Signs of Civilization

I've finally found it! Civilization has finally manifested itself to me here in the Valley. After seven months of food establishments ranging from "Eh, I guess that this is fine..." to "Geez! This is barely edible!" there is finally an eatery that has distanced itself from the competition. The Wing Coop.

Ab and I went on a Sunday drive, shopping for various items, laughin' back and forth at what the other one had to say. We ended up out on the east bench on our way to the good REI store, when I thought to myself.... "Aaron and Merica told me about a good wing place! We ought to try it out." So, enlisting Ab in the endeavor with the promise of more time to listen to Justice, we headed to our new destination.

The menu was the first indication of restaurant normalcy. Unlike other Utah wing establishments, there were not just 2 flavors of wings. Instead, customers can choose from a veritable bevy of flavors ranging from mild ones that put more stock in different tastes to spicy ones that concentrate on burning out the taster's buds.

So, we ordered just an sampling of the vendor's wares, 5 for me and 5 for Ab, and we sat with anxious anticipation. I was more than willing to acknowledge my own reservations given that, after all, we were still in Salt Lake City, the Land of the Bland. The wait was, I must say, significant.... maybe 10 minutes for our order to arrive, but the time was broken up a little when a group of snowboarders asked the proprietor if he gave discounts to those that had just come from the mountain. Wittily, he answered, "Sure, but you have to prove it. I mean, how do I know you didn't sit at home all day, and you just have a good coat!"

Our order came, Ab's "Black Diamond" and my "Garlic Parmesan." They were heavenly! Finally, a place out here that prepares food in a manner that most other Americans are accustomed. It was as if the clouds parted over the East Bench and a voice came down from the heavens with glory said, "Even though most of you guys out here don't know me, I'm going to put one of the good things in life here, anyway."