Buffalo Rising Online

Mussels are an offering from the sea that is often overlooked. They are vastly popular in Europe, but as Americans, we tend to prefer clams and oysters. They are rich in protein, and contain essential minerals, vitamins B12 and C, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Simple to prepare and quite inexpensive (less than $3.00 per lb.), they can be steamed, fried, ba…

Last week we headed over to Shango in the University District for a brunch that I had been hearing about for a long time. Unfortunately by the time we got there they were out of their specials (good for Shango), so we stuck with the regular brunch menu. That was OK with us because the menu had a bunch of choices that sounded delicious. I …

Yesterday we went over to LaSalle Park on Buffalo's waterfront in search of the perfect place to set up a Micro Park. RoBear and I met with Jay McCarthy, a newfound urban activist who wants to see more people utilizing the parklands along the water's edge. After meeting up at

Brunch is one of my all-time favorite meals. There's nothing better than sitting down to a Sunday brunch at a small local restaurant with a cup of coffee and a good local magazine. I always try to mix it up... to go to different places... to try the special offerings that you can only find that one day a week. Every brunch spot has features t…

To some a broiled grapefruit for breakfast could sound like the most unappetizing meal on the planet. To others it sounds like a healthy and delicious way to start the day. Betty's on Virginia serves something called Mary's Broiled Grapefruit and I had been hearing from friends that it was very good. To me, the dish so…

I recently met part of the BRO team at The Viking Lobster Company for a Saturday night dinner. Queenseyes, Rich Wall, Amy Schmidt, Amy's friend Amy, and Style Sl** were all present that evening and everyone seamed to be in the mood for one of t…

I never thought that I would ever crave Chinese food. If it were not for Ming Cafe in the University District I don't know if I ever actually ever would. Last night we had one of the most incredible meals of all time: 1. Crispy beef with ginger garlic sauce and scallions tossed in rice wine and Peking …

It has taken us three years to try Kostas, and now we've been back twice in one week!

Kostas Family Restaurant on Hertel Avenue, as the name suggests, is the perfect FAMILY restaurant. Last weekend, after a long day of yard work, we wanted to try something close to home, affordable, and kid friendly. Usually dining with the kids means compromising. But at Kostas, we found that we could each get exactly what we wanted.

Great food, fabulous service and a beautiful patio await you at Hemingwayis on Pearl Street in the heart of Buffalois Theatre District. Our party of three visited this hot spot over the weekend and had a wonderful meal for a small price.

All though the food is terrific and Iill get to the meal shortly, let me first tell you about the hidden, …

That's what you'll find at Astoria on Elmwood. The eatery's back patio is now open and they're grilling some mean burgers... what else could you ask for on a warm, sunny day? Astoria's interior was recently retrofitted with a couple wrap-around high-back seating additions, but it is their awesome patio that you want to hit whe…

This Wednesday Shango is hosting one of its last wine tastings of the season and it promises to be a great one. Hosted by Shango's own Marla Baykan and Adam Brumberg from Michael Skurnick Wines, this offering is called "get in touch with your inner eonophile". It will feature ten wines from around the world and I can think of no place better to enjoy sampling and discussing them than Shango's warm and inviting lounge area. The tasting is from 7-9 and no reservations are necessary. Just show up with your palate ready for a globetrotting experience.

Shango 3260 Main Street 837-2326 www.shangobistro.com

Oh boy, did we stumble upon something good last night... The Viking Lobster Company. Not only is it fun to say that you are heading to dinner there, this is the type of place that you always hoped was in Buffalo, but just never knew where to find it. Finding it is half the battle it seems, as the dinner joint is located off Amherst Street…

When you think Mardi Gras, you think New Orleans, right? (insert "duh" here). But when you think New Orleans in Buffalo, what do you think of? I think of Shango, and if that doesn't evoke an equally obvious "duh" then you haven't been there. Not a better array of Creole-inspired concoctions in the city. And, of course, Mardi Gras gives them the opportunity to take it up a notch.

The party starts on Sunday, Feb. 26th when Shango adds live music to its already fabulous New Orleans Style Brunch. Then, on Monday night, drop by to help them celebrate their First Year Anniversary Party featuring the music of LeeRon Zydeco, drink specials, and complimentary hor-dourves. After sleeping off the effects (this is what personal days are for.…

Buffalo is very fortunate to have a world-class orchestra located in a neighborhood filled with incredible architecture including mansions, churches and houses. Kleinhans Music Hall, designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, houses the orchestr…