Manayunk Eatery Hosting Chicken Wing-Eating Contest Jan 31

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA – Attention chicken wing aficionados and amateur competitive eaters: SOMO in Manayunk is teaming up with Bill "El Wingador" Simmons and a NFL star for a chicken wing-eating contest next week as a lead up to the 2018 Wing Bowl, which is set for Feb. 2 at the Wells Fargo Center.

SOMO and Simmons are hosting a Pop Up and "Sprint" wing eating contest at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at SOMO.

Entry is $20 and then competitors will be tasked with eating 20 wings – 10 prepared by SOMO chefs and 10 by Simmons with his "El Wingador Sauce" – as fast as possible. The winner will get a $200 cash prize and an invitation to the opening of SOMO's new South Philly location.

And someone has to judge the contest obviously.

Luckily, Philadelphia native and Super Bowl Champion XLIV Jahri Evans, who is a guard on the Green Bay Packers and a partner in both SOMO locations, will be on hand to referee the event.

"I’m told I'm the greatest eater in the Delaware Valley, and I thought maybe some people would like to challenge me," laughed Simmons. "I just want to have some fun eating wings with my fans and other chicken enthusiasts, and see if anyone can keep up with me."

The "El Wingador Sauce" will be featured at his new restaurant, which he plans to open in the Philadelphia area this year.

"My wing sauce is a sweet, homemade barbecue sauce made with vegetable purée and no butter or oils that packs some nice heat," Simmons said.

After the competition, Simmons' wings will be featured on SOMO’s menu while supplies last.

SOMO’s wings feature a lemon garlic Parmesan glaze.

"You could call it a warm-up to Wing Bowl 2018," SOMO’s James Morrissey said. "This delicious event is open to the public, but space is limited, so we’re encouraging area wing lovers to sign up and make sure to come hungry."

Reserve your spot in the contest by buying you entry ticket online here.

SOMO is located at 4311 Main St. in Manayunk.

Chicken wings are displayed at the Wing Bowl in Philadelphia, Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)