Chicken wings have become somewhat of an art form, what with all the wing chains pushing multiple seasoning choices, not to mention the bars and grills everywhere with their buffalo specialties. And let’s not forget those spicy Korean wings.

I have seldom met a chicken wing I didn’t like, but I have a new favorite, the tangy salt and vinegar wings sold at the deli at Safeway. One reason is instant gratification — Safeway’s wings are ready for pickup, no waiting. I especially like the self-serve chicken wing bar at the Beretania location, where I don’t even have to wait for a deli clerk. I can fill my own box with a choice of eight flavors, although I only ever get salt and vinegar.

This means the wings sit under heat lamps, but they don’t suffer for that in crunch or taste. I don’t know why, maybe magic.

Wings are $8.99 per pound.

— Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser

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CAKE ON THE RUN

The French have found a way to make 1-minute mug cakes even quicker. With their “Go! Cake,” they’ve eliminated measuring and finding a mug.

All you have to do is tear off the top of these cute pouches and toss in the microwave for a minute (1,000-wattage oven). The bag has a built-in handle to hold your “mug” of cake.

Now if only they could eliminate the calories.

Chocolate, lemon and caramel flavors are on shelves at Times in Kamehameha Shopping Center, two pouches for $5.

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TASTY CHINATOWN FEST

“Taste” is the operative word at the second annual Taste of Chinatown Festival on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., where a lineup of area restaurants and other venues will offer a variety of food options.

Hungry festival goers can select from the fare of Bethel Union, HASR Bistro, Holoholo Grill, Kan Zaman, Little Village Noodle House, Prime Sandwiches, Royal Kitchen, Sweet Conviction Bakery, Topped, Wing Ice Cream, Uncle Lani’s Poi Mochi and Franny’s Fresh Fruit Ice Pops.

Individual food items will range from $2 to $10. A $10 Tasting Pass provides discounts at five food booths, and select craft and merchant booths. Pass holders will also get a $5 discount on the festival’s eclipse T-shirt (regularly $20 or $22, depending on size).

Pick up passes at the Chinatown Improvement District information booth at the entrance to the park. Passes are free to district supporters (sign up on-site with a $5 donation).

A traditional lion dance kicks things off, with festivities planned for Smith Beretania Park and along Smith Street. Cultural demonstrations, artisanal crafts and keiki activities including free face painting and mahjong instruction will fill out the afternoon.

Entertainment will be provided by Au’s Shaolin Arts, Phoenix Dance Chamber, the Ke Kani Nahe Musical trio, the Kalihi Community Center Keiki Ukulele Ensemble, and HPU dance and cheer teams.

All-day parking is $3 in the area’s municipal parking lots.

Information: cidchinatownhawaii.org. Email chinatownimprovementdistrict@gmail.com or call 589-9927 to preorder the passes and T-shirts.

— Erika Engle, Star-Advertiser