Delightful Dining in Columbia: Chef Hector Sanchez’s Best Wings Redefines Comfort Food
COLUMBIA — A Culinary Journey
From the bustling streets of New York City to the friendly corners of Columbia, Chef Hector Sanchez has carved out a remarkable niche with his latest venture, **Best Wings of Columbia**. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place where passion meets plate! The tantalizing aroma of chicken wings fills the air as patrons sit down to enjoy a menu designed to please both the heart and palate.
Hector’s culinary journey is nothing short of inspirational. After serving in the Marines and experiencing life in Italy, this chef found his true calling in the kitchen. “Cooking became my refuge,” Hector shares with a warm smile. After being diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD, he turned to cooking not just as a means of nourishment but as a way to heal and find purpose.
In his early days, as he moved through the challenges of life post-military, cooking for his family became a vital outlet, a spark that ignited his passion for food. “When I could cook, I could pay attention. I really fell in love with it,” he recalls, reflecting on how the kitchen brought him joy amid chaos.
From New York to Columbia
With a degree from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America under his belt, Hector launched into the fine dining scene of New York. “I wanted to learn everything I could,” he said. And that’s exactly what he did—often working for free at top-notch restaurants to refine his craft and develop his identity as a chef.
But Columbia called to Hector and his family for a different dining landscape. Settling down in this charming city, he quickly made his mark at various local eateries. After years of expertise, from Cajun-inspired Bourbon to the Southern flavors at Terra, Hector was ready to step out on his own with Best Wings of Columbia.
A Menu of Memories and Innovation
Located at 1410 Colonial Life Boulevard West, the eatery features a menu bursting with creative chicken wing recipes like Korean fried chicken wings paired with fruity gochujang ketchup. And let’s not forget the **lemon-pepper chicken wings**, fried to perfection and tossed in a zesty sprinkle—yum!
If wings aren’t your thing, don’t fret! Hector’s pizza, made with a **10-year-old sourdough starter**, is bound to have you swooning. Each bite is a tribute to the traditions he learned in Italy, but he puts his twist on everything. Yep, you guessed it—this isn’t just regular pizza; it’s a culinary adventure on a plate.
And passionate about his roots, the menu often showcases **Latin-inspired specials** that introduce diners to empanadas de yuca filled with savory beef picadillo and tacos with homemade masa tortillas—a true feast for the senses!
A Heart of Gold
Hector’s pride in his Afro-Puerto Rican heritage shines through in his dishes. He’s not just about tantalizing flavors but making a difference in the community. “Everyone deserves really good food, no matter their economic situation,” he insists, emphasizing his mission to serve high-quality meals to everyone who walks through his door.
Looking ahead, he sees a future where food tells a story. With a bachelor’s degree in anthropology on the horizon, Hector envisions supper clubs where diverse cultures can share their culinary narratives. “Food is a history book,” he notes. It’s a beautiful way to bring people together, one delicious bite at a time.
The Day-to-Day Adventures
Despite his impressive achievements, Hector faces daily challenges, particularly his perfectionist nature. “I put my life and soul into this,” he shares. “It’s my little happy place, but there are days I need to create that ‘Sistine Chapel’ in the kitchen.”
So if you’re in Columbia and craving something out of the ordinary, be sure to swing by **Best Wings of Columbia**! Whether it’s a casual dinner or just a bite with friends, there’s something special waiting for you there. The doors are open from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday—all ready to serve you a taste of the heart.
Come join this culinary journey where comfort food gets an exciting makeover, and remember—good food is meant to be shared!
