Buffalo Rising Online

This is the first year in my life that family has not done a St. Joseph’s table. My mother is out of town, my house is too small and every year more family members move away. Anyway, I was feeling kind of sorrowful (it is, after all, my favorite holiday), then my father told me that the Armory Restaurant does a table every year. I promptly called them and was informed that dinner was sold out but there were lunchtime seats left.

As a bit of background on the Armory Restaurant, it's on Connecticut Street, near Plymouth. It looks like a neighborhood bar from the front and it's a place one could go by all the time and not register its existence. A few years ago, someone told me they have really good Italian food and by that I mean, spaghetti and meatballs and Chianti in a straw-covered bottle. I, like most Italian-Americans, am pretty partial to how my family makes that k…

With soft, low lighting, a sleek, sophisticated wraparound bar, and a color palette reminiscent of the evening sun, the newest arrival on Buffalo’s fine dining scene, One Sunset, has set its sights high.

After a series of construction and permitting setbacks, owner and NBA free agent Leonard Stokes opened the doors to his new eatery in early December. Known to most as the former Locker Room bar and to others as its most recent incarnation, Lotis, One Sunset’s Delaware Avenue location is convenient for both city and suburban dwellers; the 198 is just blocks away.

This is a restaurant where enjoying an appetizer and a drink at the bar is encouraged; a quick stop before a party or after a movie is ideal. If this style of dining suits you, I suggest you order the Crispy Shrimp, whose name is an oversimplification. Mild, soft shrimp are delicately battered and stacked atop a po…

Living just a few minutes from Hertel Avenue, I spend a lot of time there. I find myself drawn to neighborhood classics like Wellington Pub. On a recent Friday I stopped at Wellington, a family friendly place that offers quality food and a casual atmosphere.

I usually order a fish fry when I go, so I wanted to try something different this time. I ordered the Pittsburgh Salad, described on the menu as “our neighbor’s original salad.” The salad contains chicken or steak, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and French fries. I tried the chicken version. Outstanding! In order to “keep it Pennsylvania” I asked for a Yuengling. When the bill came I was shocked to see that the Yuengling cost two dollars. Two dollars for a bottle of beer in 2008? Oh Buffalo, how do I love thee, let me count the ways!

It’s the little things that contribute to a great dining ex…

It is no secret that authentic Asian cuisine is hard to come by in Buffalo. We have Ming Café (during the fall and winter), Woo Chon Korea House, Gin Gin and, of course, 99 Fast Food. Many of you were lucky enough to have visited 99 when they were at 99 Niagara Square. I envy you. 99 is now located on Bailey Avenue, and while it isn’t a far drive, it certainly isn’t accessible to this downtown employee on her lunch break.

99 serves authentic Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese fare. On my most recent visit I couldn’t resist the Cốm Chiên Dương Châu (pork sausage fried rice). The pork sausage, commonly referred to as Cantonese-style Chinese sausage, is fatty and glutinous, making it a savory indulgence. Carrots, peas, egg, and diced chicken all happily accompanied the sausage in the fried rice to create a tasty, well-rounded dish.

Oops! I forgot about the appetizer. …

I love the EM Statler Dining Room. Located at the end of a hallway behind the cafeteria on ECC's City Campus, the EM Statler functions as a training ground for ECC's many Culinary Arts students. During the portion of the year in which it is open, students take turns at various positions in the kitchen and the front of the house, preparing and serving dishes representing many of the world's cuisines.

During my visit last week, the menu highlighted the cuisine of America's Deep South. The prices are remarkably low since the school's aim is to train, not make a profit. Appetizers included Fried Green Tomatoes ($1.95), a creamy New Orleans style shrimp bisque ($2.50), and a Crawfish pie made with a beautiful crust ($2.50). My favorite portion of the meal was the Hoppin' John Salad featuring a pecan vinaigrette. Ho…

Last Friday night a friend and I went gallery hopping, ending our tour at the Albright-Knox on Elmwood. After viewing the current exhibition, The Panza Collection, we found that our own palates were in need of color; our stomachs, sustenance. Turning our attention to Muse, a restaurant located in the gallery, we found more than we had first anticipated.

Having enjoyed Muse on other occasions for lunch and Sunday brunch, this was my first visit for dinner. In the daylight hours the restaurant is filled with natural light supplied by the wall of windows facing the sculpture garden. Weather permitting, guests can enjoy a meal on the patio set just outside the restaurant, in the museum's sculpture garden. …

I pushed open the creaky wooden door to a cacophony of boisterous laughter. The guys behind the counter, having just finished a busy lunch rush, were telling jokes and singing, responding to one another with big, deep belly laughs. It wasn't the kind of laughter that leaves you feeling like you missed out on the joke, but rather the kind that pulls you in, imparting a sense of camaraderie.

Marco's Italian Deli on Hertel was the first of the four Marco's Delis to open in the Buffalo area. Originally owned and operated by Chef Marco Sciortino of Marco's Restaurant on Niagara Street, this Hertel Avenue location has belonged to his brother-in-law, Nick Tollar, and his wife Tina for the last four years. “I saw what Marco does and how people love his food. I wanted to be part of that,” Nick said while John, his extremely funny and magnetic employee, whipped up my lunch. There…

There are few things more “Buffalo” than a Friday Night Fish Fry. Every family-style restaurant has one, and every Buffalonian has their favorite. The Hamlin House, located in the circa 1865 Italiante style building at 432 Franklin Street is known for having one of the best, and the restaurant itself is considered one of Allentown’s best kept secrets. This is surprising, considering that the Hamlin House’s fish fry has won two “Best of Buffalo” Artvoice Awards and one from Buffalo Spree.

Troop I Post 665 of The American Legion has owned and occupied this building since 1935. The organization still runs the bar which is only open during the weekdays and on Friday nights when its stools and the chairs in the dining room quickly fill with one of the most diverse crowds you’re likely to find in Western New York. Legion members, lawyers and secretaries from Franklin (…

I’ve only been to Sterling Place Tavern three times. After each visit I’ve told anyone who would listen how much fun I had. So I have to wonder why I don’t go more often.

What I enjoy most about Sterling Place is the atmosphere, and I’m not referring to the decor. You won’t find bright colors or cozy chairs there. Rather, it’s the very friendly people and the relaxed vibe that make it such a great place to hang out.

In terms of food, the menu is not extensive. If you ask for a menu, you’ll be directed to a chalkboard located a few steps away from the bar. When I visited on a recent Saturday night, there were a handful of items listed on the chalkboard: burgers, chicken fingers, chicken sandwich, and a few seafood options, including scallops.

I highly recommend the burgers at Sterling Place. About a year ago I did a Google search for “best burgers in Bu…

We have two final Valentine's options for you. Both are unique and worthy of your attention if you're looking for something different.

The very small and lovely Virginia Place restaurant, Scarlet, is offering Valentine's specials and a prix fixe option along with a couple of special martinis. tru-teas may not be the first place you think of when Valentine's Day is mentioned, but scheduling a lovely afternoon tea would be an interesting and innovative way to mark the occasion, especially for singletons looking to enjoy the holiday with close friends. If you'd like, you can even bring along a nice bottle of wine or champagne. (tru-teas offers high tea year round with reservations).

Scarlet

Martini Specials Cherries Jubilee 10 Raspberry Truffle 10

Appetizer

Our City channel has already covered the arrival and opening of Buffalo's newest restaurant, One Sunset (here and here), but now its time for YUM to get in on a little bit of the action. Located in the space formerly occupied by Lotus on the corner of West Delavan and Delaware, its owner, NBA player Leonard Stokes, has brought well-known Buffalo Chef Bruce Bain on board.

What better night to check out Buffalo's newest restaurant than on Valentine's Day? The bar area is conducive to a casual meal and a few drinks, the dining room well suited for a more formal experience. One Sunset still has a few reservations left, so after perusing their special menu, we suggest that you make yours right away.

First …

There's no doubt that Harry's Harbour Place Grille is a class act. Most people think of visiting Harry's lakeside establishment when the weather's warm and spring fever is in full tilt, but don't be fooled. Harry's offers equally stunning views in the winter; the light falling from the night sky gently bounces off the river's shifting pristine blanket of ice. It's a truly breathtaking view, especially on a crisp, clear night.

If you're looking for a unique dining experience this Valentine's Day, this view, coupled with Harry's hearty and often decadent fare, is definitely one of your best options. Below is the menu that they'll be offering on Valentine's Day.

Soups Roasted Red Pepper Bisque 7

Appetizers…