178 – On Chicken Parts Flying High: Wingstop, Fairview Terraces

(AUTHOR’S NOTE: This branch of Wingstop in Fairview Terraces is already defunct. Timestamp: 11 December 2018, 11:28 am.)

Finding another use for chicken parts that aren’t usually eaten is not a new thing. Here in the Philippines, isaw (chicken intestines), helmet (chicken head) and adidas (chicken feet, named after the athletic shoe company) are popular grilled fare in street corners. These are paired with the local lager as pulutan or appetizers.

In East Asia, phoenix claws braised in black beans and spices are a favorite in tea houses. Buffalo wings, in the same manner, utilized chicken parts originally intended for making soup stock and discarded afterwards. Who would have thought that a signature appetizer in sports bars while watching football games stems from chicken parts otherwise thrown away?

Speaking of wings, today’s review features a restaurant that prides itself in its expertise with this ingredient. Enter Wingstop, which was first established in 1994. It now has a significant number of restaurants around the world as of March 2016.

Wingstop stores are notable for their use of stainless steel all throughout their space, if not majority. Apparently, the stainless steel motif comes from the heyday of aviation during the 1930s and 1940s. Think Rimowa luggage and Howard Hughes. Here in the Philippines, Wingstop has locations in selected Ayala Malls like Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, UP Town Center, Circuit Makati, and Fairview Terraces (which is the focus of this entry.)

The Fairview Terraces location prides itself on having a Store of the Month award, and for a good reason: its staff goes over and above service standards in helping out their customers. Notwithstanding the fact that its location up north isn’t exactly as affluent as the other locations, kudos to Dawn (the branch manager) and her team for consistently giving customers an exceptional dining experience!

They’re not called “Wing Experts” for nothing.

This award serves as a testament to their exceptional customer service.

Tables and chairs in industrial steel hearken back to the flying days of Howard Hughes.

Stools for solo diners.

Wingstop’s sink is designed for convenient handwashing after indulging in buffalo wings.

Follow these five steps for clean hands!

Just like some restaurants, they give you this coaster that buzzes when your order is ready.

Wingstop does chicken wings two ways. The Classic Wings are plain fried without any coating, while the Hand-Breaded Wings are coated in batter before frying. I would personally recommend the hand-breaded wings over the classic ones, as the batter serves as a vehicle for the 13 flavors available.

Aside from wings, they also have other chicken specialties such as chicken tenders, bites, sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls. A meal here will set you back around P250 but that already includes a side (either rice, onion rings, or fries) and a drink. The group meals are also a steal here and can feed around 4 to 5 people. Expensive, yes – and that’s the only drawback with Wingstop, but you’ll walk out satisfied. Speaking of flavors, here are the ones you can choose from – ranked from spiciest to mildest:

• Atomic
• Mango Habanero
• Cajun (dry rub)
• Hot Buffalo
• Honey Sriracha
• Louisiana Rub (dry rub)
• Mild Buffalo
• Hickory Smoked BBQ
• Honey BBQ
• Lemon Pepper
• Garlic Parmesan
• Honey Garlic
• Korean Soy

Regular Iced Tea (P49): A bit too sweet for my liking, so I tone this down with water.

8-Piece Boneless Bites Meal (P199): Eight pieces of boneless chicken bites with two flavor choices, served with a side and a drink.

I chose Teriyaki (left side, now obsolete) and Korean Soy (right) for these bites.

Here’s another one, this time with the Honey Garlic flavor.

Chipotle Rice (P49): Rice cooked the Mexican way with spices, perfect with chicken.

3-Piece Tenders Meal (P199): Three chicken breast strips served with a dip of your choice, with a side and drink to match.

Fried Chicken Sandwich (P199): Classic or hand-breaded chicken fillet sandwiched in between a kaiser bun with lettuce, served with a side and a drink.

Rice Bowl (P199): Hand-breaded chicken fillet coated in a sauce of your choice, served on a bed of either plain or chipotle rice.

Batter-Fried Wings (P249): Five hand-breaded wings coated with a flavor of your choice, served with a side and drink.

I liked the batter-fried wings more than the classic one, and the Honey Sriracha sauce imparted a zing with the right amount of sweetness.

Classic Wings (P249): Five plain fried wings with a flavor of your choice, served with a side and drink. To be honest, this looked bland and the Louisiana Rub was dismal.

S’Mores a la Mode (P99): A campfire favorite served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce on top. Individual s’mores are available for P49 each.

Do visit their official website and social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep abreast of their promotions.

Until the next review, bon appetit!

Wingstop
U061A, Central Garden
Level 1, Ayala Fairview Terraces
Quirino Highway corner Maligaya Drive
Fairview, Quezon City 1118

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