Bonjour Coco

Me and my friend Nicole love to meet up and have wine nights occasionally, so instead of going to are main wine bar, we changed it up and checked out Coco Bar & Bistro at 888 Main St. A french decor theme is showcased throughout the building. We sat at the bar when we went and we each had a couple glasses of wine and tried the mussels (my first time ever) that came with rosemary frites (a staple item at Coco). Both were delicious! The place is great for a romantic night out with your significant other or a get together with friends.

-B

Coco on Facebook

Some fun at Seabar

If you love Japanese or Seafood Seabar is a place you have to check out! A few weeks ago a friend of mine had her birthday celebration in the back room of the restaurant- which is quite roomy, private, modern and just right for the size of her party of close to 20. It was a fun night out! Music, Finding Nemo on the television, good food and drinks, sleek decor and spending time with your friends, you can't beat that!

Seabar offers a wide array of food that you can enjoy at lunch or dinner time. When I was there I enjoyed the Sesame Noodles and the Best Spicy Tuna Roll (you'll see pictures below). Accompanied with my food was a Sake Flight (that a friend and I split). I never knew they offered Sake Flights before, anywhere, but it was pretty cool to try. Its also a great way to taste a variety of different kinds of Sake and find out which one you like best. While the food is priced reasonably, the drinks were a little pricey. Keep that in mind when you visit. At the end of the night, the waitress brought out complimentary Sake Jello shots for my friends birthday. It was a nice surprise to end the night.

-B

Located at: 475 Ellicott Street, 14203               Seabar Facebook Page

Mulligan's Brick Bar - Allen St.

Looking for the perfect spot for a relaxed or fun happy hour out? Brick Bar (located at 229 Allen St.) in Buffalo has got you covered! With a big bar in the front and back of the building, darts, a pool table, televisions for you to catch a sports function, and unique decor choices, you could never say you're bored there. Its the spot to be. They have an outdoor patio located in the front of the building so you'll be able to catch all the action that happens on Allen St. without having to leave the bar. Its one of my favorite places to go on Allen. Friend them on Facebook and check it out sometime!

-B

A Car-Style Diner on Main St.

Sitting at 3165 Main St. in Buffalo, NY is one of the last standing, dining, car-style diners. The Curtain Family Group of Restaurants welcomes you to the Lake Effect Diner. While its a well-known diner in town (especially for college students) I took my first visit to the popular diner just a couple weeks ago.

Providing a variety of different food choices on the menu, there old-fashioned milkshakes are one of the staples. Guy Fieri, from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives even had to stop by for a visit! I must say I enjoyed my visit there, I was accompanied by a great guest, the atmosphere was low-key, the food was good and reasonably priced and I loved the old-style 50's vibe that I got.

Take a visit when you have a chance. While I went around dinner time and had a grilled pita, I hear there breakfast is really good and they serve it all day!

-B

A Little Celebration at 26 Virginia Place in Buffalo

On a narrow and occasionally quiet street lies nestled a wonderful restaurant and bar called Scarlet . Located in the Allen district of Buffalo, I heard great things about this place from some of my friends so I thought why not kickoff my birthday celebrations with a happy hour there. For it being my first time and having a party of 20 come in unannounced, I didn't know what to expect, but to my surprise the staff impressed me. They were friendly, courteous and the prices are reasonable. Because of the good experience I had, it left me wanting to come back for another visit again soon. If you've never been I recommend it and if you have been there before what are your thoughts? I'd love to know.

-B

For more on Scarlet, "Like" them on Facebook: Scarlet Restaurant

A Custom Cake Studio & Cupcake Bar To Be Missed

Zillycakes on Elmwood Ave. has become a staple around town. It is one of my go-to places for custom-made desserts for any of my events. A few weeks ago I read the announcement from the Cake Extraordinaire, herself, Zilly Rosen, that Zillycakes would be closing on March 9, 2013 to focus more of her time with her family. While she will still be doing some work, the award winning Buffalo's Best Cake Designer, Zillycakes, will surely be missed in the community. I had to stop by the store one more time to pick up some delicious cupcakes. Below are pictures of some of the work Zilly has done for me. Wishing Zilly all the best in her future endeavors!

-B

The Buffalo Chophouse

I've only had the opportunity to eat here once and it was a few years ago. I'll never forget the bill came to over $900! The biggest bill I had at a restaurant to date (granted there was a group of us) but still it was expensive. I remember the food being amazing and the staff, friendly. A few weeks ago I had to stop in to purchase a couple gift certificates for work, while I was there I took a couple pictures. Take a look below.

If you ever have the opportunity to eat there, don't pass it up! The food is out of this world, the restaurant is one of a kind and the owner, Mark Croce, is all for making Buffalo a better place. You can't pass that up.

-B

An Elmwood Staple

Happy Monday! Over the weekend I had an opportunity to go to an Elmwood staple.. Panos! Being in business for over 30 years, Panos is located at 1081 Elmwood Ave. Panos was renovated a couple years ago and now offers an upstairs to accommodate the long waits, and during the summer months you have the opportunity to sit on the patio and watch the people walk by on Elmwood. This place is a hot spot to go for a late night meal after a fun night out. If late night meals aren't your thing, you can grab breakfast (all day long) or lunch, there open 7am-1am daily.

B's word of advice: the parking lot is usually full, I suggest finding parking on Elmwood.  Also, Panos doesn't take reservations so if your planning a lunch or dinner date, be prepared for a wait, they have a fully stocked bar where you can enjoy a nice drink before your meal. The wait is worth it. If you haven't been to Panos I highly suggest you put it on your to do list for 2013.

-B

A little thirsty?

Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo is one of the popular areas to go to for food and drink. If you're a college student or in your 20's/30's, you've probably been down there at least once. One popular spot is Thirsty Buffalo, on the corner of Elmwood and Anderson Pl. this bar is an awesome spot to go to for drinks and food. You can play darts, watch sports, or just relax and hang out with friends. It was the perfect spot to go this past Saturday to catch up with a friend and have a late afternoon meal and drink.

-B

Just like old times at Jack's Place

Just off of Millersport Highway is a quaint bar called Jack's Place. Nestled at the end of the plaza this place is pretty low key. A few friends and me used to always go here after our work events. So when asked last week to catch up with them there I couldn't pass it up. Jack's is a place where we'd go and have a few drinks, catch up and talk about how ridiculous some people were and still are.

A wide variety of people come in throughout the time your there, people in their 20's, to people in their 40's. If your lucky you may even witness a bridal party that comes in from across the street from the Marriott, keeping there wedding festivities going well into the wee hours.

At Jack's Place you can play darts, play your favorite songs on the jukebox and enjoy the company your with. You can even grab a bite to eat if you want. The next time your in that area stop in and see what its all about.

-B

Photos taken courtesy of BZ

A little taste of Allen Street

Allen Street in Buffalo is known for its artistic and chill atmosphere. Funky bars and restaurants are lined up and down the street and its a great place to go if you aren't into the downtown "club" feel. Last week, a couple friends and me went to Gabriel's Gate for some food and drink. The menu offers a variety of foods to chose from and the bar is well stocked with different alcohol, accommodating almost anyone who walks in. Its a nice place to go with that someone special for a nice relaxing dinner, you can even sit by the fireplace. If your planning a night out this week check them out. Gabriel's Gate is located at 145 Allen St. Buffalo, NY 14201

-B

Are you ready for some football?

Are you ready for some football?!? Superbowl Sunday is just a few days away and while the Buffalo Bills aren't playing in the game you can bet I'll still be watching along with the millions of other people. I'm indifferent to either team winning as I like both the Baltimore Ravens (I liked them more when they had former Buffalo Bill, Lee Evans on the team) and the 49ers.

More importantly I'm excited to see one of my favorite performers Beyonce perform during the Halftime Show. Earlier this month I entered in the Pepsi contest to try and get on the field for her performance, while that's not happening, the pictures I submitted may still be used during her performance which is still pretty cool.

While the main point of the Superbowl is watching the football game, we all gather at someones home or go out to a bar or restaurant to watch the game. Food is an important factor for this big event whether your staying low key or doing it up big. Below are some of the best Superbowl party foods to have for your party. Now let's just hope the game is fun and entertaining!

Top 5 Foods to have at your Superbowl Party

1. Chicken Wings (that's a given)
2. Chili
3. Pizza
4. Dips/Spreads (spinach dip, chicken wing dip, bread dip, cheese platters, crackers, etc)
5. Vegetables (for those watching what they eat)

-B

Chocolate Decadence

 

The other day my Grandma celebrated her 87th birthday. For this important day I wanted to get her something special, so I stopped at Wahl's Candies by my house to pick up her favorite treat, chocolate covered cherries!

When I walked into the store I was surrounded by a variety of different types of chocolates and gifts, just like you would at any other chocolate shop. What made this experience different was knowing I was walking into a family owned and operated business that has been in WNY since the mid 1930's. I had never been in the store before so of course I had to get a piece of chocolate for myself. I tried one of the Buttercream Milk Chocolate Raspberry's. It was delicious! :)

Located at 130 Losson Road in Cheektowaga, NY, Valentine's Day is around the corner, make sure to stop in and try one of their delicious chocolates. They won't disappoint.

-B

Freshly Squeezed

Ashker's Juice Bar - Bistro - Gallery

1002 Elmwood Avenue* - 400 Main Street (Youngstown, NY)

463 Center Street (Lewiston, NY)

The other day I drove past Ashkers Juice Bar on Elmwood. While I've driven past this place multiple times before I decided I would finally stop in and check out what they have to offer. When I walked inside to a semi-packed room, I was greeted by the friendly staff.

As I was waiting for them to make my drink, I took a look at there full menu which to my surprise, I found out they offer more than just juices and smoothies, but breakfast and lunch items as well. As I was observing the room, the atmosphere was relaxed and easygoing. The artwork on the walls is open for customers to purchase, a wide variety of books fill the end tables, and you can sense a vintage style throughout the room.

I was quite happy that I stopped in. The drink I had was delicious. It had beets, raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple in it. If you are on that healthy kick, or just looking for a new place to try out, I highly recommend you stop in and see them.

-B

A Little Wine-"O" at Just Vino

 

Last night I had the opportunity to catch up with a colleague and friend of mine at one of our favorite "go-to" spots - Just Vino on Main St. in Buffalo. This affordable wine bar in Downtown Buffalo offers a wide array of wines, from Reds and Whites, to Rose' and Sparkling. They have small plates available to order along with wine flights. They even have a beer selection for those customers who aren't wine enthusiasts. The decor is rustic with brick walls in the seating area, and their bar is crisp and clean with windows looking out onto Main St. They have great wine experts on hand for any questions you may have. After a long day at the office this is a place you could go, unwind, have a couple laughs and enjoy a glass or two. Cheers!

-B

Just Vino 846 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14202 www.justvino.net

You Only Live Once

This weekend was nice, catching up on projects I put off from the Holidays and catching up with a friend I haven't seen in a while. We went to this restaurant called YOLO Restaurant + Lounge (the term stands for You Only Live Once). Both of us were first timers and had heard great things about the place. The atmosphere was relaxed, simple, and sophisticated. I ordered the Ahi Tuna sandwich with seasoned french fries and a side of mac n' cheese. It was delicious! For the people out there who like your food a little spicy you'd love this dish, and the best part is everything is homemade. It was a nice time out and a good place to go to for dinner and/or drinks. So ladies the next time you feel like throwing on a pair of heels head out to Yolo and live a little, you won't be disappointed.

-B

Ahi Tuna sandwich, pickle, Seasoned french fries, and Mac n' Cheese

Yolo Restaurant + Lounge 5841 Transit Road East Amherst, NY 14051         yolobuffalony.com (716)688-4479