Wing Thing

I love chicken wings.

There are so many different ways to have them--Straight-up deep-fried, Buffalo style, BBQ, Roasted, Honey-Dipped, In Soup, Refridgerated, with Soy Sauce--that it's dizzying to think about!

The variety of chicken wings is not only hard to keep track of but gives them so much character. I have consumed millions of chicken wings in my lifetime! Here are a few of my recommendations for some great chicken wing places:

• Hooters - Hooters wings are probably the best of any major restaurant chain. A mix of the "wing" and "drumstick" portions, their wings are average sized but their thin-skin, crispiness, and one-of-a-kind thin sauce more than make up. Plus the waitresses don't hurt either!
• Chef Chu's - This Los Altos, CA Asian-fusion place has amazing "Dragon Wings." These huge straight-up deep-fried chicken wings come served with a mix of thinnly chopped hot peppers, onions, and other vegetables. These wings come only in the "wing" portion and with no messy sauce to deal with! You spoon on the mixed dressing and enjoy like a little chicken wing taco.
• Wings N Things - This SE restaurant chain serves up either straight-up deep-fried or buffalo-style chicken wings in a big way. Every aspect of their wings are classical. Big, nice and crispy, sauce is the classic mix of spicy Buffalo. What kills about Wings N Things are their killer serving sizes. I think the last time I went, we ordered a monster serving of 50!!!!!!!
• Treehouse - This small Mexican dive is located in the center of Stanford University. Wings here a very unique. They deep-fry their wings in a unique smooth batter that they come out big, dark brown, and thick skinned. Uniquely dry on the outside and extremely juicy on the inside, try these with Sriracha or Mayo dressing.
• Number 1 Chinese - This fast Chinese restaurant is located in upstate Oneida, NY. If you are ever driving by (and I don't know why!), drop by and get some fried chicken wing appetizer. This place serves up what we've all come accustomed to as classic fast Chinese Wings. These large wings are deep fried with some special starch batter that make them grow in size! Fresh, crispy, not spicy, served whole (with "wing" connected to "drumstick"), these are close to perfect.
• Tokyo Izakaya Wings - If you're ever in Tokyo and have a wing craving go to an Izakaya--they are everywhere. Not only can you get some pretty cool Japanese drinks, but you can get some pretty cool unique fried chicken wings. The places I have tried have a mix of boneless/boned, straight-up fried, deep batter fried. Outside dressing is also unique. One place had an ineffably great spicy spice. Find some local and ask them to show you some good wings!