I’m basing this theory on a couple of recent visits to different wing spots. I’ve noticed that any time the server or bartender asks if I want my wings crispy, the wings are typically really great. Now, I suppose that could be because I’m ordering the wings the way I like them, crispy. But generally speaking, I’ve found it holds up. If the staff don’t care enough to ask you how you like them, they’re probably not going to be very good.
I’ve wondered in the past whether I should have to order food a specific way to get it how I want it. Or should I just expect every restaurant to make it perfectly? Take wings, for example. Should I have to order my wings crispy, or should they just be crispy? I’ve had this debate with myself time and time again. What finally helped me make up my mind was ordering a cocktail.
My favorite cocktail is a Negroni, and my favorite way to drink one is with just a hair less sweet vermouth than usual. A Negroni is typically equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, but I like mine with just a touch less of the vermouth. So over time, I’ve learned to order my Negroni the way I want it. But should the same be true for food? I feel like the way you enjoy a cocktail is a very personal choice. Is the same true for chicken wings? Doesn’t everybody want their chicken wings crispy? Should we treat food the same way we treat cocktails, and order it the specific way we like it?
And if that’s the case, then I guess I should order all of my chicken wings extra crispy and extra saucy. But where does it end? Do I also order my Buffalo sauce made the way I like it, extra buttery with a lot of white vinegar? To what degree should I customize my food?
Whatever the answer is, I can say that I’ve noticed the places with the best wings ask if you want them crispy when you order. And that’s exactly what they did at Knucklehead’s Brew House in Westmoreland.
I had their version of an everything wing sauce, which leans a little heavy on traditional Buffalo sauce with butter and white vinegar, spicy, with some chunks of blue cheese mixed in. I had their traditional hot wings, which were pretty spicy. And then I had their Death Wish wings.
Now, I was warned that when the kitchen gets an order for Death Wish wings, the cooks are usually back there choking on the spice. So I’ll admit I was pretty nervous when these came out. I wondered if ordering some of the spiciest wings around was an incredibly stupid decision with an hour’s drive home ahead of me. But I did it anyway and took the risk, all for the sake of making a good video. And I’m happy to report that while the wings were really spicy, they weren’t unbearable. These are wings I’d gladly order a dozen of at home and enjoy while the snot and tears ran down my face. Definitely not wings I’d ever eat in public. For me, they were an 8 out of 10 for spice. So, hot? Yes. Unbearable? No.
Regardless, the wings were great all around. Crispy, saucy, and just delicious. I definitely recommend getting out to Knucklehead’s Brew House and giving them a try.
