Date Night: Gabriel’s Gate, Buffalo NY

When I lived in DC, I was on the hunt for the perfect guacamole. Now that we live in Western New York, I’m on the hunt for the perfect chicken wing. Last Friday night, I think I found the first contender, though I have miles to go and a few hundred wings to try. But for now let me tell you about our evening at Gabriel’s Gate in Allentown, Buffalo.

Though we love trendy, small plates and cutting-edge culinary endeavors, sometimes the perfect date night can be found in a dimly lighted booth at the back of a tavern or pub. Such was our evening at Gabriel’s Gate. Scott landed hours earlier at the airport and was exhausted and famished, and thought he almost talked me into picking up chicken fingers from our local favorite, I suggested we start testing the very best chicken that Buffalo has to offer.

Gabriel’s Gate has been recommended to us on many occasions, and now we can see why. Though we ordered a burger to split as well – The Lexington – and a side of onion rings (I am my father’s daughter!) the wings were nothing short of splendid. We ordered BBQ, which in hindsight I would have strictly ordered Hot, but a craving is a craving, am I right?  If I’m going to be judging wings, you should know that I like my wings big and meaty, super juicy, and crispy on the outside. Give me soggy skin and it’s all over.

But the wings here were all of that. And though messy and hardly first date material, we devoured them without speaking until they were gone. Famished, yes. But that good, too.

Now, on to more important things: we need suggestions to throw into the arena for chicken wing contenders. Thoughts? Lay em’ on us.

Cheers!