Uninspired, mediocre dishes can’t match tournament thrills
The NCAA Tournament, which began last week, is a great annual sporting event that doubles as a compelling miniseries. Sure, untold fans watch their teams enter March Madness like a lion only to go out like a sacrificial lamb, but the excitement generates story lines that can foster a cultural phenomenon or two.
Just ask the team from the University of MarylandBaltimore County.
Even ardently casual college basketball observers participate in “bracketology,” so the games also provide millions with a temporary shared hobby — plus an excellent excuse to spend hours on end hanging out with friends while watching TV. Or, if visiting a sports bar, many TVs at once.
One place to enjoy such bulk sports viewing is Woody’s Wing House in the Crosswoods area. The modern, spacious and roomy new place has big high-definition TVs as far as the eye can see. It’s co-owned by veteran restaurateur Jason Liu, who’s known for two popular J. Liu’s Restaurant & Bars, so you’d expect Woody’s to have more ambitious food than a generic sports pub.
It doesn’t. In fact, from its “fun, casual,” primarily wooden interior and seat-yourself policy to its similarly designed friedfood-happy menu and its goofy cartoon chicken logo, Woody’s ambitions don’t seem to extend beyond the restaurant chain it uncannily resembles: Rooster’s.
There are a few differences. Woody’s offers an uncommon food-andbeer drive-through, and its 32 taps represent an enhanced beer selection. Two seasonal best buys: 22-ounce pours of Bodhi from CBC or Conway’s Irish ale from the Great Lakes Brewing Company for $6.
As appetizers go, I wish Woody’s nachos ($7) went much farther. The grilled and diced chicken coated The cheeseburger pizza and a small house salad at Woody’s Wing House
Ambience: large, modern, sparkling clean sports bar with wood and high-end TVs galore plus friendly servers Children’s menu: yes Reservations: no Accessible: yes Liquor license: full bar Quick click: Routine sportsbar fare and a large selection of beer are available at very competitive prices from this new, locally owned establishment that specializes in chicken