Toronto Wing Festival 2013

Couple weeks ago I gave a shout out to the Toronto Wing Festival and the day finally arrived when we were able to stuff ourselves on wings. I barely ate much during the day and totally prepped myself for some major wing-ing. Unfortunately the weather was crappy with rain showers just as we stepped out, but that didn’t keep wing fans at bay because the place was quite packed when we got there around 6ish. Packed but not crazy.

 Ticket holders were able to sample wings at all ten vendors and over 20,000 wings were being made on site, yes in the rain. Mad props to the chefs, vendors, volunteers and organizers. Line ups weren’t bad except for a couple spots but luckily for us, we got through each vendor. I was getting stuffed mid way but I knew I had to sample them all … how else would I be able to tell you my dear reader, Whose Wing was King ?

I was very jealous of the hubs downing his Steam Whistle because it was the perfect pairing for some spicy spicy wings and while I sneaked a couple sips, I really and truly could have had a couple on my own. Few more months right? The music was fab, the game was on and people mingled, grinned at each other with their wing sauce painted faces (who needs makeup!) and had a fab time. I was a bit shocked when some vendors ran out of wings around the 9 p.m mark but I suppose that was expected. Luckily I was getting ready to head out and had sampled it all. The Little Monkey had a great time running about (much to my horror as it was packed) but there were seats when we wanted, people to entertain her and oh my! Did she ever eat wings! She easily had 7 on her own, which doesn’t sound like much to you, but it is quite a bit for a toddler.

So without further ado, here’s my thoughts on each of the Wingtestants!

1) First up we had Right Wing‘s three offerings. Honey, Roasted Red Pepper and Exorcist. Boy oh boy… we love our spice and have done some hot wings before but this was crazy spicy and even I needed a quick sip of Steam Whistle to calm the taste buds. Loved the spice! I wouldn’t be able to have more than 4 at a sitting is my guess. Nice meaty wings. I did love their dry rub wing .. perfect balance of salty and flavourful.
2) Real Sports Bar and Grill, winners from last year were also this year’s People’s Choice winner. They clearly had a lot of marketing dollars because their girls were running around chatting the guys up and ensuring that everyone had one of their buttons. Very election-esque! Chef Tony was obviously razzling and dazzling the crowds as they came in hunger. Again good wings, nice and meaty and best of all… some veggies!

3) Office Pub was a surprising find as they had some damn fine wings. Their Mango Pineapple Tequila wings were a favourite of mine and definitely garnered my vote for Whose Wing is King. The Little Monkey loved them too. They also had a classic version on offer and it was decent but just on par with everything else I’d had so far.

4) Drums N Flats were my brother’s favourite. They had smoked their wings half way and then added the sauce. Very smokey and very different. Definitely a good contender but not as good as their neighbour the Office Pub.
5) Hooters were decently spicy and saucy but only because I had super low expectations here. I’d say they had the skinniest wings and had a Jack Daniel’s flavour profile even though I believe they were Buffalo style. They did win Judge’s choice for classic wings!

6) Hard Rock was yet another surprise. It was quite loud by the time we got to them and the lovely chicken gal was trying to yell to ensure I knew what I was getting. The specially marked one was the hub’s favourite – a tangy wing which I believe made a reappearance from last year. His vote definitely went to Hard Rock for whose wing in king!
7) Tilted Kilt was unfortunately the one I couldn’t stomach at all. The curry style wing with plantain chips looked exotic but was not what I was looking for.

8) Whistler’s was mediocre and unfortunately the server was not able to tell me what flavour wings I was supposed to be having. Was hard to say but it was salty and wet.

9) Pour House seemed to have the meatiest of wings. Not only that but they had four different sauces! You know I had to try them all. To be honest, the sauces were okay but their wings were best on their own. Lovely dry rub (almost) and the perfect amount of salty savouriness to hit the spot.

10) Hey Meatball, winners of the Judge’s choice for exotic got a well deserved win. Their wings were the last ones I had that evening and while I was stuffed I knew I had to taste them. They had a kalbi influence and exactly what I’d imagine Korean wings to taste like. Another good one!

A fantastic night with friends exploring wings, filling our bellies and supporting a great cause, the Rotary Club of Toronto Skyline. Will we be back next year? You betcha !