Watkins Drinkery, Part II: Nacho Boogaloo

Watkins Drinkery
1712 South 10th
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 339-0175







Chinese Firecracker Nachos

Wild boar, fried wonton chips, napa cabbage slaw, sriracha

Price: $9.95


According to Wikipedia, "Nachos are a popular food based on nixtamalized corn, of Mexican origin associated with Tex-Mex cuisine that can be either made quickly to serve as a snack or prepared with more ingredients to make a full meal... Sometimes French fries, potato chips, or popcorn are used instead of tortilla chips." First off, reading the entire Wikipedia entry is more bland than the first nacho platter I reviewed on this site. Second, and more importantly, I had no idea that "French fries, potato chips, or popcorn" could officially be used instead of nixtamalized corn chips when creating a platter of nachos. Well, if Wikipedia says it's so (especially within the first couple sentences), I certainly feel more tolerant about the fried wonton chips used in these Chinese Firecracker Nachos.

Sike. I'm actually a delicious warthog.

For my loyal reader(s), you will notice that this is the second time I've visited Watkins Drinkery. Word on the streets of Philadelphia was that they recently changed their menu (which they will do multiple times a year) and unveiled a brand new nacho platter. So, of course I had to wrangle up the motley crew of nerds, order some pints and awkwardly sit at a group of tables right next to the bathroom AND kitchen for maximum "in-your-wayness". I am proud to announce on this blog that I have never had nachos like these before. The fried wonton chips made an excellent crispy foundation for the chunks of succulent wild boar. The sriracha sauce (a favorite for people with taste in condiments or without working taste buds) topped the crispy napa cabbage slaw which was sweet, sour and certainly something that would not work on any other nacho platter. Overall, a unconventional combination of popular (and semi-exotic) American Chinese flavors that I truly enjoyed. It may not be something I consider to be on the "comfort food" side of the nacho spectrum, but certainly a unique and tasty experience worthy of a lip smacking.      

• Presentation: 6
• Assembly: 6
• Uniqueness: 9
• Value: 7
• Taste: 8
• Overall: 7.2