Former Panther to judge ‘Sauce Off’ at Gastonia restaurant
A Gastonia restaurant is on the hunt for the best sauce in the area. And it’s inviting amateur sauce chefs to cook up their signature recipes for a competition coming up this month.
The Wild Wing Cafe has teamed with the Carolina Panthers to host its inaugural Sauce Off showdown at its Franklin Square location on Aug. 24. There, 10 lucky recipe finalists will compete for Panthers prizes and culinary fame as the creator of the top sauce in Charlotte.
The winning recipe will be featured during VIP Tailgate parties before all regular-season home games at Bank of America Stadium – and on the menu at the Charlotte area Wild Wing Cafe locations.
Contestants must be amateur home cooks and at least 21 years old. Recipes must be the sole creation of the entrant, include clear and precise measurements and directions and contain no more than 10 ingredients.
Submissions must be received by Wednesday, Aug. 21.
“We are excited to partner with the Panthers organization as it gears up for the 2019-20 season – and to give Charlotte the opportunity to witness the exciting changes afoot at Wild Wing Cafe,” said Wild Wing Café’s new CEO Steve Weigel, in a media release. “Our Gastonia restaurant embodies the fresh and flavorful vision we have for our other restaurants in Charlotte and beyond.”
The competition itself begins 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 at the restaurant’s 638 E.Franklin Blvd. Gastonia location.
At 6 p.m., a panel of celebrity judges that includes former Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, will determine the winner. Muhammad played for the Panthers from 1996 to 2004, and returned in 2008 and 2009. He is now managing director of Wild Wing Cafe owner, Axum Capital Partners.
“The Sauce Off competition brings together two organizations close to my heart – the Carolina Panthers and Wild Wing Cafe,” said Muhammad, in the media release.
“Charlotte is a city with impeccable taste, and we believe this competition will be a win-win for everyone who loves chicken wings, big flavor and football.”
Panthers cheerleaders and mascot Sir Purr, along with other football stars will also be on hand at the event.
For more information or to enter the Sauce Off, visit www.wildwingcafe.com/happenings/sauce-off.
