Nick Kotrides spent the last year turning a vacant lot on Hertel into the two-floor mecca of American diners. But we’re not talking juke boxes and milkshakes here. It’s more like martinis and WiFi.
,AeuIt’s my vision of what a diner would have looked like if they had survived the fast food chains,,Aeu Kotrides said. ,AeuIt’s a contemporary, 21st century restaurant, right here in our city.,Aeu
After the storm forced him to delay his opening a few days (and start preparation all over,AePso you can be sure things will be perfect) the Empire Grill will finally open its kitchen bright and early this morning.
The slight delay-of-game didn’t deter people from stopping in all week to check out the impressive new space and grab a few drinks at the bar. The incredibly friendly bar staff took turns shaking up a myriad of martinis last night and the guests left with promises to return as soon as the kitchen gets fired up.
I for one believed them all, and once you sit down in the place you’ll see why. The restaurant, designed by local architect Catherine Faust, blends comfort with the convenience and style of a big city to bring its patrons a completely modern eating experience, with all the fixings. The restaurant is stocked with everything from wireless internet to high definition flat screens, and has two rentable meeting spaces closed off from the rest of the diner.
The sweeping high ceiling and full-story windows ,Aei which open to a sweet summertime patio ,Aei create an open space ideal for diners looking for a little extra room to enjoy their Belgian waffles (topped with ice cream!) or classic burger (topped with peanut butter?). The menu offers something for everyone (think traditional with a bit of flare) and everything from the soup to the pastries are homemade ,Aeujust like mom would make,Aeu ,Aei if mom was a gourmet chef.
Kotrides, who also owns Toro and Faherty’s, made sure the food quality stayed on par with his other restaurant. The four-year-old tapas bar is received as fine food, and that is just what you’ll find at Empire as well.
,AeuWe want people to be able to recognize the food they’re eating, but know that it’s great quality too,,Aeu Kotrides said.
And just in case you wanted to sneak a peak and make sure your food is as good as it looks, the brand new kitchen is put on display through picture windows open to Hertel. The mezzanine dining level provides a beautiful view of the thriving strip, and the best seat in the house ,Aei the perfect corner window seat ,Aei will be open to everyone.
The Empire Grill is another testament to the positive development sweeping our city. Its mere existence proves that Buffalo can have it all ,Aei and why not?
,AeuI really believe, after being in business in the city for 17 years, that there is a lot of excitement happening here in Western New York,,Aeu Kotrides said. ,AeuPacking HSBC Arena in the midst of the storm just shows what a resilient bunch we really are.,Aeu
So bring on the modern places, those with vision and creativity – those that step away from tradition and embrace everything we can become. Kotrides reminds us that there are people willing to take a risk to breathe new life into our city; and places like the Empire Grill should remind us of its endless possibilities.
The Empire Grill
1435 Hertel Ave.
opens daily at 7 a.m.
716-446-0700. Reservations only for 8+
Photos: queenseyes