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(insert photo from 18 th floor)
Caption: Downtown Binghamton nestled at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers
July 31, 2008
Thursday! Thursday! Thursday!
If the 61 st Annual UOL Convention was a metaphor for a delicious sandwich, Thursday would be freshly carved roast beef served with horseradish mayonnaise, lettuce and Swiss cheese. And while that sounds pretty amazing, we assure you that the gastronomic delights of our “A Taste of the Southern Tier” event will far surpass the aforementioned meal, symbolic or not.
Our special guest at “A Taste of the Southern Tier” (besides you , of course) will be a local standard: Spiedies . Though this local sensation has been hyped mercilessly in this space over the last few issues, it's time to define it once and for all, with a little help from your friends at the online encyclopedia Wikipedia .
(Note: any stomach rumblings or hunger pains are strictly intentional)
“The Spiedie is a dish local to Greater Binghamton in the Southern Tier of New York State, and somewhat more broadly known and enjoyed throughout Central New York State . Spiedies consist of cubes of chicken and pork , but it may also be made from lamb , veal , venison or beef . The meat cubes are marinated overnight or longer in a special Spiedie marinade, and then grilled carefully on spits over a charcoal pit. The freshly prepared cubes are served on soft Italian bread or a submarine roll , wood skewer and all, and then drizzled with fresh marinade.” (From wikipedia.org)
These lovingly prepared Spiedies will be the focal point of a relaxing picnic on the 18 th floor observation deck of the State Office Building in downtown Binghamton , which is within walking distance from the hotel.
And if all that stimulation wasn't enough, we will immediately segue into an evening of dancing and trivia (with prizes!) after dinner. A DJ will be spinning tunes guaranteed to make the young and the young-at-heart shake their bones long into the summer night. Thanks to Phyllis Hatala this evening will be a hit!
We'll be back next issue with even more details on how NOT to miss out on this incredible week in the Southern Tier. Now if you'll excuse me, all this talk of Spiedies and metaphorical sandwiches has me starving !
Respectfully Submitted,
Joshua M. Oryhon
61 st Annual Convention Committee Bulletin Correspondent, Poet Laureate and Brother of Alexis