Gabby Windey wants you to play with your Flamin’ Hot side chips, interview

Long before swicy was a food trend or extreme hot sauces had people sweating over burning questions, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos filled those flavor fantasies. Even if people’s fingers were covered in Cheetle and that orange-tinged mark ruined a few outfits, people craved the spicy, hot snack. Now, the Flamin’ Hot flavor infuses its deliciousness into other snacks. Gabby Windey says it is time to let those side chips have their moment.

The idea of staying true to a favorite food or snack is a curious idea. Food is not necessarily attached to a “happily ever after” or that “till death due us part” scenario. Keeping snacking options open can be a good thing. People’s flavor preferences evolve, cravings happen.

Recently, Gabby Windey partnered with the infamous Chester Cheetah to give people a “food hall pass.” Even though the beloved Flamin’ Hot Cheetos will always be there, sometimes it is permissible to consider those Flamin’ Hot side chips.

As part of this partnership, TV Personality and Podcast Host Gabby Windey graciously spoke to FoodSided about her favorite Flamin’ Hot snacks and how she approaches her personal relationships.

Cristine Struble/FoodSided: When Cheetos approached you about this collaboration, what do you think about the concept of cheating on the “original” Flamin Hot – the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?

Gabby Windey: I love the concept of cheating on Flamin' Hot Cheetos. I think it's so fun and gives us an excuse to play with our side chips – the concept is genius. We’re giving people a chance to win Burner Phones which gives you a direct line to Chester Cheetah. You call him up, get a selection of Flamin’ Hot chips on demand, I think it's just so fun. I was so excited to be a part of it. 

CS: Do you think that having a “side chip” can give snack fans a better appreciation for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?

GW: Of course, you have to explore your options before you know what your favorite one is and what is the best fit. It's very similar to dating. You have seen me with 25 boyfriends on TV – I had to try them all to figure out which one I liked best. And, you know, I had to go through all of that to figure out I liked women best. So, we need to try all of our options, all of our side chips really, to be most satisfied in the end. 

CS: What’s your favorite way to enjoy a Flamin' Hot snack? Are you a snack purist or do you prefer to use the snack in other recipes or food mashups?

GW: I am pretty much a snack purist unless it's going to be dipped in something. I feel like you could really dip a Flamin' Hot Ruffle in like a sour cream, French onion dip. I feel like that would be a good mix and match. But you know, I could just like down a bag of Flamin' Hot Doritos on their own in like five minutes or less. 

CS: Recently, you have been open and honest about not wanting to put a “label” on who you want to be in love with. Why is it important for you to share your story and how do you think that it is helping others to love who they are connected to without having to put a label on it?

GW: I think as I'm kind of exploring my sexuality and dating and myself, really, it's like we're all different and love is so beautiful because it can't be explained. You only know when you're in it. It's such a special feeling. And I don't think you really can define it or can search for it based on a label. Even by getting out of a traditional heterosexual box I was able to find the love of my life and you really still can't put her in a box. She's androgynous and I don't know if you even need to put a label on my sexuality like, am I a lesbian or am I this? It's like, I'm really just happy. And I love the person that I'm with, and I think that does kind of help people, you know, in their journeys. Robby is a small Jewish woman. I've never dated anyone that has looked like her, you know, it's like if you stick to what you're used to in your labels I never would have found the love of my life. So, I think it does just give people other people confidence in dating and knowing that it really comes from a place from within that you can't describe. 

CS: What is the biggest lesson that you have learned by being in an open, honest relationship that fulfills you?

GW: I've learned a lot about myself. I've learned that love is scary and that you know it is allowing someone in and allowing someone to be that close to you is terrifying and frightening. But you have to face the music and face your fears in order to keep deepening the relationship. So, it takes like a lot of courage and bravery to be in an honest relationship, which is where you're not hiding anything from anyone, you're open about your insecurities and trusting and believing that they're going to be there at the end of the day.  

CS: Given that you’re in a relationship, how do you feel about sharing your favorite snacks?

GW: Robby and I are the same way about this. We do not share especially something that we like. Like if she's going for the last bite, I will scream and won't let her have it. I'll run around the house before she can get the last bite of anything. So, I'll let her have one in between for sure. But if it's Flamin' Hot Doritos, get your own. 

Ready to share your own side chip story? Check out FlaminHotUniversity.com for all the “Cheat on Cheetos” spice.