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Wing Wednesday With the Tucson Wing Expert (June Edition)

Wing Wednesday with the Tucson Wing Expert Chris Koch

Wing Wednesday With the Tucson Wing Expert (June Edition)

Jul 2, 20252 min read

Wee-ooo, wee-ooo, wee-ooo! Wing alert, wing alert! Happy wing Wednesday! My happy place is wherever I’m eating wings, so no June gloom over here. I got two wing spots and one upcoming wing event I can’t wait to share with you all.

Willy’s Philly’s Most Extreme Hot Wing Eating Contest

Hoppy Vine, 12125 N. Oracle Rd Suite 137

Willy’s Philly’s is hosting an extreme hot wing eating competition. The location is on June 5 at Hoppy Vine, 12125 N. Oracle Rd Suite 137. Contestants must be ages 18 and up. Sign ups need to be before 6 p.m. that day with a $10 entry fee and signed waiver. Whoever can eat the most spicy wings will win a cash prize. So, if you think you can handle the heat,
come hang out with me there and watch these contestants sweat while we sip cold
beer.

For more information and to sign up, contact 520-460-5813 or email
willysphillystucson@gmail.com.

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Convention Center

280 S. Church Ave.
Pistelero wings at El Mezquite Grill (Photo by Chris Koch)
Pistelero wings at DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Convention Center (Photo by Chris Koch)

Right when you walk into the hotel, you’ll see their restaurant El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria and Pueblo Lounge and Bar.

There you will find one of my new favorite wings. They have three different sauces to choose from that are all inspired by local flavors. Their sauces include Pistelero, Street Corn Style, and El Mez BBQ. I chose the Pistelero, which has local Arizona Gunslinger Buffalo Sauce on them. Garnished beautifully with dried chili threads, cilantro, and onions. These wings boasted a unique spice and flavor with nice crisp and great meat. If you’re going to an event at the TCC check this lounge out!

The District Bites and Brews

3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Wing flight at the District Bites and Brews (Photo by Chris Koch)
Wing flight at the District Bites and Brews (Photo by Chris Koch)

Located inside the old Pastiche restaurant is a great new neighborhood bar. They have free pool and shuffleboard, and good drink specials.

I ordered their wing flight. That’s three wings of each of their three sauces: Garlic parmesan, Buffalo, and prickly pear BBQ. I love that the wing flight was an option, and I loved that the wings were good. Good sauce, good meat, and good prices. A perfect spot to meet up with friends and enjoy a quick bite and drink.

This completes my monthly Wing Wednesday. Stay tuned for next month’s installment. Follow me on Instagram. 

Also, check out my Top Wings Guide.

Article written by:

Chris Koch
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IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
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Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
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@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com