#BuffaloLinks

This week's Buffalo Links are highlighting 3 places in the Buffalo food industry. Check it out!

Now open at 520 Elmwood Ave. Saigon Café is the place to go for that Asian flare you may be craving!

If you're looking for really good Fish and Chips check out British Chippy on South Park Ave. in Buffalo.

Division Market- a local meat distributing company providing meats to a variety of restaurants and food trucks. If you're in the business and want to buy local check them out.

#WinterBUF Canalside

Over the holidays my friend Agnes and I hit up Canalside. Agnes who is from Buffalo originally, lives in Chicago and was home for the Holidays, so I wanted to show her all of the progress going on downtown. Being it was a Tuesday afternoon, we hit up 716 first to fill our bellies and enjoy some brews before hitting the ice. When we arrived outside, we thought it wouldn't be a problem to grab some ice bikes from Ice Bikes of Buffalo, but we were wrong...there was a two and a half hour wait and the line to ice skate was long enough that we didn't want to stand in it! So we had to change up our strategy and we decided to just walk around the area check out all of the skaters and take in the new vibe that is happening at our waterfront.

Even though I was bummed we didn't get on the bikes {even if we wanted to it would have been so crowded} it was nice to see all of the people {on a Tuesday afternoon} down at Canalside. I'm hoping when I go back in a couple weeks, I'll have my chance at one of the bikes. In the meantime I'm enjoying all the updates and pictures I've been seeing on social media.

If you haven't been down to Canalside yet, this is the perfect weekend to do so {as long as you don't mind crowds}. Harborcenter is hosting a three day Winterfest, full of fun activities for everyone. For more info click here.

-B

{Filling our bellies with delicious food from 716}

{Experience your adventure}

{Ice Bikes of Buffalo}

{My panoramic shot of Canalside/Harborcenter}

{Make sure to get in on Visit Buffalo Niagara's social media fun and use the #WinterBuf when posting.}

Ringing in the New Year in Western New York #BuffaloLinks

If you're still looking for something to do for New Year's Eve, there are plenty of options to choose from around town. Below are just a few {more of the popular events} taking place. Whatever you choose to do, have fun, be smart and don't drink and drive.

-B

For those who want to enjoy some music, food, and a guitar drop, ring in the new year in Niagara Falls, NY by the Hard Rock Café, for more info click here.

Perfect for the whole family, check out First Night Buffalo's drug and alcohol free event at the Buffalo Convention Center.

For those looking for a fancier way to celebrate the new year, there are still spots open for Statler City's Ice Ball.

And for those who want to go out, but go the more casual route, check out the free shuttle taking people around Hamburg, thanks to the Hamburg Brewing Company!

Tick-Tock Let's Try To Beat That Clock

Its Christmas Eve and before the holiday gatherings take place later today there will still be some last minute shoppers making the trip out to malls, local boutiques and grocery stores today. Their are those who haven't started at all and those who need to pick up small, here and there gifts. Whatever the case may be, below is a guide for some places that are open today to help you get those last minute gifts you still need!

-B

MALLS:

• Walden Galleria {Cheektowaga} - 8am - 5pm
• Niagara Falls Outlet Malls {Niagara Falls, NY} - 10am - 6pm
• McKinley Mall {Blasdell} - 8am - 5pm
• Boulevard Mall {Amherst} - 7am - 5pm

Department Stores:

• Target {store hours may vary by location} - 7am - 10pm
• Kohls {store hours may vary by location} - 12am - 6pm
• Kmart {store hours may vary by location} - 12am - 10pm

Local Clothing Boutiques and Businesses in the Elmwood Village, Hertel Ave., Main St. in Williamsville and East Aurora:

• From what I found it looks like most stores in these areas will be open from 10am - 4pm today.

#BuffaloLinks

This week the links are a little limited {my apologies}, but they are just as great as every other weeks #BuffaloLinks.

Tonight down at Canalside is the kick off of the new ice rinks and winter activities. The ribbon ceremony and festivities begin at 5:00pm. For more information click here.

Part of the winter activities at Canalside are the Ice Bikes of Buffalo. I can't wait to try this out in the next couple of weeks!

Buffalo's first Blow Dry Bar located on Main St. in Clarence, Elle Air offers great services, is accepting new clients and will make you feel beautiful!

{Women Who Move the City} Lisa, Gridlock Lacquer

Today I'm featuring a woman who I have followed since she opened her business in 2013. Lisa from Gridlock Lacquer began mixing, combining and creating nail polish with a little Buffalo love and since her business began she has only expanded and is doing bigger and better things. Check out my interview with Lisa below. -B

How did Gridlock Lacquer get started?

It was started when I started noticing how major nail polish and cosmetic labels were re-branding the way products were sold. Instead of "sunset pink" or "mauve" nail polish, the major brands starting naming their polishes things like "I'm Not Really a Waitress" or "Topless & Barefoot" or "It's Raining Men". Women started to buy the products almost as much for the name as they were for the color. I thought it would be fun to bring that idea to a local level and create a collection based on things, events and history of Buffalo.

What is the thing you enjoy the most about owning your own business?

I own the successes and I own the mistakes. If the product is poor, that's  on me but if it's great then I know I'm doing something right. It also allows for dreaming much more than a traditional career. I'm only limited by myself and the only people I report to are my customers.

What is one thing you want people to know about you and Gridlock Lacquer, that they may not know?

Gridlock Lacquer is hand mixed! This means hours and hours have been spent blending colors, dropping mixing balls, filling bottles, adding brushes, twisting caps and labeling. It's a labor of love and very time intensive. I love that this is a hand mixed product and that it is made in Buffalo. It's my own tiny contribution to the re-shoring of American manufacturing haha j/k.

Where can they find your product?

-Online at gridlocklacquer.com

-At the Broadway Market on Saturdays from now through Easter

-At a bunch of retail stores in Buffalo, Rochester and Cleveland. The list can be found on the website if you're looking for something in your area. {Click here for the list}

Do you host private parties for those who want to make their own nail polish?

YES and it's so fun! I've only done a couple but people have had a blast and come up with some really creative colors! Eventually I hope to get to a place where I have a location that allows me to host the events myself and then people can just sign up when they'd like to participate instead of needing to assemble a group.

What is one thing you love about Buffalo?

Just one? Buffalo is such an underdog story. Everyone loves to root for the underdog and watch it come out on top.

Any other info you’d like to provide? Upcoming events you’ll be at? Promotions you are doing, etc?

Keep an eye out for coupon codes on social media!

Follow on FB, Instagram {@GridlockLacquer}, Twitter {@GridlockLacquer} . They've got all the updates on location, events, sales and new products. All are listed as: gridlocklacquer

I'll be at the Broadway Market on Saturdays, extra days around Christmas and 2 full weeks before Easter with a fresh set of Spring colors. The market is super fun and a really important piece of Buffalo's history, so stop by!

I stopped by the Broadway Market on Saturday and picked up a bunch of gifts for the holidays, the nail polish makes great stocking stuffers!. Check out some of my photos below. Thank you Lisa for believing in Buffalo and helping keep Buffalo moving forward, in a stylish way!

I love the names!

Other accessories to go with the nail polish, nail decals, soaps, nail polish remover

Queen City Market

Tis the season to shop! Being that I'm a big #ShopLocal gal I decided to head to Karpeles Manuscript Library on Saturday to get a chunk of my Christmas shopping done at the Queen City Market event. First things first, what an awesome venue this event was held in, the architecture is beautiful! Second, so many local vendors were on hand, some that I never even heard of before {that made for great networking opportunities} and they offered unique finds. This event had variety, something that you don't always find at some events. It was nice to walk around and not see the same thing on each table. Another great thing on my list, it was affordable! Some of the items I purchased at this event I would have paid double at if I went to a large retail store.

I know that if the event is held next year, I would definitely go back. There are to many reasons on my list not too. To see a list of who was there click here. Below are pictures of some of my favorite vendor tables and shots of the venue.

-B

Creating, Making and Designing Something Different

Last week, my friends and I got together for a fun and creative ladies night out! We all met at Modern Nostalgia for Makers/Pear Design Studio, String Art Class. We had a blast! The class cost $42, came with all the supplies and you could bring your own vino and light snacks. You also received a discount off purchases made throughout the store. The class began at 6:30 and we left around 9pm.

Each one of us chose our own designs and hammered away at the reclaimed wood before picking our colors and stringing them all together. Laura from Pear Design Studio was an awesome teacher, motivating, guiding and encouraging us when we wanted to stop or thought are art pieces weren't good. She offered suggestions and was personable, just what you need for a class like this! Gretchen from Makers was great as well, making it easy to schedule the private class.

During a time, when everyone is super busy, this class was perfect because I got to spend an evening with some of my closest girlfriends catching up and doing something different. This was my second time taking a class from Makers and I highly suggest anyone who is looking for something fun to do, to take this or any other class by them, you won't be disappointed.

Check out some of the photos from my night below.

-B

Everything was all lined up, organized and ready to go when we arrived!

Just about done hammering away at my design.

We're ready to start stringing our colors together!

Hard at work!

Almost done!

Our finished masterpieces!

#BuffaloLinks

A fun run starting at Resurgence Brewery takes place tonight. Organized by Fleet Feet Sports, enjoy a 2 or 4 mile run with the local community.

An awesome local business that makes not only great Buffalo cards, but coasters, apparel and other accessories. Follow Rusterior Design on social media and local stores.

Lately I've been trying to change up my workouts just because running all the time can get boring. I'm looking forward to checking out this indoor cycling studio soon. Click here for more details.

The Tree of Hope is taking place on Friday at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. While registration closed on Monday, you can watch it on local news station, WGRZ starting at 5pm. Its nice to live in a community that helps spread some holiday cheer during what can be stressful times for some.

#DTH14 Review

For a third year in a row, Ooo La La Boutique/Fashion Truck owner, Crista Botticello and myself set out to kick off the Holiday season in style and this year was no different. Deck the Halls Runway was held at The West Herr Buick, GMC and Cadillac Dealership in East Aurora on Saturday night. The event was filled with 7 local boutiques {Blush, Village Designs, The Dress Shop, Ragmuffinz, Aurora Outfitters, The Walk In Closet and Ooo La La Boutique} showing off their holiday fashion looks. Before the show guests were able to shop an array of local vendors {MuseJar, Celestial Designs, Total Tan, Prima Oliva, Upstairs Treasures, Tres Chic Boutique, Mary Kay, Jamberry, Medici House, Taste and Sipada}.

The show was created not only to bring local businesses together, but to raise money and awareness for local charities. This year was no different. Proceeds benefitted are friends over at Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.

Saturday showed us that this year was bigger and better and I look forward to seeing what it becomes in years to come. We have a lot of people that help us and we are forever grateful for working with them.

To see pictures from the Deck the Halls event, make sure to follow Ooo La La Boutique on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This Saturday join B Team Buffalo as they help light the University Height's neighborhood. For more info on the event click here.

For those animal lovers out there! Check out this awesome local business, Buffalo Barkery. Making fresh, healthy batches of doggie treats for your best friend!

Another local business I came across this past week was Linwood Candle Co. Making awesome scented candles, you can check out their products on Etsy and at local businesses throughout Buffalo.

A new place I want to check out this holiday season is Neo Gift Studio located in the Elmwood Village. This gift shop looks like an awesome place to pick up those holiday gifts for friends and family members!

#BuffaloLinks

The Richardson Olmstead Complex, a Buffalo architectural staple is being transformed from a building that used to help the mentally ill, to a hotel and conference center playing a key role in the revitalization of Buffalo. For more information on the project head to their website.

The longest running race in the United States is back at it this Thursday celebrating 119 years. The YMCA Turkey Trot is sold out {no surprise there!}, but you can still head downtown and cheer on race participants Thursday morning.

Well we all know that the Holidays are right around the corner and what better way to support your local businesses, than by shopping local on Small Business Saturday. Head out to the Elmwood Village, Hertel Ave., Orchard Park, South Buffalo or Main St in Williamsville or East Aurora.

The World's Largest Disco is back this Saturday at the Convention Center and the event is sold out again! While I've never been to this event, I hear great things from family and friends that have attended.

Buffalo has a lot of big events this week. If you're attending any of them have a great time!

Emerson School of Hospitality

A couple weeks ago I had the chance to attend a school tour and presentation at Emerson School of Hospitality {the school is located on Chippewa St. in Buffalo}. I've walked past the building multiple times, but never really gave much thought to it, but after this tour, this school is pretty amazing!

With a multiple level building this school is an academic, fitness and culinary center. Emerson sure does impress. Not only do students go through all of their general studies, they have a chance to take classes in the culinary arts. Learning how to cook, bake and prep all kinds of foods.

Emerson offers a café style area called Emerson commons and that is open on school days from 7:30-10am {breakfast} and 11:15-1:30pm {lunch}, making it a great spot for people who work downtown. Emerson also offers banquets and catering and makes wedding cakes, along with a variety of other fine desserts.

For someone {like me} who just thought the school, was like any old ordinary school, its not. Its pretty awesome and its pretty cool that kids have that type of opportunity in this area.

For more info on Emerson click here.

-B

{One of the multiple kitchens that you can see as you walk by on Chippewa St.}

{Emerson Commons, open to the public on school days}

{Car view}

{People and Places Who Move Buffalo} Dog E Style Restaurant

I'm excited to share my experience with you on the new hot dog restaurant that opened in Downtown Buffalo last month, Dog E Style.  Offering one of a kind hot dogs, Dog E Style, not only offers great food, but has a fully stocked bar and is located in a unique space downtown. Read more of my interview with Thomas Cowen below and see why they are moving Buffalo forward.

How did the concept of Dog E Style begin? 

Rocco Termini came up with the idea and is working on "building a neighborhood" in the heart of the City of Buffalo. Where did the idea and name come from? 

The idea came to us because everyone loves hot dogs! We also added a nice craft beer selection and a restaurant that can offer a full bar with liquor and wine. The name was meant to stick, so people would remember us. Once you stop in to see us you will realize the time and effort we put in to create "not your typical hot dog restaurant." How did you decide on the space for the restaurant?

We kicked around the idea of using old shipping containers so we contacted the manufacturer that makes the containers, bought the materials and put them together on sight, along with steal beams to make it weather and climate proof. What would you say makes you stand out from your competition, other hot dog/fast food places?

We are not your average hot dog stand. We are a Hot Dog restaurant that serves not your everyday hot dog, we serve all different kinds. Special made wieners, sausage, cheeseburgers & a few vegetarian options.

A few items we serve are:

BANH MI DOG     - Chinese sausage, Saigon style, house made  Jalapenos & Saigon veggies

GREEK DOG        - Lamb dog, tzatziki, olives, pepperoncini, feta

CHICAGO DOG   - True Chicago style Dog - poppy seed bun, neon relish, sport peppers, tomatoes, mustard, onion, celery salt & pickle

House made Cheeseburger

House Made Fries

Portabella Sandwich with a fried egg

NO DOG - slow roasted caramelized carrot, spicy mayo, vegetarian chili What would you like customers to get out of their experience when visiting Dog E Style? 

Different. Affordable. Casual. Relaxed  Why did you choose downtown Buffalo and not a suburb? 

Downtown Buffalo is on the Up & Up. If you haven't been downtown in a while you are missing out on a city that is coming back to life. We want to show people that it is ok to start investing in this city again. There are so many things happening all over, whether its the Waterfront, revitalizing the Chippewa/ Entertainment District or the Medical Corridor, you see cranes and hardhats everywhere. Delaware North, IBM, Roswell, Terry Pegula, they are all showing that now is the time to get in the city!   What about Buffalo do you love the most? 

The People! Is there any other information or specials you feature that you'd like the general public to know about? 

We are always running special dogs! Our website will be up and running soon, but in the meantime stay up to date with us on are social media pages. Does Dog E Style feature catering or will they in the near future?

Yes, we offer drop-off catering for your office for lunch, dinner or even if you want to pick it up for any special event you can.

DOG E STYLE

128 Genesee St

Buffalo, NY 14203

716-844-5900

Me and the guys from work thought the food was awesome, the space was great and it is on our list of places to visit again and again {especially for lunch}. Thank you Tessa and Tom for helping me share more information on Dog E Style. And a special thank you to Mr. Termini for continuing to move Buffalo forward.

-B

Follow them on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, Check them out on Instagram

{ The lunch crowd that began to form once we placed our order }

{ Offering a fully stocked bar - craft beer, wine and liquor }

{ I love the chalk board menu }

{ Italian sausage with onions and peppers and French fries }

#BuffaloLinks

Tonight B Team Buffalo is hosting a City of Light Fundraiser and Toy Drive at Fat Bob's from 5:30-8:30pm. Help out a great cause.

Are you a fan of Jim Henson? Or do you want to just do something different. Stop by HandleBar tonight or next Wednesday and enjoy food, drinks and movies! For more info go here

Have any old electronics sitting around and collecting dust? Stop by the Buffalo Zoo this Saturday from 8am-1pm to turn them in and receive $1 off Zoo Admission that day.

My niece and I are so excited to attend Bubblefest this year. Bubbles upon bubbles will be filling the Buffalo Science Museum all day Saturday. Limited tickets will be available for purchase at the door. For more info on the event click here.

An event that I'm thinking about attending Pints and Pierogi's is taking place from 4-8pm at Marcy Casino on Saturday, $20 at the door.

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Rachael Hughes from Barre Centric

{Rachael Hughes, Co-Owner Barre Centric. Photo taken at Buffalo Location 1526 Main St. Buffalo}

I'm so excited to feature Rachael Hughes co-owner of Barre Centric on my blog today. Barre Centric all got started when friends, Rachael and co-owner Gia went looking for a place that offered a unique fitness regime that offered people the opportunity to strengthen, tone and plié.

Rachael and Gia opened their first Barre fitness studio location in Clarence, NY in 2012. Her and Gia were back at it in 2014 opening their second Barre fitness studio in downtown Buffalo. Let me tell you, the studio is amazing! When looking for their second location Rachael and Gia knew they wanted a renovated building. Not only is the Buffalo location fresh, fun and new, it brings a whole new light to Main St. downtown.

Rachael says the best thing about having your own business is, "meeting different clients and helping them reach their own fitness goals." Everyone comes in and takes classes for different reasons and its fun to help each one of my clients meet their goals. For those who are taking a Barre class for the first time, the best advice Rachael gives, is to not be intimated and be patient, it takes at least 5-6 classes to pick up on the techniques.

What makes Barre Centric stand out from other Barre classes and fitness centers? Barre Centric always offer specials and promotions throughout the year. From student discounts, Bridal specials and New Mom specials to a Suns Out, Buns Out, 10 week program that starts before the summer season, there's specials for everyone. The best part is, Barre Centric is independently, locally owned and operated, meaning all the money stays in the local community.

When I asked Rachael what she loves most about Buffalo she said "everything from the food to the people is what I love most."

After my interview with Rachael, I stayed to take my first "official" Barre class at Barre Centric and from someone who works out regularly, it was different, in a good way. It was challenging and fun and went by fast. The class was about an hour long, but didn't feel like an hour because you were constantly doing different exercises. I highly recommend taking a class. Rachael is an awesome fitness instructor and amazing business owner who moves Buffalo forward!

In the beginning of the interview, Rachael shared a quote with me that stuck with her when she began her Barre Centric journey and it stuck with me. It is "what you seek, is seeking you." Sometimes the things we are looking for are actually looking for us. Don't ever give up. Thank you Rachael for sharing that with me and for taking the time out to let me share your story.

For more on Barre Centric's classes click here and make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Make sure to also keep an eye out for Ashker's Juice Bar opening next door to Barre Centric soon!

-B 

 {Buffalo location, class schedule}

{The studio}

{I love the quotes throughout the studio}

Eveyone Needs A Little Pampering

Shopping, discounts, mini-manis, spray tans, food and drink? What's not to love about a local clothing boutique hosting a Pamper Party and making you feel special for a couple hours! That's exactly what Michelle at Village Designs Elmwood did last week. Offering discounts on clothing and accessories and bringing together some local, talented ladies from Rodan & Fields, DiLusso Salon , AmberGLO and Ooo La La Boutique . Anyone who came to the store not only could meet these great people from local businesses, shop and help themselves to food from Nektar . What a pretty pampered event it was! Until next time..

-B

{ The chandeliers in Village Design's are beautiful }

#BuffaloLinks

A new addition to Hertel Ave. Queen City Shaken & Stirred offers everything you need for the special cocktail except the booze. Check them out!

With the holidays right before us, now is the time you see people donating. Second Chic not only sells great clothes, but also excepts clothing donations for you to sell. At the end of your contract you can pick up the clothes that didn't sell or donate them to Journey's End. For more info on the program click here.

Friday 716 Food and Sport opens down at the Harbor Center. I can bet this place will be packed before the Sabres game and in the upcoming weeks. Its great to see life back at Canalside!

Stop by Christmas in the Country at the Hamburg Fairgrounds this Thursday through Sunday to pick up great Artisan finds that make great gifts.

Who doesn't love a beer and wine festival {I know I do!} Holiday Valley is hosting theirs this Saturday at 3:30pm. For more info on the event click here.

Queen City Malting helps create malt for distillers and brewers here in Buffalo, NY. Working with local farmers, they help keep the beer made in Buffalo, NY truly local.

#BuffaloLinks

I stumbled upon the Buffalo Laboratory Theatre when I was researching places in Buffalo earlier this week. While no plays are currently playing it still looks like an awesome place to go to experience new theatrical expressions.

I'm looking forward to another new restaurant and brewery opening in downtown Buffalo in the upcoming weeks, Hydraulic Hearth.

Just one of the many reasons to get to the Buffalo History Museum. The Tim Russert Exhibit is now on display!

From the owners of Research and Design comes Sunshine + Bluebirds. A local pop-up shop located in the Galleria Mall. Can't wait to check it out during the holiday season! #Shoplocal

An Event with Cocktails and Characters!

I am so excited for this Thursday's Cocktails in Character event at Lafayette Hotel. The event benefits Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara. Guests who attend the event are encouraged to dress up as their favorite literary character. The event includes a cash bar, carving stations, entertainment, a judging contest and much more!

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara's mission is to "open pathways to expand opportunities for adult learners and children by enhancing their literacy skills and nurturing their well being. Our vision is to be an integral partner in the revitalization of our community."

Everyone should have the tools to learn to read and write as it is a vital part of our day-to-day lives. Cocktails in Character is a perfect event taking place in Buffalo that not only fits the role of the organization {having guests dress up as their favorite literary characters}, but also comes at a great time of year, the Halloween Holiday. If you're looking for something to do Thursday night tickets are still available. Click here to purchase tickets.

I hope to see you there! And check back next week to see what I dressed up as and my review on the event!

-B

{Event Sponsors and Supporters}