It’s game day, and for me that means one thing: Buffalo chicken wings.
Now I must confess, I grew up in a basketball town and never got into football. For me, today is less about sports and more about snacks. Regardless of the team for which you root, I think we can all agree that the real winner is the wing.
But according to an online Smithsonian article, the wing was not always so popular. In fact, less than 50 years ago the chicken wing was used only to make stock.
The history behind how wings became the country’s favorite football-watching food, however, is nebulous. Several accounts exist, but there are a couple confirmed facts: One, they originated in Buffalo, N.Y. — hence their name. Two, wings first appeared on menus in the 1960s, spread throughout the state in the 1970s, and become mainstream by the 1980s. (Fun fact: The first Hooters Restaurant, known of course for its wings, opened in 1983.)
Today, we could not fathom football sans chicken wings. And while I admit I don’t even know which teams play today, I do know why I’m cheering. Touchdown, Buffalo chicken wings!