As you may have read from my last article, I got accepted to Teach For America and will be moving to Philadelphia next summer. Since I will be leaving Buffalo, I figured I would take a look at all of the things I will miss about western NY.
1. Tim Hortons
Who in their right mind would choose Dunkin Donuts over some sweet savory Timmy Ho's? Each time I order a Medium Iced Capp from Tim Hortons I feel like a true western New Yorker. To make my addiction even better, there are not one, but two Tim Hortons at my college. When I'm at home, there are two in walking distance. There is only one in all of Philadelphia. I’ll either have to find an apartment across the street, or become a fan of WaWa Coffee. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
2. Chicken Wings
I would like to thank Mindy Kailing for calling them chicken wings and not Buffalo wings. Yes, as Buffalonians, we are proud of being the originator of such wonderful food. However, we just call them chicken wings. I remember when I was young I would say that I didn't like them just to annoy my family. As I grew older, and finally got my braces off, I truly embraced their ammazingness. While we're on the topic, here is a quick shout-out to Pepe's Pizzeria. You are my everything, and I will make sure to call you whenever I am in town.
3. Mighty Taco
Do expect me to eat Taco Bell instead?!? How rude! Mighty Taco is so much better, hands down. I don't know what it is that makes me love Mighty more than Taco Bell. I feel like whenever I get Taco Bell instead I am so very disappointed.
4. Paula’s Donuts
Paula's Donuts can make any day perfect. The filling they use in their donuts are impeccable.
5.The Smell of Cheerios
Whenever you drive past the General Mills plant, you are welcomed by the sweet unmistakable smell of Cheerios.
6. Chef’s Restaurant
Who doesn't love a good spaghetti parm? At Chef's, the spaghetti parm is the best of the best. Hands down my favorite restaurant. As you can see from the photo, it is a tiny place. There table layout may be a bit cramped, but eating there is so worth it. Their huge serving sizes ensures you with some delicious leftovers.
7. Anderson's Frozen Custard
Anderson's ice cream just feels like home to me. You can't go through a summer without having some good ole' Anderson's. I always get a chocolate milkshake.
8. Sponge Candy
I didn't really know until recently that sponge candy isn't as popular in other places as it is in western NY. This delicacy has been and will always be one of my favorite chocolate treats. My most favorite, however, would have to be chocolate covered pretzels.
9. Niagara Falls
I kind of feel like I have taken Niagara Falls for granted. I've lived so close to the Falls, but haven't gone there enough. As a Niagara University student, it is a requirement that we are a fan of the Falls, and I am totally okay with that.
Well, I think that is all I can think of for the moment. I just realized that all of them, except Niagara Falls, are food related. I guess that goes to show how fantastic western New York food is. To be honest. I always wanted to leave Buffalo and move on somewhere different. While I have a while before I move to Philadelphia, I can cherish the time I have left in my hometown. One Tim Horton's Iced Capp at a time.
What do you love about western NY? Comment below! I know I didn't mention the Bills or Sabres, mainly because I'm not much of a sports person. Make sure to share this article and show off your western New York pride!
