Highly local to Binghamton, spiedies are similar to kebabs: meat cubes on a stick, grilled over charcoal and served with bread. But the marinade is spiedie-specific (always with vinegar, a little tart), and the tradition dates back to the area’s 1920s Italian community. The name is said to be derived from the Italian word ‘spiedino’ or ‘spiedo,’ meaning ‘skewer.’

There are a bunch of places in Binghamton known for this dish, including the family-owned, 70-year-old Sharkey’s, also celebrated for its Eastern European fare (try the pierogies, stuffed cabbage and city chicken!). These were delicious, tender, toothsome–and definitely worth seeking out if you’re in the area.