Buffalo Rising Online

Oct 2nd 2007, 9:03am By Christa Glennie Seychew

Girl Scout cookies went on sale yesterday. Those little, over-priced boxes of Peanut Butter Patties and Mint Delights beckon from the desks of our co-workers who are supporting little Sophie or Emily in her effort to gain a badge. For the next few weeks you’ll find them, shivering in the cold of an early Saturday morning outside our supermarkets, standing at attention in their kelly green pinafores behind battered folding tables, all the while plying you with their sinful little cookies. This year they're adding to the pressure by offering a new variety- the Lemonade. Shaped like a lemon slice, this sandwich cookie made of shortbread is topped with lemon icing. Yesterday was just the beginning; take heed. And while you're at it, could you grab me a box of shortbread?

In the weeks ahead there appears to be a lot of opportunities to contribute to charity and satisfy your palate simultaneously. Take for instance Shea's OktoBEERfest on October 11 or the Burchfield Penney Art Center Annual Gala & Auction, which is promising guests a good time and fine dining on October 26. October 12 marks the 7th Annual Harvest Festival, a pretty spectacular event presented by the Buffalo Bills in support of the Hospice Foundation. There’s an extensive wine tasting, this year featuring wines from Australia in addition to a gourmet dinner, one of the largest wine auctions in WNY and a drawing for a $10,000 gift certificate to Ethan Allen.

On that note, if you’re looking for further opportunities to dabble in a little drink, Bacchus’ Wine School Wednesdays are back. Sommelier Michael DePue will introduce you to wines, offering food pairings and an education along the way. The classes are held every other Wednesday starting October 3 with a look at Australian wines hailing from small estates. Other classes include Spain 101, Decades of Red Burgundy and France’s Rhone Valley. Log onto www.ultimaterestaurants.com for more information. Shango, a fantastic restaurant whose wine list was recently recognized by Wine Spectator is hosting a variety of events this fall and we promise to keep you posted under our Events tab. On October 17 they’ll offer one of their well-known beer tastings accompanied by small plate specials at the bar- definitely worth the visit. Others still looking for a bit of Octoberfest can find it at the Botanical Gardens on October 26, an event that offers guests a full range of German-infused fun with beer from Flying Bison, wine from The Global Group, tasty food and music from the The Henry Chimes Band.

For those of you that are interested in the politics, economics and environmental impact of food, consider attending the World on Your Plate Forum on October 13. This year the key note speaker is John DeGraaf, producer of the acclaimed documentary and book "Affluenza”. I attended last year. This event is unique to our area in size and scope and well worth your time and effort if the topic of food at all interests you.

This week Newell told us about three new restaurants. Finally a vegan-friendly joint has made its way on the scene in the form of Infin8 BodyWorks, a comprehensive spa, wellness and health food center (among other things). Deb from Delish! is opening a new space downtown tailored to the needs of those looking for a fresh lunch in a hurry. Read more about Chop Chop by clicking here. Also, Jimmy Mac’s was swept up by a Chicago restaurateur who is eager to bring the village a new and varied menu.

We have some other exciting news in the bank about an admired chef returning to our fair city, but we’ll save that little nugget for another day. And, while you’re at it, consider hoppin’ down to Fat Bob’s on Friday for an incognito BR Happy Hour!