Buffalo Rising: November 2010 Archives

City November 30, 2010 8:06 PM

Buy into Buffalo: Chow Chocolat Handpicked Assortment

queenseyes 6

If you had told me that I would be featuring a box of chocolates for BRO's holiday gift series, I wouldn't have believed you. It wasn't until I stopped into Chow Chocolat for a cup of coffee that I happened upon what could be the most eye-catching and mouthwatering box of chocolates anywhere. Not only is this assortment individually handpicked and compiled by the discerning client, it can be easily shipped to loved ones who are in need of 'chocolatey' goodness right away.

Did I mention that each one of these handmade chocolate and ganache morsels comes filled and mixed with all-natural ingredients? That's right. Stop into one of the most attractive commercial spaces on Main Street (the new drive-able section) and choose your custom box set. Flavors include: hazelnut, chocolate cherry, lemon, hot lips (cayenne), jasmine tea, peanut butter, Grand Marnier, curry, chai tea, espresso, mint julep, passion fruit, French cognac, gingerbread, milk, dark, raspberry, liquid caramel and

lifestyle November 30, 2010 3:18 PM

MURDER SQUARED

Grant Golden 0

THE BASICS: This quartet of murder stories by local playwright Gary Earl Ross plays weekends at Ujima's Theater Loft through December 19th. The cast of nine has been co-directed by Ross and Bob Ball. The piece runs a little over two hours with its single intermission.

ABOUT THE PLAY: MURDER SQUARED (which I think just means "murder times four") is an affectionate tribute to late '50s-early '60s TV--in particular, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and The Twilight Zone, shows which appear to have had a major

Regional November 30, 2010 12:07 PM

Sabres Sold? Terry Pegula Reportedly Signs LOI to Acquire Sabres from Tom Golisano

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The Hockey News is reporting that Terry Pegula has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Buffalo Sabres from Tom Golisano for $150M. Pegula, like Golisano, is a self-made billionaire who recently gave Penn State $88M to build a new hockey arena.
Pegula's business is based

City November 30, 2010 9:54 AM

George Pierce, his bicycles, his automobiles and Canalside

Buffalo Rising 33

By Mark Goldman:

I am personally thrilled with the recommendations made by ECHDC Chairman Levy. I am deeply proud of our community and the hundreds of people who stepped up to express their interest and concern about an issue that they felt so strongly about. I am deeply proud as well of our leadership who were willing and able to learn from and listen and respond to those who spoke up. The combination of an informed citizenry and a responsive leadership gives

City November 30, 2010 8:30 AM

Primary Estates: Part 1

queenseyes 14

There is a movement taking place on the city's West Side that we have written about over the past few years that appears to be picking up momentum. Residents are picking up more paintbrushes and hammers in order to invest into their neighborhoods. They are snagging properties dirt cheap, sometimes two or three at a time, and are changing the face of entire streets.

After posting on a colorful paint job on Ripley Place (see here) I received an email from Joe Galvin who wanted me to know that there were others who

Real Estate November 30, 2010 12:00 AM

Moving Forward at the Larkin 'U' Building

Mike Puma 7

Continuing the momentum of the recently completed streetscape in the Larkin District, Larkin Development LLC is progressing fast with the renovation of the Larkin 'U' Building on Van Rensselear Street. The 57,000 sq. ft. building was built in 1893 by D. Ullman Sons, a large-scale industrial salvage and recycling firm. The Larkin Company purchased the property in 1911 and used it for 29 years. It will house office space when it is completed by the end of the first quarter of 2011.

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City November 29, 2010 9:30 PM

ECHDC Takes Action on Modified Canal Side Plan

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The Board of Directors of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) today voted to approve the modified Canal Side General Project Plan, with amendments that will ensure that the proposed public canal system will follow the historic path of the Erie Canal. The Board tabled the proposed underground parking ramp at the Aud site, citing concerns that had been expressed by the community during the recent public outreach period. In addition, ECHDC Chair Jordan Levy announced a series of steps that will be implemented over the next several

lifestyle November 29, 2010 8:53 PM

Urban ARTisans Store Offers Unique Holiday Gifts

Sarah Maurer 4

It's officially the holiday season and Urban ARTisans has opened their very first "pop-up" holiday store in the lobby of the HSBC Center to offer shoppers a chance to purchase some gifts made right here in the City of Buffalo.

The store, which opened its doors to shoppers today, will be open from now until December 23. It will offer a variety of gift choices, from jewelry to scarves and art pieces. All of the items being sold are created by craftsmen from the Buffalo area, giving them their own unique appeal (as opposed to the standard

City November 29, 2010 5:15 PM

Buy into Buffalo: Hand Appliqued Towels

queenseyes 0

One stop into Elmwood's Thin Ice is a trip into a boutique that goes out of its way to stock Buffalo made items. In fact, there are so many Buffalo made items that I just may make a couple more trips back for this holiday gift series. Today however, the spotlight is on these hand appliqued towels and potholders made by Cindy Young. I've seen Buffalo branded towels out there, though never have I seen such a variety of colors and fabric patterns, making these just the right gift for a Buffalo fan, no matter the motif of his or her kitchen.

The potholder is completely unique, at least in

City November 29, 2010 2:09 PM

Café Capitano: Little Italy is back on Hertel

queenseyes 5

At this moment I'm sitting inside one of the quaintest Italian cafés. It's called Café Capitano and so far all I can tell you is that the coffee is really good, the service is on the ball, and the atmosphere is extremely comfortable. One look at the menu shows a variety of selections ranging from a chicken Caesar salad to the Super Assorted (salami, ham and cappicola, lettuce, tomato, and cheese). The waitress behind the counter has suggested that I try the stuffed hot peppers or the breaded chicken cutlet special. Last week I received the following email from a Buffalo Rising reader that sounded

City November 29, 2010 11:53 AM

Buffalo Rising Sale: $8 OFF all BR Shirts and Prints

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Christmas has come early for Buffalo Rising readers. Starting immediately, you can get $8 off any Buffalo Rising shirt in stock and any of the ridiculously awesome Buffalo Rising Hero Design Prints. Just use sale code GIBLETS and our store will automatically take $8 off each sale item you purchase. Supplies are limited so act quickly.
Remember, all of our shirts are printed on American Apparel and the Hero Design prints were

Real Estate November 28, 2010 11:30 PM

Living in Luxury at Avant

Mike Puma 18

For those searching for luxurious living in Buffalo and not wanting to maintain a large historic home in order to do so, look no further than Avant. Coming down Delaware Avenue, Avant is hard to miss as it rises in beautiful blue paned glass that brightly reflects the sun. Buffalo Rising was recently granted a tour of the complex from the basement to the roof and everything in between.

The tour was led by marketing manager Anastasia Malagisi, director of planning and design Mike Longo, and property manager John Comerford.

Real Estate November 28, 2010 11:15 PM

Virginia Street Project on Schedule for March Completion

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A three-story apartment building on the west side is coming back to life. Tony LoRusso's Casa Shelby Development, LLC is renovating the former hotel at Virginia and Tenth streets for residential use. Twenty-two apartments and private parking are planned.

LoRusso purchased the 15,500 sq.ft. property in late-January for $72,500. The developer received assistance under the Erie County Industrial Development Agency's new Adoptive Reuse Policy. Historic preservation

City November 28, 2010 2:06 PM

Buy into Buffalo: Buffalo Wine Caddy

queenseyes 0

In honor of Buy Local Week (Nov 26-Dec 4), I am planning on featuring a different locally made product every day until December 25th. A couple of days ago I featured Second Sail bags made by Buffalo entrepreneur Jason Schwinger. Today the locally made product is a handsome wine caddy that I discovered at NEO Gifts on Elmwood. What makes this balancing wine caddy so different from other versions is the built-in coaster that allows you to place the bottle right on the caddy once it is open.

You will also

City November 28, 2010 1:19 PM

A CANAL TOO FAR?

Jeff Wilber 63

In true Buffalonian spirit, over a hundred hearty souls, along with most of the major local media, gathered in the biting cold at the Commercial Slip portion of the inner harbor on Saturday to send a message to the powers that be at the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation - "Stop! Look! Listen!" Stop moving ahead with the Bass Pro, sans Bass Pro, plan with faux canals and all. Look at the potential this waterfront has. And listen to what 'we' have to say!

"Local talent, local knowledge and our strong sense of the genuine is what will succeed.

Real Estate November 28, 2010 8:10 AM

ZeptoMetrix Mansion Nears Completion

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Despite being nicknamed "The Money Pit" by the company's president, ZeptoMetrix's $800,000 renovation of 878 Main Street appears to be a success. The project, nearing completion, also included a renovation of the firm's next-door facility at 872 Main Street. ZeptoMetrix, a biotechnology firm, purchased the long- vacant structure from the City in December of 2007 for $70,000 after the firm was selected to redevelop the vacant circa-1890 Allentown property one year prior.

lifestyle November 28, 2010 3:14 AM

Irish Eyed 2

Thomas Dooney 0

THE IRISH EYED: Riders To The Sea

Water Everywhere: Were he writing today, and in the U.S., John Millington Synge might very well set his short play Riders To The Sea along the Louisiana gulf coast where people still earn their livings and meet there deaths on the water. He might well have used the rich regional patois in his dialogue and mixed up the Christian faith with nature based paganism.

But it is set in the Aran Islands, three rocky remnants off the west coast. Inishmohr, Inishmaan and Inisheer are only a brief ferry ride from

lifestyle November 28, 2010 2:36 AM

Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne

Buffalo Rising 0

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Staff Review by Carol Ann Strahl:

Empire of the Summer Moon is a stunning and vivid account of the 40- year battle between the Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the Comanche land. Its focus is the story of Cynthia Ann Parker, a white nine- year -old child who is kidnapped in a Comanche raid. It is also the story of her son, Quanah Parker, who becomes a chief and later a spokesman for the tribe.

Their story begins in 1836 with Cynthia Ann's abduction and concludes in 1911 with Quanah's death. Over

lifestyle November 27, 2010 10:51 AM

Irish Eyed 1

Thomas Dooney 1

THE IRISH EYED: James Joyce's The Dead

The first decade of the previous century must have been a quite a time in Ireland.

Artists, especially in literature and theater, saw an opportunity to depict the variety of Irish life... provincial and urban, individual and societal, modern and traditional... in order to establish an essential, common appreciation of Irish in an Irish context.

All too true to Irish contrariness, the Irish themselves objected to these depictions. So much so that fights and riots took place in Dublin theaters

City November 27, 2010 10:04 AM

Partnership for the Public Good Hosting Canal Side Rally

Sarah Maurer 11

In the coming weeks, the Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) will be hosting a series of events involving the current plans for the waterfront development, climate change and the community agenda for the upcoming year.

Today, November 27, 2010, at 2 p.m., the Citizens Waterfront Project and the Canal Side Community Alliance will be hosting a Canal Side Festival and Rally at the Erie Canal Harbor Commercial Slip, located at the foot of Pearl Street and Marine Drive. The festival is geared toward encouraging those in attendance to voice their concerns related to the Modified Plan