I consider myself a fairly healthy person. I exercise and I try to consume all food groups in moderation. Sure, from time to time I treat myself to some McDonalds, but what overworked, jaded high school senior doesn’t? In general, I eat a well-rounded diet of pasta, meat, salad, and many other relatively healthy foods. I consciously try to shake up my food intake. However, lately I have been failing in this regard. One specific food that has been giving me trouble is Buffalo Chicken. Any kind of Buffalo Chicken.
My dedication to the wonderful food has blossomed into a rewarding addiction. In truth, it is a tragic love affair. I give the Buffalo Chicken my hard earned dollar and the Buffalo Chicken gives me a head start on my freshman fifteen.
As an American, I know that I am the last person to blame for what I eat. It seems that in the last month or so, Buffalo Chicken has become increasingly available to me. Recently, Arby’s has started serving Buffalo Chicken sandwiches. I first heard about this new addition to the menu from a close friend of mine, and we proceeded to exchange pleasant conversation over Arby’s Buffalo Chicken sandwiches the very next day. Let me tell you, when you bite into that scrumptious creation, you know for certain that you have spent your money wisely. The buttermilk Chicken has a slight crunch, and then you are instantly hit with that sweet sweet Buffalo sauce flavor. For those who have not had Buffalo sauce, it’s spicy but not too spicy, especially when accompanied by shredded lettuce and ranch dressing, as the Arby’s take on the classic sandwich is. If you’re looking for a less heavy meal, Arby’s also offers the Buffalo Chicken sandwich in slider form, with a chicken tender on the little bun, which is so so so yummy. Rest assured, Arby’s does indeed “Have the Meats.”
Also new to my life is Cathedral Prep’s “loaded fry day” in the cafeteria. Metz chef James Wrigley recently introduced this new special to Prep’s menu, in which students are given a bowl full of the frenchiest fries, topped with whatever topping was decided on for that day. They can then go to the toppings bar and fill their bowl with ranch, banana peppers, or anything else that is available. Coincidentally, the first loaded fry day featured fries loaded with, you guessed it, Buffalo Chicken. The small chicken nuggets covered in that sweet orange nectar paired well with ranch dressing, and filled my belly quite sufficiently.
It was that day that I realized I had let my eating habits get the best of me. Whenever I heard the words “Buffalo Chicken,” I jumped at the opportunity to consume the wonderful concoction. I made a pact with myself to try to eat less of the food, but just like many other goals in my life, I failed. Later that night, I went to the Public House on 26th Street for a late dinner with my immediate family. I arrived there later than my siblings and parents, so I was in a rush to order. My eyes immediately found the words “Buffalo Chicken Pizza,” and I practically subconsciously delivered my order to the waitress. I was a bit disappointed in myself having realized I just broke a promise I had made with myself earlier that day, but once I bit into that Americanized pizza I was reminded of the Maroon Five lyric, “Feels so good to be bad.” The pizza is coated in Buffalo sauce, with chicken all over the pie. Ranch is stylistically drizzled at the Goldilocks level (not too much, not too little but just right). I appreciate the Public House chef’s decision to sprinkle celery and carrot bits on the pizza. It’s especially nice because the Buffalo sauce and ranch make the flavor of the vegetables almost undetectable, but I still feel that I am eating healthy. Also, the crust that the pizza was on was absolutely phenomenal. It was crunchy and flaky and delicious. So, so, so good. Like, oh my gosh. Wow. So good. I loved it. Yum.
Also, shout out to Buffalo Chicken dip. What a great appetizer. I could eat that stuff forever.
To summarize, if you’re ever wondering whether or not you should order the Buffalo Chicken option wherever you are, I suggest you do it. In short, Buffalo Chicken is awesome. It’s an adaptable food that can be served on a sandwich, over fries, on a pizza, and surely on many future cuisines that have yet to be invented. Though you may put on a bit of weight if you over indulge in it, life is simply too short to not eat Buffalo Chicken.