Argomenti trattati
When it comes to spicy food, some folks thrive while others merely survive. I consider myself part of the latter group, but that didn’t stop me from diving headfirst into a fiery food challenge at two of the hottest new chicken spots in the Twin Cities: Dave’s Hot Chicken and Hangry Joe’s. Both establishments require diners to sign waivers before attempting their most extreme heat levels, making this a culinary adventure not for the faint of heart. What follows is a hilarious and, at times, painful account of my experience as I pushed my taste buds to their absolute limits.
Getting ready for the heat
As a child, my dinner table was filled with mild flavors—think soft tacos with seasoned beef, cheese, and a hint of salsa. Spicy dishes were not my forte, and the idea of confronting them head-on was daunting. Yet, here I was, ready to tackle Dave’s Hot Chicken in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood. I ordered the No. 3, which included a tender and a sandwich at the notorious “Reaper” spice level.
Upon placing my order, the cashier handed me a waiver printed on a flimsy piece of receipt paper. Signing it felt like surrendering my rights to enjoy a simple chicken sandwich. The legalese warned me about everything from bodily injury to emotional distress and even death, just in case. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all while signing away my right to sue if things went awry. This was clearly serious business.
As I sat waiting for my meal, the restaurant’s walls were adorned with quirky murals featuring a chicken-man mascot, seemingly cheering me on while simultaneously hinting at the doom that awaited me. I took a deep breath, filled my tiny cup with water, and prepared myself for what could only be described as a culinary gauntlet.
The fiery showdown at Dave’s Hot Chicken
When my order finally arrived, it looked deceptively ordinary—no bright colors or sizzling edges, just a simple chicken sandwich sitting atop a bun. I took my first bite, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I might have overreacted. But then, reality hit. The heat surged forth like a raging inferno, engulfing my tongue and leaving me racing for my water. I gulped down several cupfuls, hoping my fellow diners wouldn’t notice my frantic behavior.
With each subsequent bite, the situation escalated. My lips swelled, beads of sweat formed on my forehead, and my stomach twisted in protest. I had to devise a new strategy. No longer could I simply power through—my body demanded relief from the simmering fire blazing in my mouth. This is where I made a crucial decision: the bathroom became my sanctuary.
Imagine me, dashing to the restroom, slurping water from the sink like a desperate animal. It was a sight to behold, and the psychedelic chicken-man art on the walls offered no solace during my moment of crisis. Despite my best efforts, I knew I wouldn’t finish the meal. I called it quits, realizing that sometimes, it’s okay to admit defeat. The chicken had bested me, and I made my way to Five Guys for a much-needed Oreo milkshake.
Facing the challenge at Hangry Joe’s
Fast forward nearly two months later. Still haunted by my previous encounter, I stepped into Hangry Joe’s in Inver Grove Heights, armed with the knowledge of what lay ahead. I approached their iPad ordering kiosk and opted for the “Angry Hot” chicken sandwich, mentally preparing for another round of fiery madness. The kiosk warned me about the waiver, but to my surprise, no one presented it before my food arrived.
It quickly became apparent that Hangry Joe’s waiver was more of a PR gimmick than a real legal document. While it contained all the usual disclaimers about potential disfigurement, it also granted them the right to use my photo for marketing purposes. If I were to become a hot mess from their chicken, I’d insist they use that for their ads. I dug into the sandwich, feeling some discomfort but nothing compared to my earlier experience.
Despite the heat, I felt oddly underwhelmed. The Hangry Joe’s mascot lacked the menacing presence of Dave’s chicken-man, and the sandwich itself? It was a far cry from the inferno I had anticipated. The promised heat just didn’t deliver. As I washed it down with a milkshake that turned out to be more flavored milk than a delicious treat, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. My friend Tony and I exchanged glances, both of us unimpressed by the supposed delicacies we had just consumed.
What I learned from my spicy journey
After enduring these spicy escapades, I realized that Dave’s Hot Chicken truly stands out as a contender for anyone looking to test their limits. It’s the real deal, a challenge that provides not only heat but also a memorable experience that sticks with you long after the last bite. Conversely, Hangry Joe’s felt like a letdown, lacking the excitement and intensity that made Dave’s a culinary adventure worth experiencing.
Ultimately, if you’re itching for a truly spicy challenge, head to Dave’s Hot Chicken. But if you’re just looking for a mediocre meal with a side of false bravado, well, Hangry Joe’s might suffice. Either way, I came out of this experience with a new appreciation for spicy food—or at least a better understanding of my limits. Sometimes, it’s all about the journey, even if that journey leads to a few fiery moments and a lot of laughter along the way.