque. Tel. 829-5782.
Buffalo’s Wings N Things.
Ortigas Home Depot Tel. 994 8887. BF Homes, Parañaque Tel. 703 4867.
Delivery Hotline 2121212 and 788 6900.
Wingman at The Collective.
7274 Malugay Street, Makati. (No landline.)
Open 11:45 a.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
Wing Kings.
32nd St., Bonifacio Global City (beside Shell). Tel. 775 8229.
There is no sincerer love than the love of food. - George Bernard Shaw
