Buffalo Rising: food: August 2011 Archives

food August 31, 2011 12:19 PM

Bin 620

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When Dave Carroll, General Manager of Holiday Inn on Delaware told me that a cafe/wine bar was underway, I wasn't exactly sure what to anticipate (see back story). After all, 'corporate' has been known to nix quality design ideas in lieu of cheap build-outs. Fortunately, that's not the case with Bin 620 (a bin is a storage area in a wine cellar) thanks to the Cathleen Hart-Frantz, who was responsible for the bulk of the interior design work. The space was originally designed as a breakfast nook, but was eventually converted into a board room. Today there are drinking and dining elements that rival any other corporate cafe/bistro in the city.
Bin 620 boasts bar and cafe seating, a lounge area with flatscreen and fireplace, a welcoming foyer, wine preservation systems, pastries, paninis (Cuban, portabella, etc), specialty coffees and a patio with

food August 30, 2011 3:28 PM

Lunch at The Eights

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The Eights Bistro has officially opened for lunch. After serving up dinner dishes for close to a year, the bistro has finally done what it originally set out to do - offer lunch fare to the Medical Campus and the downtown business crowd. Many of the dinnertime favorites have carried over to the daytime menu, including the vegan Philly cheesesteak, the vegan beef on weck, African lentil dip, and the caramelized onion, mushroom, blue cheese and spiced nuts pizza, to name a few. While I was tempted to get one of my standbys, I opted to try one of the newest pizza offerings - the tomato, eggplant,

food August 19, 2011 5:59 PM

It's Official - Naval Museum Lands A Restaurant

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When I first heard that the bistro at the Naval and Servicemen's Museum was not moving forward (see story), I was completely disappointed. How had we gotten so far as to announce that it was coming, just to have the project pulled out from underneath us? After regrouping, we looked forward to the opening of Clinton's Dish, which was ultimately a good thing, but the broader missed opportunity - the bistro - was a disappointment that overshadowed many of the positive advancements. Since day one,

food August 19, 2011 12:53 PM

SoHo Burger Bar: Designed to taste good

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Last Friday I had a chance to grab lunch at the SoHo Burger Bar. I hadn't been inside the building since the midway through the renovations, and I must say that interior designer Paul LaMorticella did a bang-up job per usual. What I love about Paul's decorating is the thought that goes into both the look and functionality when it comes to the lighting and the furniture. Take, for example, the bistro tables that have been adhered to old-fashioned crank winches. During the day the table can be lower to accommodate two-tops for lunch, and in the evening

food August 19, 2011 11:14 AM

The Co-op is looking to members for expansion ideas.

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There's a buzz going around Elmwood that the Lexington Co-op has reached capacity and is beginning to look at options that could result in an expansion. Although The Co-op has been tight-lipped regarding possible options, there are some who feel that the market expansion could go in a few different directions. We have heard that a new build at the Benchmark parking lot (photo) across from Blockbuster might be a possible consideration, amongst other locations. If that was the case, then the current building could be vacated.

food August 16, 2011 8:53 AM

Tokyo II: Hibachi comes to the city at last...

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When I was young, my favorite thing to do for my birthday was to go to a Japanese hibachi grill. I was fascinated by the chefs who would chop food at the speed of light, while tossing eggs in the air before breaking them on knives. The sound of the sizzling grill and the flames... I would go once a year until I finally 'outgrew' the theatrical dinner. It wasn't until last week when I realized that I had not actually outgrown my love of hibachi. A friend called me up and told me that a Japanese restaurant had opened in the former iHop restaurant on Delaware Avenue... and they had hibachi grills.

food August 15, 2011 4:56 PM

Where's Lloyd? Blowing Up the Food Network, That's Where.

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The Food Network is holding a contest called The Great Food Truck Race where people from around the country vote for their favorite food truck. Well, Buffalonians love two things - Lloyd the taco truck and voting in online contests. So it should come as as no surprise that little lovable Lloyd is currently ranked #1 in the country. That's right, just 13 months after first turning the key in the ignition, Lloyd is currently ranked America's favorite food truck.
They've overcome a blown

food August 8, 2011 3:35 PM

Martin Cooks... for You!

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I spend a lot of time going out to eat. Not being able to do much other that boil water, I am dependent on others to take care of me when it comes to food. That's why I'm fascinated with chef Martin Danolowicz's latest project called Martin Cooks. The concept is an easy one to grasp - Martin comes to your house, sets up his culinary gadgets in your kitchen, and cooks you some of the best food on the planet. I called up Martin a couple of weeks ago right after I got married. I figured that it was the least that I could do for my wife who cooks for a living

food August 8, 2011 9:41 AM

Connecticut Street Sandwich Company

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The long wait is over. After tracking the progress of a West Side restaurant for seven years, the Connecticut Street Sandwich Shop (CSSS) has finally opened (see back story). And believe it or not, it was worth the wait. It's hard to imagine that seven plus years of anticipation could live up to built expectations. As luck would have it (for anyone who loves food), CSSS has charged onto the scene as one of the best lunch spots in the region. From the thoughtful homemade food to the quaint eastern

food August 1, 2011 2:58 PM

Friday is Brewfest!

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Considering last year's success, Brewfest 2011 should be even more spectacular. Joseph Cozzo, CEO and president for the Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center, stated that 2010's BrewFest sold out and boasted more brewers than ever before. Consequently, BrewFest 2011 has been expanded. In addition to its usual location on the first two floors of HSBC Arena Atrium and the surrounding Arena Plaza, this year's event will also use space on parts of Perry Street. This will allow 5,000 people to

Joe's recipe for success

'Pie in the sky' is the rea

food: August 2011 Archives