Ep 7. Who Really Invented the Buffalo Wing?

Thrillist Investigates is a documentary-style series that takes a deep dive into some of the world's most intriguing and tantalizing mysteries. In season 1, episode 7, titled "Who Really Invented the Buffalo Wing?", the show investigates the origins of one of America's most iconic and beloved foods: the buffalo wing.

Wings have become a staple of bars and restaurants around the country, with seemingly endless variations on the classic buffalo sauce recipe. But who was the first person to come up with this culinary masterpiece? On Thrillist Investigates, host Wil Fulton sets out to uncover the truth behind the creation of the buffalo wing.

The episode begins with a look at the history of chicken wings in America. Fulton speaks with food historians and experts who tell the story of how wings went from being a less desirable part of the chicken largely used for soups and stews to one of the most popular finger foods in the country.

From there, the focus shifts to Buffalo, New York, where the buffalo wing as we know it today supposedly originated. Fulton interviews locals who claim to have witnessed the invention of the buffalo wing firsthand, and he speaks with chefs who claim to have served the very first plates of the dish.

But as with any great mystery, not everyone agrees on what really happened. Some people claim that the buffalo sauce recipe was actually invented in a different city altogether, while others argue that it was a collaborative effort involving multiple individuals.

Throughout the episode, Fulton introduces viewers to a number of colorful characters who have played a role in the history of the buffalo wing. There are chefs who claim to have "perfected" the recipe, sauce-makers who have created their own variations on the classic buffalo sauce, and even a man who claims to have been the first to introduce the dish to Japan.

As the investigation unfolds, Fulton explores the cultural significance of the buffalo wing. He speaks with bar owners who have built their entire business around the dish, and he visits a Buffalo Bills tailgate party to see how wings have become an essential part of the local football culture.

Ultimately, Thrillist Investigates doesn't provide a definitive answer to the question of who really invented the buffalo wing. Instead, the episode offers a nuanced and multifaceted look at the dish's complex history, exploring the many different factors that have contributed to its popularity and enduring legacy.

For anyone who loves a good mystery, or just can't get enough of buffalo wings, this episode is a must-watch. With its engaging storytelling and thoughtful examination of the cultural significance of food, "Who Really Invented the Buffalo Wing?" is a fascinating look at one of America's most beloved dishes.