Last week, I wrote about the comforts of home. This week, my thoughts have turned to my current way of life, and my fascination with some things that are very Buffalo-centric.

I’m going to be ignoring local vocabulary quirks for the time being, such as the proclivity to make everything possessive. (”Did you go to Aldi’s?”) The focus will be on other matters here. And thus, a few thoughts from a former outsider who is now nearly a full-on Western New Yorker.

n Food

I’ve got no complaints with the region’s eats, far from it. One of the first thoughts of anyone who visits Buffalo has to be chicken wing-related. Over time, I’ve stopped at many of the local wing slingers, including the necessary pilgrimage to The Anchor Bar. And I’ve got to tell you, I’m a Duff’s man. The Tonawandas are no slouch in the wing department, either.

Right up there with the wings, you’ve got your beef on weck. In some rare occasions, I’ve seen it spelled “Wick,” as if you’re eating a hot, meaty candle, which is less appetizing. That being said, I’m not really big on “Weck.” Perhaps it’s an acquired taste.

One thing I don’t really understand is the story behind Texas Red Hots. Nothing against the food itself, but why is any credit given to Texas? Does Texas have anything to do with the dogs? No one in the newsroom could make the connection.

Speaking of hot dogs, my love for Ted’s Hot Dogs is well-documented throughout the newsroom. It’s a little exaggerated, but I really do enjoy my Ted’s.

Sometimes food is sold or given away, but it’s not just a bake sale. It’s most likely a chowder sale around here, or even stranger, a meat raffle.

“Chowder, chili . . . these people will sell anything in a stewed form,” said Georgia-bred Town of Tonawanda reporter Dan Pye.

For dessert, it’s time for some sponge candy. I was initially on the fence about sponge candy, but then I realized I liked it. Though the name is misleading; I originally pictured some kind of soft gummy object.

To wash down this bountiful local feast, I believe a loganberry drink is the only option. Sweet, sweet loganberry.

n Housing

Eventually, I would like to buy a home in the area, and I feel it’s never too early to look. Imagine my curiosity when numerous houses had “Florida Rooms.” A “Florida Room?” What might that be?

Turns out, it’s just a screened-in porch. I prefer solarium or sunroom, but hey, “Florida Room,” why not. I believe many locals consider Florida to be a distant, tropical world, so the very fact that a room could have outdoor features would link it with Florida.

Tonawanda News Managing Editor Eric DuVall believes humidity is a key factor in a Florida Room. Tonawanda News Sports Editor Jay Skurski disagrees. I knew the rooms could get warm, but I didn’t realize they could cause such heated arguments, as well.

Speaking of screened-in rooms, I completely do not understand the appeal of screened-in garages. I read one ad for a home that specifically mentioned a screened-in garage as a feature. I don’t get it. You’re still sitting in your garage.

n Stag Parties

This one gets its own special category. I know these things as bachelor parties, which are generally just a night out on the town with the groom and his best friends. Stag parties, with their auctions and stuff, seem far too organized. And why are they called “stag parties?” What year is this, 1950?

That being said, I’m not going to knock a stag party until I rock a stag party. Stag on, my brothers.

Phil Dzikiy is a staff reporter for the Tonawanda News. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at 693-1000, ext. 114 or by e-mail at dzikiyp@gnnewspaper.com.