OI Asian Bistro, New Holland, Curragh offer tasty chicken wings

HOLLAND — Few foods are more synonymous with the Super Bowl than chicken wings, but where can you find the best local bites?

Cassidey: New Holland, OI Asian Bistro, The Curragh, HopCat, Big E’sMitchell: The Curragh, HopCat, OI Asian Bistro, New Holland, Big E’s Well, readers, we went for proximity, selecting only local restaurants along Eighth Street with a focus on, for the most part, Buffalo sauce.Ahead of Super Bowl 59 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles — with sympathies for our Lions fans, for Cassidey’s beloved Bills, and basically everyone else — on Feb. 9, here’s what we thought of wings from a handful of downtown Holland eateries. New Holland Brewing Co. – BuffaloCassidey: Instantly reminds me of home. It’s, by definition, a classic Buffalo wing. I think the spice levels are perfect, but it’s on the dryer side. I would have these again but try them in-house instead of take-out. Adam: This was a solid chicken wing, good crunch, but lacked some flavor in the sauce and chicken. Mitchell: This is tough, because I like the sauce — it’s got some heat, but not an overpowering amount — but I think the chicken was just a little overcooked, drying things out. I’ve had wings from New Holland before and really liked them, so I know they can be better. HopCat – Fire SauceAdam: The chicken was juicy but the wing missed in flavor and needed more sauce. Mitchell: A nice wing with a nice sauce. Calling it “fire” might be a little bit of a stretch, as I thought it could use more heat, but the Buffalo flavor is definitely there.  Cassidey: Another classic Buffalo that passes my native test. It could use more sauce but, overall, not bad. I wish the spice level was higher because it was broadly one note. The Curragh – Wings O’ Fire Mitchell: These looked incredible with a good amount of sauce and some sesame seeds on top. The flavor is really interesting with a good kick, but a little bit of sweetness, too. It’s different, but good different. I was a big fan.  Cassidey: My first bites have me confused. The sauce starts out on the sweeter side but quickly develops into a spice that leaves your tongue and lips tingly. I wouldn’t call them a classic Buffalo wing, but they are unique. The messiest of the batch. Adam: The Wings O’ Fire won’t knock your socks off right away, but give it time. It could sneak up on you. The chicken quality on these was impressive. Big E’s Sports Bar and Grill – Mild BuffaloCassidey: A plain Jane type of Buffalo wing. I feel like it passes for a picky eater that wants a wing but not the heavy buffalo spice and twang. Still a solid wing, nonetheless. Adam: Sometimes you can get lost in the sauce. At Big E’s, you just might. These wings were a bit too saucy, causing some of the wings to get soggy. Mitchell: If you picture Buffalo wings in your head, they’ll look just like this. Flavor-wise, there’s not really anything to complain about, but nothing stands out. A solid wing that’ll get the job done if you’ve got a craving. OI Asian Bistro – Korean Fried ChickenAdam: These wings have great breading and crunch, which complements the sweet and tangy sauce well. I wish these had a bit more kick, but overall, this comes in as my No. 1. Mitchell: These were a little different from the others we tried, not being Buffalo wings. They look great and had a nice amount of crunch. They were on the sweeter side, so if you’re looking for heat, you might want to go elsewhere. But from a flavor standpoint, these are really good.  Cassidey: The crunch factor! If you’re looking for an untraditional but still solid wing, I would go for this one. I was caught off guard by their sweet flavor when the menu says spicy, but it doesn’t make the wing any less flavorful. Subscribe:Receive unlimited access to your local news coverage

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Adam: OI Asian Bistro, The Curragh, New Holland, HopCat, Big E’s— What should Adam and Mitchell try next? Send your suggestions to newsroom@hollandsentinel.com and stay tuned for a bonus taste test next week!We decided to send our new taste test duo (photographer Adam Vander Kooy and reporter Mitchell Boatman) and a special guest (reporter and Buffalo native Cassidey Kavathas) to find out before the clock strikes Super Bowl Sunday.But wait, you say, chicken wings can be found at roughly four dozen places in Holland — how will you ever choose?