Buffalo Rising Online

Yesterday, my dear friend Tamar and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch at a restaurant we’ve been dying to go to. As we walked from our parking spaces to our destination, the heavenly scent of Bistro Europa drifted toward us.

Inside the cozy and colorful restaurant, we decided to splurge and try a number of things. Owner Mike Pijanowski once described the menu to me as European peasant food. Oh, if only the peasants had it this good. We began with the fondue, a remarkable portion for only $9. The warmed Gruyere was served with pieces of fresh red pepper, grapes, blanched asparagus, crusty bread and pencil-thin grissini. Paired with a good glass of wine, this shared dish would be an excellent choice for a couple out for a romantic evening- or two good friends looking for a yummy lunch!

Next we enjoyed potato pancakes ($6), they are served two to an order with sides of …

A few days ago I told you about the great culinary classes available to the public at the ECC’s City campus. But wait, there’s more. Two weeks ago I had the fortune of being invited to lunch by Chef Songin, the Assistant Professor of the Hospitality Management/Culinary Arts program. I fully expected a cafeteria complete with compartmentalized lunch trays and bags of chips. Not such a bad deal, it’s been a (very!) long time since I’ve partaken in such a meal and I knew after our initial phone call that Chef Songin and I would hit it off.

Imagine my surprise when Chef and I met in the lovely EM Statler dining room. Tucked away in a corner near the campus cafeteria, the EM Statler is a fine dining atmosphere- complete with fresh flowers, stemmed water glasses and linen tablecloths and napkins. Chef explained to me that the “restaurant” is run by the culinary stude…

Also known as Trattoria Aroma. Even though the snow kept most people away from the new restaurant that just opened in the former Just Pasta location, we just couldn't resist the warm looking atmosphere. The warm glow of the up-lit columns, blended in with the soft shades of yellow wall frescoes, makes Trattoria Aroma a magnificent neighborhood nook. The 100% Italian wine list is pretty hot, and the menu is the exact same 'tested and true' menu from owner Dave Consentino's Williamsville location. He and business partner Jerry Clementi have done with their new restaurant what Buffalo ‘foodies’ have been waiting for... good food, relaxed atmosphere, and killer service.

As close to authentic as you’ll get, Shango’s killer Cajun cuisine is the way if you're looking for a Mardi Gras celebration. An entire week of specials, music and a festive atmosphere await those looking for a good time and good food.

For your convenience, the fun-filled schedule is as follows:

Sunday, February 18th 10:30 – 3:30 A New Orleans-style brunch is accompanied by Buffalo’s own Lee Ron Zydeco

Monday, February 19th – Thursday, February 22nd Enjoy a mouthwatering 3-course meal for only $25

Fat Tuesday, February 20th Drink specials, beads, and Cajun cuisine served up with music by Mumbo Gumbo from 7p.m. – 10p.m.

It sounds like a great time. Hope to see you there!

Over the summer we offered an e…

Looks can be deceiving. The unassuming building at 1410 Main Street blends into the streetscape. It may look like every other slightly shabby Main Street location, but once you step inside you’ll find a whole different story.

Floyd’s Steel Drums Restaurant has been open since 2003 and its regulars love it. The interior, divided into two main rooms, boasts high ceilings and a colorful palate. The first room is dedicated to the bar which is overlooked by a towering etched mirror. The bar itself is a happening night spot on the weekend, specializing in Red Stripe and Carib (both favorite beers from the islands), an assortment of Caribbean style sodas and the standard offerings of American beer and liquor.

The second room is an expansive dining room. A stage and dance floor stand in the far corner where jazz and reggae bands entertain the clientele on select evenings. Th…

Fairy cakes. That is the name Deb, owner of Delish, has chosen for these voluptuous cupcakes. Each one boasts dense, moist cake topped with a lavish amount of rich buttercream frosting. A version with seasonal flair always resides alongside classic chocolate and vanilla interpretations. Easily large enough for two people, these trendy treats are only $5 each.

A note to potential buyers of all things buttercream: Though cakes topped with authentic buttercream icing (not the fake stuff from the supermarket) require refrigeration, they must be brought to room temperature before eating. A mouthful of cold buttercream frosting is never as good as one that has been warmed. Intense flavor (and satisfaction) will be lost to the impatient consumer!

Delish 802 Elmwood 881.2022 www.delishelmwood.com

Earlier this evening a couple of us went over to see the sweet new digs of Allentown’s newest culinary creation. The place is called Sample for a good reason… because that’s what its owners want you to do. It’s not exactly tapas… and it’s not sushi, but you do pay per the piece. Have you ever seen a tiny, tiny beef on weck? Or a forkful of pasta on a mussel? This has to be one of the most intriguing eating experiences in town. It's literally a sampling of different foods to try while sipping a glass of wine or cocktail.

We were impressed by the unusual offerings, that is for sure… and we were equally impressed by the surroundings. Formerly Allentown Music (moved onto Elmwood), Sample has evolved into a sleek eatery that Karim Rashid would be proud of.

Great tunes, good brews on tap, a lengthy “by-the-glass” vino selection, and a venue that somehow maintains its intimacy even when people are spilling out onto the street. These are just a few of the reasons why Allen Street Hardware has become a destination location for many.

Though a popular dinner spot, Hardware’s clientele especially enjoys the “communal” portions of the menu, (sandwiches, appetizers, and cheese selection) ideal for snacking regardless of the hour. In early January, owners Mark and Charlie Goldman and Chef Billy Ott launched a new menu more conducive to that experience.

Linguini with clams was on the menu, the night I visited, providing and option for guests with a desire for an entrée. But the rest of the menu highlighted small, light bites, or food that was designed to share.

Lovely salads top the menu. Simpler salads are available for onl…

Everyone knows if you are looking for great deli and/or italian cuisine in Buffalo, Hertel Avenue is the place to be. Romeo & Juliets, La Dolce Vita, Joe's Deli and North End Trattoria are just a few of the many great eating joints this street has to offer. Hertel is the home of the Italian Festival each summer, so how can you go wrong?

Working near Hertel gives us a myriad of choices for great lunch fare and today was no exception! I think I have, quite possibly, found the best panini thus far at Marco's Italian Deli. They are, after all, home of the original "Sangwich" so how could you not love the food? The Hertel Avenue location is one of three (Elmwood in Tonawanda & Maple in Amherst) delis where Marco's serves their fantastic panini, burgers and gourmet sangwiches. Marco's also serves authentic Italian cuisine at their Italian Restaurant on Niagara Street in Buffalo.…

Sunday evening at Shadow lounge marked a laudable effort by a group of fashion-conscious ladies to showcase the most wearable wears in the city. Fashionista Productions put together a vibrant, energetic, slick show (Pink Chocolate and Fashion Show) featuring some of the finest casuals, evening-wear and lingerie to be found in the Queen City.

I went to the Anchor Bar for my first time yesterday. First time. Yes. You heard me. First time. In 25 years. I am a disgrace to the chicken wing and the Buffalo community.

I went with my new friend Amanda who works exactly next door to me at a good-doing organization on Main Street which will remain nameless. We recently met at a networking event. How ironic is it that we would meet and work next door to each other? She gasped in disbelief when I said I had never been to Anchor Bar. I hung my head in shame.

I LOVED the Anchor Bar from the moment I walked in. I loved the old ratty look inside. I loved the enormous rectangular bar. I loved the celebrity pictures and paraphernalia on the walls. I loved the no fuss attitude. It was dark and woody and musty and full of history reminiscent of such watering holes as Founding Fathers or The Pink. My kind of place.

I just had a …

Here's a good idea when it comes to eating delicious, healthy lunches. It's a lunch in a take-out box, but when it comes to a quick lunch on the go, it would be hard to beat Kuni,Aecs To Go latest offerings. What's in the bento box? It's a mixed bag (er... box) of Japanese foods that usually includes a choice of cooked fish (salmon or cod with sweet, house, glazed teriyaki), veggie/California roll, a variety of shumai, steamed veggie, wakame salad, edible garnish and miso soup (shrimp and scallop options to come). It's a virtual medley of flavors that changes up daily. And get this,AeP the lunch can be picked up for a whopping total of $8. It's an incredible lunch deal. And if you think that a meal like this takes a long time to make, then you may be interested to know that an average order takes about 10-15 minutes from order to p…

Valentine's day is upon us! In a few weeks we will be celebrating the loved ones in our lives. These are the people who stand by our side everyday - the people we would do anything for no matter the sacrifice just to see them safe and happy.

So the question is: How do we show these people just how grateful we are? Well, tradition shows that a box of chocolates and some flowers are standard. So millions of us will go to a store and buy exactly that. Let's hope that the expression "It's the thought that counts" applies to this popular safety net. Because handing over a box of mass produced, mediocre chocolates, of which flavor is completely indistinguishable from one to the next is,AePwell there's a better way to treat our sweethearts!