Like a Boss

Bosses - Memphis, TN
http://bosseschicken.com/

My search for the best hot wings in Memphis continued recently. A quick Google search landed me on a simple, yet well-designed website for a wing joint that I have yet to hear of. Located right in front of the Clark Tower on Poplar, Bosses would be my next adventure into the world of chicken wings. After mapping their exact location, I found it odd that I have never heard of them before. The Poplar East Memphis area is very busy with business and I used to spend a lot of time there. Reading more on the site, I saw that they are a fairly new place. With that known, I had to make a visit.

I decided to visit Bosses for lunch on a Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival, I noted their cleanliness. You can instantly see that they care about keeping their place clean and organized for their customers. I reviewed their menu which includes a great price for a lb of wings, fries and a dipping sauce. All for $6, a perfect meal for a customer looking for a good lunch at a good price. From the amount of customers who were seated, enjoying their lunch in their business suits and ties, I could tell that the word is already out around the Clark Tower about a new wing establishment on the block.

Upon placing my order, I was greeted by one of the owners, John, who explained the levels of their sauces. Without a doubt, I was there for the pain and this would be in the presence of a sauce they call "QD", or "Questionable Decision". Sounds perfect. I was then warned about the sauce by someone sitting at the bar which excited me even more. I found a seat and John later joined me. He gave me a brief rundown of the establishment, stating they have only been open since the beginning of the year and are still getting their name out there. We discussed wings and hot food, which was great meeting another person who also likes to burn his mouth on some hot wings. Although these wings aren't as hot as he could make them, he said he receives good feedback from his customers.

Regardless of how busy they were, the order quickly came out. I jumped right in and had a few down before I began to heat up. It wasn't an over-powerful heat which gave me the opportunity to taste the sauce. I was impressed with the texture and flavor of the sauce which topped a perfectly crisp wing that didn't have me begging for more water. After my last wing, I wiped my head and gave John two sauce-covered thumbs up. So if you're in the mood to try something new, work in the Clark Tower area or both, give Bosses a shot. It would be a decision that you would not find questionable.

Habanero Hamburger Recipe

I have been to several restaurants in my life that have burgers on their menus that are named something clever, enticing my taste buds into thinking that they are about to burn up. I place my order which almost always ends in disappointment. All I have ever received is a regular burger topped with some type of pepper and cheese. If the peppers are weak, then so is the burger. Good, no less, but nothing I would consider labeling with a scary title. I have always wondered why establishments don't mix the peppers in with the meat, and actually use hot peppers. With many other things in life, sometimes it's just better to do it yourself. Throughout the years, I have modified and perfected a simple recipe to make one of the best burgers to be in my hands.

*1 lb ground round beef
*2 habanero or ghost peppers
*4 slices pepper jack cheese
*1 teaspoon black pepper
*1 teaspoon garlic salt

1. Place beef in a large mixing bowl.
2. Chop peppers fine and add them to the beef.
3. Chop cheese slices into small, 1/2" squares and add them to beef mixture.
4. Add salt and pepper.
5. Mix meat thoroughly and make patties. 1 lb beef = 2 or 4 patties.
6. Grill to your liking.
7. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Suicide Salad

Emerald Thai Restaurant
5699 Mount Moriah Road
Memphis, TN 38115
(901) 367-2827

With the suggestion of a Burn My Mouth fan, I expanded my list of favorite places to eat at that bring the pain. Located off Mt. Moriah in East Memphis, The Emerald isn't a new establishment in the city. It is new to me, however, because I don't make it out that way much these days. Without the modern forms of networking, would this top-notch experience have taken place? Thankfully it did because with JaJa's closing recently in Collierville, our options in the Memphis area for awesome Thai food are limited.

I couldn't find much on The Emerald online. Unfortunately, I don't think they have a website nor did they have a take-out menu. I will take this opportunity to get the word out for them because, if you're a fan of Thai food, you will enjoy this cuisine. I went to The Emerald today for lunch with only a tip and a passion for heat (a craving for a Singha was a nice motivator, too). I was told that I should try the Yum Neua, a salad with strips of beef, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, etc, and a sauce that you can order to your liking; mild, hot and suicide. Not surprisingly, I had a death wish today and ordered the 'suicide' beef salad. After laughing like an evil scientist who was plotting out the contraption I was about to consume, the waitress kindly explained to me that it will be "very spicy". Great! That's why I'm here!

After hearing her shout the order in Thai to the cook in the kitchen, I could only try and figure out what she just told him. I have been to Thailand before but didn't pick up on any of the language. As far as I know, she told him "This guy just came in here and said there is no way we can burn his mouth…” I prepared for whatever was coming and when it arrived, I was ready. The smell hit me first. It was everything listed above plus the distinct smell of Thai chili peppers. I dug in and was half way done with the plate before I took a break. That's when the heat hit me and the sweat began. Half a beer later, I finished the rest because stopping again was not an option. This salad was off the charts with flavor. Not only was it extremely spicy, all the veggies were a perfect mix and the beef was tender with incredible flavor. The sauce was not only a good Thai mixture; it made an amazing salad dressing. After finishing my beer and using my last napkin to wipe off my head, I departed The Emerald, but not for the last time.