Friday Favorites!

I'm not going to lie when I say I've been a "little" moody the last few days. I think when there is a lot going on you sometimes can get overwhelmed and forget to take a deep breath. I'm hoping the nicer weather will help lift my spirits. Have a good weekend! -B

{ I love flowers, even when they aren't for me. This is a beautiful arrangement my Mom received from our neighbors }

{ I love this box, call me weird but sometimes you just need to make a statement to get recognized }

{ My dad, cousin Jolleen and I helping out at my cousins benefit last weekend. I love my family }

{ I had to snap this photo of the sunset while I was out for my run this week. So pretty }

#BuffaloLinks

I don't spend a lot of time in Niagara County, not because I don't want to, but just because I really don't have a reason to go North unless I'm visiting some of my family. This past weekend I was out that way and got to thinking that with summer coming I have to make a list of places to check out in that area.

Some places being the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal cruises. I think when you know the history that sits in your own back yard you appreciate the place you call home.

Niagara on the Lake is another place I would like to explore. Maybe spend a relaxing weekend or day visiting the vineyards on the lake. Its just a short drive over the border.

The Niagara Aerospace Museum. This looks like a neat place to go and learn about aviation and see some aircraft displays.

Newfane NY, While you would think there is nothing to do in that area, heading to a "smaller" small town and walking up and down the streets checking out the shops and restaurants. Sometimes its nice to get away and leave the "bigger" city behind and get back to basics.

Bacchus!

The second stop I made for restaurant week was at Bacchus. Located on the corner of Franklin and Chippewa, I've always heard friends say how much they enjoyed this place, but I had never been there to eat before. The bar is "roomy" and has enough space to make you feel comfortable as you wait for your table and the live band that performs on the first Friday of each month was something my friends and I didn't expect. The valet service is also a plus for when you don't want to try and find parking downtown or pay to park in the ramp.

The food was delicious, everything from the calamari to the ahi tuna and baked apple pie was amazing. The service again though was a little slow. It wasn't as bad as it was at Boss, but tables that came in after us were served before us and we had to flag down our waiter a couple of times.

I however would definitely go back as its a nice, fancier place to go before going to see a show at Shea's or other special events  downtown. They also have a private banquet area for bigger and/or private parties.

Have you been? What do you think? What are some of the restaurants you went to for local restaurant week? Any "must go-to spots?" Let me know!

-B

{ Ahi Tuna }

{ I loved the wine corks in vases that decorated the walls }

{ Bacchus Features }

{ Live band that performed during dinner }

{ Wine anyone? }

{ I love the bar area, the bartender wasn't that bad to look at either ;) }

{ Hostess area }

Buffalo's Original Steak & Seafood

Last week for Local Restaurant week I didn't get to check out all the places I wanted to, but I did get to have dinner at a couple of new places I haven't been to yet. With that being said I thought today and tomorrow I would give my reviews on the restaurants I went to.

Today I'm talking about Boss {Buffalo's Original Steak & Seafood}. Boss is located where Fiamma Steakhouse used to be on Hertel Ave. by Starin. Being that it was local restaurant week my friends and I made reservations in advance and grabbed a glass of wine at the bar before going to our table. While I knew the restaurant was under new management the décor for the most part had stayed the same. The overall experience from service to food to décor I thought it was "eh, ok.".

The service wasn't the best, it was kind of slow {we had 6:30pm reservations and didn't leave until 10:30pm!}. Granted my friends and I were talking, but there were times when we looked at each other like where is our food, where is the bill. The food overall was just ok too. I wasn't impressed. We all ordered the chopped salad which was really good, and my friends all had steak and I ordered the salmon. The salmon was plain, it didn't have a lot of taste to it and for the steak, the seasoning was strong and spicy. I honestly preferred the old Fiamma over Boss.

Don't get me wrong I don't like giving bad reviews and I'm by no means a food critic, but I like to give my honest opinion and being that the restaurant wasn't busy {not all the tables were filled with people} I don't know why it was so slow. I know the owners of Boss also own Bambino Bar & Kitchen and I've only ever been there for a couple drinks so I can't compare if it was an "off" day or not.

Have you been there? What do you think?  While the first stop on my restaurant week wasn't that great make sure to see tomorrow's review I have on Bacchus.

-B

{ Chopped salad was good! }

{ Salmon with Arugula salad }

{ One thing I did love - the "personalized B" purse holder }

Friday Favorites

This week is over and I'm headed into a busy weekend, hitting up a majority of Western New York. Have a good one! -B

{ The sun is shining through the windows of Globe Market on Hertel. I love the décor they have on display at that location }

{ Let's keep our #PrayersforJK going, after all prayer is a powerful thing.}

{ One of my favorite spots in town is the Naval and Military Park down by Canalside. The views never get old for me }

{ Its officially baseball season, signs are up and hands are dirty }

Take me out to the ballgame

Its finally here! Spring has arrived and the temperatures are starting to rise. Buffalo Bisons Baseball kicks off today! Make sure to come to a game {or two} this season. Check out the Bisons schedule, promotions and offers at bisons.com.

One of the more affordable places to enjoy a sporting event in town is at Coca-Cola Field.

-B

{People Who Move Buffalo} Jeff Ware Resurgence Brewing Company

One of coolest people and projects I have got to see to date is Jeff from Resurgence Brewing Company. Located at 1250 Niagara Street in Buffalo, Resurgence Brewing Co. is more than just your ordinary brewery, but also will be offering something that Buffalo doesn't have right now, a communal beer garden for people to enjoy some fresh brews in a community type setting.

Buffalo is up and coming in the brewing business and in the downtown area for that matter, hence the name Resurgence. "Buffalo is coming back to life and I want to be a part of the great things that happen here," Jeff Ware.

When I asked Jeff what he loves about Buffalo and why he chose to stay here, he said; "Everywhere else has cool things, why can't we," there is nothing like it in this area. I chose Buffalo because its affordable, the lifestyle is great, there is a solid foundation here and its just a cool place to live and be.

Offering ales and lagers, Resurgence will have 10 draft lines and offer light foods, such as meat and cheese plates along with tastings and tours. This will be the perfect place to go for your happy hour. And after happy hour is over you can continue to enjoy the brews from Resurgence at local bars in the area, such as Blue Monk.

Born and raised in Western New York, Jeff has created a great place that is sure to be a hit with the locals. I for one am looking forward to coming back to see the finished brewery and enjoy some of their delicious Blood Orange beer.

Opening in May of 2014 make sure to follow Resurgence Brewing Company on Twitter and Like on Facebook to stay up to date on what I know is going to be an amazing, one of a kind brewery in Buffalo.

-B

{ What is going to be the doors to the outside beer garden }

{ Renovations are starting to begin on the beer garden }

{ This brewery is going to look amazing! Keeping the original restoration, the construction crew working so Resurgence can open next month }

April "To-Do" List

We've made it to April and here's hoping the nice weather stays around in Western New York and we can start to enjoy the Spring season. This month I'm focused on Spring cleaning and getting outside. Enjoying the fresh air and preparing for the half marathon I'm running at the end of June. I'm looking forward to checking out new parks and running paths and of course hitting up my old childhood neighborhood on the east side of Buffalo for annual Dyngus Day celebrations. I'm also looking forward to checking out some more Friday Fish Fry's particularly Conlon's { I hear they have a good one }. What are some of your "to-do's" for the month of April?

-B

#BuffaloLinks

One of the best weeks in Western New York - Restaurant Week! I love getting together with my friends and trying new places for a reasonable price. To take a look at those participating click here.

My cousin is one of the bravest people I know. This Saturday there will be a benefit for him at the Lewiston #2 Fire Hall. For more information on the event go here.

For those who want to say one last goodbye to the amazing Mr. Ralph Wilson their will be a public memorial for him at the Bills Field House on Saturday from 1-4pm. For more details click here.

Its the Lenten season and that only means one thing, the Broadway Market and the historic Polania District are preparing for the crowds of people that make their way to market during this season. For hours of operation and more details you can find them here. {Side note: The Broadway market is open year round, not just during the Easter season}.

My #12

Like a majority of people in Buffalo, my heart is saddened by the passing of Mr. Wilson earlier this week. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, from what I do know he was a great, loyal man who loved Buffalo, loved football and loved what he did. While there is no clear description of what will happen to the Buffalo Bills in the future I can't thank Mr. Wilson enough for all he has done for this community. He did a lot of amazing things in his life and is a great example of someone who never forgot who he was. He brought a great team to this town and kept them here and because of that we are all connected to each other. May he rest in peace and watch over his family and the Buffalo Bills Organization.

He was Buffalo's biggest fan and now he will be our angel in the sky.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

Here are my Buffalo Links for this week:

Adornment on Cleveland Drive offers antique furniture and artistic services. For anyone looking to "spice" up their home décor check this place out!

Who knew Buffalo had a Curling Club, I didn't - but I really want to take a class sometime if not this year because the season may be winding down definitely next winter.

Straight Up Wine and Liquor store on Elmwood in Kenmore. The store offers a variety of wines and spirits. the owners are great people as well!

Having the opportunity to be working with the Naval and Military Park on an upcoming event is a great honor. If you're ever looking for something to do, take a walk down by the Naval Park. Not only do you get to see some great views of canalside, there's a lot of history you can learn about as well.

Paint and Sip #Repeat

One thing I enjoy more and more is doing things I wouldn't normally do {my theme for 2014 is trying new things}. So for my birthday this year I wanted to do something different than the normal happy hour, dinner and drinks type thing. Paint on Tap Studios on Main Street in Williamsville was the perfect thing!

A group of 10 of my friends and my Mom spent a few hours painting and sipping on wine and beer with me. It was fantastic! Not only did we get to spend time together, we all created pretty pieces of art that we were able to take home and I made new memories that I will take with me for a very long time.

Paint on tap offers a packages at a variety of different price points. I thought all the options they offer are very reasonable. The private party package I chose included all the supplies, wine and beer and you could bring in light snacks as well. I can't wait to plan another get together there. It was a great time and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for something fun to do.

-B

{Our instructor Kaitlin was awesome! }

{ Concentration at this table #whysoserious }

{ Step by step of my peacock progress }

A narrow view by the creek

Located on Main Street in Williamsville is Creekview Restaurant, a nice restaurant where you can go and sit at the bar for drinks or make a reservation for a casual dinner. My family and I went there for my birthday and it was pretty nice. The parking lot is a little packed as it is shared with the other plaza shops, but the food and customer service was great. A little packed inside I felt like a table of 6 should have been put off in another area other than the main room. Sometimes I felt like we were more in the way than being guests. the restaurant has a lot of charm and character though, I suggest it for someone looking for a local restaurant to go to with their family or children. The menu along with their children's menu offer a variety of options which is nice to see. If you're ever in Williamsville and looking for a casual place to go check them out.

-B

{ St. Patty's Day drink special - Jameson, Ginger & Lime }

{ Bar area }

{ One part of the seating area }

{ Part of the entrance area }

Out of Towners

With all the hype created a few weeks ago about bringing "Jimmy Fallon to Buffalo" and with the visitors this past weekend for the NCAA Tournament, I got to thinking, if I was able to give him or any out of town guest a guided tour of Buffalo where would I take them? And what would I want them to see and remember this area by? Below, is what I thought of without much thought. I'd love to hear, where would you take anyone visiting this area.

First, I would take them to good ol' Niagara Falls, because how many people can say they have a Natural Wonder in their "backyard."  We'd stop at the Aquarium and feed some seals and then head to the Buffalo Zoo to see Luna and Kali who have brought a lot of attraction back to the zoo. After there we would make a pit stop at Spot coffee for a mid- morning coffee/tea break and I'd show them the shops and bars/restaurants on Hertel. From there we'd head over to the Elmwood Village and stroll through some of the local shops, art exhibits and eateries. We'd stop at a local food truck that is parked and grab a bit to eat.

From Elmwood I'd take them down to Canalside where we would check out the naval ships and then head over for a kayaking and silo city tour. Once that was done we'd head over to the Cobblestone district and stop in at Helium Comedy Club for a drink and some laughs. Other stops we would make would be to the historic Lafayette Building, Coca-Cola Field, Bird Island, Central Terminal and City Hall. We would end the tour with a stop in the South Buffalo to the Nine Eleven Tavern for a classic Buffalo staple - chicken wings and beer.

One thing I thought of as I was writing this post was the fact that even though this may seem like a lot to do in one day, it doesn't even cover half of the stuff to see and do in and around town. From wine and bike trails, museums, breweries, parks, places to eat and shop to architectural buildings; this would just be a little piece in what is like a "big cake."

It also doesn't include festivals, events, celebrations, sporting events and parades that are celebrated in town each and every year. With the "warmer" weather approaching us {soon hopefully} there are only going to be more things to do, more places to go and more reason to love your hometown.

-B

Friday Favorites

This week started off great with my birthday on Monday and is now ending with me having caught the flu and feeling horrible. I'm hoping to feel a little better so I can tackle some projects I've put off to the side the last couple weeks. Have a great weekend! -B

{ Little trinkets filled with chocolate for my guests at Paint on Tap }

{ the North American Brewery tour was pretty cool, thanks Lacey! }

{ Nothing beats a classic Coca-Cola vending machine }

{ Its finally Spring and the snow is slowly melting from the field, just in time for baseball season at Coca Cola field }

#BuffaloLinks

Hooray! Today is the first day of spring, but unfortunately it doesn't feel like it and with the upcoming weather forecast it may be a while before we feel any of the warm temperatures we'd like to see. A good thing is here are some things to get your mind off the cold weather.

This coming Friday is the annual Blues & Brews event to benefit the Kevin Guest House.

Its Maple weekend this week and next. To find out more info on where you can enjoy some maple syrup click here.

With Spring season comes a time for people to get outdoors and work on their landscaping and gardening. One of the popular nurseries in town is Adams Nurseries on Genesee Street. What are some of your favorite nurseries to go to?

Today the NCAA games start at the First Niagara Center. Make sure to stay up to date on scores and tickets here. Also remember when tweeting about the games to use the #buffhoops

-B

{Women Who Move the City} Lindsay Carucci from Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission

I've had the pleasure of knowing today's Woman Who Moves Buffalo from a few years ago. Lindsay Carucci, is a talented, smart, outgoing person who moves Buffalo in the right direction everyday not only in her passion for the Buffalo area, but in her everyday career as the Sports Service Manager at the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commision. I only find it appropriate to share her story as the NCAA Tournaments begin in Buffalo tomorrow. Check out the interview below.

BP: How many times has Buffalo hosted an NCAA Tournament?

LC: This will be the 5^th time Buffalo has hosted.

BP: What does it do for the local economy?

LC: It impacts local hotels, restaurants and attractions in so many ways. This creates new revenues, and allows the city to shine. Buffalo is known for welcoming visitors with open arms, and this translates to all local entities and their employees.

BP: How many teams will be in town for the tournament and how many people from out of town do you expect to visit the WNY area?

LC: There will be 8 teams in town, we expect about 12,000 visitors.

BP: Can people purchase tickets to attend a game or games?

LC: Tickets are for sale here: http://www.ncaa.com/final-four#!tickets_hospitality

BP: If people want to volunteer or be involved who can they contact?

LC: Me! Lindsay Carucci – sport services manager, Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com

BP: A brief summary of your position and what you like best about it?

LC: Sport Services Manager – once an amateur sporting event chooses Buffalo as their venue, our office assists with finding somewhere to play, hotels to stay in, restaurants to eat in, and attractions to visit. We serve on Local Organizing committees for the events to help get the correct mediums involved to assure the event is a success, and they want to return to the area. We can solicit sponsorships, coordinate volunteers, and do whatever comes up to assure the sporting event is a success.

BP: What do you like best about Buffalo?

LC: Easily, it’s the people. Working with local entities and seeing how excited they are to have large scale (and small scale) events here, as well as seeing how they bend over backwards to make things happen is always a pleasant surprise. There is no question that we are a sports town. We have some pretty unique facilities that are willing to host events, and everyone understands the bigger picture when it comes to hosting these events and showcasing our city well. I love seeing a city come together, and seeing the pride that Buffalonians have for their city.

BP: Do you have a favorite business or place to go in town?

LC: I think my top two are SoHo Burger Bar and Osteria 166. Their owners always seem to go above and beyond for the city, and as a “local” gal, I always feel more than welcome in those restaurants.

BP:  What is a favorite quote you may have?

LC: I like the quote on the sign in Dino BBQ that says “Help Build a Better Buffalo” because that’s what I try to do every day in whatever small ways I can.

BP: If you could be a part of one thing in Buffalo  or create one thing in town what would it be?

LC: I like the progress that is being made at our water front, and I would like to play a larger role in developing that area, and allowing other folks to see what a beautiful space it is, and how much potential it has.

Here are the teams coming to town: Syracuse, Ohio State University, Villanova, St. Joseph’s University, Dayton, UCONN, Western Michigan, Milwaukee

If you'd like to keep up to date on the NCAA tournament and all that the Sports Commission is doing in Buffalo check out their website here. Follow them on twitter and facebook . And use the #buffhoops when tweeting this week!

If you'd like to volunteer at any of the NCAA games contact Lindsay at: 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com & if you need or would like tickets go here.

 Thank you Lindsay for letting me share your story and for believing in Buffalo. xo

Photo courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara

-B

# 29

Today marks 29 years that I've celebrated St. Patrick's Day. While I think about all the birthdays I've celebrated the one thing that I enjoy most out of everything is not the presents, not the attention or knowing that I'm getting old, its the time I share with the most important people in my life. My family and my friends. I will be the first to say there are times I take things for granted, but over the last few years I have realized what and who is important in my life and I am learning to block out the things and the people that don't matter.

I'm a planner, I'm a perfectionist and I have to be in control of the things I'm a part of and during these times I can sometimes forget to just enjoy the moment and enjoy the experience; those memories that are being made. For once I'm starting to do that; taking a step back and just enjoying the moment and the memories that I will take with me for another 29+ years. While there will probably always be a part of me that worries or stresses about something that I can't control, I'm learning to at least "take a chill pill" and enjoy the "moment" just like I did this past weekend.

Today at 29 I think of all the wonderful birthdays I've celebrated; slumber parties and craft parties, to surprise parties and painting parties. I'm not at all Irish, but having my birthday on St. Patrick's Day, has definitely given me some "Luck of the Irish" over these years.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

-B

{ My brother is probably really mad I posted this picture of him. }

{ Thank you Lacey for the tour of your work #NAB #29 }

{ I love this wrapping paper Arica used on my birthday present }

{ I kicked off the weekend with an amazing happy hr on Friday! Thank you Lacey! }

{ All of our peacocks are different, but amazing! Check out my post on Paint On Tap Studios later in the week #artistsintraining }

{ My Mom and Lacey! xo }

{ A surprise cake, shaped like a Buffalo! Thank you Annette!! }

Friday Favorites

I'm looking forward to a weekend of celebrating my birthday {a couple days early} and the St. Patty's Day holiday. I hope you enjoy it as well! -B

{ everyday I think of Ben and his family and remember to enjoy each day you're given }

{ Beerology was a lot of fun as per usual! #Dinosaurs & #Beer }

{ The 2nd food truck I have ever ate at - The Whole Hog #delish mac n cheese }

{ Stopped by a moving train on Exchange St. this week }

{ I personally didn't think the #BuffaloBlizzard2 was as bad as they made it out to be, but anyway a half day of work called for Red Wine in my oh so appropriate Snowman glass }

#BuffaloLinks

St. Patrick's day is less than a week away and while I am bias because its my birthday, its my favorite holiday as well {and no I'm not even 1% Irish}. This week the are a variety of St. Patty's Day festivities going on. From parade day, to hitting up the bars in South Buffalo. Before the weekend begins though, there are a couple events I wanted to highlight.

The Social Media Club Buffalo is hosting Perfect Pairings tonight at Paint on Tap Studios. Meet with local business owners who will be talking about how they use social media in their business plan.

Thursday at the Statler is the I DO Love Buffalo event.  Meet with local businesses who will be showcasing their resources to the LGBT community. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Pride Center of WNY.

Friday the Larkin Square will be packed with music, food trucks and tons of people who will be stopping out for Live at O'Larkin. If you have some time check out this fun event!

Like many Irish Pubs in town the Irishman Pub on Main Street in Williamsville will be reopening on March 14th for St. Patrick's day festivities.

Sunday is the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Thousands upon thousands will line Delaware Ave. to party and celebrate the holiday. Parade starts at 2pm.