Buffalo Rising Online

Apr 28th, 10:17am By Christa Glennie Seychew

It's been awhile since I've posted a “Kitchen Sink” story, but now is most certainly the time. The onset of spring in Buffalo always brings not only the green, green burst of new leaves to our many tree-lined streets, but also the arrival of a slew of new restaurants--or at least it seems that way.

Over on the City Channel, queenseyes has told you of restaurants developing all over town, including Tabree (see here and here), chow chocolate (here and here) and The Wine Thief (here and here).

Another restaurant still in the works is Club 31. Last week I spoke with owner, Tony Caggiono, who assured me that they're still working towards restoring this beautiful space. The building was in poor enough shape that it required major repairs to its structure, and entirely new wiring. Mr. Caggiono is thrilled with the support he's received from his Johnson Park neighbors and is excited for the day when all of his hard work will be revealed to the public. He's unwilling to commit to a possible opening date, but assures us that it's not too far off. (see inset photo #1)

It looks like University Heights is about to receive a new restaurant in the lovely building once home to the much-loved Osaka and most recently, Vado Pazzo. This one, called Havana House, will reportedly serve food with a Cuban-influence. Further details are currently unavailable (trust us, we've tried), but I'll be sure to let you know the second anything turns up. (see inset photo #2)

Last week a reader sent us an email wondering if we knew anything about the former Buffalo restaurant known as The Cloister. It seems that the re-opening of this once famed eatery was reportedly a viable possibility in 2006. We did a little fact finding and ended up speaking with the project's leader, Buffalo attorney, Peter J. Fiorella, Jr. It seems that his great fondness for the Delaware Avenue restaurant inspired him to try and recreate The Cloister's previous glory right down to having replica chairs and lighting elements commissioned. In 2006 he came forward in search of investors for the project, but as of yet he has been unable to raise the entire $1.9 million necessary to “do the job right”. The project is currently “on hold”. Meanwhile, the former building--which does not belong to Mr. Fiorella--stands vacant and overgrown. The Cloister's website (linked above) contains everything anyone could ever want to know about this landmark from an era gone by. (see photo below)

For those of you interested in the efforts being made toward developing our city's access to locally grown food, the meeting held by Buffalo First (with the help of MAP and Slow Food Buffalo) at the beginning of this month has led to a group called Farm to Plate that will focus solely on this topic. If you are interested in being part of this group or feel that you have something important to offer its progress, please contact Buffalo First or Slow Food Buffalo.

In the spirit of all things related to local food, don't forget that the Wintermarket on Elmwood is open for just two more Sundays. After that, most of your favorite Wintermarket vendors can be found at the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market. However, I suggest that you make sure and use the next two weekends to visit the Wintermarket and hang out with the vendors that won't be at the Elmwood-Bidwell Market. The Elmwood-Bidwell Market has a few rules that exclude certain local food-fanatics from selling their wares and others from offering certain products, so if you're looking for some Dancing Buffalo Cidre or Blackman Farms killer line of jams and fruit butters, or a slew of wild ramps and fresh eggs sold by White Cow Dairy, you'll have to hit the Wintermarket before it closes its doors for the season.

And don't' forget about YUM's Foodie Book Club and its Spring Read. We'd hate to have you miss out. Check out this link for more information, and stay tuned to YUM for updates about the awesome Spring Read Book Club Get Together we're working on for the month of June.

This Thursday and Friday I'm very privileged to be lecturing on The Zen of Sushi at The Executive Performance Center. Accompanied by a demonstration of some basic sushi-making techniques and a stunning Japanese meal prepared by Chef Avi Altman, it's sure to be a good time. We're asking guests to leave their concerns about being “proper” at home and instead to come and have a good time. Dress is casual. There are only a few tickets left and they are only on sale through today, so check out this link if you'd like more information.

Finally, the best news I've had all week; beginning May 6th, SAMPLE is offering their menu at 1/2 off on Tuesdays! Are you kidding me? As if that killer Fire Roasted Pineapple Mojito wasn't tempting enough, now I can stop in and get my favorite springy menu item for half off? (So far that would be the Carrots and Peas, for anyone who's curious.)