By Jeff Trousdale
The Superbowl is synonymous with a number of things: hilarious commercials, egotistical football players, and two weeks of obnoxious hype. One of the best ways to cope with the plethora of attention that is given to this one day is to sit down with a group of friends and enjoy the event over a heaping plate of hot wings. And there is no better place to get hot wings in Portland than at Fire on the Mountain, a locally owned wing joint conveniently located just a few miles from campus at 4225 N. Interstate Ave.
Fire has long been known in Portland as a top spot for wings, and it certainly lives up to the hype. Walk into the place and a Portland vibe is immediately apparent. From the unique art decorating the walls to the meals served in Frisbees, to the regional indie music emanating from the speakers, Fire keeps it real in the way only a local restaurant could.
But while the flair and the atmosphere make Fire unique, it is the flavor of the food (along with the reasonable prices) that really makes it stand out. Start a Superbowl party out with some fresh cut fries, but make sure to cajunize them, and be amazed by the awesome size of the basket/Frisbee that costs only $4.95. If you want a little more down south style, try the fried pickles or tater tots, both of which were given rave reviews by regulars in attendance.
Once your party digs through the fries, move on to the real stars of Superbowl Sunday: the wings. Fire's wings are meaty, made with farm fresh chicken, and smothered in just enough sauce to make them delicious but not overwhelming. An order of 36 wings left three strapping young UP lads with the need for a take home box, and cost a reasonable $25.45.
Fire has 12 different sauces to choose from, and allows you to have a different style sauce for every six wings. If you are a traditionalist then go with the classic buffalo style, but make sure to get the hot version, as the medium was not spicy enough. For a unique flavor try the Jamaican jerk, with an earthy flavor that has hints of clove and green onion it is not what you'd expect from a wing.
Another favorite is the "soon to be famous" spicy peanut sauce, with so much peanut flavor that you'll find yourself licking your mouth to find the peanut butter but discover that none is there. Be sure to give sweet BBQ a shot or try some of the other flavors, you can sample any of them at the counter before you order.
If you are an indecisive person try asking the wait staff, or even the patrons, for their recommendations. Most will give them readily and they are usually right. One of the biggest problems with Fire as a wings spot is that it has no TV to watch the game, so be sure to order out. Even if Fire on the Mountain doesn't fit into your Superbowl plans, be sure to try it out some other time. Monday nights are a particular favorite, as microbrew pints are only $2 and pitchers are only $6 after 6:30 p.m.
Just remember, if the commercials aren't funny and the final score of the game is 3-0 Pittsburgh, wouldn't you rather be eating wings and fries from Fire on the Mountain than stale chips and salsa from your roommate Ted?
