Modest though he may be, Chef Marcelo Aparicio of Hoboken’s Carpe Diem restaurant is a strong contender to retain his crown in the “Best Wings in Hoboken” at St. Francis’ annual “A Wing & A Prayer” cookoff to be held this weekend. But he’s got some tough competition.
The fourth annual event on Sunday, April 17 will gather local chefs to vie for the Stanley Cup of chicken wings.
“I’ve been making them for eight years,” said Aparicio this past week in preparation for the cookoff. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Joe Jones, Carpe Diem’s owner for the last 10 years, says the cookoff is more about community than conquest.
“First and foremost, it’s a great family event,” he said, sitting at his restaurant. “It’s a great atmosphere when everybody is supportive. But you can see the attention it gets you after you win.”
“Hoboken is a sports town, so wings are a pretty big deal here.” – John Venus
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For Sunday, the restaurant is preparing 400 of what he describes as a “traditional buffalo sweet and spicy wing.”
“I can’t tell you what’s in it,” Jones said, smirking. He said he’s happy just to congregate with fellow restaurateurs, but admitted that since his restaurant will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this July, it would be fitting to win.
Proceeds from the event benefit the St. Francis Church food pantry, which provides an average of 40 lunches a day to the homeless. The past three years combined have raised nearly $50,000 for a variety of causes, including Hurricane Sandy relief and helping families with relatives who were struck by a tsunami in the Philippines.
From meatballs to wings
What started off as a meatball cookoff in 2013 naturally produced a sequel involving wings.
“Hoboken is a sports town, so wings are a pretty big deal here,” said John Venus, a parishioner of St. Francis Church who helped to launch the cookoff. “The spirit of this is always stepping out of the chaos of everyday life to do something for someone else. To be part of a random act of kindness is something special.”
Dave Carney, owner of Madison Bar & Grill, which was the runner-up in last year’s contest, makes sure to read the fine print when it comes to the contest.
“It’s a wing competition. It doesn’t specifically say ‘buffalo wing,’ ” he said over the phone. “If it stated buffalo wing, then we’d go the traditional route. But since that isn’t the case, we’re making a garlic lager beer sriracha barbeque wing.”
Last year Carney served his pok pok wing – a wing coated in a Vietnamese fish sauce.
This year could also see a surprise winner from among the many contending: Mikie Squared, Jack’s Cabin, 1 Republik, Green Rock, Hotel Victor, San Giuseppe, Smokin’ Barrel, City Bistro/Johnny Pepperoni, and Biggie’s are all competing.
“A Wing & A Prayer” will be held Sunday, April 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Elks Club (1005 Washington St.)
Jersey City-based rock trio Cecilia Celeste will take the stage at the all-you-can-eat affair, which also touts raffles and drinks. For tickets, which cost $40, visit www.stfrancishoboken.com.
Steven Rodas can be reached at srodas@hudsonreporter.com.