When it comes to fashion, the 80s-era was about as tragic as it gets. So tragic, in fact, that it would probably be hard to dig up an outfit these days because the clothing was so worthless that nobody kept it around - not even the vintage retailers. That's why even the thought of going to a retro 80s party sends shivers down my spine. But who doesn't like a good shiver now and again? It's time to break out the leg warmers (if you can find any), and the acid wash jeans... tease that hair as if God is counting on you to get ultra close... grab something neon - anything neon, and head to The Eights.
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Last week I walked into Five Points Bakery only to find that there was no room to sit down. I did manage to finally find a couple of seats (no table) in the corner, which worked out fine. As I waited for my guest to arrive I took in the surroundings, amazed by the number of people that were sitting and talking at the bakery/cafe. After a while I got up and walked over to the front counter. "What the heck is going here?" I asked owner Kevin Gardner. "It's the toast," he replied. "It's simple and it's good. Some people come in here

The skyline view entering downtown from the Kensington Expressway is in for a transformation.  The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is indeed planning to demolish all or a portion of the six-story former Trico building located at the corner of Goodell and Ellicott streets.  While the worst-case scenario from a hardline preservationist point of view is complete removal, BNMC officials have agreed to continue to meet with the local preservation community to explore reuse of at least portions of the complex.

"We are committed to continue to work with the preservation roundtable to

If you still think that Buffalo NY is nothing but wings (when it comes to food), then maybe you should listen to a Torontonian culinary convert who says that she always imagined the city as Skidsville, USA. After being wooed here by resident foodie Christa Seychew, Ivy Knight (Editor in Chief and Cofounder of Swallow Food) is convinced that this city is on the verge of culinary greatness. In her latest blog entry Ivy writes, "I've had fluke crudo, Tamworth

After 3 ½ years at its 19 Wadsworth Street home, Sugar City is going to be temporarily heading out with a bang. The building recently sold and the new owner will not be keeping the volunteer-run DIY art cooperative as its tenant. In order to keep spirits up and get a positive head start on their next chapter, the members of Sugar City are hosting "30 Days of Awesome," a month-long series of events. 
The celebration kicked off last night with the Fun-A-Day exhibit. The show featured a series of projects where creators picked something fun and did it every day

Now that The Statler is open we should start seeing a whole slew of events being held there. There is one event in particular that people should keep their eyes on, and that's the Taste of Culinary. Being held in the Golden Ballroom, the annual affair boasts some of Greater Buffalo's top culinary talents, including Chef James Roberts of the Park Country Club (winner in the Nickel City Chef competition) and Chef Steve Gedra from Bistro Europa (one of the most progressive restaurants in the city). All in all, there will be more than 35 restaurant chefs along with five local culinary schools

The Benchmark Group is pursuing an infill project at its surface parking lot located between Globe Market and 7-11.  According to the Zoning Board of Appeals agenda for March 28, a three-story mixed-use building is planned that would include three to four storefronts, 24 upper floor apartments, and accessory parking.  Amherst-based Benchmark owns a number of area commercial and residential properties including the Stuyvesant Plaza on Elmwood at North and the retail building housing Spot Coffee and Blockbuster Video across

Following Sabres' song submitted by the 'Game Time' producers...
GAME TIME: Music by Craig Warner and Nelson Starr, lyrics by Craig Warner, solo by Jeff Miers, performed by Perpendicular featuring Jeff Miers copyright 2006, 2012
Lyrics:
"From this point forward, the Buffalo Sabres reason for existence will be to win the Stanley cup" ... "Winning is not a goal, it's a belief"  ~ Terry Pegula What time is it? - GAME TIME! (rrrugh!)  1)

By Joshua Bauer (Football Nation):
He came. He saw. He signed...eventually.
No joke. No punchline. I swear. Mario Williams is now officially a member of the Buffalo Bills, getting himself one of the biggest paychecks in NFL history at six years worth about $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed. For really real. He'll be joining rookie sensation Marcell Dareus, the newly-healed Kyle Williams, and... well, a player to be

Several months ago, organizers of the Give for Greatness campaign recruited six "Master Mentors" from the local arts scene to share their knowledge and experiences with eleven area high school students. With the understanding that not every school in the area offers art programs to its students, the organization wanted to give more young people in our community the opportunity to become an integral part of Buffalo's thriving arts and cultural scene.
"Our initial goal was to connect high school students with acclaimed artists in the area, and to show these young people

While on a recent trip to Costa Rica I couldn't help but admire the simple way that some retail outlets were set up and run. When closed for the night the garage doors were rolled down and locked, which was such an easy way to protect the merchandise. Then, in the morning the merchants would arrive, roll up the doors, display merchandise out front in order to attract attention, and then wait for the customers to walk past. They appeared to be as proud of these storefronts as their competitors just down the street occupying expensive build-outs. They swept their sidewalks, interacted with passersby...

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (PBA) is proceeding with longstanding plans to demolish seven PBA-owned vacant homes on Busti Avenue between Vermont Avenue and Rhode Island Street.  PBA wants the homes removed to expand the Peace Bridge Plaza.  But before the wreckers roll, the PBA is allowing interested parties the opportunity to acquire and relocate the houses free of charge.  Subject to paying all removal costs of course.  757, 765, 771, 777, 783, 791, and 793 Busti Avenue are all on the wrecking list and are

By Michael Farrell:
Editor's Note: The Thirsty Buffalo on Elmwood has arranged with Bona alums to host a Bonaventure party for the game from 2:00 until 5:30 on Friday. Bar will feature drink specials for the SBU-Florida State game at 2:45. (see Facebook) - Thirsty Buffalo Bar & Grill 555 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
What does 'Bona' mean?
It's

By Joshua Bauer (Football Nation):
While Buffalo Bills fans spent Wednesday playing "Where's Mario?" all around Western New York, I've been cyber-stalking every Twitter account and Buffalo sports site waiting to hear one way or another about if Williams will sign. You know what I've found out since last night and the night before? Pretty much nothing... well, nothing of note anyway...
Honestly, this is what has passed for solid, researched sports

Mayor Byron W. Brown and Common Council President Richard Fontana gathered at the steps of Buffalo City Hall today to announce that Buffalo has suspended winter overnight parking restrictions.  The projected mild forecast for the remainder of the month prompted this action.

"This is the first time Buffalo has suspended the winter overnight parking restrictions early," said Mayor Brown.  "Thanks to the early spring like conditions, these restrictions are no longer needed at this time."

To facilitate snow removal, the seasonal restrictions took effect November 15, 2011,

Delaware North Companies and the Jacobs Family have donated $250,000 to the Martin House restoration project.  Delaware North has been a longtime supporter of the Darwin D. Martin House, and this announcement supports completion of the house's restoration.  In addition, this gift will count toward the challenge grant recently issued by LPCiminelli. 

"This is an important project in Western New York, and we are certainly proud to support the effort to restore this historic landmark," said Lou Jacobs, a principal of Delaware North Companies who also currently serves as vice

There are sports bars and then there are sports bars dedicated to fútbol. 
Right now, the closest thing that Buffalo has to a serious pub dedicated to soccer? I don't think that there is one. Yes, there are bars that get into the games when the World Cup is in action, but other than that there's really not much going on. If you're a fan of watching serious fútbol, all the time, then you'll be happy to hear that there is a pub opening that is designed for you.
It's being called Més Que which means 'more than', which is part of the motto

For only the second time, the Burchfield-Penney Art Museum is organizing a showing that will be dedicated to its members' works of art. The exhibit will be featured in the East Gallery. There is also a Project Space for multi-media entries. If you're a member of The Burchfield, consider entering one of your best pieces by following these guidelines:
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Buffalo's grain elevators/silos are one step closer to being lit up. What has been a dream for many, is being seriously considered by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC). At a recent board meeting it was agreed to assign Foit Albert as the company that will take the lead on the initiative. Foit Albert is being tasked to draft a pilot project that would see the elevators and bridges lit up along the Buffalo River. 
Initial team members include Ambiances Design Productions (see

Lucy Ethiopian has opened on Amherst Street, giving Buffalo its first official Ethiopian Restaurant. I was bummed that I could not make it to the restaurant's opening night mainly because the advent marked a big occasion for many of us who have been anticipating landing such an unusual cuisine. All the same, I was finally able to stop in to place a to-go order and was happy when I was welcomed by friendly owners, a bright and cheery atmosphere, and more seating than I imagined. Owners Naima and Abba (photo - see