Author: Kristine Hornung-Pottle

Kristine Hornung Pottle relocated back to Buffalo from Seattle, where she owned and operated The Wandering Cafe, LLC for twelve years (a catering and events company she began in Buffalo twenty-five years ago). She is currently the COO for Buffalo's echo Art Fair. As an experienced chef and independent event coordinator, Kristine contributes to Buffalo Rising occasionally.

As a follow up to our previous post, almost a year ago, Bidwell on Allen street opened and is creating quite a buzz. As promised, the Brooklyn transplant duo that is Matt (chef) and Courtney (front of the house) has created a hyper-local seasonal tasting menu that truly awakens the palate. The original concept is in place, featuring a dining experience with multiple courses, and all the ingredients sourced locally. The evening is limited to only 12 guests, allowing for the hosts to create a memorable experience for those dining on a given night. Reservations open on the first of…

Read More

Buffalo is, without a doubt, a hockey town! We are packed with thousands of Sabres fans, bar leagues, hockey moms lugging youth hockey bags all over the region and, of course, the record breaking 40 gladiators from the 2017 11 Day Power Play event. These insanely generous (emphasis on insane) men accomplished the insurmountable task of playing the longest continuous hockey game on record and helping to raise over $1.2M for cancer research in the meantime. Last summer’s 11 Day Power Play Event was the mastermind of Amy & Mike Lesakowski, fueled by merging their passion for hockey and fighting cancer.…

Read More

I attended an art opening at UB Art Galleries last night – Lydia Okumura: Situations, and her Buffalo story is very fitting.  I was originally scheduled to host her in my home while she worked on the installations at both UB Galleries but, unfortunately, had to have a friend host due to a family matter. I regret the opportunity to know her story sooner, and to share with Buffalo. I am writing today in the hopes that art enthusiasts, among others in Buffalo get to see her work while it is up. Rachel Adams, Senior Curator of Exhibitions for UB…

Read More

I recently had the pleasure to visit an old friend, Victor Mirando, in his much anticipated, resurrected Buffalo Rome. Anyone dining out in Buffalo in the nineties, remembers the little café on Bryant Street with the best cappuccino this side of Italy, complete with their epic foam on top. Buffalo Rome had espresso and café au lait long before the likes of Starbucks and Spot Coffee were around. Do you think they were onto something? Most foodies in town frequented the tiny café either to soak in some summer breezes with a Grilled Chicken Caesar (a rather original dish at…

Read More

Iazamir “Zamir” Gotta is a Russian producer & broadcaster, a traveling companion to one of our most outspoken celebrity chefs, and now a spirits entrepreneur with a peaceful mission.  Hearing the name “Zamir Gotta” typically makes one think of Anthony Bourdain, as Zamir has been a trusty companion to the superstar chef on many of his CNN journeys. The dynamic duo of food & travel have been all over Russia, Uzbekistan, and Romania. They hit the US together exploring the Rust Belt area a few years back, and Zamir has been smitten with Buffalove ever since. I had the pleasure…

Read More

I recently had a chance to sit down with an impressive and tenacious culinary entrepreneur, Bryan Mecozzi of Black Iron Bystro. Many chefs possess a  driven work ethic, but there are few who be able to withstand the blood, sweat and tears that this chef/owner underwent upon opening his restaurant. Bryan is a self-taught cook who has spent the better part of a decade building his own place in his free time. While cooking for other restaurants, most recently, Vera Pizzeria, he was diligently remodeling a family building into Black Iron Bystro in Blasdell, NY at the same time. “Why Blasdell?”…

Read More

That lovely spot on the corner of Franklin and Tupper, which has been through a few transformations and a few names has finally opened last month as Buffalo Proper. The restaurant is the result of many talented folks combining their efforts to create a proper spot in the heart of Buffalo. Among them, cocktail genius Jon Karel and esteemed chef, Edward Forster and many of the team from a sister spot in Rochester, The Revelry. It was a sunny late summer evening and some friends & I began our dining experience at Buffalo Proper after being tempted by the menu…

Read More

Shango’s Jim Guarino and a team of talented people have opened Oshun in the old Howard Shoes Building at 5 East Huron Street. Many folks have written about this venture, as the beloved building transformed over the past year. They opened just under two weeks ago, serving up lovely beverages, fresh raw bar bites and an extensive, creative seafood menu (as well as some things for those veggie or meat only eaters.) Though I typically do not like to try a new restaurant in their very first week, I have really looked forward to this one and couldn’t wait. So…

Read More

The buzz on the street lately is all about the new foodie places opening in Buffalo. With many terrific new spots to visit and so much fare to sample, I dove in with a little Black Sheep outing. It was a terrific sunny Monday, and while enjoying the last little bit of August poolside, some friends and I discussed dinner plans. Collectively, we agreed that The Black Sheep would be our first choice of options. Luckily, The Black Sheep was open and we were able to reserve a table for the patio. We have awaited its opening since Europa closed.…

Read More

The Refinery Salon has opened its doors in Buffalo (just off Hertel Ave.) with a beauty salon boutique full of amazing stylists, sophisticated decor and a spanking new attitude toward style! The three talented owners, Maggie Ryan, Michele Huntington and Amy Hayes have merged their expertise to bring a refreshing tone for Buffalo salons and those seeking impeccable style. The Refinery Salon is located at 77 Saranac Ave. just a few doors North of Hertel in a refurbished building. The space is inviting and comfortable from the moment you walk in the front doors. The physical transformation of the space…

Read More