Charlotte Happenings is your monthly guide to events and things to do in and around Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: http://charlottehappenings.epubxp.com/i/803895
Wings In advance of Super Bowl 51 in February, the National Chicken Council estimated that Americans would consume 1.33 billion chicken wings on game day (enough sticky goodness to circle the Earth nearly three times). Just imagine how much of the world's oceans could be filled with the craft beer guzzled. Uncle Donnie's Famous Blackened Wings, which take shape in Moosehead Grill's kitchen, are among the most timeless menu items the city has to offer. And for as long as they've been around, the recipe still eludes everyone. Of course, a classic dish deserves a classic beer, and The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's Copper fits the bill. Copper was the first beer to break out in the local craft scene in 2009, and it remains the top-selling packaged beer in Charlotte. What's more, this amber ale's crisp flavor blends beautifully with the crispness of the blackened wings. At Duckworth's Grill and Taphouse, the Moomoo's Wings carry fame of their own. Named after owner Rob Duckworth's grandmother, the wings are fried to a neat crisp and then chargrilled before soaking in an unbelievably yummy vinegar-based sauce. With solid flavor packed in the wings, a robust beer, like The Unknown Brewing Co.'s Venture American stout, is an ideal accompaniment. We like this one for its strong notes of chocolate and dark overall character. Of course, we'd be remiss to dismiss the original wing flavor: Buffalo. At Mac's Speed Shop, the Hot Classic Buffalo wings are hickory smoked and grilled in a red-hot sauce that will have your taste receptors firing from all cylinders. Birdsong Brewing Co.'s Higher Ground is one of the smoother IPAs, and its hops and caramel notes do an outstanding job of cutting the heat from the wings, providing your palate with a flawless balance. Learn more about beer in Charlotte at charlottesgotalot.com Mac's Speed Shop Moosehead Grill 66 APRIL 2017