Atlantic County Magazine – GACCA Article
Print Date 1.21.2022
By Judy Brenna
Catering & Special Events Director | The Deauville Inn
The beloved winter tradition is BACK, finally, after a hiatus, due to something that rhymes with Shmovid ((I’m convinced now that if you even whisper the actual word it invokes a new variant)). I cannot tell you how truly excited I am about this! As you well know, I am an avid fan of all things comfort-food-oriented. And this event is THE event to not miss. ((Sophia enters stage left saying, “Picture it, Atlantic City, 2019…”. Three hours of non-stop chicken wing inhalation, coupled with delicious, soppy sauces, washed down with delicious cocktails. It’s heaven. Plain and simple. I’m going to break down why you need to go to this event in 4 easy parts.
Part One: What is it? From 1 to 4 p.m. — noon for VIPs — Saturday, Feb. 5, Wing Wars V will take place in the Grand Ballroom at Golden Nugget Atlantic City. Local restaurants will go head-to-head in competition to see who has the tastiest wings and the most amazing dipping sauces. IT IS ALL YOU CAN EAT. Sure, you can be modest and delicate and try a few wings, whilst constantly dabbing at the corners of your mouth, OR you can do what I do and take this as a personal challenge, fast for 2 days prior, do some deep stretching exercises prior, don that special pair of New Balance sneakers for just kind of occasion, then plow through the ballroom, Tazmanian Devil style, with your mouth flip-topped open. The choice is yours. I for one will be wearing my super elastic stretchy pants that have just that extra little extra give, for obvious reasons. You would do well to do the same. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $40 for VIP, which will include one-hour early admission to the event, which is super cool because you get a first chance at the competitors before anyone else does. And oh, what a coincidence, ((#shamelessworkplug)) The Deauville Inn will be there flexing their own wings ((big shout out to Chef TJ Ricciardi))!
Part Two: Timing. This is the perfect time of year to take a break from the NFL Playoffs, with just enough time to gorge on chicken wings before worrying about what you’re going to make for the Superbowl. PLUS, you may decide you like some of the contestants’ wings, which will then give you the most awesome idea of placing a caterintg order for Superbowl Sunday instead of slaving in the kitchen at home. It’s a Win-Win situation. ((Deauville Inn has an awesome Superbowl Catering Menu btw… just saying)).
Part Three: Celebration of Local Restauranteurs. One of the absolute best parts of Wing Wars is watching a ton of local chefs throwing down their best wings. Granted, the list this year may be a smidge different than in 2019, but this year’s lineup is seriously impressive. Come and enjoy the best of the best from restaurants like Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Essl’s Dugout, Hooters, Chelsea Five Gastropub, Michael Patrick’s Brasserie, Bills Bar & Burger, Lillie’s, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, OSHI Modern Kitchen, Villain & Saint, Water Dog, the incomparable Deauville Inn ((insert smirk emoji here)), South 9 Bar & Grille, Costello’s Pizzeria & Wings/McGettigan’s 19th Hole, Renault Winery, Atlantic City Eatery, Surf Dog Bar & Grill, Laureldale Pub and Grill, Root Cellar Tavern, and Freddy J's Bar & Kitchen, so far! Restaurants are still signing up. This is a complete and total celebration of our region’s finest, coming out, serving up their fiercest wings, sauces, and dips, and having a ball in process. It’s so much fun to watch from a restaurant goer’s perspective.
Part Four: The Party. Sure, yes, it’s a chicken wing contest, but’s really it’s just a huge party. This event is not just limited to consuming ((or in my case, inhaling)) wings. But it’s so much more. There will be a huge bar set up offering a great selections of craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails to wet your whistle, and the coup de grace, live music! See? Big party.
Not to mention the contests throughout the event. And you, the attendee, get to vote your favorites, best wings, and best dipping sauce. And there’s even going to be a wing eating contest! I will absolutely be entering, although the last time I went, I entered and only got in 3 ½ wings before they declared the winner. Such is life!
My people, I implore you to stop reading this and go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-atlantic-city-weekly-wing-wars-tickets-224766150607?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb today and purchase your tickets for this event. You will not be disappointed, and your bellies will be full. Plus you can come visit me at the Deauville Inn booth!
Until next week, Folks! #stayjerseystrong
