Who Will Be Long Island’s Wing King?
This weekend, Long Island will host a unique wing festival, with one person emerging as the island’s ultimate wing champion.
A well-known local food influencer, dubbed the “Dave Portnoy of Wings” because of his signature one-bite reviews, is organizing a festive event called “Scout Fest.” The festival will also feature some notable faces from the cast of “The Sopranos.”
Taking place outside The Spread, a sports bar in Lindenhurst, the first-ever “Scout Fest” is set to run from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Ryan “Wing Scout” Bliss will host a wing competition aimed at recognizing the top wing culinary talents and enthusiastic eaters on the island.
According to Bliss, who has gathered nearly 20,000 followers on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, “Long Island has some of the best wings in the country.” He feels their value is often overlooked and is eager to shine a light on the local wing scene by highlighting those suburban chefs who are turning out some fantastic flavors.
During the contest, participants will sample an assortment of sauces and dry rubs, with over 20 vendors providing various wings—flats, drumsticks, and whatnot. The panel of guest judges will include Alex Mitchell, a Long Island food expert from The Post.
“The Wing Scout brand is gaining traction in Long Island’s food community, and I’m thrilled to join in on this uplifting event—let’s wing it!” shared Mitchell, who hails from Massapequa and has chronicled Bliss and other local culinary delights.
The judging panel will also feature several personalities such as Mets radio host Keith Raad, WFAN’s Shaun Morash, comedian Mike Keegan, Chef Mike from Jackson Hall, and a wing reviewer known simply as Matt, who runs the Best Wings Long Island social media account.
As a special treat, actor Joe Gannascoli from “The Sopranos,” who played the character Vito, will make an appearance to promote his latest cookbook titled “A Meal To Die For.”
Event attendees will have an opportunity to taste the wings being judged and cast their own votes for their favorites—all included in the $45 admission fee.
For those looking for a bit more excitement, there’s an option for an additional $10, with proceeds going to the breast cancer organization All Boobs Matter. This fee grants entry to a wing-eating contest where one participant will earn the title of wing-eating king.
The event will close off the surrounding street and provide entertainment options like bouncy houses, face painting, and a chance to sample Bliss’ new Scout Sauce, which will also be available for purchase.
Bliss is enthusiastic about the scale of the event. “It’s going to be massive,” he stated.
Tickets for the festival can be purchased online at TheWingScout.com/ScoutFest.
