From the man that brought us the Chick ‘n’ Deli and Bistro on the Avenue – comes healthier air fried wings

The Toronto food scene is constantly changing. With an endless stream of food trends and new restaurants, it’s important to recognize the ones that have stood the test of time. Louis Nemes, of the former Mount Pleasant and Eglinton landmark Chick ‘n’ Deli known for their late night line-ups, the iconic St. Louis Bar and Grill, and his home base Bistro on Avenue, has been a pillar in the city’s restaurant industry for over 45 years and now he’s offering a healthier take on his famed original recipe chicken wings. 

Since 1977, this philanthropic restaurateur (who raised over $10,000 for the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital at his 80th birthday party) has been confident his wings are the best in the business. But even this octogenarian realizes that as times change, his legacy has to adapt with them. 

“They’ve been frying wings since the 1950s — it’s time for a new and healthy alternative. That means moving from oil fried to air fried,” Nemes notes. After spending years researching options before landing on the air fryer grilling system, Nemes is confident that this technique will revolutionize the way people cook and consume these favoured pub snacks. He also believes that it’s important to offer a healthier product; with fewer calories, and lower cholesterol and fat, without sacrificing flavour. 

The new technique makes his chicken wings and legs, “even better tasting; extra crispy on the outside and super juicy on the inside,” says Nemes, and thinks his customers will agree.

The change to a lighter, air fry technique may be new, but Nemes is still faithful to his own special wing recipe.

“The secret’s in the spice,” Nemes states, always keeping the recipe details closely guarded. Some things will never change. And to that we say, amen.

The air fried chicken wings and legs are now available at Bistro on Avenue at 1988 Avenue Rd.