Football, chicken wings and free publicity — What could possibly go wrong?

Football season is here. The Rams, Chargers and the rest of the NFL are back, fantasy football owners already think they know more than the coaches, and somewhere in Pasadena somebody is ordering a plate of chicken wings.

Our publisher Sheryl gave me what sounded like the easiest assignment of the year: Find the best chicken wings in town.

Chicken wings? Shoot…That’s it?

I’ve been reviewing restaurants for more than 20 years. I live, eat and preach Eat Local. I constantly tell people to support the neighborhood restaurants instead of automatically heading for the big national chain.

Fortunately, I have spies. I call them Silent Partners.

So I contacted a few restaurants, told them I was writing about chicken wings to give them some free publicity.

I’ve spent years listening to restaurant owners telling me they need more customers. Then you call and say, “I’d like to write about you for free,” and suddenly everyone gets very busy.

Maybe I should have told them I was calling about their extended warranty.

Apparently giving away free publicity in Pasadena is like trying to get a food-cart permit at City Hall.

Oh, I forgot. That’s easy.

Fortunately, I have spies. I call them Silent Partners.

Sheryl likes the wings at Pinocchio’s Pizza on Lake Avenue, around the corner from our editorial office. The small sports bar atmosphere suits a lot of local patrons. Make sure you allow extra time for this dish because every portion is freshly made and comes piping hot with Buffalo sauce.

Facebook friend Jenard de Castro gave me my first clue: T. Boyle’s Tavern.

You know the place. That little tucked-away sports bar near The Ice House that you can drive past 100 times and never notice. Jenard says check out the wings, and that’s exactly the kind of recommendation I like. Not from an advertising agency. Not from somebody sending me a press release. From somebody who actually eats there.

Then I heard from Mike Freeman. Mike knows a little something about food — he owns Zelo Pizzeria in Arcadia — and his nomination was Hot Wings Cafe on Colorado Boulevard. When a restaurant owner recommends somebody else’s restaurant, That’s as they say “Legit.”

Hot Wings Cafe has been around the Los Angeles area since 1986. When “Hot Wings” is actually the name of your restaurant, you’d better know what you’re doing. Buffalo, mild, hot, extra hot, barbecue and lemon pepper — this is old-school wing territory. Anyone remember, Bill’s Chicken? Of course you do.

Here’s where I get to use the best part about having my own column.

My opinion counts, too.

Yard House at The Paseo has some pretty darn good wings.

Yes, I know. I preach Eat Local and Yard House is a chain. I’m not turning in my Eat Local membership card. Good food is good food, and if I’m talking wings in Pasadena, I’m not leaving somebody out just to make a point.

But if we’re talking about the Super Bowl contenders, I’m putting Rocco’s Tavern on Green Street in the playoffs.

Definitely.

Rocco’s understands what a chicken wing is supposed to be. It’s sports-bar food. It should arrive hot. There needs to be some crispness. And there needs to be enough meat on the bone so that I don’t need a magnifying glass to find the chicken.

I’m also a traditionalist. Give me the bone-in wing. Flats and drums. Ranch or blue cheese on the side. I’m not interested in something that looks like a chicken nugget wearing a Buffalo sauce costume.

And please — serve them hot.

My father Elmer Dills taught me the simplest restaurant rule I’ve ever heard: hot food hot, cold food cold.

You’d be amazed how many restaurants still can’t pass that test.

If I missed your favorite, don’t call City Hall. Leave a comment.

This is just an opinion and information article.

Sheryl says Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Jenard has T. Boyle’s. Mike Freeman has Hot Wings Cafe. I’m throwing Yard House into the conversation, and Rocco’s is already looking like a Super Bowl contender.

Now it’s your turn. Who did we miss? Who has the best chicken wings in Pasadena?

And restaurant owners, here’s another chance. I’m trying to give you free publicity.

Apparently I need to work harder at it.

As always, if I missed your favorite, don’t call City Hall. Leave a comment.