I'd already decided to fire up the Weber for Super Bowl Sunday, but still did some research for friends who wanted wings without the hassle of doing them at home. That called for a drive-by of Wing Zone, a carry-out wings hut in the parking lot of Eisenhower Square Shopping Center.

The line moved pretty quickly and I was ready with my order: a combo meal of six wings, potato wedges and a drink, all under $7. I chose from among 15 sauces and went with traditional buffalo sauce and a dipping cup of blue cheese dressing.
My ulterior motive was to also score an easy lunch I could take home to enjoy under the shade of the Moon Lodge on a February day that was well into 70-degree temperatures.

BTO's "Takin' Care of Business" blared from the boombox as I tore into the package, finding three drumettes and three wing joints, all plump and dripping with sauce. The sauce itself wasn't blazing hot, but spicy enough to get my attention. You want hotter? Try Nuclear Habanero - Wing Zone's hottest sauce.

The potato wedges were simple and filling. I also sampled an order of Mozzarella sticks. Again, typical fried cheese sticks with a tomato dipping sauce.

Quick, easy and nicely priced compared to lots of other wing outlets.

1100 Eisenhower Dr./354-8888

Peaty goodness

Scotch whiskey specialist Gordon and McPhail will be on hand for a charity Scotch Tasting at the JEA Auditorium Sun., Feb. 26. This leading importer and blended of premium Scotch represents some of the most sought-after whiskies in the world. Proceeds from the $118 ticket support building and repair projects of B.B. Jacob Synagogue. Small plates prepared by Chef Trace Weitz. For more information or tickets, call 354- 7721 or 354- 6195.

Wild Thing

Friends of The Coastal Gardens are hosting a Wild Game Supper on Friday, Feb. 24, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Lakeside Pavilion. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information or tickets, call 921-5460 or e-mail coastal@uga.edu.

Georgia's favorite turtle
Terrapin Brewing Co. beers will be showcased in a dinner at Johnny Harris Restaurant on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Brewery rep Steve Hayes will be on hand to talk about the beers. The menu and details are being finalized, but this event is sure to draw a crowd. Call 354-7810.

On track, again

Restaurant GM Christian Peranzi, who has been holding down the fort at sister eatery Taco Abajo, called to report that the beer bar and restaurant Temperance on Broughton Street is back on track. Construction has resumed and Peranzi anticipates a late February or early March opening.

Affirmation

Several of you tried Asian River Restaurant and Bar after I reviewed it a couple of weeks ago. Those of you who wrote to me affirmed my impression - that it's Chinese food moving in the right direction. Many reported being from metro areas that were rich with great Chinese food - and that you particularly admired Asian River's Hot and Sour Soup. Andy and Amy might just have the right formula. cs