WE'RE CRAVING: CHICKEN WINGS

BUFFALO BOYS HOAGIES

Buffalo Boys Hoagies, like the name suggests, is run by a couple of guys from Buffalo, the home of the spicy chicken wing. At Buffalo Boys, they make their wings the authentic way: unbreaded, deep fried and tossed in a mixture of Frank's hot sauce and melted butter. At Buffalo Boys, there's no beer for sale, so we suggest getting your order to go.

Buffalo Boys Hoagies, 2671 S. King St., 983-3870

BUFFALO WILD WINGS GRILL & BAR

Buffalo Wild Wings is known for — what else? — its buffalo wings. They're served with your choice of celery, bleu cheese or ranch dressing. Buffalo Wild Wings is also known for its variety of sauces. There are 14 sauces to choose from, like Smilin' to super spicy Screamin'.

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Discovery Bay, 1775 Ala Moana Blvd., 983-3933

DIRTY LICKINS'

The owner of Dirty Lickins' is from 'Aiea but spent many years in New York City, thus acquiring the taste for this spicy chicken snack. The wings come mild, medium, hot and volcanic, and are served with barbecue, honey mustard, teriyaki or garlic sauce. An eight-piece wings combo meal with fries and a drink will set you back $8.90. There's also a plate-lunch style wings plate with rice and your choice of salad for about the same price. Not bad.

Dirty Lickins', Aiea Shopping Center, 99-115 'Aiea Heights Drive, 486-8500

HOOTERS

All things considered, there really is no reason to go to Hooters, except for the wings. But they're reason enough. Though not authentic at all (they're battered), Hooters' wings pack a real flavor punch, and they're moist and meaty. While you're there, get an order of Lots of Tots, a mountain of tater tots smothered in melted cheese and topped with sour cream. And yes, you can avoid the, um, Hooters all together and get the wings to go.

Hooters, Aloha Tower Marketplace, 524-4668

FOOD NEWS

The Honolulu Firefighters Foundation presents its inaugural Signature Chefs Food Festival, a benefit for the foundation. The event will feature the culinary talents of HFD firefighters and chefs from Roy's Restaurant, Beachhouse at the Moana, Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas, Side Street Inn, Twist at Hanohano and 3660 on the Rise. Festivities will also include live entertainment, a silent auction and admission to the HFD museum. Proceeds from the event will benefit the HFF and its mission to promote, educate and support public safety. The festival is today from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Honolulu Fire Department Headquarters Complex at 636 South St. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by calling 949-1566.

The eighth annual Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce's Chopsticks & Wine 2009: The Magic of Waikiki will bring together 15 of Hawai'i's premier restaurants for an evening of wining and dining from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel. Participating restaurants include Mariposa, Le Bistro, Gyotaku, Roy's Restaurant and Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch & Crab. Tickets to the event are $100, with the proceeds benefiting the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce. For tickets and more information, call 949-5531, e-mail info@honolulujapanesechamber.org or visit www.honolulujapanesechamber.org.

SMALL BITES

FOR THE LOVE OF FOIE GRAS

As if foie gras ever needs to be more decadent than it already is. Vino (Restaurant Row, 524-8466) makes it decadent, plus some. Pan-seared Hudson foie gras is topped with a thick slab of prosciutto, then topped again with a fried quail egg. The whole shebang is served on two rounds of brioche, then drizzled with a vanilla maple glaze ($19). We dare you to stay away.

EAT LATE, EAT CHEAP

The recently opened Black Diamond Nightclub in the Waikiki Trade Center now offers two sushi bars, run by the guys who brought you Hanapa'a Sushi Co. If you remember this outlet that operated out of Times Supermarkets, you'll know that this is sushi-bar quality at supermarket prices. It's no surprise, then, that they would be offering temaki hand rolls for just $2 all night, every night. One of the best deals is their lobster salad temaki, made with real lobster meat. Owner Donn Nakata (pictured) also makes a delicious kim chee poke.

Black Diamond
Waikiki Trade Center
2255 Kuhio Ave.
926-7987
Hours: 9 p.m.-4 a.m. daily

— Melissa Chang