Wing it at this cook-off

By Alex Rush

The hardest thing in professional sports is repeating as Super Bowl champions — but it’s even harder to pull off a “two-peat” at the annual Best Wings in Brooklyn contest at Red Star in Greenpoint.

This Saturday’s event will see reigning champ Super Wings, out of Crown Heights, taking on dozens of veterans and an upstart wing from a Downtown joint partly owned by Jay-Z.

Colette Burnett of Super Wings (pictured, left) is not worried.

“We’re coming with our best game,” said Burnett. “We’re expecting to win.”

Burnett didn’t want to give away her game plan, but insiders are expecting her to show up with her Trini Tamarind wing, a joint that even bested celebrity chef Bobby Flay on an episode of “Throwdown” last year.

The Caribbean-influenced restaurant will have to contend with 20 other contestants for this year’s trophy, including Wheeler’s, the Sheepshead Bay bar that finished third last year, and Buffalo Boss, rapper Jay-Z’s favorite place for chicken.

“We’re excited to throw our hat into the wing arena in Brooklyn and come out with the title,” said Jamar White, the rapper’s cousin, who’ll bring his OMG wing, a fiery blend of seasoning with a touch of sweetness.

Judges include some of the most discerning palates in town, including Brooklyn Paper editor Gersh Kuntzman.

“I’m disappointed in how many wing entrepreneurs don’t understand the delicate balance among spice, crispness and flavor,” Kuntzman professed. “As such, I’ll be looking for those three things with an eager palate and a critical mind.”

But you don’t need Kuntzman’s expertise to feast; entry is free and the portions are ample.

Get there early, as 1,000 chicken-munchers are expected.

Best Wings in Brooklyn at Red Star [37 Greenpoint Ave. at West Street in Greenpoint, (718) 349-0162], Feb. 12 at 2 pm. Free. For info, visit www.redstarny.com.

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Get your drink on at Red Star's Beer Festival

By Joe Anuta

The more you enjoy this annual Greenpoint festival, the less you’ll remember it.

The Beer Festival at Red Star Bar and Grill is back, with 33 varieties of microbrews just waiting to be consumed.

It’s not a deal by any means — $20 gets you a sample of six brews — but the excitement comes from trying some beers that no man has downed before.

We’re talking about Black Xantus, an imperial stout California-based Nectar Ales, or Back in Black, a potent IPA made by 21st Amendment in San Francisco.

And the most sought-after brew of the night will be Brooklyn Brewery’s newest creation, Cuvee Noire. It’s a strong, Belgian-style ale that packs an alcoholic punch at 9 percent.

It’s debauchery with an important purpose (and we’re the official media sponsor, just so you know!).

“You’ll be trying diverse beers that we don’t regularly have on the line,” said Eric Hall, general manager of the bar.

And the Cuvee?

“It just came out — and it’s delicious,” Hall said.

And what’s better with local beers than local bands? Hall is also bringing in several, including The John LaDeau Trio, which was a hit at the previous festival. Then again, everyone was drunk, so sometimes it’s hard to tell.

You can start your engines at 2 pm — and not power down until long after midnight.

“I won’t be kicking anybody out,” Hall said.

Beer Festival at Red Star Bar and Grill [37 Greenpoint Ave. near West Street in Greenpoint, (718) 349-0149]. Nov. 6 from 2 pm-midnight. Six beers for $20. For info, visit www.redstarny.com.

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