What is something you thought everyone knew/had/did but found out it was actually hyper local? I recently found out that not everyone knows what a viaduct is… and a few years ago found out that they don’t have giardinera everywhere

Question

t.A · Answer

Pull-tabs in bars: When you go to most bars in Wisconsin, you’ll find pull-tabs, which are basically exactly what they sound like: a small sheet with tabs that you pull open to reveal if you won money or not. A very regional two second dopamine hit.

Sarah · Answer

Toasted Ravioli: I did not learn until I went to college that these were regional to St. Louis. Insane to me they aren't everywhere - a breaded and fried ravioli, dipped in marinara that's covered in parm??  Note that these are filled with seasoned beef/sausage blend (not cheese). A perfect appetizer.

Laura · Answer

Tanbark: I’m from the San Jose area and only just learned that tanbark as a word for mulch/ woodchips is relatively specific to certain regions…including San Jose!

Katie · Answer

raw fries: Thinly sliced potato and fried for less time than regular chips. Crispy on the outside, floppy on the inside. Great with wings and blue cheese.

My spouse was genuinely perplexed that I had never heard of raw fries. But it isn’t just because I’m a northerner. Even other South Carolina natives haven’t heard of them (per Reddit). They are hyper local to Columbia, SC and found in wing joints and pubs!

Emily · Answer

Busylad Rent-All: I thought this rental business was a national chain (because of the A+ name and branding), but they have exactly one location: in my home town.

Brigid · Answer

saying kitty-corner: (and bubbler, but that comes up less)

Meaghan · Answer

Bar Pizza: Specific to the South Shore of Massachusetts: Bar Pizza! 10”, thin, with a laced edge. Wiiiiicked local.