This summer, an old(er) bar learns new tricks.
In conjunction with the first NFL preseason football game, Thursday, August 10th, Tavern on Broad will introduce their sinister food challenge: 6-Minutes in Hell. Spearheaded by new Executive Chef, Jeff Smith, Tavern on Broad, or TOB as many regulars know it, is offering anyone over the age of 18 the chance to try their new, fiery concoction: YMC wings. You May Cry, literally. Bhut Jolokia (more commonly known as ghost pepper) is used to create a sauce so hot the Devil Himself can’t handle it. Every willing participant must sign a waiver before attempting the challenge.
Before the challenge begins, guests will be asked to sign off on rules, regulations, and grounds for disqualification. By agreeing to the challenge, participants acknowledge that they will need to eat 10 YMC wings and that there is a 6-minute burn period after completion, which is referred to as “6 Minutes of Hell.” Participants must not drink any beverage or consume any other food during the challenge, or in the 6 Minutes of Hell. They may not wipe the sauce off of the wing, or be under the influence of any substance. Vomiting will result in instant disqualification and total shame. Tavern on Broad is not responsible for personal injury, illness, and possible loss of reputation. Successful challengers will receive a $50 gift card to TOB and an endless supply of bragging rights. According to the first batch of eager participants, this challenge is easier said than done.
“I’m used to eating spicy food,” said patron Joe Pruiti, “but, this was something else. I cried! A chicken wing made me cry actual tears…it was awesome.”
TOB understands that not all wing lovers can handle the heat of Hell, so they are also introducing their new 50 cent wing night special which is scheduled to run at least throughout the NFL pre-season.
As it takes strides to reintroduce itself to the competitive gastropub market of Philadelphia, fiery fried food won’t be the only new thing cooking at this well-known Center City Sports Bar. Chef Smith is excited and anxious to unveil the new menu that, he hopes, will catapult TOB into the limelight of Philly’s buzzing food scene.
“I want people to know that we’re not just a bar; we have so much more to offer. We aren’t here to reinvent the wheel, we just want to offer simple, delicious food. It’s not what you’d expect from us, and that’s a good thing,” Chef Smith responded when asked what his motivation was surrounding his menu and new direction. “When you look at it [the menu], I want you to know what you’re ordering in a completely non-pretentious way. I feel that other bars and restaurants are going in that direction, and we’re not about that here. At Tavern on Broad, you’re going to know what you’re ordering and you’re going to know that it’s damn delicious.”
Tavern on Broad, at the corner of Broad and Walnut Street, is located in the lower level the Bellevue. Hours of operations are 11 AM – 2 AM 7 days a week.
