This marks Juke’s 7th year anniversary and the return of their famous Fried Chicken eating contest. This was a private event held as a thank you to all the friends, family, and industry people who have supported Juke over the years; and I was thankful for the invite.
Last year was my first time attending the occasion and I was allowed to compete in the fabled chicken eating contest myself. As the only female participant, I was joyous to have placed in the middle of the pack. A ranking I was satisfied with, alongside fellow foodie and competitor, Dennis of @pangcover. Although we were completing with 8 other individuals, we were also duking it out between ourselves.
In 2022 I ended the clock with one big bite, pulling out ahead of Dennis by 0.5 of a drum. A fact that he was still salty about today. Therefore we were destined to meet again for this grudge match, as we were invited to compete again this year. Having gone through the emotions once, I was more optimistic this time around.
The goal is to eat as many whole, crispy, straight from the fryer pieces of Juke’s fried chicken within the allotted 90 seconds. With the winner claiming the prize, having their name craved on to the Juke Chicken mascot bust, and taking on all bragging rights.
This year there were 9 combatants around the semicircular table. Each, with our own tray, facing a mound of crispy fried drumsticks. Before we began, we were given the run down of the rules, which included what constituted as a whole drum and how we were to dispose of our empty bones.
We were introduced by our stage names, which we gave ourselves in advance. Dennis would be “Chick Fighter” dawning a Street Fighter tee and Everlast boxing gloves around his neck. I took on “De-Boner” coming dressed in Muay Thai shorts and a tank top depicting the art of that fighting discipline.
The competition was fast and furious with combatants choosing to help wash all the meat down with either water or some of the cocktails and alcoholic drinks provided to all guests. I would have rose as my rinse of choice.
At the end, the winners were closely matched at 5 chicken drums a piece. And a new winner was crowned, beating last year’s champ with cleaner bones. I placed 3rd having cleaned 4, and Dennis came in at 2.5 chicken drums eaten, due messy finishes. This was not the last with 1 and 2 drums respectively; but it was also no where near my accomplishment.
And although I did not win, I did have a great time and got to gloat over Dennis’ loss. Plus we did get to take some chicken and appetizers home, given we did not eat prior to the competition.
Or rather we grazed lightly, at the assembly of help yourself finger foods made available for everyone. It all looked amazing and I was truly tempted. Although taking the competition seriously, I avoided the table in order to not ruin my appetite and have it affect my competing negatively.
So sadly, I stuck mostly to drinking, to kill the time before the contest. I would sip and savour on the likes of two speciality cocktails. The Juke’s of Hazzard was my preferred of the two. Brokers Gin, Giffard apple, lime, grapefruit, and horchata syrup. And the Feelin’ Clucky with Wild Turkey, Aperol, lemon-orange, and cherry basil; which was just the sweeter of the two. There was also the option of house beer and a nice rose to choose from.
As for the above mentioned food, most of the following was not on the regular Juke menu. Small bites for easy snacking, and a few limited release items I remembered from past promotions. Like their mini corn dogs dressed in ketchup and mustard with pickles on top.
Ofcourse there was plenty of their regular fried chicken (for everyone not competing) and a sweet soy version with sesame seeds and green onion for variety.
There were also chicken skewers that were more savoury, dressed in a teriyaki glaze with a sprinkle of seaweed and more sesame seeds.
There were tater tots, a platter of veggies with dip, and hush puppies. The latter are rounds of corn meal that were sweet with a mashed potato-like centre.
The deviled eggs were a hit, topped with an avocado crema and some breading crumble.
I was a big fan of the corn, this was done so clever. Still on a cob, but sliced up for easy eating, in the perfect portions.
And there was even a station where you could vote for your favourite feature wing sauce. There was the Juke’s jerk, a sweet and sour, and the Carolina gold. I only tried the latter expecting a super hot wing, so was disappointed on that front, but did note it as a really tasty wing all together.
In short this was a great time, and I continue to be a fan of Juke’s, more often than not looking to them for delicious, gluten-free, and not oily fried chicken.
Juke Fried Chicken
182 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4
(604) 336-5853
jukefriedchicken.com
