ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Each Friday on “Good Day Virginia” is Foodie Friday. We highlight restaurants, chefs, and more throughout southwest Virginia.
WFXR’s Hazelmarie Anderson is talkin’ chicken with many wing vendors leading up to the 14th Annual Roanoke Wing Fest.
Owner of The Hatch, Jay Jordan, and head chef, Chef D, shared two new wing sauces they are introducing at the 2023 Roanoke Wing Fest. But even with the new addition, the restaurant is hoping to defend its titles as Best Creative, Best Overall Wing, and Best Sweet Wing.
“We definitely have soul food at The Hatch,” said Jordan. “Different varieties of chicken, ribs, mac and cheese, collard greens that have a taste that will knock your socks off.”
The Hatch is known for its soul food in the Star City and of course its flavorful wings. Jordan says when he is looking for a good wing it has to have a nice crunch, be tender, be seasoned, and have great taste.
From chipotle honey to Memphis sweet heat, The Hatch is gearing up to bring all the flavor back to Dr Pepper Park.
Along with its winning wings, The Hatch has sides that can’t be missed. At the Ronaoke Fest, wing lovers will be able to try their homemade mac and cheese, collard greens, mac salad, and more.
However, The Hatch isn’t the only one bringing the heat to the fest.
Rocky Mount Smokehouse owner, Allen “Buddy” Hancock also hopped in the WFXR’s Community Kitchen to see what they are bringing to the judge’s table as they prepare to bring the flavor and win back their reigning titles.
“We are trying to get back into the wing column, so we bought our best wings, hoping that everybody will enjoy this year,” said Hancock.
To smoke things up, Rocky Mount Smokehouse is bringing four flavors to the fest including one of its new creations, a bourbon sauce.
But for those who love a traditional wing, Rocky Mount Smokehouse will have its buffalo, sweet, and a dry rub. Hancock says to make your wings special and unique, there will be heat levels for guests to choose from.
Hancock says the secret is to smoke your wings to give them extra flavor. The restaurant is known for its fresh North Carolina-style BBQ with a Franklin County Twist. Its sauces are homemade and the restaurant smokes fresh BBQ on a daily basis.
The 2023 Roanoke Wing Fest will be at Dr Pepper Park on Saturday, Aug. 25. For more information, visit the Dr Pepper Park website.
