a whole lot of wings,” he chuckled. “But we’ve had as many as 170,000 people show up to the festival over the weekend. It’s become quite an event.”The festival attracts more than 70 vendors from as far away as Canada and South America. Varieties include grilled wings, smoked wings and vegan wings. Even the hottest of wings have their place, served by vendors with names such as “Ring of Fire” and “Burn Baby Burn.” Cerza noted that the festival has become a global draw for chicken-wing enthusiasts. “People from as far away as New Zealand email us every year to ask when it’s happening,” he said.
Teressa Bellissimo likely never imagined that her simple deep-fried chicken wings, tossed in her home-made cayenne and butter sauce, would one day become a worldwide obsession. The humble dish, born out of necessity and a bit of ingenuity, has evolved into a cultural symbol, synonymous with football, family gatherings, and late-night snacking.
In a world that seems ever-changing and chaotic, Buffalo wings remain a constant, a familiar comfort that brings people together. From the original Anchor Bar location in Buffalo to sports bars and restaurants across the country, Americans continue to enjoy this iconic dish that has stood the test of time.
As we celebrate the legacy of Teressa Bellissimo and the impact she had on American culinary history, let us raise a drumette or a flat in her honor. Let us savor the spicy, tangy goodness of a perfectly cooked Buffalo wing and remember the woman behind it all. In a world full of fast food and fad diets, some things never go out of style. Cheers to you, Teressa, and thank you for giving us the gift of the Buffalo wing.
