Buffalo Rising Online

If you have ever tasted a Concord grape pie, you can attest to the fact that the flavor lives on in your memory, long after you have wiped the last crumb from your lips.

My first memory of pie made with grapes dates back more than 20 years, while I was on a wine tour in the New York State Finger Lakes region. As I was driving through the country side, I was surprised to see that the roads were dotted with various sizes of roadside stands, orchards, vineyards and farmers, each displaying their prized offerings. One of the stands I passed posted a sign that read, “Homemade Concord Grape Pies”. I thought, “Grape pie, what would that taste like?” So I turned around and drove back to the stand and bought a pie. Needless to say I have been hooked ever since.

The recipe for a grape pie requires patience. You must process the grapes to insure a seedless and skinless filling, a…

We've talked about Chateau Buffalo plenty of times on YUM, but my guess is that you haven't stopped in yet. The gorgeous Hertel Avenue shop, which specializes in wines from our region alone, is perfectly designed with tasting parties in mind.

That's why it's even more appropriate to stop by tomorrow, Saturday, February 9th, from 4-8PM. Not only will Chateau Buffalo be offering samples of some of their best products, but artisan chocolateir, Laura Belozerco, will be offering tastes of her beautiful handcrafted truffles. Her Buffalo-based company, Victoriana Chocolate Gifts offers decadent and beautiful truffles sumptuously packaged with such amazing detail that they are the perfect Valentine's (or anytime) gift for that special someone.

It’s too soon for the locally grown apple cider we’ve all come to know and love. However, it’s the perfect time for a hard cider.

Chateau Buffalo of Hertel Avenue is now bottling and releasing a hard cider deemed “Dancing Buffalo Hard Cidre.” Made of NY state grown apples, aged in oak, and bottled on-site, this beverage weighs in at 8.5% alcohol by volume; a bit less than wine, a bit more than most beers.

Featuring a picture of the famed Buffalo Central Terminal on the label, this is a local product that is worth checking out. If you’re interested in purchasing a bottle, it is available only at Chateau Buffalo.

Chateau Buffalo, 1209 Hertel, 14216, 873.0074, www.chateaubuffalo.com

photo courtesy of Chateau Buffalo

verē chocolates (pronounced “very”) have quietly made there way to Buffalo from NYC. Like most boutique chocolate, the packaging is impeccable and the flavor unique. Unlike most boutique chocolate, the product is gluten free and vegan friendly.

Often 75% cocoa is even a little dark for me, but the complexity of this simple confection was interesting and not at all bitter. Sweetened with just a bit of crystallized fructose, the palate is free to experience the full, naked flavor of chocolate. The texture is equally interesting; as soon as the indifferent square warms in your mouth it transforms into a velvety puddle, leaving your tongue awash with soft, smoky chocolate.

These little sweeties come two to a pack, wrapped carefully in small glassine envelopes. The sliding matchbox-style container is exquisitely designed, both architecturally and graphically.

verē also o…

A recent stop at Chateau Buffalo, presented me with a dilemma; is Chateau Buffalo a wine store or is it a great place to gather friends and have a party without having to vacuum?

The answer seems to be: it's BOTH!

Chateau Buffalo IS indeed a wonderful wine store, offering an extensive selection of NYS wines. You'll find eclectic cho…