It’s my first time to Buffalo City, and my ole Navy Shipmate and bulwark Public Affairs maestro suggested that I visit his old stomping grounds.

Alan Goldstein: “if you can, stop and visit Frank and Teressa’s Anchor Bar. The restaurant was established in 1935. On March 4th, 1964, Dominic Bellissimo was tending bar at the restaurant , when, late that evening, a group of Dominic’s friends arrived at the bar with ravenous appetites. Dominic asked his mother, Teressa, to prepare something for his friends to eat. Teressa deep-fried some chicken wings and covered them in Frank’s RedHot hot sauce and butter. Chicken wings were previously used for soup or thrown away. Teressa served them with blue cheese dip as hors d’oeuvres at the bar. They were initially offered for free. I was stationed across the street in 1970.”

When Alan Goldstein suggests something, I stop and listen. After all a solid recommendation from Al is as rare as the Bills winning the Superbowl.

Confucious

So I drove full speed ahead to Frank & Terressa’s and laid anchor there. Once alongside, I was immediately captivated by the decor – wall upon wall – pictures of celebrities past and present who have visited over the years and who may return at a moment’s notice. Actors, Politicians, Military Greats; historical news clippings chronicling the significant milestones since the turn of time.

Then there’s the retro motorcycles on display, and I knew I had docked in the right place.

Forget Buffalo Wild Wings – contrary to what you may have been told, Teressa Bellissimo invented the “original” Buffalo chicken wing (by accident). I ordered 20 traditional with their signature hot sauce. It came splashed with a handful of celery sticks and creamy blue cheese dip. It was slightly deep-fried and crispy – the way I like it.

After my sumptious plate of Buffalo’s best washed down with their handcrafted IPA, I was satiated and thankful to Al for his solid recommendation.

It was a surprise, since I didn’t know that Buffalo had a strong Navy presence.

“In 1970, I was the first enlisted Journalist to be assigned to a Navy Recruiting District … there in Buffalo. I was a JO3. I left Buffalo in October 1971 as a JO2. I was the district PAO.”

The Legendary Al Goldstein

So my mission is completed. I visited the spot where the chicken wing was born – 55 years ago – and my ole Navy friend, Al Goldstein, gave me a kick’n suggestion that rocks to this day.