Cranford Fire & Ice Competition Crowns 'King Of The Wing' In 2023

CRANFORD, NJ - This year’s “King of the Wing” winner at the Cranford Fire & Ice Festival certainly isn’t a stranger to the annual event.

Venue 104, last year’s hot wing competition winner, also took home the crown in 2023, Downtown Cranford officials said.

Helmed by owner Franco Vitella, Venue 104’s hot wing offering in 2023 was dubbed “Ultimate Buffalo.” Other options across the festival included flavors like sweet and tangy with orange sauce, honey bourbon chipotle, hot honey BBQ, Thai chili ranch and cider habanero.

The annual festival also featured exhibits from ice carvers and fire breathers, as well as complimentary face painting, a balloon artist, s'mores and hot cocoa.

“Thank you to everyone who braved the cold yesterday and came downtown for Fire & Ice,” Downtown Cranford said in a statement. “It was wonderful to see so many visitors walking through Downtown Cranford on a chilly February day … all of the restaurants put out a delicious product and we're already looking forward to next year's competition!”

Here are the local eateries that participated in this year’s competition:

• 8Thai
• Ani Ramen
• Dominos
• Garlic Rose Bistro
• Gourmet Deli
• Mr. J’s Deli
• Mystic Lobster
• Old City Cafe & Grill
• River & Rail Cantina
• Sapore Di Italia
• Sonny G’s
• Sub-Ology
• Thirsty Turtle
• Urban Burger
• Venue 104
• Vinny’s Pizza