Well, if you're ever in the Syracuse/Upstate NY area, here are a few things we have that you should definitely seek out:
Salt Potatoes - smother them in lots of melted butter and you'll be in heaven. It's pretty much a summer thing and you'll find them at any graduation party. They are so so so good... just not for your waist line.
Hoffman Hotdogs - they are the best hotdogs you'll ever have (of course I am biased).
Dinosaur BBQ - there's one in NYC and another one upstate I believe, but the original is here in Syracuse. They're corn bread is to die for as well as the rest if their food. The atmosphere is awesome; you'll see bikers and businessmen sitting side by side.
Wegmans - haha everyone loves Wegmans. People seriously freak out about it, it's hysterical, even though its just a grocery store. They have the best subs though, you have to get one (with the sub oil).
We also have a Wetzels Pretzels here. To whoever said that Auntie Anne's Pretzels are better, I strongly disagree with you. AA's pretzel bites and frozen lemonade have nothing on Wetzel's.
Pizza - Twin Trees is the best, don't let anyone fool you. If you're in a college town and you find a pizza shop with cold cheese pizza, it's worth a try. Definitely a treat after a night out on the town.