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Written by Morgan Kriz
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Tuesday, 29 January 2008 |
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 Editor's note: Obviously there more restaurants in the area that feature wings on their menu. We know wing lovers have their own opinions on what they consider “the best.” So submit a wing review of your own for our Web site to continue our wing tour around Tahoe, please e-mail
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The Tahoe World gathered a panel of five qualified taste testers and took a flight around the North Shore to highlight some of the tastiest wings in the area in honor of the Super Bowl festivities. All of these restaurants offer take out on Super Bowl Sunday, so be sure to plan ahead and get your orders in early that day.
Since there are so many places that feature wings, the panel (due to space and a potential stomachache) picked restaurants based on their reputation of wings and spread the options throughout the North Shore — from Incline to the West Shore, Tahoe City to Truckee, including Northstar and Squaw Valley.
The five members got together and surveyed the wings according to five categories; appearance, meatiness, texture/tenderness, taste (sauce flavor) and gave an overall rating (scale 1-5).
We tested a total of eight restaurants and more than two dozen wings a piece. While all tastes are subjective, we found an overall consensus on most wings — however the Nitro wing from Crosby’s gave us all different reactions, mostly running to the sink for more water or stuffing as much blue cheese and ranch in our mouths to soothe the burn. Crosby’s, Rookie’s in Incline Village, Jason’s in Kings Beach, CB’s in Carnelian Bay, Blue Agave and The Bridgetender in Tahoe City, Blue Coyote (Squaw and Truckee) and OB’s Pub in downtown Truckee went “wing to wing” in our panel’s challenge.
 • Appearance: Our criteria for appearance was the easiest to judge. Basically “does it look appetizing?” The glazed look, the color and amount of the sauce were the guidelines of this category. The size of the wings also came into play here — it didn’t matter if the wings looked like they were on steroids or if they were tiny, but if the wings and drummies looked like they were all proportionate, a higher score was given.
As far as this category goes Timbercreek, with the jumbo sized wings, saturated in sauciness, took the cake on appearance however CB’s barbecue, hot and teriyaki wings looked picturesque with a perfect amount of glaze and proportionate size wings and drummies. Bridgetender, Rookie’s, Jason’s and Crosby’s were rich in color and were not overloaded in sauce. Blue Agave’s wings in our opinion were “what wings should look like.” Lots of sauce, a nice medium brown color with a sweet/spicey aroma.
When you order your wings at Blue Coyote, do not feel overwhelmed, they have an array of choices including boneless and too many sauces to name. When owner Jake McCormick delivered our orders, a sensational color scheme of hots and milds filled our eight seater table. This was hard to judge on appearance because of the amount of choices. After first staring and judging the appearance, we overall we couldn’t wait to dig into our order — guess that means great on appearance.
When the order of wings came out to our table at OB’s Pub and Restaurant, we all looked at each other with surprise ... no sauce? Where is the glaze? That’s right, this pub style venue switched it up on our panel with breaded wings seasoned with spices and were a nice crisp, golden brown, glowing wing.
 • Meatiness: How much meat do you get for your money? Either you are biting your way in and around the bone or you are biting your bone trying to find the delicious meat. We can agree as a whole that all of the wings contained a sufficient amount of meat. There was no one restaurant that stood out to us that did not have enough meat on it. Timbercreek’s wings, as mentioned before, were gi-normous compared to the others, however as a whole (taste and overall) the rest of the orders were in the running for meatiness and getting the best deal all around.
• Texture/tenderness: This was fairly easy to judge. Wings should be crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside — that is the point of frying a wing. Each place had their own style on making the wings. For example CB’s Pizza not only bakes them, they take an extra step to fry the wings to make them extra crispy and seasons them with lemon pepper for that original taste. CB’s Pizza owner Lysa Hill knows that people are very particular about their wings, that is why their recipe is fine tuned and perfected. Rookie’s places the wings on the grill right before an order is finalized for that extra crispy taste. OB’s actually makes the breaded mixture with the seasoning and deep fries the wings to flawlessness.
We thought the juiciest wings we tasted were at OB’s. The meat fell right off the bone and the seasonings poured out of each bite. Blue Agave’s wings were tender all around, Jason’s wings came right off the bone and were cooked extremely well. Bridgetender was crispy on the outside and the sauce flavors continued in each bite. Crosby’s were crispy on the outside, probably because of the grill, and very tender in the inside. Blue Coyote had a choice of boneless, which would be terrific for kids or families to order because they went down easy and were perfect bite size treats. “Real” wing eaters probably would never dare to eat boneless wings, and owner Jake McCormick is aware, that is why their regular wings are made with perfection combining both crispiness on the outside and tenderness inside.
Timbercreek had two types of wings, buffalo and teriyaki, both were very meaty and tender at the same time. Jason’s wings were unreal as the meat fell right off the bone, but were not as juicy, just delicate.
 • Taste: this was the most subjective category. Would like to first start off saying that we DID NOT use Blue Cheese and Ranch when we judged the wings! Although each order we had came with both sauces, we waited until we were done judging and then dowsed the wings in each condiment.
Of course the panel of east and west coasters had a discussion of whether Ranch or Blue Cheese was better. Crosby’s actually has a homemade recipe for their Blue Cheese and Ranch sauces. We all thought that Crosby’s had the tastiest Blue Cheese sauce, the chunks and taste were a bit sweeter than regular Blue Cheese dressing.
First of all as far as taste goes lets talk about the types of orders that are available. Rookie’s, Jason’s, Blue Agave and OB’s have one type of wing. They all tasted different; Blue Agave had a kick of smoky flavor, Jason’s was a bit sweeter, Rookie’s wings had a hidden spice added (it snuck up after a while) and of course OB’s was on its own scale for not having sauce but more seasoning. Tasting that many wings in a “span” of two days, our minds actually began to differentiate the tastes.
Obviously each restaurant has their own recipe, but how they are cooked and the aroma of the sauces really made the difference. To each his own ...
Crosby’s offers four different styles: Original, teriyaki, double dipped (a mix of original and teriyaki) and Nitro. The Nitro wing (WARNING: VERY HOT) was more seasoned than saucy and although was fiercely blazing with flavor, was very tender. We think Crosby’s came up with that recipe to blow people’s socks off and have something on the menu for patrons to dare eachother to eat it. For those who like hot, hot, hot wings — the Nitro is for you. The doubled dipped were incredible with the combination of sweet and spicy.
CB’s features teriyaki, hot and barbecue. The barbecue was one of a kind and had the right amount of sauce so it did not feel like you were eating a piece of chicken, but devouring a plate of tasty chicken wings. The variety of the three styles were both bursting with flavor, and when we would pick up just any of the three mixed on one plate, we weren’t disappointed.
Bridgetender and Timbercreek both offer a teriyaki and original style. Timbercreek’s wings were much bigger and had more sauce drizzling off the pieces. The Bridgetender’s wings were a decent size and their teriyaki sauce was different from the rest, it tasted more like a wing sauce rather than a marinade. It was an easy wing to put down, it did not need any sort of dipping condiment to enhance the flavor.
Where do we start with Blue Coyote and taste. “Nooch’s Wings of Fire” features mild, buffalo original (yes, Blue Coyote has the real original wing recipe!), Chipotle hot, Truckee style (hot and teriyaki), Thai (spicy peanut), barbecue, teriyaki and double dipped. It may take a few visits to conquer all of the styles, but any choice is a good one. Each flavor can also be brought out as a dipping sauce. For example the Chipotle hot has a powerful aroma and zang. It was a great pair with the Truckee style or the original wing when they were slightly dipped in that sauce.
If one likes to have that bang in each bite, both the Chipotle and the Truckee style were great picks.
 • Overall: on a scale of 1-5, how did we enjoy our experience of each wing? I mentioned before that we could not rate “the best” wing in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee, because, one, we did not sample every single restaurant, and two, each of the wings we tried had a unique taste. As most can agree, all foods are subjective to an individual’s pallet. After our panel finished the last plate of wings and washed them down will a nice, frothy beer, we collaborated on our thoughts and feelings of each place:
Blue Coyote won our hearts and palates, CB’s came through with extremely tasty wings and great variety. The sauces of all three styles were delicious. Crosby’s texture, mixing just the right amount of crispiness with tenderness, was beloved by all. The extra touch of homemade Ranch and Blue Cheese, brought that special touch to the order of wings. O yeah, the Nitro is “one of a kind” as well. Although OB’s blew our minds that there were no sauce on the wings (since all the others had sauce), as a change of pace and absolute tenderness, this classy order was a perfect fit for the “pub style” atmosphere OB’s offers.
Being wing lovers we had all tried Bridgetender wings before, but being apart of the Tahoe World panel, we went in with unbiased minds. As always, the our stomachs and minds savored each wing. The original wing as a delicious flavor and it not too hot or too mild.
When the order of Blue Agave’s wings came into sight, we were all in awe of the portion size and the appearance. The flavor was puzzling at first, having a very unique taste of sweet and smoky, but was not overwhelming. It stood out greatly, compared to the rest of the orders. Timbercreek had the biggest wings by far and we could all agree that the wing order alone could make a hearty meal for an individual.
The wings at Jason’s had tender meat that fell right off the bone. They were cooked with perfection and although the sauce was a bit more mild, we couldn’t get enough. The atmosphere at Rookie’s fits perfectly with an order of wings and a beverage. Each wing was easy to put down and the slight kick of spice had that classic hot taste that a wing should feature.
MEET THE PANEL:
 • Amber Whitman: Knows the flavas of the south after living in Louisiana for many years and she is quite a chef herself and should be on the Food Network. Whitman puts the “wow” in wing. Amber has reached a zenith of knowledge in several fields including 1) things that are delicious 2) how to have good times while eating, 3) cheering with food in your mouth.
 • Kate Fenner: Born and raised in Wisconsin, this Midwest lady knows how to put down a plate of fried food. This lady travels the world and as a true cheese head, this critic does not give out 5's very often (rating scale 1-5). Fenner knows how to put the fun in food tasting.
 • Brian McAuley: Long but strong this 145 pound guy eats like a horse and although is not picky about what he eats, he knows how to judge food. Born and raised in Long Island, NY, a fan of anything from his home-state, wings are his forté. He can be a "wing man" anytime.
 • Morgan Kriz: Representing California to the fullest, this San Diego native orders wings whenever they appear on a menu. She plans to take this panel to all new levels this year — tasting different food categories all over North Lake Tahoe and Truckee ... stay tuned.
 • Michael Gouck: The heart and soul of wings comes from his hometown — Orchard Park, a small town just south of Buffalo, NY. He despises Ranch sauce and knows what wings are suppose to be about. His mom still sends him wings from back east — and yes, he calls them just “wings.”
History of the original wing
Buffalo, NY (1964)- On a Friday night, Dominic Bellissimo was tending bar at the now famous Anchor Bar Restaurant in Buffalo, NY. Late that evening a group of Dominic's friends arrived at the bar touting a ravenous appetite. Dominic asked his mother, Teressa to prepare something for his friends to eat.
At about midnight, Teressa brought out two plates she had prepared in the kitchen and placed them on the bar. The aroma from the plates captured the attention of Dom and his friends and everyone asked, “What are these?” they looked like chicken wings, a part of the chicken that usually went into the stock pot for soup.
Teressa had deep fried the wings and flavored them with a secret sauce. The wings were an instant hit and it didn't take long for people to flock to the bar to experience this new eating sensation. From that point on, Buffalo Wings became a regular part of the menu at the Anchor Bar.
Today, the original restaurant is internationally famous and a destination in Buffalo serving up over a thousand pounds of wings each day to the likes of famous movie stars, professional athletes, political leaders and thousands of customers who seek the unique and great taste of Frank & Teressa's Original Buffalo Wings.
The phenomenon created in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo has spread across the globe. Although many have tried to duplicate Buffalo Wings, the closely guarded secret recipe is what makes Frank & Teressa's the proclaimed “Best Wings in the World.”
SUPER BOWL FESTIVITIES:
CB’s Pizza
CB’s Pizza will feature orders to go as well as food specials for those who hang out for the game. The bar area has a television in sight at every seat and their big screen will have the game playing in the dining area. The special of the day includes $3 wing plates. CB’s is located in Carnelian Bay. For more information, call (530) 546-4738.
Sol y Lago
Sol y Lago features Gordon Biersch Uberbier liter specials specially tapped on the deck along with four quarters of specials. Sol y Lago is located in the Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City. For more information, call (530) 583-0358.
Crosby’s
Whether you are a Giant’s fan or wanting to see if New England’s team will go 19-0, or just looking for a great time with lots of excitement, free food and giveaways — Crosby’s is where it’s at for Super Bowl Sunday.
Crosby’s is teaming up with Diamond Peak Ski Resort to host yet another football party. Giveaways will take place throughout the game and some major giveaways include at Diamond Peak 08/09 Full Season Pass, a possible flatscreen television and more.
Happy hour drink and $.35 wing specials and breakfast will be available all day, but don’t stuff yourself that much because Crosby’s will host a free full buffet at half-time. Crosby’s is located at 868 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village. Call (775) 833-1030.
Dragonfly Restaurant & Sushi Bar
In celebration of all things non-NFL, Dragonfly will be offering an alternative to the traditional Super Bowl football festivities with a special half-priced sushi menu and two-for-one entrees in the dining room starting at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Sushi bar is first come first serve. Dragonfly is located upstairs at 10118 Donner Pass Rd., right in the heart of downtown Truckee. For reservations, call Dragonfly at (530) 587-0557.
Crystal Bay Casino
North Shore’s Best Tailgate Party at the Crystal Bay Casino will feature the Oakland Raiderettes and Mem Shannon from 2 to 10 p.m. Catch all the free action on two giant screens including the Crown Rooms 20 foot HD screen. In addition the game will be shown on all 40 of its new 50 inch plasmas located throughout the casino.
At 2 p.m. four members of the Oakland Raiderettes will be greeting guests, signing autographs and performing dance routines prior to the game. Free hot dogs, chips, salsa and other snacks will be provided to Player’s Club members (membership is free). Enjoy $1 draft beer and $2 Budweiser’s and Bud Lights throughout the game.
There will be a free $1,000 pool ($250 each quarter) available to the first 100 Player’s Club members and various Super Bowl logo items will be awarded every quarter. The Sportsbook has all the lines and props and will be open early.
After the big game stick around and celebrate or commiserate with a free post game Red Room concert featuring Mem Shannon and The Membership. Mem Shannon hails from New Orleans where he was a Bourbon Street cab driver for fifteen years. He has since parlayed his musical career into an award winning New Orleans funk fest. The Crown Room, Sports Bar and Red Room will be Tailgate Central on Super Sunday at the Crystal Bay Casino.
Village at Northstar
Ski in the morning and watch the game in the afternoon. Check out the game in various locations on the mountain, in the Village at Northstar and on the big screen in Village Center Plaza (weather and conditions permitting). Turn in your lift ticket by 12:30 p.m. and receive an afternoon credit toward your next ticket.
Timbercreek will host its first Super Bowl party and will feature specials on appetizers and drinks including Coors and Coors Light. The Jägermeister ladies will be present and will feature giveaways and raffle prizes.
Blue Coyote
Super Bowl Sunday at Blue Coyote Bar & Grill in Truckee will feature 19 TVs and a tailgate party with happy hour drink prices from noon to 3 p.m. There will be giveaways too. They will offer take out orders and if you plan to come hang out, get there early because guests make a day of the game at the Blue Coyote in Truckee. The Blue Coyote Sports Grill in Squaw Valley will has 18 TV’s including 2 on the patio for outdoor viewing (weather permitting). Blue Coyote is located in the Village at Squaw Valley, but the Super Bowl Party will happen at their location off of Palisades Drive in Truckee. Contact (530) 587-7777.
OB’s Pub and Restaurant
OB’s Pub and Restaurant will offer prime rib specials for fresh cut sandwiches and dishes. Drink specials include half-off drafts and well drinks. The venue offers televisions located throughout the bar area for good game watching. OB’s is located at 10046 Donner Pass Rd., in downtown Truckee. Contact (530) 587-4164.
Smokey’s Kitchen
Smokey’s Kitchen will feature $1 draft beers, $2 pitchers and half-off a full slab of ribs. They will feature $.50 teriyaki, barbecue and hot wings during the game. Any take out orders should be placed more than an hour before, but stock up for the big game. Smokey’s is located at 12036 Donner Pass Rd., in Truckee. Contact (530) 582-4535.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 01 February 2008 )
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