Light It Up! Flaming Wings
If there's something that I can't ever get enough of, it has to be fried chicken wings. Korean, buffalo, or just plain fried, these pocket-sized dynamites are the surest way to perk up my otherwise ordinary day. I could nibble on these members down to the bone that Bantay no longer has anything to chew on. Maybe someday I'll grow my own wings!
And so, on a hungry drive home, there was absolutely no question when she suggested to try out another wing joint. Flaming Wings had long stood amidst the restaurants that came and go along Aguirre Avenue, near my home. But surprisingly, in more than 10 years that they have developed a loyal following, I had never set foot on their BF Homes branch even if it was just a stone's throw away. Destiny dictated that I experience my first Flaming Wing encounter in a relatively newer and hipper branch along Katipunan Extension. And so it was.
The picture says it all.
The shop was larger than the one in BF Homes, with tables also arranged out front for an al fresco feel. The place was nearly packed that night, but luckily we found a comfortable spot near the glass panel windows. The interiors were brightly lit and cozy, exuding a neighborhood diner vibe. It felt a little cramped though, with the wash area literally beside a dining table. Too bad for those seated there.
Surprisingly, they had a full-board menu, replete with pasta choice, rice combos, and even salad! But we were here for one thing alone of course. We quickly ordered two sets of 3 wings, with different flavors. There were 6 flavors to choose from, rivaling that of Buffalo's Wings and Things. Naturally, we opted for the spicier versions.
Original, 3 pieces, P147
After we placed our orders, I thought the 3 pieces were too few and too shabby. It might not even tickle my stomach. But when it arrived, I was delightfully surprised. These were 3 whole pieces of wings - not the chopped up versions (the pointed part and the mini-drumstick) cooked up in some wing joints. Although, these wings were a tad smaller than those I have tried in B.Wings and Ritchie's Diner. The wings were perfectly deep-fried to a crisp, with the breading thin and light. The meat was soft but rather dry. The sauce which draped these was flawlessly tangy and had a slight kick, staying true to the original buffalo wing flavor. Sadly though, the wings were coated too sparingly with the signature sauce. By the time you get to the meat inside, the flavor was no longer there. The only saving grace was that the garlic aioli dip I ordered with this was enough to rescue the lost quintessence. Perhaps that's why the dip comes free with each order.
Wild, 3 pieces, P147
On the other hand, the Wild version amped up the flavor a few notches higher. It had a bolder flavor, a stronger and spicier kick that tends to slowly release the pain with each successive bite. The tangy overtones of the buffalo recipe was still present, although the spice level was overpowering. Nevertheless, the kick was nowhere near the level of Buffalo's Wings and Things' Nuclear. Again though, it seems they scrimped on the sauce. I could barely taste it once I got to the meat inside. The chicken itself was firm and thoroughly cooked, although a bit dry. The ranch dressing we requested again rescued the wings from my total lambasting.
Flaming Wings was spot-on in its flavor, staying true to the Original buffalo tangy sensation while leveling up with its Wild version. Strangely enough, at first bite of the Wild flavor, it tasted nearly the same as the Original, until you bite in succession and then that's when the spunk bursts forth. I hoped that their thrifty sauce was just an aberration that night, rather than their usual mix. It leaves me to wonder why would they scrimp on flavor when they actually have the right blend. A few scoops of more sauce wouldn't hurt. Some people just love licking the sauce off their fingers. Like me.
Sipping the night away.
Nonetheless, the big 3-piece serving is enough to keep me coming back and craving for more. What with their nearest branch just a hop and skip from my home. Hopefully, that branch serves more sauce than the one along Katipunan Extension, which is relatively new. Still, the latter branch deserves praise with a larger shop, more parking space, and a quieter atmosphere. Service was prompt too.
Through the years, Flaming Wings has remained atop the battle for the best wings in the metro. With its strategic locations across schools (rivals DLSU and Ateneo) and within swanky subdivisions, it has developed a die-hard following. Rivals have arisen though, challenging for the top spots. But with its refined original buffalo wing flavor and just a few minor tweaks, devoted fans are likely to still pick Flaming Wings over the others. I, however, am more adventurous and would love to try a broader range of flavors and more creative concoctions. Still, for that no-nonsense straight-up buffalo wing experience, Flaming Wings will surely light me up.
Flaming Wings
Katipunan Avenue Extension (right past Pinesville Road in White Plains)
Quezon City
Written by Jones
I love chicken wings too!!! and I think I have grown wings in the process of eating and eating and eating mounds of chicken wings! :)
ReplyDeleteJaney
Between Bites
www.janedchua.com
hahaha yeah same here! if eating chicken wings had that effect, we would have flown outta here already :)
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