If you're not familiar with history of brewing in Buffalo, then you're missing out on one of our greatest entrepreneurial pastimes. Once the city was overflowing with breweries, and the area was steeped in the traditions handed down from generation to generation. Post-prohibition did not bode well for breweries in the area, and if the operations were not already closed, they would be soon. The large-scale industry of brewing was good for Buffalo business all around, and many factions of the local economy revolved around brewmasters brewing and customers buying. 
Today

Damian and Vicky Parker, owners of the steadily growing English Pork Pie Company recently added another expansion to their list when they opened "The Pie Shop" at the front of their South Park Avenue factory (see history), making it the first authentic English pie and mash shop in Buffalo. Whether you're a British expat or just a hungry Buffalonian looking to fill your belly with the freshest meat pies around, this little shop is an ideal place to stop at on your way into or out of the city. 
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It's the eighth episode of 'Buffalo. For Real TV', and in this segment the topic is: For People who like to eat (and drink). I know that that sounds a bit vague, but according to host Neson Starr, we're starting to see some cutting edge cuisine and "Buffalo is heading in some bold new directions" ... (referring to latest forays into the realm of cuisine and drinks). From crazy concoctions at Vera Pizzeria to unusual Burmese cuisine at Sun International, new bars and restaurants abound, and Buffalonians are welcoming the change.
As a matter of fact, we at Buffalo Rising are

The corner of Amherst Street and Elmwood once again has added life in the form of a hamburger, hotdog and ice cream shack that will soon be cranking out full diner fare. It's called The Kitchen Table, and owner Kim DeWald, along with a family member or two, is planning on running a diner-style restaurant with long hours and homemade food. "We make the burgers at the restaurant," she told me. "We serve hand cut fries too. The neighborhood is quickly discovering that we're here to stay and our doors are usually open. We cleaned up the side yard and made a patio so that customers can eat outside.

In a recent conversation with her neighbor, longtime Buffalo restaurant owner Maura Crawford announced that she was "expecting again." Well, sort of. The newest addition to Crawford's family of restaurants comes in the form of "Coco, by Le Metro," which opened for lunch on Thursday at 888 Main Street.  Drawing inspiration from the words of Coco Chanel, "Hard times arouse an instinctive desire for authenticity," Crawford decided that her next endeavor would lead her back to the city.  "I had been looking

If it wasn't for the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo in 1901, there would be no Fowler's Chocolates - at least in Buffalo NY. The founder of Fowler's, Joseph Fowler, came to Buffalo (from England and Canada) to attend the expo where he first began to sell his chocolate confections and sweets. Realizing that he had a major hit on his hands, Fowler quickly established himself in Buffalo as a premiere candy maker. It was his brother Claude who, while working at the family business, decided to branch out to making candied apples and taffy. To this

By Michael Hargrave:
Knowledge of his or her product is a great thing for a business owner to have, but knowledge and enthusiasm is so much better. Jill Forster of Nickel City Cheese and Mercantile is as enthusiastic about her cheeses as any one could hope for. And she knows more than a little about her cheeses.
When I stopped by Nickel City Cheese to snap a few photographs, Jill treated me to an impromptu tasting session. 
Being

Go Veggies has arrived on Elmwood Avenue (see history). Well, almost Elmwood Avenue. It's actually just a couple doors off the main drag on Bryant Street, just around the corner from Epic, Tuscany on Main and the Nickel City Cheese and Mercantile. Restaurant owner Genga Ponnampalam has opened the doors and is pan frying some healthy veggie burgers that not only taste great, but will make you feel great. Are you in the mood for a spicy mushroom burger with mango curry salsa? If so, Genga has got you covered. Or maybe

For all of you who have been asking when Liberty Hound will open (see history), I have good news. The restaurant is scheduled to open with beers and a limited menu on May 25. 
Just today the bar is being built, and the (thin) bricks are being applied to the back bar. The large awning is up, which will offer shade to the forty guests out on the deck overlooking the Erie Canal terminus. There will also be additional room for drinking guests on the short pier. The interior

It was only when I was heading down Elmwood earlier today and saw a roadside grill that I remembered that it was Cinco de Mayo. It didn't take long to forget about the holiday, as it was the grill that remained emblazoned upon my mind. I was so excited to see a restaurant taking the time to interact with pedestrians in a way other than just setting up a passive patio, that I decided to inspect the scene a bit closer. I walked up to Solé's chef AJ Della Selva and congratulated him on his outdoor setup, and he acknowledged that he was preparing the grill for a Cinco de Mayo celebration

La Tee Da has always had an amazing back patio, there is no question. And who doesn't like to hang out on a sweet patio when the weather is nice? As much as there are some great patios in Buffalo, there are few that can hold a candle to La Tee Da's. First of all, the giant tent-like awning that covers the better part of the courtyard has ceiling fans for when it is hot, and heaters for when it is cool. The golden color of the awning gives off a warm glow as the sun goes down, and the sides drop down to protect visitors from the wind and rain, while rolling them up showcases manicured gardens

The Olmsted Parks Conservancy is getting ready to cater to park-goers and golfers this summer in a big way. The conservancy has announced that there is a new operator moving into both the Parkside Lodge and the kiosk on Ring Road as well. Kat Tyler, owner of the EM Tea Cup Cafe and The 2nd Cup, will be preparing to service the two locations in coming days. The eatery at The Parkside Lodge will be called The Tee Cup, and will offer all sorts of lunch items for the golf crowd as well as for routine visitors to the park. She will also be applying for a beer and wine license, which is something

By Jenna Smith:
Mother's Day is coming up very soon, and this is one of the busiest days of the year for Buffalo restaurants. Taking mom out to enjoy a nice meal out, while giving her a day off from cooking is one of the best ways to let her celebrate the occasion. The best restaurants book quickly, so I hope that you got your reservations early. Here are my top 5 picks in Buffalo to take your mom out for a delicious meal to say "thanks" for all that she does:
City
Charlie O'Brien's

For all of you barbecue fans out there, Fred "Freddy J" Daniel & The Oakk Room Restaurant on Main Street are getting ready to unleash some of the best grillers in Greater Buffalo for a competition being billed The Grill-Off 2012. On Monday May 7, from 4pm to midnight, The Oakk Room's annual barbecue frenzy will pit top barbecue chefs against each other to see who will take home top prizes for best barbecue chicken, tastiest mac and cheese, favorite cornbread and of course the premiere ribs. The Oakk Room already has some of the best barbecue

When I stepped into the building that now holds Community Beer Works for the first time in November of 2010, it was a far cry from the scene I witnessed there earlier this week. In what used to be a quiet, bare space waiting to be renovated now lies a fully-functioning nano-brewery, buzzing with the sounds of active brewing equipment: a dream finally realized after a long journey of planning, fundraising, acquiring permits, remodeling and, finally, producing beer.  
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Indian food has come to Hertel Avenue. As much as India Gate has been a blessing for those living in the Elmwood Village, it's now time to share that bounty with North Buffalo. The owners of India Gate have opened their third restaurant (second in the city) in a location that boasts around eighty seats. Hertel already has a fairly diverse food scene, and Indian cuisine goes a long way towards adding to that strong mix. I've been eating at India Gate on Elmwood for years, and yesterday was the first time that I tried Jewel of India. If you're familiar

In a day and age when social media is king, you have the ability to become Mayor of any restaurant in Buffalo. If you frequent it enough and 'check in' whenever you are there that is. When it comes to social media tools, Foursquare has become a favorite for people who like to go out to eat and drink. There is a large community of Foursquare rooters that thrives on letting others know exactly where they are at any given time, and who they are with. It's a sort of like being a member of a special 'smart app' club. If you are a Foursquare user and you have a favorite restaurant that you

An Italian bakery is currently setting up shop at 218 Grant Street, adjacent to Sweet_ness 7 Cafe. Prish Moran, owner of the building and Sweet_ness 7, is beyond excited that the bakery is coming and feels that the addition to the street will help to further the momentum for additional businesses looking to establish on the West Side. The bakery is being called B. Ferrante's, and the family members behind the business are Sarah Gilmartin, along with her mum (Lucy) and dad (Pat). The three are embarking upon a culinary journey that will bring old world Italian edible delights to a neighborhood

Restaurateur Dave Forness, former owner of The Buffalo House and Hemingway's, is underway with the opening of a tavern located at 199 Allen Street (corner of Elmwood in the recently closed Gelsey's Fashion storefront). I spoke to Dave yesterday who told me that the establishment would have a similar look and feel to The Buffalo House, with many of the ornamental displays being repurposed for his new venture. He is hoping that The City allows him to install a char-broiler behind the bar, so that he can serve up hamburgers, chicken fingers and similar style bar food. If he does not get the OK for

Following is an interview with Carl Schmitter, owner of Chateau Buffalo Ciderhouse & Winery (formerly Chateau Buffalo on Hertel Avenue). The interview contains news regarding the expansion of the business, news of a move to a new location and product development. We will be following CBCW as the business tests out wines at various outlets in Greater Buffalo. While you're doing your Easter shopping at The Broadway Market this weekend, be sure to pick up a bottle.
Carl, can you tell me more about the honey wine that you have recently bottled?
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