You have to love a day dedicated to what was once considered scrap meat. It is hard to believe, but there was a time when chicken wings went into the stockpot or the trash. Those early appendages were small and scrawny. Today’s wings are plump, tender and tasty. They are also the center of celebrations every July 29.
We thank the Anchor Bar and the city of Buffalo, New York. In 1964, bar owner Teressa Bellissimo improvised a quick snack by frying up wings destined for soup stock. She splashed the crispy goodies with hot sauce and served them with now-classic sides, celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
The yummy bar snack took flight and landed on menus all across the city. Seven lucky years later, Buffalo officially designated July 29 as Chicken Wing Day. Spicy, easy-to-eat chicken wings received their rightful recognition.
It is easy to understand our passion for wings. Who can resist a finger food with such marvelous mouth feel? The contrast of crispy skin and tender meat delivers a lip-smacking experience with every bite.
Think of the simple hot wing as a canvas for culinary creativity. A savory rub or secret sauce can elevate a restaurant’s reputation. Your home-chef talents reach delicious heights as you wing it with new recipes.
Here at HolidayDispatch, I love calendar dates that give me an excuse to celebrate favorite edibles. July 29 is truly one of those days. The humble little appendage has come a long way. Chicken wings deserve a very special place in the halls of culinary fame.
Please accept my invitation, on this Chicken Wing Day, to grab a cold brew and a plate of your favorite former scrap meat. Join me as I indulge in the joys of true foodie love on the wing.