CHEAP EATS: Platinum Wings flies, gets A for effort, tasty shrimp
By Rosemary Boggs (Contact)
LITTLE ROCK — Coming home from work one day a couple of weeks ago, my attention was drawn to Platinum Wings by a person in a large yellow chicken suit standing out by the road with a sign.
The first thing that came to mind was how hot it must have been inside that suit on a sunny June day.
But I certainly had to give the catfish and wings restaurant - which recently moved from Gravel Ridge to a small building on John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Little Rock - an A for effort, and made a mental note to come back and try their food at a more convenient time.
A recent hot, lazy Sunday afternoon seemed like the perfect time to check out Platinum Wings. We pulled into the small parking lot, and headed inside, noticing a small sign over the door that said “Sports Grill.” Upon entering, it is hard to miss the pool table in the middle of the dining room floor that is flanked by rows of booths on each side. It could get a bit cramped if the restaurant is very busy.
There are several flat-screen TVs on the walls, and a large jukebox in the back near the kitchen counter area.
The menu features a variety of catfish, chicken tenders, shrimp and wings dinners, variety plates and a few appetizers, as well as several specials. There are threedaily lunch deals ($4.25 to $4.95) served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday with choice of wings, catfish or shrimp dinners, fries and a drink.
From noon to 6 p.m. Sundays, the restaurant offers all-youcan-eat catfish and trimmings ( $8.95 for ages 12 and under, $12.95 adults). For the same prices, the restaurant has all-you-can-eat wings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday and Friday.
We decided to sample variety plates that come with fish, shrimp and wings. Diners can order plates that include three of each ($7.95), six of each ($13.95) or nine of each ($18.95) that come with fries and a roll. Wings flavors available are Hot & Spicy, Mild, Sweet & Tangy, Teriyaki, Spicy Honey, Garlic Parmesan, Platinum Fired, Honey BBQ , Spicy BBQ , Lemon Pepper and Sweet & Sour.
I tried the Garlic Parmesan wings, which were lightly seasoned, relatively meaty little drummettes. My son went with the Sweet & Tangy version, which he said were good, but that the sweet and the tangy seemed to cancel each other out. But that didn’t stop him from eating them.
The catfish was breaded in a flavorful seasoning, but could have been cooked a little longer. The shrimp was probably the best part of the meal. Served butterflied and breaded, they were crispy and delicious even after the trip back home. The undercooked french fries were disappointing.
We also decided to check out the good and messy Platinum Fries ($2.95), which feature a plate of curly fries topped with cheese sauce and bacon bits. On a whim, I ordered Mozzarella Sticks ($1.75), four small sticks that didn’t fare well as carryout.
Platinum Wings sells family-size meals ($18.95-$26.95) that include varying amounts of catfish, fries, hushpuppies, chicken tenders and shrimp.
The menu also lists chicken liver and gizzard dinners ($3.25), which are hard to find at restaurants these days. Being a liver lover, I decided to try them, only to find out that the restaurant was out of them.
Other options include boneless wings (10 for $8.95, 25 for $16.95) and two sandwich choicesthat come with fries and a drink, a Chicken Sandwich ($6.50) and Pork Chop Sandwich ($6.95).
For $3, they’ll deliver your order of $12 or more anywhere within a 10-mile radius of the restaurant.
Platinum Wings offers members of the military, police and firefighters a 10 percent discount. With two adult meal purchases, children ages 1 through 10 can eat free with selections that include chicken, fish and wings meals and come with fries and drink. Ordinarily, kids’ meals are $3.75.
Platinum Wings Address: 5504 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday Cuisine: Wings, catfish, chicken tenders and shrimp Credit cards: AE, D, V, MC Alcoholic beverages: No Wheelchair accessible: Yes Carryout: Yes, and delivery (501) 753-4005
This article was published Friday, June 20, 2008.
Weekend, Pages 68 on 06/20/2008
