They’re Blinger-Lickin’ Good!

Gold is a wonderful element that gives us joy, usefulness and value in many, many ways. But this just might be the place to draw the line.

A New York-based restaurant/bar chain called The Ainsworth has just added gold-covered chicken wings to the menu. It’s a collaboration between the kitchen and over-the-top foodie Jonathan Cheban, who has actually named himself “Foodgod” so he fits in better when he appears on Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

The blingwings are marinated in a batter of coconut butter, honey and chipotle for 24 hours, then fried and dusted with flakes of 24-carat gold. Blue cheese dip comes on the side.

Surprisingly, you can indulge in preposterous poultry for a reasonable price. A plate of 10 golden wings goes for $30, while 20 will set you back $60. But to really do 24-carat chicken right (and impress your date), the 50-wing feast comes with a bottle of pricey Ace of Spades Champagne for a mere $1,000.

Personally, we’d rather wear gold than eat it, so we’ll stay out of the chicken business for now. Bon appetit!

**UPDATE**

Comedian Tim Heidecker was inspired to write a satirical song about all this called “Jonathan’s Golden Wings.” You can hear it, and download it for a $1 contribution to the Los Angeles Food Bank, here. So maybe something good will come out of this after all.