#WeeklyDish (No. 8): Five Wing Combo from Wings & Rice

Hot wings are known to pair with celery, carrots, and French fries, but there’s a secret power partner: fried rice.

Venture to the literally-named Wings & Rice for 5 Wings as a lunch special ($9.50) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or outside that time frame as the combo special ($11.50).

The combos include five bone-in or boneless wings, a small fried rice, a small salad, and a fountain drink.

Sauces include Dragon’s Breath, Spicy Orange, more variations on teriyaki than you can shake your finger at, and more. Choosing from the 23 sauces is the only hard part.

Fried rice is simple enough, but Wings & Rice adds a drizzle of their “Japanese White Sauce.” It tastes like an umami-rich Japanese mayonnaise thinned with zingy rice vinegar, nutty sesame, and other seasonings — the recipe is a secret, however. The sauce also makes the fried rice more easily devourable, as the extra moisture somehow avoids making anything soggy. It’s the main reason that Wings & Rice stands out.

If your companions are unwilling to try the delectable due of hot wings and fried rice, they can order a Philly cheesesteak ($10.50), a katsu platter ($10.50), or a Parmesan chicken sandwich ($6.50). Not the variety you’d expect from a South Korea native chef, but it’s delicious diversity regardless.

Wings & Rice is located at 5502 E. Pima St. #110 and can be reached at (520) 731-3313. For more information, visit wingsandrice.com.