Savoy Buffalo

Classy, cool and a little mysterious; those are words I would use to describe Savoy Buffalo {149 Elmwood Avenue}. I've been meaning to check out this place for a while now, so Lacey and myself had dinner and drinks their on Saturday night. While it is smaller than what I expected it, the décor, staff and live music were great! We sat right by the window so we could people watch on Elmwood while sipping on our wine and Jack and ginger's. It was a relaxing atmosphere, reasonably priced...my Jack and ginger was $6 - I thought it was going to be more like $10, so that was a nice surprise. If ordering food try their Deviled Eggs {that's what their known for}. Lacey had the pulled pork sandwich {which she said was good} and I ordered the chopped salad {picture is below}and mac n' cheese. Savoy is definitely a place I would go back to for drinks and a good time.

-B

{Savoy on Facebook}                 {Savoy on Twitter}

{Artwork}

{Live music - these guys were really good!}

{I ordered the chopped salad and mac n' cheese}

{Guests enjoying themselves at the bar}

#BuffaloLinks

Here are this weeks links to check out;

1. Betty's Restaurant {370 Virginia Street}- I've never been, but have a lunch date in the next couple days. Super excited, I've heard great things!

2. I see a happy hour special almost every day or every other day on Facebook at the Gypsy Parlor. It looks like a cool place to go for drinks- definitely on my list of places to check out!

3. If you're a new bride or know someone who recently got engaged check out this event at the Century Grill tonight; Emerald City Cocktail Party

4. If you want to be hands on with your wedding make sure to check out the Boutique Bridal Party's Crafts & Cocktails on 1.22.14 at the Mansion on Delaware. Trust me you will learn new things, meet great vendors and have an awesome time!

A locally owned Creperie

Love breakfast food, but tired of ordering the same old thing; eggs, pancakes, French toast? Locally owned, Break' N Eggs Creperie  {located at 5235 Main Street in Williamsville} offers a small "diner like" feel with a touch of country flare to the décor. Having been my first time there, my friend Kate and I went mid- morning and there was a 25 minute wait, but it was worth it. This restaurant is the perfect place to go if you're looking to switch up your breakfast spot. You have the opportunity to create your own crepes or you can order one that has a variety of meat, salmon or fruit fillings.

If you're one who doesn't do well with change don't fret, they do offer traditional items such as eggs, pancakes and other sides like sausage and bacon, but if you do pay a visit I highly recommend trying the crepes- live a little, I mean, what's the point in going to a creperie if you don't have a crepe.

Enjoy!

-B

{ I loved the yellow coffee and creamer mugs }

{ Create your own crepe; mine - sweet crepe with banana's and walnuts }

#BuffaloLinks

Its the second day in the new year and with that comes a lot of people {hopefully} still sticking to their New Year's resolutions. Some of the common ones are losing weight, being healthy or being more organized. I think some of the links this week can help you stay on track with your resolutions.

1. Black Dot Record Boutique - I don't know what it is, but I enjoy record shops and boutiques. Something about the "hipster" and "old-school" feel makes me enjoy looking around at what music they have to offer.

2. I am a big list person - I have lists of multiple things - goals, to-do lists, etc. One place on the must check out list this year is going to Vera Pizzeria. I've heard multiple reviews some good, some bad, so I want to check it out for myself and see how it is.

3. I will be the first to admit {& so will my family and friends} when I say I have to learn to relax a little bit more. With that being said I want to incorporate more yoga into my exercise. I tried it once last year and thought it was ok, but I definitely want to check out Bikram Yoga in Williamsville, I've heard a lot of positive things about this place.

4. Let's face it, we probably all could be a little more organized in our lives, whether its paper documents, clothing and shoes, pictures or toys having the right storage and organization system would help us alleviate time we take to search for things and do things we would rather enjoy doing. Creative Storage of Buffalo has a variety of services and organization tips to help any of us get more organized in 2014.

5. Another goal of mine {& maybe yours as well} is to run a little more this year. I ran my first 5k race last year and I would love to complete a half marathon this year, so a great website to help me prep for this is Buffalo Runners. They have a list of races {from 5ks to marathons} that will help me prepare for my goal this summer.

Whatever your goals or resolutions are this year, I wish you the best of luck to sticking to them.

Have a great Thursday!

-B

#BuffaloLinks

1. Saturday the Buffalo Bills will host a " Day Out with Santa" at the Adams Mark Hotel. Enjoy games, petting zoo, pictures with Santa and more.

2. Friday and Saturday enjoy a Holiday Celebration down at the Canalside with a tree lighting, Santa arriving on sleigh and activities for the kids in heated tents. Food trucks and Liberty Hound will also be around selling food during the event.

3. Kuni*s on Lexington is a cute seafood restaurant that I attended last week. If you're looking for an intimate or cute and cozy place to have dinner check them out.

4. I'm looking forward to next Monday when the Social Media Club will be host to Taco Vino IV

#BuffaloLinks

 

1. In the Spring of 2014 downtown Buffalo will be seeing a new upscale seafood restaurant on E. Huron St. called Oshun Seafood Restaurant. Offering an new place for people to gravitate to, I for one am looking forward to them opening!

2. Research and Design is an awesome retail store located in Orchard Park. While the building is in the shape of a barn, this place is amazing inside, from the wood features to the art and clothing they carry, its one of my favorite locally owned shops in town.

3. The Fairgrounds are currently hosting their annual Festival of Lights. Hours of operation are 5-9pm during select days. This makes a great holiday activity especially for little ones who like looking at the Christmas Lights. New this year are Walk Around Wednesdays where you can lace up your show, bundle up and walk the nearly two miles and enjoy the lighting display. Check their website to see when they are open.

4. Beakers and Beers is an event that the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus offers to employees and the public. Enjoy a neat networking experience for free.

5. One of my favorite events of all time is the Catwalk for Charity that Ryan Miller hosts for the Steadfast Foundation. Taking place at one of my favorite venues the Town Ballroom, this year the theme is Cirque du Sabres and I'm looking forward to attending.

#DTH13

Saturday night the Knox Mansion in East Aurora was home to 200 people who attended the Deck the Halls for Main St. Runway holiday fashion show, all to benefit the Hunter's Hope Foundation. The evening included hair and make up artists from a variety of suburbs helping glam our models for the main event. Food from a variety of local East Aurora eatery's including the wonderful Swirls, Taste, Rick's on Main St., Del Arueo's, Medici House and Arriba. Also, participating in the event were a variety of vendors. A special thank you to Total Tan and TT New York for all that you did.

The evening was kicked off with the Foxy Diamondz performing dance numbers for the crowd. Once started Crista Botticello, owner of Ooo La La Boutique and Lauren Hall from Winging It! Buffalo Style co-hosted the show. Fashions were seen from Cameleon, Ragamuffinz, The Walk In Closet, {guest boutique} Abalie Lingerie, The Dress Shop and Ooo La La Boutique with a special section of recycled material designs from the students at Villa Maria College.

The night was a huge hit that brought a community together during a busy holiday season to raise awareness about an important cause that is close to a lot of Buffalonian's hearts. It is really rare to see people in this day and age put aside differences, but on Saturday night the East Aurora community did just that. There is power in numbers and I have noticed myself saying this a lot more lately, but one person can lead by example. It only takes one. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we had more people working together than working against each other? I guess I can always hope.

In the meantime, if you attended the event or want to see pictures check out all the social media outlets and search for the #DTH13 and Ooo La La Boutique.

-B { Ooo La La Boutique }

A distillery in our backyard

Located in a somewhat spacious area on the third floor of the Great Arrow Building Lockhouse Distillery {formerly Eight Buffalo Spirits} opened its doors for business this past weekend and with a great turnout sold out of there one-of-a-kind vodka within just a couple short hours. The distillery is the first one to open in Buffalo, NY since the Prohibition time. Made with quality and local ingredients I can attest its delicious and I was lucky enough to get there in the right amount of time to take a bottle home with me.

-B

{Walking up to the third floor}

 {I arrived to a line of people waiting outside the distillery for their bottle of vodka}

{Inside the distillery}

{Samples while you waited for your purchase}

{"What has fallen we've rebuilt, what was outlawed we revived"}

                               -The quote on a wall inside Lockhouse Distillery

#BuffaloLinks

This week is all about local businesses and supporting them.

1} Love the zoo and want to celebrate Luna and Kali (the polar bear cubs), then come out to their birthday party on Saturday and enjoy a variety of activities during the day all while celebrating their special day.

2} Opening on Small Business Saturday the Lockhouse Distillery will be open from 12-8pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season. Come out buy a bottle of vodka and get a tour of the place.

3} Saturday is Small Business Saturday, get out there and shop small and shop local. Money spent in local business stays local. Hit Hertel, Main St. in Williamsville, East Aurora, Orchard Park, Elmwood Ave., Allen St. and see what local businesses have to offer.

4} Black Friday is crazy with stores having tons of deals. Make sure you get out to Ooo La La Boutique's turning Black Friday Pink! early to get 50% off anything in the store from 7-7:30am. And throughout the day enjoy other discounts that you won't be able to pass up!

Monday Morning WrapUp #PushGo

Today on the Monday morning recap I'm talking fashion and local business from the Elmwood Village. Over the weekend I attended the Mass Appeal show at the Pierce Arrow Building. It was my first time attending the very popular fashion event that I've always heard things about. It was also my first time inside the Pierce Arrow Building; it was a neat building I liked the look of it and it fit with the theme of the show, urban trendy, it had an old factory look type thing going on.

I thought the overall show was good, it was like any other fashion show I've attended, it was entertaining and creative, but it didn't "wow" me. I thought the VIP area was minimal and could have been more elaborate, but I did like the displays of designers work on manikins and the fact that you could talk with the designers about it. I also do like the comradery from the Elmwood Village- boutiques, designers, restaurants all coming together to put on an event to raise money to better their neighborhood. It shows the sense of community in the area and its a night for everyone to showcase their talents, put aside any differences and support each other. After the show buffaBlog hosted an after party - we didn't stay to long after the show ended, but we were able to catch the aerial acrobatic person who was performing over the stage. It was a nice touch to see when walking out.

If you attended what did you think? Did you enjoy, not enjoy, let me know your thoughts.

-B

{ VIP Area }

Buffalo Links

Here are some links to check out this week:

1} I came across this website yesterday - if you're a pie lover you may want to check this place out - the only downside is if you live in Buffalo it may be a drive for you. Check them out online Portage Pie

2} Working for Downtown hosts Thursdays in the City every Thursday from 5-8pm at Papaya. Come together and network with each other.

3} If you love reading and want to help children's literacy in the area check out the fundraiser Best Sellers Party that Nickel City Professional is hosting on Friday at the Hotel Lafayette.

4} Saturday Night is a hot fashion event taking place in the Elmwood Village; Mass Appeal

Buffalo Links

This week is full of fun events. Take a look:

1. Saturday Night is Roswell Park Cancer Institute's All Star Night Gala. For more info on this event click here

2. For those who love fashion - Saturday Night Ooo La La Boutique is hosting there annual Local Designer Fashion Show - more info can be found here

3. What better place to celebrate Halloween than at the Witches Ball at the Lafayette Hotel on Thursday night

4. Wednesday the Lafayette Hotel is host to the wonderful Cocktails in Character event to benefit Literacy New York-Buffalo Niagara - Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character

5. With the holidays quickly approaching us more people tend to participate in charitable giving - an organization I have been a part of for a long time now and is near and dear to me, is the Make-A-Wish Foundation - take a look at the wonderful things they do here

Buffalo Links

 

With us approaching the last weekend in October, there are a lot of hayrides, corn mazes, haunted fortresses and other Halloween themed activities taking place this weekend and throughout the week.

Here are a list of some links to check out for you Halloween lovers:

1. A great place to go if you love wine - Tappo Restaurant offers bottles for $15 - how can you beat that.

2. 4. and 6. Going on a Hallowine Tour this weekend? Check out one of my favorite wineries on the Niagara Trails - Niagara Landing Wine Cellars - their Rose Gold is amazing! Becker Farms is another one of my favorites - I love the brewery there.

3. Like puzzles and finding your way - the corn maze in Wheatfield is always a great place to check out. Unfortunately for the 2013 season The Maize is closed.

5. Interested in spirits and ghosts - check out the Spirits of the Terminal  at the Central Terminal on Saturday from 9pm-1am.

7. Like to be scared? Check out the haunted hayrides on Sommerville St. in Ellicottville.

8. Love history and Lewiston than make sure to stop by Old fort Niagara for the Haunted Fortress Tour - a terror tour at the fort this weekend.

9. Want to take the kids trick or treating, but don't want to freeze - come to the Galleria Mall for Galleria of Treats - for a $2 fee from 11-8pm on October 30, you can stop by tables and pick up treats all while staying warm

10. Halloween Happenings at the Aquarium of Niagara takes place on Saturday. Dress the little ones up in there favorite sea creature and they get in for free!

Local Restaurant Week

Another week is upon us and what better way to start your Monday than knowing Local Restaurant Week is back. From October 21 thru the 27th you can enjoy great meals at local restaurants for $20.13. Many locally owned restaurants participate in this week and offer special meals for a great price. Its a great way for them to showcase items one may not think to try if they were dining out on leisurely time.

For a list of restaurants participating this week and for a list of what they're offering you can find out here.

Some places I've never been and am considering trying out are Tappo, The Oakk Room and Orchid Asian. Which restaurants are on your list to check out?

-B  

Don't forget its a great time to support independent owners.

Fallfest in Ellicottville

One of prettiest places in Western New York in my mind is Ellicottville and I only wish I could visit more often. This past weekend they were host to the annual fall fest where many people come out and well, drink at one of the many bars... Gin Mill, Balloons, Madigans, EBC (Ellicottville Brewing Company) etc. and shop the local vendors. The weather was great and the company I was around was better.

-B

{ Cinnamon roasted nuts ...yum, yum, yum }

{ Just a few blondes in EVL }

{ EVL staple }

{ Crowd shot }

{ a pretty Fall day }

{ EBC }

{ A pretty bumble bee outside one of the stores }

BUFFALO LINKS TO CHECK OUT

Check out some links to upcoming events in and around Buffalo and the latest video promoting the area... -B

{ Buffalo: America's Best Designed City }

Take a look at the newest video on Buffalo here

{ Saturday is UB's Homecoming - for more info on festivities click here }

{ Don't forget to get your pumpkins and apple cider at the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence - for more info go here }

{ Check out the Pink Party next Wednesday at the Statler. For ticket info go here }

{ Getting Married? In the Wedding Industry? Check out the Signature Bridal Boutique next week. For more info go here }

{WISHFUL INKING}

Love tattoos? Love body piercings? Looking for one-of-a-kind service? Wishful Inking located at 581 Niagara Street has you covered. Open from 1-8pm Monday thru Saturday, Junior (M. Dot), Dom (Dom Dubble), Jaunky and Spyder are there for you. I had the opportunity to sit down with these guys and find out more about this local Buffalo business who puts customer service above all else.

When was the shop opened?

Junior: The shop was opened in 2008 as Penetrating Ink and in May of 2012 I (Junior or M.Dot) took ownership and opened Wishful Inking.

How long have you been tattooing?

Dom: Eight years

What services do you offer?

WI: Tattoos, Piercings, Scarification, Silicon Implants, Permanent Make-Up, Cover-ups and Re-touches.

What made you decide you wanted to own a tattoo shop?

Junior: I'm young and I saw an opportunity. I went to school for music and advertising design, I landed a job in construction and knew it wasn't for me. I knew I wanted to do something with music and/or the arts and I thought why not try tattooing. I put everything I had into this shop, heart, soul, money, passion and I made it into something I envisioned. I take 100% pride into everything I do here.

What makes Wishful Inking stand out from other tattoo shops in the area?

WI: The staff here is outgoing, we have an eclectic group of people you can't find anywhere else. We truly care about are clients and the work we do. We warranty are work and we don't cut any corners. We offer the best ink, jewelry and cleanliness in area. Businesses consider themselves a 10, we consider ourselves a 15 in service.

What do you like most about Buffalo?

Junior: Everything - the seasons, the smell of food in the air around the Holidays and more importantly family is family in Buffalo.

What do you like most about tattooing/owning your own business?

Junior: I love meeting new people, I love people, I love seeing the outcome from paper to the skin and I love being on this personal adventure with each person that walks into the shop.

Do you have a favorite style you like to tattoo?

Junior: Realism and Neo-Traditional/New School

Favorite memory while having your own business?

Junior: They all stick with me, but if I had to pick just one it would be the day I opened the doors. I worked hard, my team and I did it together and we put all of our heart and soul into this shop.

How can people find you?

Via Web: Wishfulinking.org

FB: Wishful Inking Buffalo

Phone: {716} 861.6797 {cell}   {716} 884.WISH {Shop Number}

Wishful Inking accepts walk-ins and appointments. The guys are all about convenience and creating your own concepts. If you're looking for new ink, new piercings or have tattoos that need to be re-touched or covered up check them out. They are a high quality local business who care about each one of their clients and the area they live in.

-B

{ Dom Dubble, M. Dot & Juanky }

{ Junior (M.Dot) }

Buffalo Links

This week is full of places to go and things to do. Check out the links below.

-B

Buffalo Fashion Week:

Today kicks off Mercedes Benz of Buffalo Fashion Week! Check out the link to see what events are going on each day, starting today!

Curtain Up!:

Tomorrow is the kick off to Curtain Up! Welcoming all sorts of musicals and theater productions coming to town for the upcoming season!

Ballpark Brew Bash:

Consumers Beverages annual craft brewing event is being held Saturday at Coca- Cola Field. If you love craft beer check out Ballpark Brew Bash! Oh and proceeds go to one of my favorite organizations - Make-A-Wish!

Music is Art:

The 11th annual Music is Art Festival takes place this Saturday starting at 10am. Enjoy a nice Saturday out in Delaware Park listening to local musicians and looking at artwork for local artisans. Friday you can also donate any musical instruments you may not use anymore to the Instrument Drive. For more information go here.

Friday Favorites and Buffalo Links

{ A great ladies night out last week at The Lodge }

{ A work trip up North to Toronto this week was pretty awesome - first stop Mill St. Brewery in the Distillery District }

{ On field experience for a Major League Baseball game }

{ Who wouldn't take their picture with Mickey Mouse }

{ Even though they lost, football season is back - woohoo! #GoBills }

Links to check out this week:

Maritime Festival

This weekend at canalside

Buffalo International Horse Show

This weekend benefiting The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center

Women Who Move Buffalo Collage

The last six weeks I have been able to share stories from amazing women who are pursuing their dreams right here in Buffalo. I can't wait to share more stories from other amazing women in the area.

The Lodge

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling gala for one of downtown's newest and in my opinion, one of the best restaurants and bars on Chippewa - The Lodge. Bringing what feels like a touch of Ellicottville to the city of Buffalo, The Lodge is all class and no trash. Two levels with three different spaces all tying in with one another to create this ski lodge glow that embraces the Buffalo area for who we are. Antler chandeliers, tree mirages, a lounge area with fireplace, game room, Artic area and so much more, make this the finest venue I have ever seen on Chippewa.

What's that you say? You have a private function, like a bachelorette or cocktail party and don't know where to have it? The Lodge has you covered, having private areas that can accommodate up to 125 people.

And don't let me forget about the food, lettuce wraps, shrimp cocktail, veggie and fish tacos, venison, S'mores and so much more... the food was A-MAZ-ING, and I mean A-MAZ-ING!  So many options are offered that even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something to please their taste buds. All thanks to the Head Chef, Fortune Macri.

The inspiration behind it; Peter Altholz and a bar in Florida.

The Lodge truly embraces the Buffalo area for what it is and where it is going. Everyone behind this project from the beginning and moving forward should be proud to bring one of the finest restaurants to the Chippewa District.

I was honored and excited to be able to cover the Unveiling Gala last week and to receive a tour from the General Manager Joe, the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great and I had a great time out with my friends. With so many options, The Lodge is sure to please "Buffalonians."

"Like" The Lodge on their Facebook page to stay up to date on all the exciting things they have coming up.

The Lodge on Facebook

79 West Chippewa St. Buffalo NY 14202

-B

{ A special thank you to Annalise for letting me take part in this great addition to downtown Buffalo}

{ The Entrance Way }

{ Live Entertainment }

{ Downstairs Bar Area }

{ My lovely friend Kate striking a pose by the beautiful lounge area that has a fireplace }

{ Beautiful art work hangs from the walls leading to the 2nd level }

{ Upon walking up to the 2nd level you walk into the game area, featuring a pool table, ski ball (where you can win drink and food tickets), air hockey, old school TV's playing old cartoons and much more }

{ Two thumbs up for ski ball }

{ The balcony overlooking downstairs }

{ The Artic Area }

{ Private area that can be used for meetings, parties, etc. }

{ The 2nd level }

{ Shrimp Cocktail, Lettuce Wraps and more }

{ Its official, press passes! }

{ Great ladies night out }

{ The guy behind this one of a kind venue - Peter Atholz }

{ The creative crew who did everything from the lighting, carpentry, design and layout to the food }