Last modified: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 2:10 PM EDT Tom Cahill, owner of The Chieftain pub in Plainville, won last year’s Wing-Off competition to benefit the Hockomock YMCA. (Staff photo by Mark Stockwell) A wing and a prayer BY REBECCA KEISTER NORTH ATTLEBORO - How does the Chieftain pub plan to defend their cook-off title? They're winging it. And they're doing it at the Hockomock YMCA's second annual Wing-Off competition this Saturday at the Elks Club. The Chieftain took home top honors at least year's fundraiser to benefit the YMCA's Reach Out for Youth and Families campaign, which provides confidential scholarship assistance for YMCA programs and services. Lots of wings, live music and a chance to help an important local program - what could be better? "We were just trying to come up with fun events where people could have a good time," said Tim Burns, senior program director at the Y. "We thought maybe a few of the restaurants get some bragging rights and it all comes back for a good cause." This is how it works: Ten local restaurants, including The Chieftain, bring their best wing recipes for judging and, of course, sampling. A panel of top-secret judges will vote on the best and hand out the honors. But the fun doesn't stop there. There also are four bands providing entertainment during the event, which runs from 3 to 9 p.m., and a raffle. Last year, each restaurant brought hot and spicy wings. This year, Burns and his staff left the recipes open to the participants. "This year, they can do what they want," Burns said. "And we're having a people's choice (award)." Many of the same restaurants are coming back. Tom Cahill, owner of The Chieftain, said the decision to participate again was easy. "The atmosphere was great," Cahill said. "The location is wonderful. It was very enjoyable." Of course, charity is the first priority. But Cahill does think it would be nice to have a repeat victory. He believes his chef, Joe Courchine, who has made The Chieftain's wings for eight years, has perfected the hot and spicy variety. "He has the right blend," Cahill said. "It's in between hot and mild, shall we say. Too hot isn't the answer. Anyone can do that and burn their mouths, but that's not what we should be aiming for." But with this year's open-ended categories, it might be anyone's game. "I think (Courchine) is making three different types this year," Cahill said. "It's going to be hard to repeat last year's performance. (Courchine) has mentioned a few new (recipes), but he won't give them to me." Most restaurants are keeping quite mum on their entrees. Cahill did say he believes one of The Chieftain's involves Guinness and molasses. Bill Fitzpatrick of Fitzy's Pub in Plainville said his staff will be entering one gold-fever wing recipe, which involves chilli lime. "But that's about as much as I want to say about it right now," he said. "I thought the event was very well run, and that they did a good job. This is for charity and for fun." Michael Valeri is making the wings for LA Roberts in North Attleboro, where he says his fresh, unbreaded wings are among the most popular menu items. He's sticking with buffalo wings this year. "With all the wings and then all the music, I think it's a great day," Valeri said. "And they made a lot of money for the Y, which is the whole reason for doing it." Last year's event raised $5,000 and Burns is hoping for repeat success. "This is an event that's open to everybody and has a wide appeal," he said. "Which is kind of why we liked it so much, for everyone to come together, have fun, listen to some good music and try some good wings." REBECCA KEISTER can be reached at 508-236-0336 or at rkeister@thesunchronicle.com. If You Go ... WHAT: Hockomock YMCA's second annual Wing-Off. WHEN: Saturday, 3 to 9 p.m. Actual competition 3 to 5 p.m. WHERE: North Attleboro Elks Club, Bulfinch Road. ENTERTAINMENT: Silk Road performs from 3 to 4:30; the Joe Gately Band from 4:30 to 6; Tulsa Queen from 6 to 7:30; and Itchy Fish from 7:30 to 9. TICKETS: $25 advance; $30 at the door. Can be purchased at the North Attleboro branch of the YMCA, 300 Elmwood St.