By Scott Cronick
It’s that time of year again. Time to stuff your face with as many delicious wings as you can while simultaneously judging very carefully which restaurant is South Jersey’s ultimate wing warrior.
Atlantic City Wing Fest, which we think is in its sixth year or so – who’s counting – is once again sold out for Saturday, Feb. 1, at Golden Nugget Atlantic City. It will feature 21 of South Jersey’s best restaurants and pubs, equaling last year’s record of 21 restaurants, offering the most creative and finger-licking wings and dipping sauces to go with awesome music, fun contests, awards, craft beer, cocktails and more.
If you were smart enough to get your tickets early, you will be able to eat wings that range from the mild to hot to Asian- and Mexican-inspired to sweet to spicy and everything in between. In addition, The Billy Walton Band, one of the most rocking cover bands in the tri-state area which made its Atlantic City Wing Fest debut last year, will once again rock the crowd.
Those who bought early admission tickets get to arrive at noon, giving them a jump on those with general admission tickets, who will be able to join the festivities at 1 p.m.
Golden Nugget will offer a stellar bar featuring specialty cocktails and craft beer, and there may even be a few retail vendors to kick things up a notch this year.
Please remember to support all 21 contestants vying for wing supremacy with wing orders for the Super Bowl. Pay particular attention to our nine new entries this year: Cumberland County Technical Education Center, King’s Pub, Limonada, South Jersey Smoke House, Kuro and YouYu Noodle Bar from Hard Rock, Carmine’s, Gordon Ramsay Steak at Harrah’s and 279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar (formerly Romanelli’s Garden Café).
If you are attending, you can choose your favorite wing of the day since you will also serve as a judge. Attendees will receive a poker chip to vote for their fave. Just drop it in the token box at the restaurant’s wing booth and they will all be counted to determine the winners of three Eaters Choice Awards.
There are also several special Fat Boy Munch Club Awards by journalist Ryan Loughlin, and Wing Fest founder, organizer and journalist Scott Cronick, including Best Overall Dipping Sauce, Fancy Pants Dipping Sauce, Fancy Pants Wing, Damn, Those Wings Are Hot!, Best Wing and Dipping Sauce Combo, Most Dapper Display and Best Classic Wing.
And now for the most important awards: Three judges (see sidebar) from the Philadelphia area will rate all of the wings in a blind-judging procedure that will determine the Top 3 Judges Choice Awards, including Wing King (or Queen).
Sean Patrick, a stellar DJ and personality from 103.7-FM WMGM Rocks, will co-host the event with Cronick and Loughlin, and sponsors Visit Atlantic City, OceanFirst Bank, Paris Produce, Golden Nugget and WMGM Rocks.
Atlantic City Wing Fest will certainly be one for the culinary ages. Here are the 21 wing contestants and their offerings so you can do a little homework before the big day.
279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar (Formerly Romanelli’s Garden Café)
There’s a new kid in town … sort of. We all know and love Romanelli’s Garden Cafe in Galloway and they killed it last year at Wing Fest. But Owner Drew Huggard has big plans for his landmark restaurant this winter as he undergoes a name and concept change, and Romanelli’s becomes 279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar this February, showcasing Huggard’s love for great cocktails, craft beer, fresh pizza and all-American food with worldly influences that inspire him as a culinarian and a foodie. We can’t wait to see what 279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar is all about. Turns out the first sneak peak we will get is at Wing Fest where they show off their Classic Buffalo Wings with hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, cayenne and some secret ingredients. Dip ’em in some homemade blue cheese sauce thick with blue cheese crumbles and Huggard & Co. are going after the wing purist and there are always plenty of those!
(279 Social Kitchen & Craft Bar is located at 279 S. New York Road, Galloway. Until the new website is launched and ready to roll, go to www.RomanellisGardenCafe.com).
Bill’s Bar & Burger at Golden Nugget
Bill’s Bar & Burger always scores well thanks to its traditional approach. Their Traditional Buffalo Wing is sweet and savory. It hits the spot and its straightforward blue cheese dipping sauce and has the perfect combination of blue cheese crumbles, mayo, sour cream and some seasonings. The awesome American comfort joint inside Golden Nugget may be best known for their burgers — I really dig their chicken sandwich — but their wings are killer, too. Sometimes, a simple, old-school approach is just what the wing doctor — and the judges — ordered.
(Bill’s is located inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina. Go to www.GoldenNugget.com).
Careme’s Restaurant at the Academy of Culinary Arts
For the past two years, the Academy of Culinary Arts has been part of Wing Fest to show its students the food industry in a different way by introducing them to an event of this magnitude. It has proved successful and has become part of their annual curriculum. The students really look forward to competing against each other to see whose wing and dipping sauce will represent the school at Wing Fest. So, for the third-straight year, under the guidance of Academy Director Joe Sheridan, student teams once again competed in a wing-off and this year’s entry might be the best one yet! Students Alyssa Pietropaolo and Amy and Danna Jimenez — they are twins! — came up with Asian Cola Wings, a crispy, sweet concoction that features Pepsi, soy sauce, ponzu, lemon green tea yuzu and ginger for an intriguing wing that will be paired with a green scallion ranch dipping sauce featuring garlic, parsley, green onions and more. Now, the students will work at Wing Fest, where they can be proud of their creation and yes, have fun. And, who knows, maybe these wings will end up on Careme’s menu later in the semester if they win some awards. While you are there, make sure you pick up some tickets for the Atlantic City Restaurant Gala, a great event that supports the Academy and will have a table in the lobby.
(Careme’s is located at the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing. Go to www.Atlantic.edu/aca/Caremes).
Carmine’s at Tropicana
For a couple of years now, I have been trying to get Carmine’s to be part of Wing Fest. Why? Because while you certainly want to devour their handmade Italian pastas, salads, meats and desserts, Carmine’s best-kept secret is their Spicy Scarpariello Wings, some of the most tender and flavorful Italian-influenced wings that will bring a whole new dimension of flavors and expectations to Wing Fest. First off, the chicken is marinated for at least 24 hours in rosemary, oregano, sage, lemon, garlic and some other secret perfection before they are fried and tossed in a sauce featuring roasted garlic, shallots, white wine, rosemary, oregano and other Italian delights. And, if that weren’t enough, you can dunk ’em in some of the chunkiest, creamy homemade blue cheese this side of Sicily. We finally got Carmine’s to be in Wing Fest and Wing Fest will never be the same.
(Carmine’s is located inside The Quarter at the Tropicana Atlantic City. Go to www.CarminesNYC.com).
Chelsea Five at Tropicana
One of our favorite restaurants in all of Atlantic City is Chelsea Five, a fantastic gastropub that has something for everyone, from a regular menu that boasts favorites including cheesesteak spring rolls, fresh mozzarella cheese curds, the best lobster bisque in the world, killer burgers, bourbon and brown sugar meatloaf, a double-cut pork chop to die for and even a special prime rib dinner night every Sunday. But, in the middle of all of that culinary insanity are their wings. And they are some of the best you will ever have. The Sriracha-Honey Wings are exactly as they sound, a little sweet, a little spicy and when you dip them into their homemade smoked blue cheese dipping sauce, you will see what I am going on about.
(Chelsea Five is located at Tropicana Atlantic City. Go to www.Caesars.com).
Cumberland
County Technical Education Center
When Cumberland County Technical Education Center Instructor Rob Ohlsensaw the Academy of Culinary Arts was competing in past years’ Wing Fests, he thought, “Well, that would be pretty cool for us, too.” So, the former owner of the legendary Buck Tavern made it happen, teaming with local restaurateur and culinary school supporter Rob Buono to get working on a wing recipe and get a few students involved. Their Purgatory Wings are a collaboration between Buono’s Double Eagle Saloon and The Greenview Inn at Eastlyn Golf Course, Ohlsen and the students came up with their Hot But Not Too Hot Crispy Wings. They are lightly dusted in potato flour and aromatics with a chili glaze and sauce that includes blue cheese and scallions plus a blue cheese drizzle for the dipping sauce that will make these first-time contenders one to look out for.
(Cumberland County Technical Education Center is located at 2745 S. Delsea Drive, Vineland. Go to www.CCTECNJ.com).
Dos Caminos
at Golden Nugget
Making their second appearance in honor of their upcoming second anniversary, Dos Caminos inside the Nugget will once again showcase its Mexican roots and creativity, offering one of the most unique wings and dipping sauces you will find at this year’s event. Dos is bringing Pineapple Teriyaki Wings with a dry rub featuring garlic, onions and paprika and a sauce consisting of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and, of course, teriyaki and fresh pineapple. The Mexican-inspired wings will be accompanied by an all-American dip — ranch — but once you taste them together, you will see why our countries are such great neighbors. Wing Fest has never had anything like it before and we can’t wait to see what everyone thinks about them, including our independent judges.
(Dos Caminos is located inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina. Go to www.GoldenNugget.com).
Gordon Ramsay Steak
at Harrah’s Resort
When it comes to pedigree, there is no bigger name on the Wing Fest 2025 roster than Gordon Ramsay Steak. The most popular chef in the world really brings his A-list name to the event, but his team also brings one heck of a tasty and creative wing, as you would expect. Ramsay’s Atlantic City team is showing its diverse influences once again with Huli Huli Wings. Inspired by the Hawaiian dish that is customarily used to cook half or whole chickens, this Hawaiian BBQ-style wing features a dry rub with some brown sugar and paprika topped with a sauce that has everything from sesame oil and ginger to garlic and rice vinegar, with the most important element being the fresh pineapple relish that is nicely used as a garnish on top. The steakhouse team is foregoing a dipping sauce this time around, saying that all of the flavor they need comes from the main attraction. I don’t know about you, but I’m not arguing with Gordon Ramsay.
(Gordon Ramsay Steak is located inside Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. Go to www.Caesars.com).
Holy City Publick House
When Holy City Publick House from Gloucester City made its Wing Fest debut two years ago, they did so with a bang. The out of towners — for the second time Wing Fest has been in existence — came out of nowhere to win the 1st Place Judge’s Award along with some others. Since then, the boys from Gloucester have been winning more awards for their wings around the country, including taking home some more hardware at Wing Fest 2024. Owner Richard Dolson is about as competitive as you can get, so he’s not messing around in 2025, hoping to reclaim the Wing Fest championship by bringing his really cool-sounding and better-tasting Maple Bourbon Root Beer Wings made with vanilla, root beer, maple syrup, sweet chilies, bourbon, brown sugar and even some bacon fat to make it all even better. They can be dipped in Holy City’s famous poblano ranch, with mayo, buttermilk, poblano peppers and a bunch of secret spices. Will Holy City reclaim their title? Not if the other 20 restaurants have anything to say about it.
(Holy City is located at 332 Jersey Ave., Gloucester City. Go to www.HolyCityPublickHouse.com).
Hooters at Tropicana
What would a wing contest be without Hooters involved? Luckily, Atlantic City Wing Fest attendees have never had to wonder since Hooters has been loyal to Wing Fest since it began thanks to their awesome GM Ronnie Disalvo and his fantastic team. Hooters devotees have learned that the brand known for its beautiful servers, along with its stellar pub food, has tons of choices when it comes to wings and Hooters always offers something different at every Wing Fest, whether it was their awesome chipotle honey style or signature traditional styles. The attractive servers are just a bonus. This year, Hooters from the Tropicana Atlantic City will bring their Garlic Habanero Dry Rub Wings, a great alternative to their saucy competitors. The dry rub with spices including garlic, habanero, onions, paprika and chipotle pepper give the wing an awesome flavor and when you dunk those spicy — but not too spicy — thangs into their ranch dipping sauce to cool things down, it’s a match made in Hooters Heaven.
(Hooters is located inside the Tropicana Atlantic City. Go to www.NortheastHooters.com).
Il Porcellino
Italian Market
One of our dearest and most loyal friends — the Hettmannsperger Family, have been part of Wing Fest since it all began. And whether Bobby was the executive chef of the Nugget, or they just opened up Essl’s Dugout in West Atlantic City or Il Porcellino in Egg Harbor Township, they have always been there for Wing Fest and we have always been there for them. And those relationships are worth celebrating. Bobby and his team will represent Il Porcellino Italian Market for the second year straight and they are bringing the heat this year. Be warned. Il Porcellino will offer their Cinque Ali Pollo Piccanti Five Hot Chicken Wings, which contain Calabrian finger peppers, long hots, supreme peppers and even some pepper oil for good measure. Trust me when I tell you that you will need their scrumptious Gorgonzola Dolce Fondue — a creamy, Gorgonzola-chunky creation — to cool things down. I know Italians like things hot, but this will push the boundaries of the hottest wing lovers with its combination of heat and amazing flavor.
(Il Porcellino Italian Market is located in the Cardiff Plaza Shopping Center, 6701 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township.. Go to www.Il-Porcellino.com).
King’s Pub
When the Pic-A-Lilli Pub closed on Tennessee Avenue, the city feared for the void caused when perhaps the greatest wing in Atlantic City disappeared. When King’s Pub opened last year in the same location, those fears quickly dissolved as co-owner and chef extraordinaire David Wong not only offered wings, but offered a slew of great wings in many styles and flavors. Perhaps the flavor that has stood out the most is the one King’s Pub is wisely featuring at Wing Fest: KP Signature. These babies pack some heat, but even more flavor with garlic, tomato, fried habanero chile, guajillo peppers, honey and some other secret ingredients. King’s Pub also offers a killer blue cheese to dip those puppies into. So, if you like a little bit of heat and a lot of flavor, pay attention to King’s Pub at Wing Fest 2025!
(King’s Pub is located at 229 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. Like King’s Pub on IG and Facebook).
Kuro at Hard Rock
I know Wing Fest has made it big when a chef as good as Leslie Daniel for a restaurant as good as Kuro inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City reaches out to be involved. It’s a touching moment for a creator of an event like this. And when Chef Daniel contacted me, I knew he wanted to be part of the camaraderie of being around other great chefs in the city that day, but he also wanted to show what he’s got. The Kuro Garlic Chili Scallion (GCS) Wings are exactly what you would find inside the amazing Japanese restaurant — and my wife’s favorite restaurant in the city — if Kuro had wings on its menu. Made with sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili paste and some other secret goodies, the GCS wings will be accompanied with Kuro blue cheese that gets its identity from some charred scallion puree. Kuro’s wing is one of the few I haven’t tried yet, but it’s near the very top on my list of wings I can’t wait to try at Wing Fest 2025.
(Kuro is located inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Go to www.HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com).
Limonada at Showboat Atlantic City
If you haven’t been to Limonada at Showboat, you really should put it at the top of your list. Located right off the Boardwalk with stunning views, this new attraction features a stellar brunch menu, Tex-Mex and American favorites and, of course, wings. The wings they are bringing to Wing Fest this year show off their Mexican-inspired cuisine. Al Pastor Wings translates to shepherd’s style or spit roast, and they are using some great techniques, including a long marinade on the wings to offer a tasty wing that will feature a sauce with red bell peppers, garlic, onion, chilies, paprika, cumin, oregano and even some pineapple and orange juice for some great citrus flavor. You can dip them in their awesome avocado dipping sauce with tomatillos, onion, garlic and serrano peppers, and you can see why Limonada is one of the hottest new eateries in the city.
(Limonada is located right off the Boardwalk inside Showboat Atlantic City. Go to www.ShowboatHotelAC.com).
Michael Patrick’s Brasserie at
Golden Nugget
When it comes to taking home some major hardware at Atlantic City Wing Fest, Michael Patrick’s Brasserie inside the Golden Nugget might be the biggest all-time winner overall. Michael Patrick’s is always a big winner when it comes to audience votes, and they will once again keep things relatively traditional because if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Their Garlic Buffalo Wings will kick things up in the garlic department while also offering a little sweetness to the mix thanks to some fresh honey. Dip those puppies into the creative and awesome lime dijon aioli with fresh thyme cumin, garlic, cayenne and honey and you have another winning recipe for MP. They better build a bigger shelf.
(Michael Patrick’s is located inside Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel, Casino & Marina. Go to www.GoldenNugget.com).
Professional Chefs Association of
South Jersey
The supergroup of chefs reassemble at Wing Fest 2025 thanks to the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey, which places some of the greatest South Jersey chefs under one banner, kind of like if the Traveling Wilburys got together with aprons. The Professional Chefs Association features some of the best award-winning chefs that represent all restaurants in the area — including some talented retired chefs — donating their time to events to help raise money for charities and people in need. This time they are showing off their joint culinary skills to raise awareness for their group, as well as their big Chefs Gala coming up on Feb. 23 at Hard Rock. Chefs Larry Alexander, David Goldstein and the entire Association went to the lab and came out with Hot Honey Slap Ya Mama Wings, which is funny by name but serious as a heart attack with flavor thanks to secret seasonings, smoked paprika, Mike’s Hot Honey and more. Dip ’em in some habanero ranch dipping sauce and you will see how this chef supergroup rocks and rolls.
(For more information on the Professional Chefs Association of South Jersey and their anniversary gala, go to www.ACFPCASJ.com).
Slice Pizzeria at
Caesars Atlantic City
One of the best-kept secrets at Caesars Atlantic City is Slice Pizzeria, located right up the escalators not too far from the lobby. The Caesars’ team, led by Caesars Food & Beverage Director Bill Fritz, is turning out some authentic Italian favorites including stone-fired pizza, fresh salads, Italian hoagies and more, but no pizzeria is worth its cheese without some killer wings and they have that covered, too. So, Slice will bring their Fire and Spice Chicken Wings, a relatively traditional wing with some additions like sriracha, honey, garlic, pepper and paprika to kick things up a notch, plus a cilantro dipping sauce, which is basically a cilantro-lime crema. It could be enough to push them over the top.
(Slice is located inside Caesars Atlantic City. Go to www.CaesarsAC.com).
South Jersey
Smoke House
There is no harder worker in the biz than Dan Greenberg. Up before dawn and cooking past dinner, Greenberg’s passion for BBQ can be tasted in every smoky, nuanced bite he puts together. While he may be best known for his smoked salmon and brisket, don’t sleep on the pickle spread. Greenberg can also muster up a pretty damn good wing. Those wings will be on full display at Wing Fest 2025 with his traditional SJ Smoke House Dry-Rubbed BBQ Wing featuring Greenberg’s proprietary dry rub seasoning. He and his wife Sandy put together a very simple and effective dipping sauce to accompany these tasty things, too, a BBQ aioli that once again features South Jersey Smoke House’s signature seasonings, some mayo and a lot of love. If you haven’t tried any of South Jersey Smoke House’s creations yet, use Wing Fest as a good starting point and never turn back!
(South Jersey Smoke House is located at 40 Boston Ave., Egg Harbor City, inside Hammerbacher. Go to www.SouthJerseySmokehouse.com).
Villain & Saint at
Ocean Casino Resort
Last year, Villain & Saint from Ocean Casino Resort had about as good of a year as you could have at Atlantic City Wing Fest, taking home First 1st Place Judges Choice and 2nd Place Eaters Choice while grabbing some more mementos along the way. It’s no surprise for anyone who frequents Villain & Saint, one of my favorite restaurants inside any Atlantic City casino thanks to their casual gastropub menu that always pushes the boundaries. Villain & Saint have always scored major success at nearly every single Wing Fest that has been held and no one takes this contest more seriously than one of Ocean’s top chefs, Jorge Barreto Jr., who will wow everyone in attendance once again with his Sriracha Agave Wings. That’s right, he’s bringing the defending champion wings back for everyone to try to beat again. If you see the trend of sweet and heat going together at Wing Fest, you are onto something and these wings featuring Thai chili sauce, sriracha, agave nectar and chopped cilantro are special. While they are a repeat submission for Villain & Saint, their dipping sauce is brand new and sounds scrumptious: A mango gochujang dipping sauce features exactly what you think it would and it’s a perfect match for their Sriracha Agave Wings. Expect more success for Villain & Saint in 2025!
(Villain & Saint is located inside Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City. Go to www.TheOceanAC.com).
Yesterday’s
Creekside Tavern
Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern has become one of the best restaurant/bars in South Jersey since new ownership from the Deauville Inn took over two years ago. With some amazing cocktails, beers and food, including one of the best smash burgers in the state, Yesterday’s takes great pride in its wings, which are a big part of that experience. Thanks to Chef Anthony T.J. Ricciardi, and their awesome team that includes Judy Brenna Felicetta, Yesterday’s is back showcasing some awesome creations. Yes, I said creations, as Yesterday’s will offer everyone two wings: Long Hots & Garlic, a super-hot Italian recipe accompanied by a homemade blue cheese dipping sauce; and English Malt Wings, a classic dry-rub style that has become a signature for Yesterday’s thanks to its chili sauce, chipotle, pimento, Worcestershire, brown sugar, cayenne and more that can be dipped in their famous come back sauce featuring hot sauce, chilies, fresh rosemary and more. Chef T.J. and his team never disappoint and always go the extra mile and with two wings and two dipping sauces this year, you can count on some great success at Wing Fest for Yesterday’s.
(Yesterday’s is located at 316 Roosevelt Blvd., Marmora. Go to www.YesterdaysTavern.com).
YouYu Noodle Bar
at Hard Rock
When Chef Leslie Daniel of Kuro decided he wanted to be part of Wing Fest 2025, the competitive culinarians who run Hard Rock’s food and beverage team couldn’t let Chef Daniel have all of the fun by himself… they wanted to show off their awesome wings from YouYu Noodle Bar, too. So, the Asian noodle bar that specializes in Chinese cuisine will bring their YouYu Korean Fried Chicken (KFC Wings) to Wing Fest 2025 and they will no longer be the best-kept secret inside the Hard Rock any longer. If you are in the know, you know Korean fried chicken is super hot right now and YouYu’s version will not disappoint with its crispy, flavorful recipe that features chicken dust, a crispy batter and sauce made with rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame, Gochuang, soy sauce, spices, honey and more. There will be no dipping sauce, as YouYu wants the KFC wing to speak all for itself. And, after you try it, you will see why.
(YouYu Noodle Bar is located inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Go to www.HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com).
