WingFest 2018 A Flavorful Dash Against Time

Chicago’s culinary landscape is renowned for its deep-dish pizza, iconic hot dogs, and a vibrant food festival scene that draws enthusiasts from across the nation. Among its most anticipated events is the annual WingFest, a true paradise for chicken wing aficionados. Whether your palate craves the subtle zest of parmesan-dusted mild wings, the fiery explosion of ghost pepper-infused creations, the rich, smoky embrace of bourbon BBQ, or the adventurous fusion of gochujang, pineapple, and mango, WingFest promises an unparalleled gastronomic journey. This year, the 19th edition of Chicago’s Best WingFest, held at the UIC Pavilion, once again delivered on its promise, offering an extraordinary array of flavors to satisfy every craving and introduce attendees to exciting new culinary delights.

Embracing the Unexpected: A Personal Journey to WingFest

As a long-time follower of this blog knows, my culinary preferences lean distinctly away from spicy foods. This inherent aversion, coupled with the unique challenges of being heavily pregnant, often leads me to exercise extreme caution when contemplating new dining experiences. The looming questions before WingFest were palpable: Would there be enough mild options to truly enjoy the event? How would standing for extended periods impact my already swollen feet and aching ankles? Was the potential discomfort genuinely worth the experience? Ultimately, the allure of discovery and the vibrant spirit of the festival triumphed over my reservations. I am delighted to report that my initial fears were entirely unfounded. The selection of mild wings was not only abundant but also incredibly delicious, the crowds were surprisingly manageable, and the entire experience proved to be an absolute blast, leaving me with joyful memories and a full stomach.

The Legacy of Flavor: A Brief History of Chicago’s Premier Wing Festival

Established in 1999, WingFest has steadily grown into one of Chicago’s most beloved and popular food festivals. Each year, it attracts an impressive crowd of over 3,000 dedicated chicken wing enthusiasts, who “flock” to the event with one goal in mind: to devour more than 9,000 pounds of delectable wings. This remarkable culinary spectacle has become a cornerstone of Chicago’s food scene, celebrating the humble chicken wing in all its glorious forms. It’s a place where local restaurants showcase their creativity, competing for prestigious titles and the adoration of a hungry public, all while fostering a lively community atmosphere centered around good food and shared passion.

Unprecedented Scale and Fierce Competition at This Year’s WingFest

The 19th annual WingFest marked a significant milestone, proudly presenting its biggest event to date. Over 30 restaurants, a mix of cherished returning favorites and exciting new contenders, vied for an array of coveted prizes. These accolades included the grand “Best of Fest” award, along with specialized categories recognizing excellence in flavor: “Best Mild Wing,” “Best Hot Wing,” “Best BBQ Wing,” and “Best Exotic Wing.” The competition was intense, with each establishment bringing their A-game, hoping to impress both the judges and the thousands of discerning attendees. Beyond the official awards, WingFest also hosted its legendary wing eating competition, a thrilling spectacle where competitors battled against the clock to consume a dozen wings faster than anyone else, all in pursuit of the esteemed title of “Lady of the Wings” or “Lord of the Wings,” accompanied by generous swag and well-deserved bragging rights.

Star Power and Fan Engagement: Emceeing the Wing Extravaganza

Adding to the excitement and prestige of the event were this year’s charismatic emcees: Elliott Bambrough, the three-time Emmy Award-winning host of WGN’s Chicago’s Best, and Samantha Thomas, host of SmallTALK with Samantha. As an avid viewer of Chicago’s Best, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet and snap a picture with the intrepid Elliott. A special thank you to Samantha for graciously taking our photo! Their vibrant personalities and engaging presence elevated the festival atmosphere, keeping the crowd entertained and the energy high throughout the day. They masterfully guided attendees through the various competitions, announced winners, and ensured that everyone felt part of this grand celebration of chicken wings.

Mastering the All-You-Can-Eat Challenge: Strategies for WingFest Success

The secret to conquering any all-you-can-eat wing bonanza, especially one as expansive as WingFest, lies in a delicate balance: sample as much as possible while meticulously pacing yourself. The plates offered for sampling were generously sized, and the sheer volume and variety of wings available to try and devour were staggering. To truly maximize the experience, a strategic approach is key. It’s advisable to start with smaller bites from each vendor, noting your favorites, and then circling back for more substantial portions of those that truly captivate your taste buds. Hydration is also paramount; water or non-alcoholic beverages are essential to cleanse the palate and manage the spice. A smart attendee comes prepared with an open mind, an empty stomach, and a game plan to navigate the delicious chaos efficiently, ensuring no hidden gem of flavor is missed.

My Flavorful Discoveries: A First Sampling Round at WingFest

After navigating the buzzing aisles and surveying the incredible offerings, my plate, after the initial sampling round, was a testament to my cautious approach to spice. I gravitated predominantly towards the milder options, punctuated by a few BBQ-style wings for a balanced flavor profile. Each wing offered a unique journey for the taste buds, promising a delightful exploration of textures and sauces. This careful selection ensured that my experience was both enjoyable and aligned with my dietary needs, proving that WingFest truly caters to everyone, regardless of their spice tolerance. It was a visual feast before it became a literal one, showcasing the artistry and diversity of Chicago’s best wing chefs.

Standing Out from the Crowd: Unforgettable Wings and Culinary Highlights

Among the multitude of fantastic wings, Kitty O’ Shea’s garlic harissa rub wings emerged as my undisputed favorite. This came as no surprise, given my well-documented obsession with harissa. These wings were a true triumph of flavor and presentation. The meat was consistently moist and tender, perfectly cooked to fall off the bone. The sauce, rich and velvety, boasted an exotically spiced flavor and a beautiful color imparted by the harissa. What truly elevated these wings was the unexpected touch of microgreens, adding a gourmet freshness not typically associated with chicken wings. For those who, like me, prefer to steer clear of extreme heat, wings smothered in harissa present a wonderfully flavorful and satisfying alternative. It’s a bold yet balanced choice that brings a unique culinary flair to the traditional wing experience. It was immensely gratifying to see their exceptional quality recognized, as Kitty O’ Shea’s wings deservedly secured third place in the highly competitive Best Mild Wing category.

Another standout that captured my taste buds were the spicy garlic parmesan wings crafted by Paisans Pizzeria. These culinary masterpieces earned them a commendable second place in the Best Mild Wing category. They were remarkably fresh, generously saucy, and wonderfully juicy, each bite a burst of flavor. What made them truly irresistible was the abundant snowfall of parmesan cheese that coated every wing, satisfying my inner “cheeseaholic” to no end. The combination of savory garlic, a hint of spice, and the rich, nutty notes of parmesan created a harmonious flavor profile that was both comforting and exciting, proving that “mild” doesn’t have to mean “boring.”

For those daring souls whose passion lies in the pursuit of extreme heat, the wings from the talented chefs at Howells & Hood are an absolute must-try. Their ghost pepper wings clinched the top spot in the Best Hot category, a testament to their potent and perfectly executed spice. While I, being “too chicken” to brave their legendary heat, opted to admire them from a distance, I am confident my husband would have enthusiastically indulged. His ability to handle intensely hot peppers is truly remarkable! These wings represent the pinnacle of spicy culinary artistry, offering a challenge and a thrill to those who seek it, and solidifying Howells & Hood’s reputation as masters of the fiery flavor profile.

Speaking of my husband, I also made sure to sample the bourbon wings from Buffalo Wings & Rings, a restaurant that holds a special place as one of his favorite dining destinations. These wings earned a well-deserved second place in the Best BBQ Wing category, and it’s easy to see why. They boasted a delightful, delicate bourbon sweetness that was expertly balanced, complemented by a wonderfully smoky and caramelly coating. Each bite offered a complex blend of flavors – the rich depth of bourbon, the comforting warmth of smoke, and a subtle touch of caramel – making them an absolute pleasure to savor. It was a harmonious combination that I thoroughly enjoyed, further solidifying Buffalo Wings & Rings’ reputation for crafting exceptional BBQ wings.

Announcing the Champions: The 2018 WingFest Winners

After a day of extensive tasting, spirited competition, and a true celebration of the chicken wing, the highly anticipated moment arrived: the crowning of the champions. Bounce Sporting Club was ultimately crowned the esteemed winner of the 2018 Best of Fest, a testament to their overall excellence across all categories. Below is a comprehensive list of all the other deserving winners who excelled in their respective categories, showcasing the diverse talent and incredible flavors present at this year’s WingFest:

A Triumph of Taste: Beyond Expectations at Chicago’s WingFest

This year’s WingFest truly transcended all my initial expectations and successfully assuaged any lingering fears. It proved unequivocally that mild chicken wings are far from boring, and that the joy of dining out, even while pregnant, doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. The festival was a vibrant testament to Chicago’s rich culinary diversity and its ability to host an event that caters to every palate and preference. The “delicious Chicago-style wing bonanza” has certainly left a lasting impression, filling me with pleasant memories and an eagerness for future culinary adventures. Farewell for now, amazing WingFest! Here’s to hoping we meet again, even bigger and better, next year, ready to explore new flavors and celebrate the timeless appeal of the chicken wing once more.