The Challenge

For the next 6 months, I will be conducting a series of hot wing reviews. Simply named the "Hot Wing Challenge", I will visit 12 local Memphis establishments and critique various areas of my experiences. These will include: heat level, flavor, tenderness, size, price, service and overall restaurant impression. I will also choose a random, second wing flavor that caters more to the non-chilihead customers. Some places I have visited before, others will be new to me. Based off the top critiqued areas combined, I will list out the restaurants I consider wing kings at the end of my quest. Do you know of a place worthy enough for the challenge? I would love to hear about them! Comment below this post with any suggestions you may have. Who knows? Maybe together we can uncover the ultimate wing in Memphis!

Jumbo 4X

M.L. Rose- Nashville, TN
http://ml-rose.com/

I travel often to Nashville for work. It's always a quick trip that usually involves time for a good lunch. On one occasion, I met some local vendors for lunch who decided on a place in Melrose called M.L. Rose Craft Beer and Burgers. Formally known as Melrose Pub, M.L. Rose is located on Franklin Pike, very close to our Nashville place of work. It turned out to be a great idea on that day and it began a new tradition for me.

When we arrived, I found M.L Rose to be a cool, little brew pub with a good layout, great bar, pub decor and plenty of big tables. They also had a fairly decent tap that, unfortunately, I would not be sampling. We were quickly seated and I proceeded to order a mushroom swiss burger. Seeing that they are well-known for having great burgers, I was anxious to try one. I did notice on the menu, however, a list of flavors for their "jumbo wings". One of which was a XXXX Hot and just as my eyebrows began to rise, I decided to hold off on this trip. I would tackle these next time I came to town. After enjoying the wonderful burger and waffle fries, we made our way back to Memphis.

It wasn't long before I had to make another trip out east and I already had lunch at M.L Rose marked on my schedule. My duties for the day were over around lunch time so I made the quick drive over to Franklin Pike, took a seat at a bar table and ordered a dozen XXXX Hot wings with a side of waffle fries. They arrived quickly and I assessed the huge meal. When they say jumbo, they aren't joking. These wings were HUGE and I probably should have ordered a half dozen. The decision was in stone so I began my indulging. After a few wings, I found the sauce to be no hotter than Red Hot Buffalo sauce. This was a disappointment but they were still really good. I was also impressed that they used a homemade ranch dressing. I was somehow able to finish the entire dozen and plate of waffle fries, all of which came to a small price of $11. I left disappointed in the heat but satisfied with quality, quantity and value.

I recently made my way back to M.L Rose a few weeks ago and met up with a different pair of vendors. They both ordered the Five Alarm burgers which were supposed to pack a punch but were equally disappointing in that delivery. I can easily see the M.L Rose Pub achieving their ultimate goals of providing amazing burgers and pouring a good assortment of craft beer from their tap. It must not be a goal when it comes to burning mouths of their chilihead customers. Regardless, I will always return here when I am in town because they sure do cook an amazing burger for a great price!