What: Armageddon Wings
Where: Duff’s Famous Wings, 1604 Bayview, at Millwood, 416-544-0100, and others, duffsfamouswings.ca
The damage: $13.75
The count: Four drums/six flats/14.5 ounces
Why: The glorious sting begins the second the mouth makes contact with that generously applied apocalyptic sauce and spreads through the head, then into the chest and parts further south. And because Duff’s uses more mature capons, their wings are much meatier than the competition.
Extras: Creamy blue-cheese dipping sauce and four large pieces of celery
Rating: NNNNN
Heat scale: Spice-O-Metre Rating 10
What: Ghost Chili Suicide Wings
Where: Amsterdam Brewhouse, 245 Queens Quay West, at Lower Simcoe, 416-504-1020, amsterdambrewhouse.com, @AmsterdamBH
The damage: $12
The count: Three drums/five flats/10.5 ounces
Why: The Amsterdam might be more regarded for its suds, but the gastro-pub’s beautifully plated wings also hold their own. Finished in a sauce detonated with riotously hot ghost chili pepper sauce, what starts as a tickle, then gives way to a full-on body sweat.
Extras: Caesar-like blue cheese dip, halved baby carrots, slivered celery and radish rosette
Rating: NNN
Heat scale: Spice-O-Metre Rating 8
What: Ring Of Fire Wings
Where: Wild Wings, 107 Church, at Richmond East, 647-352-9464, and others, wildwingrestaurants.com, @goaheadgetwild
The damage: $10.99
The count: Four drums/five flats/14 ounces
Why: Of the more than 100 varieties available, the wings named for Johnny Cash’s signature song are the franchise’s most lethal. Thickly battered, sadly, which means their hot-headed sauce doesn’t get a chance to permeate the meat. Pass the Frank’s Red Hot!
Extras: Blue-cheese salad dressing, two pieces of celery, two ill-cut carrot sticks
Rating: NNN
Heat scale: Spice-O-Metre Rating 7
Photos by Steven Davey
