Natalie “Summer” Harwood, a Columbia native, recently earned national recognition after being named the champion of the Bota Box “Wing It” competition held in San Francisco during Super Bowl weekend in February.
Harwood first entered the East Coast round of the cooking competition with her Black Cherry Smoke chicken wings, a recipe she created for the Delicato Family Wines company, which produces Bota Box wines. Organizers reviewed thousands of entries before selecting Harwood’s recipe for its flavor and originality.
“Black cherry has always been a flavor that I associate with home, and the smoke balances it out,” Harwood said. “I wanted the combination to reflect Southern flavor and feel distinct in a competitive setting.”
Her winning recipe earned her a trip to Super Bowl LX, where she competed against other national finalists during the Guy Fieri Flavortown Tailgate festival. The annual tailgating food event, hosted by celebrity chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri, combines food, entertainment and brand-sponsored experiences during Super Bowl weekend.
This year’s event was held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
“This is a personal creative milestone for me,” Harwood said. “I’m proud of my South Carolina roots and feel this is a reflection of them.”
The wing competition was judged by former San Francisco 49ers linebackers Eric Kendricks and NaVorro Bowman.
Harwood was ultimately named the “Wing It with Bota” champion during the Flavortown Tailgate Super Bowl weekend event.
“I had tasted the other finalists’ entries and the competition was strong,” Harwood said. “It was an exciting moment, and I was honestly surprised.”
