Meet Me At Rowhouse

Last month me and gals from work decided to check the new Rowhouse Bakery + Restaurant at 483 Delaware. Scroll down to see the handful of reasons why its one of my new favorite places in town.

{everything from the ground up in this building is amazing}

1.The Bar or Cocktail Lounge {when you walk in and head down a couple stairs its to your right} its like a secret hangout and I love everything about it.

2. The Bakery {this is enough reason alone to check out the place} you don't need a reservation to pay a visit, you can grab a coffee, baked good or quick snack from the marketplace on your way into work or on a short lunch break.

{the Bakery & Marketplace area}

3. The decor is BEAUTIFUL, each room is amazing. The building has so many unique features that it makes you want to explore {well it made me want to at least}.

{shots of the space}

{so.many.floors}

4. The food is delicious, fresh and many ingredients come from local WNY farms, many of the dishes pass through the wood fire oven as well.

5. Rowhouse is a place to explore, meet up with friends or a loved one and enjoy a day or evening out in downtown Buffalo. If you want to dine in, I recommend making a reservation ahead of time.

{we split a couple wood fire pizzas and wine}

Perry's Ice Cream - New Ice Cream Flavor "Let's Dough Buffalo!"

Going to the Sabres game today? Celebrate with Perry's Ice Cream as they unveil their new ice cream flavor, Let's Dough Buffalo! Free samples will be given out on the 100 level of the arena. Let's Dough Buffalo! is a combination of cookie dough ice cream with cookie swirls and cookie dough pieces. Let me tell you it is DELICIOUS! That's not all, with every purchase of Let's Dough Buffalo! Perry's will donate a "Buffalo Nickel" to the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, supporting local community organizations.

You can purchase Let's Dough Buffalo! at the Keybank Center or any local Tops Friendly Markets, Wegmans, 7-11 or Dash's Market.

Kid tested and approved!

Exploring the Niagara Gorge

{down we go}

It has been a long time {at least it feels that way} since I've shared a post. Life and work have been insanely busy the last few weeks and I honestly haven't had time to really do anything. However these next couple weeks are somewhat manageable so I've decided to pack in as much of my summer bucket list and share my experiences with you as I can. Yesterday if you were in WNY you knew it was a GORGEOUS day to be outside, so I decided to finally make a trip to the Niagara Gorge, I have never been and finally made plans with my friend Amanda to check it out.

A short 35 minute drive and we were at the Whirlpool State Park and off we went on the the Devil's Hole and Whirlpool Rapids trails. Honestly it was so beautiful and peaceful, something I feel like I've needed for a while. Check out some of my pics below...

{my Sunday morning views}

After are hike we decided to grab some food, so Amanda took me to Nick's Place on Amherst St. in the Black Rock neighborhood {another place I've never been before}. It was so good and family owned {which I love even more!}.

{The Sophia Breakfast at Nick's Place}

Until next time...

-B

Angelica Tea Room

I've been following the Angelica Tea Room on Instagram for the past couple of months and I finally made a stop in to check it out a few weeks ago and then again on Friday for happy hour.

It is one of my favorite spots to go to in Buffalo. I love the decor, the atmosphere, the staff and the drinks - everything there just puts me in a good mood. I highly suggest paying a visit when you can.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Roost Buffalo

Nicole and I hit up a new restaurant on Niagara Street this past Thursday. Roost located on the street level of the Crescendo building is A-M-A-Z-ing! Offering great shareable plates and a huge bar this place is on our high list of places to return to. The beautiful decor and our waiter Tanner helped win us over too. If you haven't been definitely try it out, maybe check out their Saturday Brunch!

-B 

{our wine, garden salad & asparagus with bacon}

{fig pizza}

{birthday dessert}

{part of the bar area}

{fitting piece of art}

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

My Shop Luck Pals

{my friends}

What better way to enjoy a Friday fish fry than with people you enjoy being around. Last Friday my co-workers/friends joined me at Wiechec's for their "famous" fish fry. We got there just in time and didn't have to wait no more than maybe 5 minutes for a table of 7. The service was quick and the food was good. Everyone enjoyed their meals and it was another lunch where we shared stories and laughed a lot. As I write this, it makes me very thankful to be able to go into work everyday and call the people in the picture above my friends. To my "shop luck" pals thank you, for being you and for putting up with my craziness every. single. day! xoxo

-B 

{Wiechec's fish fry}

Stemworks Craft Roastery in Lockport

Last week I attended the Buffalo Blogging Network's monthly meet up and it was held at Stemworks in Lockport. New to the area this quaint coffeehouse is located at 51 Canal Street. I brought my friend Ben {also known as the Voice of the Bisons} with me to the networking event. He is a coffee lover and I knew he would tell me his honest opinion. I love coffee to, but I don't know the science behind it with beans and pour overs, I just order, haha.

Anyways, he enjoyed his cup of joe and I enjoyed my ginger lemon tea. I definitely need to make it back there to explore. Stemworks is located right  by the Canals so you can literally grab a cup of coffee and walk around checking out what Lockport has to offer. Or if you prefer a place to just go and hangout, they have shelves of board games, making it a place to go if you're looking for a relaxed day or night out.

{mark where you've come from on this map}

My night was made not only because our monthly meet up was in a cool coffeehouse, but because I was surrounded by amazing and talented people who came together to talk about our blogs and ideas on how we can make them better. It was really a great night out.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Paczki Day!!

{above photo from the Broadway Market}

While people are celebrating Mardi Gras today, I am celebrating Paczki Day. From 7am to 5pm today you can stop at the Broadway Market to pick up these yummy treats. A Polish treat I look forward to every year before the beginning of Lent.

Marble + Rye

A few weeks ago for our monthly get together Nicole and I headed to Marble + Rye downtown. Prior to this get together I was only at M + R once before and had a glass of wine at the bar, so I was looking forward to checking out there food menu. Known for the burgers I decided to go with the M+R burger and for an app Nicole and I shared the spaghetti squash. The The burger was delicious so I can see why they are known for them. The spaghetti squash it was so{ooo} good! I highly recommend that as well.

{spaghetti squash}

The night was fun, we had great conversation {like we always do}, the wine and food were good and the vibe inside the restaurant was nice. I would put this on anyone's list of places to check out if you have not been before. It is a good date night spot, a nice place for meetings and also just a place to go for a nice night out.

Until next time...

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Pie-O-Mine/Greens - A Salad Lovers Dream Place

{A large salad at Greens, my Mom and I split this and still couldn't finish it all. They offer two sizes small and large}

While visiting New York City a few years ago, I fell in love with Chop't ,a chain restaurant located throughout the Northeast. Every time I go back to the City I have to make a stop there at least once. Chop't is a creative salad company, basically its a place where you go for super delicious custom salads. The closest place I could find to this here in Buffalo, is Newbury Street,  that was up until a couple weeks ago!

My Mom and I were having a casual conversation one day when she started to tell me about this place that has custom salads and personalized brick oven pizza's. After a few moments of processing what she was telling me, I asked her what was the name of the place, and she said Pie-O-Mine and Greens. Located on Transit Rd. in East Amherst, this place is locally owned and operated {which makes me love it even more}. So, of course I met my Mom and her friend Kelly for lunch last week to compare and check it out. Outside of the pizza option, it is the exact same concept as Chop't. You may be thinking this isn't a big deal, but for those who eat salads often or just want to spice it up, having a custom salad restaurant that can suggest different items to try or pair together is great!

{we also split a pizza too, because I wanted to see how they were. Those are delicious as well}

I am so happy to finally find a place that I can go to here at home. I do wish there was another location closer to home or downtown however {haha}. In the meantime, I will make due with taking a 20-25 minute drive when I need to fill my taste buds with a really good salad option. Thanks Mom and Kelly for introducing me to this place!!

Until next time...

-B

Coffee Talk at Underground Coffee House and Roastery

{can't get enough of this tile floor}

{good coffee and good conversation}

My new thing is coffee houses and coffee shops. I love going to local cafes and checking out their product. I'm no coffee expert, far from it actually, but its "my thing" right now. Catching up with friends, meeting with colleagues, that's what I do. So Tuesday morning my co-worker and friend Ben and I checked out Undergrounds Coffee House and Roastery in the Old First Ward. Located at 580 South Park Ave. this coffee house is so close to my work and offers more than just coffee, but good eats for breakfast and lunch and tea too! Its very spacious inside and so family friendly, which is great for those who have little ones that like to run around. There was Yahtzee and other games to play with and even a craft bin where you could make your own ornaments. If you're a coffee connoisseur or just want to try a new "cup of joe", make a trip to Undergrounds Coffee House!

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{ornament making}

{merch for sale}

Five Stars for Five Points Bakery

{Outside Five Points Bakery}

A couple weeks ago I met with one of my favorite business owners {Amy from Linwood Candles} it was a nice morning catching up, meeting her newest addition to the family, baby Violet and checking out a new spot I have not been to yet; Five Points Bakery.

Located in Buffalo's lower west side, it is a hidden gem. The toast is to die for, the set-up and vibe is friendly, positive and represents Buffalo very well. When I first arrived the line was out the door and sitting was very limited, but after a few minutes we were able to find a table and enjoy catching up.

{Cinnamon Raisin toast with peanut butter and sliced apples and a cup of Chai Tea}

If you are looking for a place to check out for breakfast, coffee, tea or toast Five Points is a place to go.

Until next time..

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Breadhive Bakery - so, so good!

A couple weeks ago Kelsey and I paid a visit to Breadhive for lunch and man it was delicious! I've been to Bagels and Brooze at Hydraulic Hearth so I was familiar with Breadhive's delicious bakery, but I didn't know what to expect at their storefront.

I loved everything about it. Located on Connecticut Street on Buffalo's West side, everything from the decor, to the set-up, music and food was cute and defiantly my style. Kelsey and I both got the Gwen and it was so good, I highly recommend it!

If you're looking for fresh baked bread, bagels, pastries or yummy sandwiches stop in for a visit!

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

The Mahony

Its very rare with mine and my friends schedules that we can text each other with a couple days notice and get together, but that's what happened at the beginning of the month. It has been forever since I've seen my friends Sandra, Karen and Jen so we all decided to get together for drinks and dinner at the Mahony, located inside the Fairmont Creamery building.

{chicken burrito with fresh salsa and red wine of course}

It was the middle of the week when we met, I think a Tuesday night and their was an optometrist meeting taking place. The bar area is spacious and the food is delish. I had a chicken burrito and it was good; nice and fresh and the seasoning was perfect. Sandra and Jen had the burgers and they raved about them.

{i'm usually not a big dessert person, but I couldn't pass this up}

The only thing I would say that was a negative, is the parking, the parking lot spots all had reserved signs on them and Scott St. is not very well lit in my opinion so it was pretty dark when I left and I didn't like that, but all in all though, the staff was friendly and the food was good and I got to catch up with friends in a nice space that represents Buffalo well.

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

Good Stuff at Elm Street Bakery

On a chilly morning like today I can't help but think, I wish I was closer to East Aurora to stop by the Elm Street Bakery for a cup of their snowflake tea. Last month before our Makers + MuseJar class at Arden Farms Kelsey and I went to Elm Street Bakery. Its a cute little shop, the teas are delicious and their french onion soup is really, really good too. I honestly can't wait to go back for a second visit, maybe I'll plan it for December 17th when the Elm Street Holiday Market is taking place.

Until next time.....

-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

North Tonawanda Farmers Market

About 3 weeks ago in my search to check out more farmers markets in the area, I stopped by the North Tonawanda market on a rainy Saturday morning. I heard through some of my contacts that this was a good market to visit and they were right! Probably one of the biggest I've been too in the area offering a lot of options from different farmers and vendors, I was quite pleased with my drive out there.

Purchasing all of these veggies plus a mum for exactly $20 makes me need to go to farmers markets way more than the grocery store. Not only does it save a single gal living on her own with a tight budget some money, but it also is supporting the local farmers which is something I love doing.

If you haven't been to this market check them out on Tuesdays, Thursday or Saturdays from 7-1pm.

-B 

A New Lunch Spot on Main Street

I love, LOVE the new options for lunch spots in downtown Buffalo. Kelsey and I found a good one a few weeks back {probably more like a month back} on Main St in the Theater District. Across from Sheas and down from Expo Market is Hearth + Press a European cafe vibe with delicious food choices - like the pork meatball sandwich and the stone hearth pizza. Those were what Kels and I split. If you work downtown its another option for you to go, for lunch meetings or just casual conversation. Or if you're attending a play at Sheas this is a new spot to check out ahead of time to have a couple cocktails before walking across the street.050-B 

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{Inside view}

{Pork Meatball sandwich and Margherita pizza}

Drinking Flights at Thin Man Brewery

{My flights of Thin Man craft beer}

Way back in September me and Nicole finally started are monthly meet up's {we took the summer off because of our schedules} where we pick a new restaurant we haven't been to and catch up on everything life. I'm finally getting around to posting about Thin Man Brewery, one of the newest breweries to hit the Buffalo craft brew scene. Located on Elmwood Ave. I must have had one of the best burgers I've ever had there. And the flights of beer aren't bad either! My favorite was the "Bliss" a double IPA with tastes of pineapple and melon. The patio on the second floor looks pretty cool {it was a chilly night so we stayed inside}. I'm sure most of Buffalo has been to Thin Man already, but if you haven't check them out!

-B 

{Bon Appetit! Thin Man Burger with fries and Bliss craft beer}

Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos

Monday Lunch Talk

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

If you're in the downtown area for work and looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, check out Jaz & Jack's - on the corner of Broadway, across from the Buffalo and Erie County Library. This southern cuisine style restaurant takes the spot where Perks Coffee once was. I ordered the pulled pork and mac n' cheese and it was pretty good. The service is pretty quick so if you're in a time crunch this is a good place to go. And if you're looking to catch up with a friend or take a more relaxed lunch you can dine in as well.

{Pulled pork and mac n' cheese}

{Dine in décor}

-B

Rochester Public Market

It seems like it has been forever since my last blog post. I've put blogging on the back burner because my schedule has been crazy, but I'm hoping I can be more consistent on my posts again.

A couple weeks ago I went back down the 90 to visit my friend Arica for her birthday in Rochester, while there, we had planned to go to the Rochester Public Market - it was on my end of summer bucket list and since I'd never been to that market before, I thought why not. The Market is huge and has amazing farmers and vendors to shop from!! I got avocados for $1!!! And a bundle of sun flowers for $4!

{Beautiful flowers and vegetables. These vendors do it right!}

It's definitely worth the while to take the hour or so drive to pay a visit on a Saturday morning if you can... the market won't disappoint you if you are a farmer market goer, it was a great suggestion from Arica!  Skip ahead to this past week where I ran into my friends from Fudge Factors and I was talking to them about this and they suggested I visit the market in North Tonawanda, saying it is a really nice one, probably the most similar to the one in Rochester. I'll have to add that to my places to visit and compare the two.

Until next time,

-B

{Just a Blonde in Buffalo photos}

{crowd shot}

{wine sampling}