Unforgettable Chicken Wings: A Journey Through the Worlds Best

Chicken wings are a delicacy that comes in various forms and flavors, with some standing out more than others. Have you ever had chicken wings that were better than any you've ever had during your entire existence on this planet?

Consider a place that makes the best wings in my opinion, a place where an order of wings is served that looks like the image below. These wings are not just large, but extra-large, with utensils not only for your hands but possibly for a small group of people as well. The wings served here are either whole or just the 1st and 2nd segments, and they’re fried to crispy perfection without any batter. Every bite is a celebration of the perfect balance between crispy skin and tender, moist chicken.

They offer a variety of sauces and dustings, such as blue cheese or ranch, but the star is the classic buffalo wing sauce. One of my favorite pairings is a delectable blend of classic buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese dressing, or "garlic parm" butter sauce, which adds a unique twist to the tradition.

A Trip to The Rainbow Lodge

One such place that beautifully represents the heaven on earth when it comes to chicken wings is The Rainbow Lodge, located in Walton, New York. This out of this world food destination is situated in Delaware County, surrounded by a beautiful woodland setting that makes for a memorable dining experience. The wings here are a testament to the highest culinary standards, and you truly need to visit to experience it for yourself.

DIY Crispy Chicken Wings

For those looking to create their own crispy chicken wings at home, a simple yet effective method can be used. First, brine the wings with a thin coat of cornstarch to enhance their texture. After frying, coat them in sweet soy sauce. The result is a wing that is both crispy and flavorful, making it a hit at your next get-together.

Some people might say that the best chicken wings are the free ones. When I was a bartender in the late eighties, this was the case. The wholesaler who supplied chicken to the restaurant had a deal where if the restaurant bought fifty pounds of cut-up chicken, they got ten pounds of free wings. On those days, chicken wings were a daily feast and a perfect happy hour promotion. However, in today's market, the value proposition of buying a pound of wings for a low price is diminishing, for one's quality standard has also grown.

Reflections and Personal Experiences

Reflections on chicken wings are often nostalgic and filled with personal experiences. For instance, the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, is where chicken wings originated. These wings were not just delicious but also provided the perfect accompaniment to a cold Genesee beer, capturing an era of simple pleasures and hearty meals.

For many, the best chicken wings are not found in fancy restaurants but in the comfort of a home-cooked meal or at a casual gathering with friends. The anticipation of a tasty wings dinner, whether homemade or from a local establishment, is part of what makes chicken wings so special.

So, the next time you seek out the best chicken wings, whether in a bustling city or a cozy local diner, remember the simple joy of crispy, delicious chicken wings and the memories they bring. Whether it's the classic Buffalo wings or something unique and unexpected, the magic of chicken wings lies in the incredible flavors and the unforgettable dining experience they offer.