So many things to tell you today.
Thanks go to YUM reader dougk, who sent me an email yesterday revealing that the folks over at the New Oxford Dictionary have deemed the word "locavore" the Word of the Year. Looks like we'll need to adapt the spelling that the editorial staff at BR chose to use which is "localvore", though in our defense both terms were used interchangeably until now. I like the new one better! Unfortunately, this fine word is in the company of a few runners up which aren't quite as lofty including "taze" or "tase" which means to stun someone with a Taser, and "cougar" which refers to older women that search out younger men! I don't know if that sullies the news for you or not.
In other news, Bel Cibo has opened its doors. Operated by the folks that brought you Mode, this family friendly restaurant will be offering Elmwood Villagers lunch and dinner six days a week, but more on that later. I stopped in for dinner the other night and have a slideshow prepared for readers that will be posted soon.
888 Main has opened, you'll probably recognize this space from previous posts we've run, most notably the one in which we asked YUM readers to help the owner name the new establishment. Though he picked "tre otto" as his favorite recommendation (and awarded Golden Lark a $100 gift certificate), he's decided to run with 888. Currently open for dinner, 888 is offering a partial menu which includes salads, sandwiches, wraps and an assortment of thin crust pizzas unique to our area. Also of note is the phenomenal selection of beers on tap. Watch for more items to be added to the menu and the addition of lunch service in the near future.
Chef Sam Reda, formerly of Biac's World Bistro, ZuZon American Grill and The Buffalo Chophouse has decided to head up the kitchen at the highly acclaimed DiGiulio's. We're sure to see some changes to the menu as this well-known Buffalo chef takes the reins. It will be great to see how his culinary philosophy is incorporated into DiGiulio's, the most recent establishment to be owned and operated by one of Buffalo's most recognized family of restaurateurs.
Residents of the Amherst/Elmwood area were both excited and disappointed by El Flamboyan, a great Puerto Rican restaurant that occupied the very small building on the corner of Elmwood and Amherst, formerly home to Karen's and The Signature Cafe. This little neighborhood is in for good news, because another local entrepreneur is trying his hand at serving up food to the throngs of people that pass through this busy intersection. Details are unavailable as of yet, but we wanted to let all of the people that live and work in that neighborhood (and emailed YUM asking if we could help them find a new restaurant for this space) to know that there is hope in sight!
Shea's has opened a lounge serving drinks and small plate noshes before shows. Called Intermission Lounge, it opens two hours before each show and also allows theatergoers to pre-order drinks and appetizers for their enjoyment during intermission. In regard to the new venture, Shea's President Tony Conte said, “By adding the Intermission Lounge, we continue to enhance the overall experience for our patrons. I would also like to thank the vendors who donated their time and materials to make this project a reality. With the limited funding available to not-for-profit organizations today, this project could not have happened without their support.”
Chateau Buffalo, the quaint Hertel shop that offers wines made only in the Niagara region has announced the introduction of "Nouveau Buffalo", a wine that is made in the traditional method of Beaujolais Nouveau, using carbonic maceration. It is no surprise that the grapes for this wine were harvested in the Finger Lakes. Beaujolais is a wine that drinks well young, so consider gifting a bottle of this regional product for the holidays.
Homegrown company Perry's Ice Cream has joined the legion of ice cream makers that have adopted new packaging. The modern container features a snap-tight lid which allows for a tighter seal. 
To kick off the hot new look, Perry is promoting the Dishing Up Diamonds campaign, giving consumers the chance to win diamond jewelry from Firth Jewelers of Niagara Falls. For more information, log onto www.DishingUpDiamonds.com.
The next 24 hours are packed with fun foodie events. Tonight is Buffalo First's Buy Buffalo Bash which kicks of Buy Buffalo Week, two events that queenseyes talked about this week on the City channel. I'll see you there! Tomorrow you can spend your lunch hour at the Statler where we'll get a sneak peek at the many new and exciting vendors that will appear at the Broadway Market's upcoming Christmas Food Fair (Nov. 23 & 24). Stop in for some early shopping, a bite to eat or a chance to tour parts of the Statler that are currently closed to the public. Another great event takes place tomorrow night, offering attendees a chance to check out the new Intermission Lounge at Shea's that I mentioned above. Coffee & Chocolate 2007 features a variety of both delectable treats in addition to a raffle and silent auction, all of which help promote and strengthen the efforts of Literacy Volunteers.
Finally, stop by the Lexington Co-op this Saturday, November 17th from 11AM - 2PM when they'll be sampling the many Thanksgiving items they have to offer. All natural roasted turkey, various prepared side dishes, organic sparkling juices and organic fair trade coffee are some of the items that will be available for tasting.