tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25667663126680764202024-03-20T09:40:56.399-04:00Lovin' On BuffaloKrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-50673242078166941432013-07-12T13:30:00.000-04:002013-07-12T13:45:01.920-04:00Taste Of Buffalo 2013: Healthy Option Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't call me a kill joy. I love the Taste of Buffalo. A lot. It's the first event I put into my calendar when the new year hits and I countdown to all the deliciousness in one place. Besides sampling a bunch of new items each year, I always have a sample of Fat Bob's mac & cheese, used to love getting a Polish Villa pierogi (they are no longer a part of the event) and finding some ice cream from Nick Charlaps (Side note - This is my personal attempt to request the guys at Lake Effect Ice Cream join the fun next year. I'll work your booth, for free if you do!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year though, for the first time, I'm going to attempt to do the Taste of Buffalo a little healthier. I have been doing a great job losing weight over the past month and a half (15 lbs. down and still going), and summer is always tough in Buffalo (or anywhere for that matter) because of festivals, summer picnics, and ice cream. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's not going to be easy. I'm not even entirely sure it's doable, but I'm going to try my best. Thanks to Independent Health and their mandatory, "healthy option" for each restaurant, I spent a lot of time investigating the choices and narrowing down some options for the health conscious Buffalonian who wants to enjoy all the fun without feeling left out. Fun fact: Special props to The Taste of Buffalo, as they are the ONLY food festival in the country that has the healthy option requirement! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PLEASE NOTE: I don't know the fat or calorie content for most of these items. The Taste of Buffalo lists that to qualify as a "healthy option" it needs to have a lower fat, sodium and cholesterol count. I'm not sure how liberal they are with this, or the specific requirements. You can find out more information on the <a href="http://www.healthyoptionsbuffalo.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Options Buffalo</a> website. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Krystal's Top Five Healthy Finds:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://alexsribs.com/home/" target="_blank">Alex's Place Restaurant:</a> Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers (7 tickets). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*If you are a seafood lover, the shrimp skewers sound like a great pick for a low calorie option with a lot of flavor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.andersonscustard.com/" target="_blank">Anderson's Frozen Custard</a>: Loganberry Ice (3 tickets)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*According to the Anderson's <a href="http://www.andersonscustard.com/nutritional-dessert.pdf" target="_blank">website</a>, 4.5 ounces of flavored ice is only 92 calories with no fat. Skip the ice cream and try a local flavor instead!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.goveggies.com/our-cafe/" target="_blank">Go Veggies Cafe</a>: Spinach Burger (8 or 4 tickets)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*I haven't checked out this cafe yet, but I'm excited there is another vegetarian option in Buffalo. The spinach burger sounds intriguing, and I'm looking forward to checking it out at the slider size (with only half the bun!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://whereslloyd.com/" target="_blank">Lloyd's Taco Truck</a>: Krazy Korn (6 or 4 tickets)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Vegetable topped with all sorts of yummy deliciousness = yes! (Even if what it's topped in isn't really "healthy", it will be among your favorite items of the day - I guarantee it!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://manhattanslockport.com/" target="_blank">Manhattans</a>: Purple Popeye Sandwich (7 tickets)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*Their website lists the item as a "crispy breaded eggplant topped with spinach, roasted red peppers, provolone and asiago cheese drizzed with honey dijon mustard." Everything about that sounds delicious, and while probably not the healthiest of the "healthy" items on the list, it's worth a shot! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Each restaurant has a healthy option and has a heart next to its description. You can find the full restaurant menu list, <a href="http://www.tasteofbuffalo.com/app/restaurant?page=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remember - you can get "taste" portions of most menu items for 2 tickets - so you can always go a little healthier by getting the smaller sample size of items you<i> really </i>want to try. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As they say, "everything in moderation". I'm going to do my best and will report back and update this post after the Taste with my reviews on these and other items. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If weight loss or eating healthy isn't an issue for you this weekend, you need to try the bacon wrapped ribs from R & R Barbecue. They sound, look and smell incredible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cheers, Buffalo! To great food and 30 years strong as one of the nation's largest food festivals!!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lloyd's Taco Truck - Krazy Korn</td></tr>
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-37350915944653421492013-07-11T14:30:00.000-04:002013-07-12T08:29:23.862-04:00Being A Docent in Buffalo<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OwXBOTAy3v8plDI121tfqzWe5FSS1sK1t5ifNds6X3dm2nvsIpjY1iVeRKNA5lncXMldnz43bCBX2RIqtVAsNKGdb4TDEiVu1HcjOF6huTTVehCdM3ZNROCMH2j8Ca21Yccl36uqs7c/s1600/581195_913478869295_1682725010_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OwXBOTAy3v8plDI121tfqzWe5FSS1sK1t5ifNds6X3dm2nvsIpjY1iVeRKNA5lncXMldnz43bCBX2RIqtVAsNKGdb4TDEiVu1HcjOF6huTTVehCdM3ZNROCMH2j8Ca21Yccl36uqs7c/s320/581195_913478869295_1682725010_n.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krystal outside the Richardson <br />
Olmsted Complex</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year, I've taken my Buffalove to another level by training to be a docent (tour guide) in Buffalo. I went through the training program with Buffalo Tours over the winter months, and then a training with the <a href="http://richardson-olmsted.com/" target="_blank">Richardson Olmsted Complex</a> in early spring. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In late spring, I was also offered a job with <a href="http://www.buffalobitesfoodtours.com/" target="_blank">Buffalo Bites Food Tours</a> as a tour guide. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A question I always get on my tours is "How did you get involved?". For me, The Richardson Olmsted Complex had always been a mystery. Going to college at Buffalo State, I always drove past it, heard stories about the Complex, and wondered what was going to happen to such a vast land of buildings. Last summer, they offered a short tour season, and I was lucky enough to get a spot on one of the in depth tours. From the moment I walked inside the Complex, I was in love. It may seem like an odd reaction for a mental health facility, but hearing about the history of the Complex and seeing the simple beauty in the architecture, I saw firsthand this true "gem". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Towards the end of the tour, our tour guide mentioned they would be looking for volunteers to help at events throughout the year. I quickly grabbed a card and think I sent an e-mail before that weekend was over. I volunteered at the Museums by Moonlight event held in the Fall and then learned they would be adding a group of docents for the 2013 season. It was a no brainer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for Buffalo Bites Food Tours, my boyfriend and I took a tour with the owner, Laura Reed, last summer. We had an absolute blast, and Laura and I kept in touch after the tour. Early this year, she approached me to see if I would be interested in joining her team, and I couldn't say no. The Buffalo Bites Food Tours explore the Elmwood Village of Buffalo. Throughout the three hour tour you walk to six food stops and learn about the history of Buffalo and the Elmwood Village along the way. What could possibly be better?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since my training has been completed for both, I've had the opportunity to lead, co-lead and chaperone various tours this summer. The response has been outstanding. People are genuinely interested in Buffalo, have a passion and excitement for the way things are going in our City, and always leave the tours with a good impression. It's an incredible feeling sharing my passion for Buffalo with those around me, and I can tell they all appreciate the small additional tidbits we throw in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is my "insider" perspective on tours:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Richardson Olmsted Complex</b> - The Richardson Center Corporation, the non-profit Board that is overseeing the redevelopment efforts of the Complex, is offering over 30 public tours this summer from one hour basic tours ($15), two hour in depth tours ($30), plus photography tours, family tours and more. All tours take you through the first floor of the Towers Administration building and ward buildings, and the specialty ones add additional floors. Throughout the tours the docents discuss the history of the Complex, its key players (H.H. Richardson, Frederick Law Olmsted/Calvert Vaux and Dr. Thomas Kirkbride), the present state of the Complex and the future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you don't know what's happening at the Complex, rehabilitation efforts are underway, and the Complex currently boasts a gorgeous showcase space that shows off the potential of the Complex. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether you are an architectural nerd, a Buffalo history buff, or have driven past the Complex a million times but never really knew what went on there, this is a tour for you. This summer is the perfect time to get on a tour; come fall, redevelopment efforts will begin to kick into full swing and getting the before and after perspective will be an added bonus! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are planning on taking a tour, my suggestion - ask questions! I always tell my tour goers that my goal is to have them learn something new about Buffalo, one of the key players of the Complex and have fun. If you are taking a tour, remember you MUST wear closed toe shoes (no flip flops or sandals). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you can't make a tour, get down to the Complex in August anyway. The newly redone 9 acre South Lawn will be open as a public park for all to enjoy. I've had the pleasure of watching it all come together each time I have been at the Complex this summer. The project should be completed by the end of the month and it already looks gorgeous. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new location of Firefly Cupcakes <br />
is just one stop!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Buffalo Bites Food Tours</b> - Three hours of sampling some of the best food Buffalo has to offer? If that isn't motivation enough, add the backdrop of the eclectic Elmwood Village and some Buffalo history to the mix and you have the perfect afternoon in Buffalo. Worried about eating all that food and ruining your summer diet? Don't worry, we walk almost 2 miles over the 3 hours and I've been told there are actually no calories on food tour food (actual results may vary)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tour costs </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">$42/person, although Laura posts $10 off coupon codes - check her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloBitesFoodTours?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBites" target="_blank">Twitter</a> pages for discounts. You receive enough food to be comfortably full, with time in between food tastings to walk it off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Owner Laura Reed was inspired after taking a food tour with some girlfriends in New York City. Her dream was to bring that concept to Buffalo, and last summer her dream became a reality. In its 2nd year, Buffalo Bites Food Tours are gaining popularity and there have been talks of adding a second food tour in a differe</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">nt neighborhood in Buffalo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether you are a lifelong Buffalonian or visiting from out of town, there is really something for everyone on a Buffalo Bites Food Tour. While I've spent many days and late nights on the Elmwood Strip, and frequented many of the restaurants on the tour, Laura gives you some history on the businesses and the foods you sample, and business owners have been known to chat with patrons during the tours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are planning on taking a tour, my suggestion - try everything! Unless you have a dietary restriction (which you can let the team know about beforehand and they can accommodate you with another food selection), give everything a try. In some tasting locations you have a choice on which item you get, so pick one you never have tried before. It will make the tour that much more enjoyable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Be a tourist in your own City this summer, Buffalo! Make sure you bring all your out of town guests with you too! </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-19790557522010327842013-07-07T09:21:00.000-04:002013-07-09T13:22:22.770-04:00Ride For Roswell 2013: Post Ride Thoughts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf7aBvuZkrnnDnSQXpX1yWfx3HW6JRPN2dReVKk2KCR6DuXLu2gq03DpGYO0KBK_7xlsu0mbVUwYxQGlXQN7XIJRRSZ3KfBXvsYHG7F9gTSyvRiCIfPkBuottL4cLZxPT6m3f_uPJiwo/s1600/1016594_10100182546442695_868345111_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf7aBvuZkrnnDnSQXpX1yWfx3HW6JRPN2dReVKk2KCR6DuXLu2gq03DpGYO0KBK_7xlsu0mbVUwYxQGlXQN7XIJRRSZ3KfBXvsYHG7F9gTSyvRiCIfPkBuottL4cLZxPT6m3f_uPJiwo/s320/1016594_10100182546442695_868345111_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting line - 30 mile early route</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I crossed the finish line just shy of 10:00am. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I biked 30 miles in memory of my Grandma Carol Sondel. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lovin' On Buffalo fundraised over $800 to help fight cancer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know none of these things are particularly extraordinary; many were done quicker, rode further and raised more, but I helped let cancer know its days are numbered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was one of 8,000. Our $800 was part of 3.8 million that was raised. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Those things ARE extraordinary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday, June 22nd was a gorgeous day in Buffalo to bike! The 30 mile river route was filled with gorgeous scenery and many excited route guides who cheered us along as we rode past them. Our rest stops had great food (special shout out to the Praxair rest stop) and the company along the way helped make the 30 miles go by fast! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was an emotional day. As we lined up to start and the Emcee asked cancer survivors to raise their hands, the tears started flowing. They started flowing for my Grandma, who lost her battle so quickly, for the survivors who have gone through so much and are on a bike ready to ride 30+ miles, and for their family and friends who have been along with them on the journey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the weeks leading up to the Ride For Roswell, their social media feeds were asking for help to fill a "critical" volunteer need, so I offered to serve as a Ride Marshal for my route. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I ended up finding it very rewarding. My boyfriend and I pulled over about 6 times to check on people who were either injured or had bike problems. We did what we could and off we went. Everyone was so appreciative and thankful for helping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My boyfriend, who can ride much faster than me, often jumped ahead. I knew he would finish before me, and as I came across the finish line he was there cheering me on. My name was said over the loud speaker as I crossed and it was such an incredible feeling. I am so proud of myself for taking on a longer route, on very little training, and getting across that finish line in a respectable time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone at the Ride was great. Volunteers, staff members, sponsors, and riders were filled with pride and happiness. Though a sad day for many who were riding in memory of those they lost, it was also a day of hope. Hope that Roswell Park is closer to a cure. Hope that cancer won't mean a death sentence in the years to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congratulations to everyone on each and every single route. From 104 miles down to the 3 mile family ride, you all took time out of your weekend to be healthy and active for a good cause. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to my family and friends who make donations, and to my boyfriend who was there to cheer me on and motivate me to finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Together Buffalo, we can truly make a difference for Western New Yorkers and the world!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The countdown to the 2014 Ride for Roswell is on! Hope to see you there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<br />Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-43126167632500363182013-06-22T05:00:00.000-04:002013-06-22T05:00:01.368-04:00Ride For Roswell 2013: Pre-Ride Thoughts<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost twelve years ago, I watched cancer take my Grandma
from me. I’ll never forget the moment I found out about her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as my Dad
fought back tears telling me, “3 months to live.” This vibrant woman who
cheered on the Bills at every home game, polkaed away at parties, and found
time to be at all our soccer games and dance recitals, was quickly slipping away
from me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No one in our family would ever be the same. She was the glue that
kept us all together. After the night we learned of her diagnosis, it only took
a few weeks before she was gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is just one story, and I’m just one person, but this
morning I’m riding 30 miles in memory of Carol Sondel and all the other
Grandmas out there who have missed out on watching their grandchildren grow up
because of cancer. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7,999 others are biking with me this morning on various
routes, all with stories of loss, love and overcoming the odds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While there will surely be tears shed as I ride through
those 30 miles, there will also be a happiness I can’t quite explain. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A pure joy knowing
others out there want to take a stand against cancer and raised millions of
dollars to help find the cure. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A pride in knowing </span><st1:placename style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" w:st="on">Roswell</st1:placename><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><st1:placetype style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is in </span><st1:city style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" w:st="on">Buffalo, NY, </st1:city><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">making a difference for people
all over the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you to everyone who donated to my
Ride (Dick Sondel, Bernie Youra, Debbi Testa, Sharon DeFelice, Matt Testa, Aaron Mason, Alyson O'Connor, Angela Keppel, Suzanne Kashuba, Elizabeth Kresge, Jill McAnaney, Julie Tobin, Lisa Yuhnke, Laura Reed, Steve Foster, Catherine Janese, Casey Herko & Cindy Wagner).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you to all the volunteers that will cheer me on throughout the 30 miles this morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A special
thanks to my boyfriend, Geoffrey, who will be biking beside me through it all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And
thanks Grandma, from wherever you are watching me. I’m so proud to be your
Granddaughter, and so lucky to be a Sondel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Follow along with me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lovinonbuffalo" target="_blank">Twitter</a> throughout the day. Don't worry, I won't be riding and tweeting, but will post before, at rest stops and after. I'm looking forward to also serving as a Ride Marshal for the 30 mile route. To everyone participating, stay safe! Ride right, pass left!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See you at the finish line! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#Ridespiration #RFR13</span></div>
Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-6314667221621678772013-06-18T16:06:00.000-04:002013-06-18T16:06:00.599-04:00CALL FOR ACTION: Ride For Roswell 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNY0y_69vWatRCGcr6cDhJ9FQa3RlAB-bhL3FHWqdRjb82aBv8anzCso6luSLhuC8NOnldP1wfF4MNA2GdeRz2q6cRiJWO4TCiqjlno3VdlgObfZRNV-UmUPtsiJ8lkTtGuGIJPl0ExM/s1600/RIDELOGO_WH_FINAL+72DPI.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNY0y_69vWatRCGcr6cDhJ9FQa3RlAB-bhL3FHWqdRjb82aBv8anzCso6luSLhuC8NOnldP1wfF4MNA2GdeRz2q6cRiJWO4TCiqjlno3VdlgObfZRNV-UmUPtsiJ8lkTtGuGIJPl0ExM/s200/RIDELOGO_WH_FINAL+72DPI.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This Saturday, June 22nd, Roswell Park will host their largest fundraiser of the year, <a href="http://www.rideforroswell.org/" target="_blank">The Ride For Roswell</a>.<br /><br />Last year, I participated in the event for the first time. I biked 20 miles in memory of my Grandma, Carol Sondel, who died of pancreatic cancer back in 2001. You can check out my recap of last year's day, <a href="http://www.lovinonbuffalo.com/2012/06/ride-for-roswell-june-23-2012.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It was quite inspirational. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Roswell Park is a huge part of the Western New York community, helping thousands of people from all around the world battle cancer and find treatments and cures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know a single person who hasn't been touched by cancer in some way. Whether it's a family member who lost their life to cancer, a personal battle with it or a friend or colleague you've seen go through it, we can all benefit by the work Roswell Park is doing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, how can you get involved? I have three great ways:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) <b>Donate today</b>! This year, I will be riding 30 miles in memory of my Grandma, and all those who have lost their lives to cancer. I lost my Grandma way too early in my life, and if my riding can keep some other girl's Grandma around longer, I have made a difference. You can find my personal page, <a href="http://rideforroswell2013.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1054496&lis=1&kntae1054496=438AA23D54244C5D9E8143991A87B56B&supId=361600509" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Thank you for your donation!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) <b>Volunteer!</b> The Ride For Roswell is still looking for volunteers to help out during the day. As they say, "It takes a village", and if you have ever been to The Ride For Roswell you can see why volunteers are so critical to the success of the day. You can check out all the open volunteer opportunities for the opening ceremony on Friday night and all day on Saturday, <a href="http://www.rideforroswell.org/site/c.8gLOK1MELjIYF/b.8636319/k.952B/Volunteer_Home.htm" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Around 100 volunteers are still needed! If you are already signed up to ride, they are also looking for riding marshals for many routes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) <b>Share this post!</b> If you are already booked this weekend or don't have extra money to donate, please share this post. Post it on Facebook, Twitter e-mail it to friends/family who may be interested, or mention it in passing when you are out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll be thinking about all my generous readers as I cross the finish line on Saturday morning. Thank you for making a difference in Buffalo! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-52516968598159207082013-06-17T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-17T07:18:01.380-04:00Omakase Buffalo - "Acadiana"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCx4PLlaL9nrYFau0chkB6XH-e9PfGpN7Kw9tblAdgsOQ05XbJ1YHQtxoNxq_7DMgcYUmjblzR3n_dD8_foOymNEsWcMOUUOEQJtnBIb0j5LedtesACC91WA6gMX-uliKG8HWPfSbMyQ/s1600/IMG_20130615_152856_197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCx4PLlaL9nrYFau0chkB6XH-e9PfGpN7Kw9tblAdgsOQ05XbJ1YHQtxoNxq_7DMgcYUmjblzR3n_dD8_foOymNEsWcMOUUOEQJtnBIb0j5LedtesACC91WA6gMX-uliKG8HWPfSbMyQ/s320/IMG_20130615_152856_197.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking up the crawfish</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm going to let you all in on a secret. Well, a part of the secret anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buffalo has an underground dining club. <a href="http://www.omakasebuffalo.com/" target="_blank">Omakase Buffalo</a> was started about a year and a half ago by a group of local chefs and foodies who wanted to bring amazing cuisine to diners willing to try something new and different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I learned about Omakase Buffalo towards the end of 2012 and quickly applied to be on the waiting list. About a week ago, I received an invitation to attend an event entitled, "Acadiana" after the French Louisiana region. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The premise for the group is based on trust. Very little information is given about the events in order to keep anonymity. Guests are not allowed to share information about who the chefs were, who they dined with or where they dined before or after the events. The only thing you can share, are photos of what you ate/drank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Omakase Buffalo certainly isn't for everyone. A big part of why they do what they do, is to get people to expand their palate and think outside the box when it comes to food. You are asked to try everything, enjoy the company of people you probably have never met, and retain the level of anonymity. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2xghDqpbffP_BTVcZtXsatyy4TAXC0XmuwbeQoNrqAVkVxCy319xPz-d495gNu6Xj-GiqUCdVJCTgXb4zgQdBs9OToBOSb4O1-X8ZkTlFN7I-_ttSYozmZpYllSn-gdEOcLXfkd9v6E/s1600/IMG_20130615_154042_812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2xghDqpbffP_BTVcZtXsatyy4TAXC0XmuwbeQoNrqAVkVxCy319xPz-d495gNu6Xj-GiqUCdVJCTgXb4zgQdBs9OToBOSb4O1-X8ZkTlFN7I-_ttSYozmZpYllSn-gdEOcLXfkd9v6E/s320/IMG_20130615_154042_812.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to dig in!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me, the event proved to be an incredible day. Our meal included a Southern Louisiana tradition, the crawfish boil, which was something I'd never experienced before. In addition, we sampled the New Orleans hurricane and sweet tea drinks, an amazing jambalaya with outstanding andouille sausage, slow cooked jumbo shrimp, a delicious sweet potato pecan pie, and even a little moonshine! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can get the answers to some "<a href="http://omakasebuffalo.com/162-2/" target="_blank">frequently asked questions</a>" on their website, and if you are interested in being added to the waiting list, can apply <a href="http://omakasebuffalo.com/mailing-list/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I can think of one word to describe Buffalo right now, it's creative. I'm continually amazed at the amount of creative minds in Western New York working together with one goal: to help reinvent Buffalo. Omakase Buffalo is another prime example of this creativity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Start eating outside the box, Buffalo. You will be amazed by what you find!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumbo shrimp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jambalaya with chicken and andouille sausage</td></tr>
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-57028873062516996832013-06-06T06:37:00.000-04:002013-06-06T08:44:58.218-04:00REVIEW: 710 Main Theatre: 50 Shades! The Musical<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night I had the chance to combine two of my favorite things; live theatre and social media! I was one of a handful of people selected to live tweet during 50 Shades! The Musical at 710 Main Theatre (you can check my live feed out from last night by following me on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lovinonbuffalo" target="_blank">@lovinonbuffalo</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Typically, being on your phone during a musical is a big no no, but in recent years theatres have been embracing Twitter and social media to engage their audience before, during and after the show! It's actually quite genius, if you ask me. Who doesn't appreciate a personal mention or retweet from the cast/Twitter handle for the show? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm thrilled that organizations like Shea's are beginning to explore these options and thinking more "outside the box" when it comes to promotion and reach! If your company isn't invested in social media on some level, you really need to consider it. Fast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The theatre itself holds 625 seats and offers an intimate setting with really no bad seat. The stage is small and front row is up close and personal with the actors. The lobby area has a small bar. The theatre was formerly Studio Arena, but they have been closed since 2008 due to financial problems. 710 Main Theatre opened its doors in fall 2012 and has hosted a number of great shows in its first year. They just announced the lineup for the 2013-2014 season. Check it out <a href="http://www.sheas.org/710Main/710main_2013_14.asp" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">50 Shades! The Musical is a parody musical based on the book 50 Shades of Grey by E L James. The musical opens with a book club meeting where they decide to read the book. What follows is the book club's journey through the book and all the hilarious and dirty fun that ensues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the moment the show started, to the very last note, I was laughing, sometimes to the point of tears. While I was a little worried I'd be lost since I never read the books, I never felt that way during the show. The show offers around 10 original musical numbers, some that parody other musicals, and contain amazing one liners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost as good as the performance was watching the reaction of the audience throughout the show. It was clear I wasn't the only one enjoying it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The cast even tailored the performance to the Western New York audience, mentioning Buffalo, Mighty Taco, Medina and more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All eight cast members had moments of brilliance, but standouts for me were Jose, played by Nick Semar and Carol played by Jessica Kemock. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The show is perfect for a girls night out, and by the second song I was wishing my entire group of girlfriends were with me to laugh along. It's a must see for the women of Buffalo, and men will get a kick out of it too. It does offer a very "risque" dialogue that is not suitable for those under 18, but doesn't take anything too far! It's the perfect balance of flirty and naughty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Performances run through the weekend and tickets are a reasonable $37.50/$47.50. There are even some discount coupon codes out there if you look hard enough! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night was another reminder for me that we are so lucky to have amazing theatre options in Buffalo. There is so much diversity - small intimate theatres, college campus productions, Shea's mainstage with internationally known productions and everything in between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">710 Main Theatre should be added to your Buffalo bucket list over the next year. I know I'll be back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-87574465849993451542013-05-30T16:00:00.000-04:002013-05-30T16:00:00.429-04:00The Senase Project<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back in 2011, after a group of students from Semester At Sea had the chance to visit Senase in Ghana, Africa, they came back to Buffalo with a mission. While they visited a small village named Akatim, they found out there were hundreds of kids there with no access to education. Though they spent a short time with the community in Akatim, they were changed by what they saw, and shortly after began <a href="http://www.thesenaseproject.org/" target="_blank">The Senase Project</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since the trip in 2011, volunteers from The Senase Project have made additional trips to Africa to meet with local leaders and educators and find out what they could do to help. The result, a plan to build a new school and provide the resources educators need to help the children of the village. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The enthusiasm and clear passion for the mission gained them a big name supporter, Desmond Tutu, who has worked with the Senase Project to obtain grants and other funding to begin the work. The Buffalo community has also been extremely supportive of the organization as well as family and friends of the founder/Board members. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Currently, three functioning classrooms are up and running at the current school location while work finishes up on the new school. When completed, the new school will help facilitate educational programming for over 120 students from Kindergarten to 11th grade. They hope to have work on the new school completed by the end of September 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Senase Project volunteers don’t have plans of stopping once the school is finished. They have already outlined their second project, a new medical clinic. The medical clinic will be a much larger undertaking with a considerably bigger budget than the school. They already have a plot of land where the clinic will go, but are taking the planning stages slowly so they make sure they get it right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The clinic will be a major improvement for the village. The current medical clinic serves about 10,000 residents and is a considerable distance away from the village center, making it difficult to get to, especially for those very ill. Medical resources are very limited and while they currently do the best with what they have, there is great need for improvement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Our mission is to empower a community and provide them with the resources to help improve the quality of life.” Sophie Herrman, Marketing Director for The Senase Project told me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What impresses me most about this small, grassroots organization, is that the majority of the founders and Board members are still in school. They are an extremely passionate and young team with a lot of ideas and a great set of goals and plans to improve life in Senase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Our immediate goal is to improve the quality of life in Senase and provide them with the resources they need, but we hope in 5-10 years that we can say we have helped additional villages in Africa." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The organization relies on private donations and they are currently running a "UFunded" campaign to raise money for the school in Akatim. Check out their fundraising page, <a href="http://www.ufunded.com/campaigns/akatim-village-school" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and if you can, support the drive! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can stay in the loop on the progress for the school and other upcoming projects and fundraisers by checking out The Senase Project on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesenaseproject?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/senaseproject" target="_blank">Twitter</a> too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Education has been a hot topic in Buffalo and throughout New York State for the past few years with budget cuts, state testing and limited government funding. While these challenges are incredibly hard to work with here, there are millions of children who don't know what the inside of a classroom is like and have never been to "school". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm looking forward to seeing where The Senase Project goes next and am so proud of the students who have been working to "Pay It Forward" and make a difference in the lives of others! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-84113945186109238082013-05-27T13:00:00.000-04:002013-06-16T07:18:27.627-04:00Krystal's Buffalo Summer To Do List - 2013<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Summer comes and goes entirely too fast in Buffalo. There are hundreds of events to choose from to fill up my schedule, but there just never seems to be enough time to do everything I want. Come September, I find myself saying, "I wish I did that!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To help focus my summer plans, I've created my own "MUST DO" Buffalo Summer 2013 To-Do List. Some are obvious staples I do every summer, and some are random personal summer goals. I plan on updating this blog post throughout the summer as I check things off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Feel free to join in, or, even better - create your own Buffalo To Do List and send it my way!!! I'll pick out some of my favorites and post them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Krystal's Buffalo Summer 2013 To Do List:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1.) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get to every Buffalo food truck at some point this summer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2.) </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Throw a wine party featuring all "local" wines and food!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3.) Take at least 5 tours offered by Buffalo Tours</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4.) Try all the fitness classes offered at Canalside this summer (Zumba starts June 4th)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5.) Take a hard hat tour of The Central Terminal! - Sunday, June 9th</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6.) Tour at The Darwin Martin House</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7.) Take a Lockport Locks cruise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8.) Enjoy a bottle of local wine outside around our patio/fire pit (we are putting one in soon!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>9.) Buy a new piece of artwork at the Allentown Art Festival - Sunday, June 9th</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10.) Tour at Graycliff Estate in Derby, NY</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11.) Take a tour at Forest Lawn Cemetary</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12.) Cross the Ride For Roswell finish line after biking 30 miles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">13.) Tour the Teddy Roosevelet Site</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">14.) Cheer on the Bisons at Coca Cola Field and get cotton candy with Jacob</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">15.) Take a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16.) Take a hot air balloon ride over Letchworth State Park (thanks Dad for the best Christmas gift ever!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">17.) Take Jacob on a nature hike around Tifft Nature Preserve</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">18.) Sample something I've never tried before at The Taste of Buffalo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">19.) Water bikes at Canalside</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">20.) Strawberry picking - and hopefully the crop is better than last year</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">21.) Cherry picking (we didn't get to go last year because the crop was so poor)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>22.) Visit the Niagara wineries - Saturday, June 1st</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">23.) Visit the Burchfield Penney Arts Center (preferably on a rainy summer day)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">24.) Spend an afternoon at the Griffis Sculpture Park (West Valley, NY - close enough!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">25.) Lead a great tour for Buffalo Bites Food Tours</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">26.) Beach day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">27.) Rock climbing at Silo City Rocks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>28.) Visit the new location for Lake Effect Ice cream and sample something new - Thursday, June 6th</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">29.) Get to Artpark and Canalside for a few concerts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">30.) Throw a party at Shakespeare in the Park - you are all invited (bring a dish to pass)</span><br />
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-40156833753502399822013-05-02T06:04:00.000-04:002013-05-02T09:16:25.357-04:00New Directions Youth & Family Services<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Respect. Responsibility. Safety. Goals. Those are the "norms" at <a href="http://fosteringgood.org/" target="_blank">New Directions Youth and Family Services</a>. Their mission, according to their website, is to "foster resilient, self-reliant families and permanence for at-risk children in the shortest time possible, by promoting safe, respectful, responsible and goal-directed behavior".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The agency dates back to the late 1800's when they first opened a group home for children in need. What started as one small house nestled in the woods in Randolph, NY has grown into an additional five homes that all have a slightly different focus to treating at-risk children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take for instance The Randolph House. It focuses on getting its residents outside and participating in a variety of recreational activities including hiking, kayaking, skiing, and horseback riding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Zafron Home houses teen parents, provides a safe and encouraging haven for new moms to continue their education and receive the support they need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An a</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dditional four houses throughout Western New York in Lockport, Falconer and Westons Mills all take a slightly different approach to treatment and house a variety of at-risk children. Two of the homes also house state-approved schools for students with special needs.</span><br />
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I<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n addition to the residential locations, New Directions also offers foster care and adoption services throughout Western New York. Couples interested are screened, go through a training program and receive ongoing training on how to best serve the children they foster, and in some cases, adopt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preventative services are the "newest" addition to the 23 different services they provide for Western New York. Family support, crisis intervention, Intensive Case Management and more all take a very family centered approach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The old model of treatment was that if a child wasn't making it at home, they went to an institution. The relationship with the family was never the same. Nowadays, we put a large value on the influence of family. Families are forever, and the more you can do to make the family stronger, and include the family in aspects of treatment, the stronger the family will be in the end." Brad Sande, Development Director for the organization told me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When speaking with Brad, he truly emphasized their family approach and how they are all about strengthening the family, because it will be in turn strengthen the child. I couldn't agree more. Many times, families can feel helpless, or don't have the resources to make things better on their own. That is exactly what New Directions is here for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Staff are experts in their field and programs are </span><a href="http://fosteringgood.org/our-organization#accreditations-and-affiliations" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">accredited</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> by The Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services and additional agencies. The organization partners with over a dozen additional groups and is a member of many top agencies. They are the leader in services for at-risk children in Western New York. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Services reach over 1,000 families every year with close to 250 families placed in their residential homes. Preventive services reach the most families, providing an incredible resource for families in need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While most of the funding for programming comes from county contracts and funding, the reimbursement rate doesn't support the many special services (including recreational activities) that they believe are very important to the well being of the children they serve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In order to raise the funds to support recreation programs, the organization is hosting its 4th Annual "Wines of Distinction" event tomorrow (Friday, May 3rd) at the Lockport Town & County Club located at 717 East Avenue in Lockport, NY. The event starts at 7:00pm and will feature wine samples from around the world, including The Niagara Wine Trail. Tickets to the event are $35 each, or $60 for two and can be purchased at the door tomorrow night. In addition to wine samples, appetizers, cheeses, desserts and coffee/teas will be served. For beer lovers, micro brew beer samples will also be available. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prize raffles and basket raffles will be available to event goers, with the chance to win an IPad, flat screen television, luxury box at a Buffalo Bisons game, sports memorabilia, golf outings and more! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a fun opportunity to learn more about New Directions and enjoy a night out! I'll be attending with my Mom, and hope you will join us and the rest of the guests in attendance to help raise money for this important organization in Western New York. </span><br />
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-7602485111419515632013-05-01T06:35:00.000-04:002013-05-15T09:47:34.614-04:00Restaurant Week Recap #4: Cecelia's Ristorante in Buffalo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To wrap up my Restaurant Week adventures, I planned a girls night with some of my best friends from high school. I'm fortunate that so many of my close girlfriends growing up still live around me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We chose <a href="http://www.ceceliasristorante.com/ordereze/default.aspx" target="_blank">Cecelia's Ristorante</a>, located on Elmwood Avenue. As with most places on Elmwood, they don't have a parking lot, but I was able to score a great spot just outside the restaurant on the street. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Italian restaurant is a trendy spot in Buffalo with a great outdoor patio. The inside boasts a large bar, and plenty of seating, but can get crowded quickly - especially during happy hour. The atmosphere is laid back, fun and flirty. It is a great spot to bring a date in Buffalo. Come summertime, the patio is hopping and it's a wonderful place to people watch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Restaurant Week special included an appetizer, entree and cannoli for dessert. But before I get to the food, let's talk about the martinis. They boast a long martini list to choose from. I opted for the Bellini and it was tasty and not overpowering. Other good choices are the Lemon Drop, Pomegranate and Berry Snapple. If you are looking for a great deal, they offer 1/2 priced martinis Tuesday - Friday from 4:00 - 6:00pm (only available at the bar). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-rH0VY3oadrOPAKQ5xnQUllBRIi7kVLdeT9ZZ3Tu2auvrI569QXgkrfxfpJCRLaHNW8KJXg8PjlU-kKd4waLYTBIQWfvS86nUVW0haleeN8J39McswBBIifaKh2AEM1PEriLMQRmxJI/s1600/pizza.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-rH0VY3oadrOPAKQ5xnQUllBRIi7kVLdeT9ZZ3Tu2auvrI569QXgkrfxfpJCRLaHNW8KJXg8PjlU-kKd4waLYTBIQWfvS86nUVW0haleeN8J39McswBBIifaKh2AEM1PEriLMQRmxJI/s320/pizza.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For my appetizer, I chose the margherita pizza, which was honestly a meal in itself (see picture on the right). It was tasty, and while I couldn't finish it all, it was great for sharing with the table. They offer it under their regular pizza menu, and while I wouldn't necessarily go to this restaurant for pizza (try Siena, Rocco's or 800 Maple), it was a good starter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of my friends chose the Caprese salad (also on their regular menu) and it was a gorgeous presentation, generous portion and delicious. To be honest, all of our appetizers were great. Others at my table chose the stuffed banana peppers (which were on the spicy side but had good flavor) and a Caesar salad (tasty). Our meal was certainly off to a good start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before I get to our entrees, I want to point out how much I enjoyed the fact that the Restaurant Week specials were actual normal menu items for the restaurant. Many times, Restaurant Week specials include dishes you can't normally get at the restaurant, and while it is usually something delicious, I'd rather have a regular menu item so I know if I should come back or not. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ_ArwvSBZ5I0baJ0Fn62_vA1FfTY8pGaEAc2goYHWEEwQxhiCcyFfQDDqu_uDupRQ2yrSysXQGIQw4T7U0NKUfoDd9qboW2f5dc4jVH8qy81JM-acavq3R6MAymqiToGPGOADTR80QU/s1600/cecelias1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZ_ArwvSBZ5I0baJ0Fn62_vA1FfTY8pGaEAc2goYHWEEwQxhiCcyFfQDDqu_uDupRQ2yrSysXQGIQw4T7U0NKUfoDd9qboW2f5dc4jVH8qy81JM-acavq3R6MAymqiToGPGOADTR80QU/s320/cecelias1.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For my entree I, and a few others at my table. chose the Chicken Brushetta (cutlet floured & sauteed with grape tomatoes, basil, goat cheese in a lemon white wine sauce served over whipped potatoes). The dish had me at "goat cheese" but honestly everything about it was delicious. The chicken was breaded perfectly and cooked well and the lemon white wine sauce complemented everything on the plate. The whipped potatoes has so much flavor and all together it was a perfect dish. I would go back for this dish alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everything else my friends had (penne broccoli, chicken parm) looked great too and everyone enjoyed their meals. The portion sizes were good, there were not really any leftovers, but you definitely felt full and satisfied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Girls nights out are so important and Restaurant Week gives you a great opportunity to get together with friends, family and co-workers (although who really needs a "reason"?). I'm already counting down to the Fall Restaurant Week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks for the memories, Restaurant Week!</span></div>
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<i>Caprese Salad (so pretty)</i></div>
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<br />Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-91977541266476101892013-04-30T16:00:00.000-04:002013-05-01T08:46:32.052-04:0030 Wishes For Buffalo<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I turned the big 30 this April!!! All month I've been blowing out candles on cakes and making wishes. I started writing this list of my "Buffalo wishes" on my birthday, when I woke up early and couldn't fall back asleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can’t tell you what I wished for when I blew out my birthday candles (because then it won’t come true), but here are thirty wishes I have for this great city. I get some are far fetched, I know many may take another 30 years to happen, but some are already in the works and I can’t wait to see those wishes come true! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some of the wishes I have absolutely no control over, but in other cases I can do something, and I will. I hope you will too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, in no particular order, here is the list...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Krystal's Wishes For Buffalo, NY</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. The obvious – The Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl (I’ll actually take a playoff home game, preferably in the next few years).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. The other obvious – The Buffalo Sabres win a Stanley Cup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. They tear down the skyway and create a version of NYC’s High Line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. The Trico building is reused and filled with new business in Buffalo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. The Richardson Center Corporation finds additional tenants to fill all the remaining ward buildings!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. The Buffalo Bills Stadium moves downtown. Make. It. Happen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. All the grain elevators are reused and filled with great new Buffalo ventures (it starts with Silo City Rocks…who will be next?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. More breweries in Buffalo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. More bike lanes on the streets of Buffalo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. New business booms on Main Street.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11.Kenmore/Tonawanda change the no parking on the street rule. I grew up there and it always seemed like too long of a time period to me. I don't live there anymore, so it wouldn't apply to me, but still want to see it changed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12. Continued development at Canalside and seeing the old site of the Memorial Auditorium filled with new business. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">13. Buffalo’s Roswell Park finds THE cure for all cancers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">14. The full dream of restoration at The Central Terminal is completed and we have a high speed rail in the area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">15. I’m all about shopping local, but if there is one chain store I love, it’s Ikea. I want an Ikea in Buffalo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16. The unemployment rate reaches an all-time low.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">17. The population of Buffalo trends upward instead of down (but, you know, not so much to where my 20 minute drive to anywhere is compromised…haha, okay, I’ll accept a longer commute if it means more bodies in Buffalo). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">18. A TV show, based in Buffalo, NY airs and is a huge hit shining a lot of positive light on The Queen City!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">19. A handful of big name celebrities buy condos/apartments/houses in Buffalo because it becomes "the city" to live in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">20. New leadership in Buffalo creates positive change for a city ready for greatness again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">21. The Buffalo Police Department receives additional support which in turn reduces the homicide rate in Buffalo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">22. The Buffalo Public Schools find a way to enact big changes to make it a desirable school district for families.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">23. The issue of segregation in Buffalo is properly addressed and not kept a secret anymore. I’ve seen a lot of talk about this in recent months, now we need to start changing the dynamic here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">24. I have touched on this already, but more college graduates choose to stay in Buffalo because the jobs they want are here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">25. A personal wish for me is that someday I can move into downtown Buffalo. It is a dream I’ve had for many years, but hasn’t worked out for one reason or another – not that I am complaining, the path I’m on right now is right where I want to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">26. More school districts in WNY add or add more Buffalo history into their social studies classes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">27. The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus & UB School of Medicine work is completed bringing thousands more to downtown Buffalo on a regular basis.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">28. Whatever needs to happen with the Peace Bridge Project happens (this is one project I haven't followed closely, but have been hearing about for years). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">29. Buffalo winters remain mild finally changing the national attitude that all it does in Buffalo is snow. A lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">30. For all of NYS - Government takes a hard look at air pollution and enacts stricter regulations for businesses. I'd like to see Erie County get an A in the American Lung Association's "<a href="http://www.stateoftheair.org/2013/states/new-york/erie-36029.html" target="_blank">State of the Air</a>" report. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are your wishes for Buffalo?</span><br />
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-20464700381243336962013-04-28T08:02:00.000-04:002013-04-30T08:17:25.865-04:00Restaurant Week Recap #3: Butterwood Sweet & Savory in Buffalo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNInDB2eRBrTr2wloq99nhy3QPyzXiT9mZm6gSCclUypjzE0etnQkxNJdAu7A0oKz2KmDNcuETZVd7I5GHO3wMi5-Mv1y5TOgNuSLasBziIZwJAfSAh61_GMckzf8LmVsZti2z6WIyLbw/s1600/butterwood5.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNInDB2eRBrTr2wloq99nhy3QPyzXiT9mZm6gSCclUypjzE0etnQkxNJdAu7A0oKz2KmDNcuETZVd7I5GHO3wMi5-Mv1y5TOgNuSLasBziIZwJAfSAh61_GMckzf8LmVsZti2z6WIyLbw/s320/butterwood5.jpg.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cheers to good food, Buffalo and new friends. In January, I started up the Lovin' On Buffalo book club. On Friday night, we hosted our second meeting to discuss <a href="http://buffaloheritage.com/buffalomemories2.html" target="_blank">"Buffalo Memories, Gone But Not Forgotten"</a> at <a href="http://www.butterwoodsweetandsavory.com/" target="_blank">Butterwood Sweet & Savory</a>. The restaurant is located inside the recently restored Hotel Lafayette. It is located on the lower level in what I'm told used to be the "speakeasy" of the hotel. To put it simply, the restaurant is gorgeous. It boasts gorgeous architectural elements, has plush seating for diners and has a gorgeous bar and display area for baked goods they sell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The restaurant is considered a "full service fusion restaurant that focuses on modern cuisine." They offer fun appetizer selections, small plates that feature foods from around the world, inventive entrees, handmade pizzas, and more! The Restaurant Week special included either soup or salad, an entree and a chocolate lava cake for $20.13. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started with their "Sweey & Savory" mini salad which was incredible. A bed of lettuce came wrapped inside cucumber with candied beets, avocado, a tomato relish and a citrus vinaigrette. It was topped with truffle frites. and served with a small puff pastry. The flavors were incredible. It was a gorgeous presentation and left me wanting more. Others in my party ordered the Caesar salad and the soup of the evening which was a surf & turf soup and everyone was very impressed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My entree (pictured right) was a braised short rib that sat in a french onion broth and was topped with a crouton and cheese. It came served with a side of vegetables. The short rib was executed perfectly and was breaking apart and filled with incredible flavor as I ate it. <br /><br />As someone who gets French Onion soup almost everywhere I go, I was extremely pleased with this version. The broth was flavorful and the cheese and crouton topped it off perfectly. The presentation was nice and I quickly had nothing left on my plate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Other entrees at our table included duck, strip steak and salmon. Everything came out looking beautiful and there were numerous ooh's and ahh's as people ate. The group, most of who had never been to the restaurant before (myself included), were just in awe of such a wonderful evening of food and friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To finish up our meal, we were given a chocolate lava cake. It would not have been my first choice, since I'm not a big fan of chocolate, but it was the only option for Restaurant Week. If you are a chocolate lover, it was a perfect dish. It was extremely rich and gooey. It was a little too chocolaty for me, but I enjoyed the little I did eat. It sat over a fruit puree and some fruit and that was absolutely delicious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Within the restaurant, they have the Butterwood Retail Bakery outlet that has delectable pastries, pies and new artisan breads. Everything in the case looked great. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Hotel Lafayette has knocked it out of the park with their restaurant choices. Between the Pan Am Grill & Brewery, Butterwood Sweet & Savory and the upscale Mike A's, there is really something for every budget and palate. As for Butterwood Sweet & Savory, the food presentation and taste makes it very "upscale", but it is not priced as high as many upscale restaurants. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I left there knowing for certain I'd be back with my boyfriend, and am excited to hear they are offering great nightly specials including Bring Your Own Wine (no corkage fees) on Mondays & 1/2 priced bottles of wine on Wednesdays. They are open daily at 11:00am and open at 10:00am on the weekends. They also offer a weekend brunch that I've heard great things about. If you are looking for somewhere to take Mom for Mother's Day, this would be my recommendation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The vision and dedication Rocco Termini had for The Hotel Lafayette, and his hard work on new ventures he is undertaking in the City are helping to reshape Buffalo as an incredible destination and place to live. After our meal we had the chance to tour around The Hotel Lafayette, and hearing stories of how rundown this place was years ago, I'm just so thrilled to see the turnaround and look forward to seeing what's next for Buffalo!</span><br />
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Casear salad (left) and Sweet & Savory mini salad (right)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApH9wLsLFjszXDSt30e9juUpid3yjKYAcJh8sLsWxnCumAm_atVQl9eZf5OSkCgzuYsXIkHkHCPK4NBzGtVOeO56wRrrdq91S_pueEzuF2YPsN3shSTkprxXlirWkEaKk4sjJZwDOZXY/s1600/butterwood3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApH9wLsLFjszXDSt30e9juUpid3yjKYAcJh8sLsWxnCumAm_atVQl9eZf5OSkCgzuYsXIkHkHCPK4NBzGtVOeO56wRrrdq91S_pueEzuF2YPsN3shSTkprxXlirWkEaKk4sjJZwDOZXY/s320/butterwood3.jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
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Chocolate lava cake</div>
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For more reviews on Butterwood Sweet & Savory check out: <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/42/1706011/restaurant/Central/Butterwood-Sweet-Savory-Buffalo"><img alt="Butterwood Sweet & Savory on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1706011/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-5940181877954447032013-04-26T16:15:00.000-04:002013-04-27T06:43:21.020-04:00Restaurant Week Recap #2: Coco in Buffalo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5xHggbEbwj9Ao6yho58fOlRw1z1EbWTHJpcRAF4uCKV8axoEZNCHHYsOQ95kHDHcKO13uNLOmeqR6ToyrcUWCSnopktvJiv13UjOUYDJkdg1-YeI0WItjtqFUj3AiCHt1lUC-e0XXHM/s1600/coco1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5xHggbEbwj9Ao6yho58fOlRw1z1EbWTHJpcRAF4uCKV8axoEZNCHHYsOQ95kHDHcKO13uNLOmeqR6ToyrcUWCSnopktvJiv13UjOUYDJkdg1-YeI0WItjtqFUj3AiCHt1lUC-e0XXHM/s320/coco1.jpg.jpg" width="204" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you haven't been down on Main Street near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus recently, there is a lot of work going on to create a new transit station along with new buildings that will house the University at Buffalo's School of Medicine. The plans look gorgeous, and they will bring a couple thousand students and staff into downtown Buffalo on a daily basis once they are completed.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br />Nestled on Main Street across from the Medical Campus is a cute little French bistro, Coco. Coco opened back in May 2012 under the ownership that ran Le Metro (now closed) in the Tony Walker Plaza in Williamsville. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /><br />If you are driving down Main Street, you may miss it unless you are looking closely. The restaurant doesn't have a large sign. Coco has a blue painted exterior with black awning and lights hanging from it. Once inside, though the space is small, it is very inviting and comfortable. The atmosphere is casual and the wait staff was friendly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />We arrived about 20 minutes before our reservation, so we grabbed a seat at the bar and enjoyed a bottle of wine (the Zum Riesling - only Riesling on their menu, and it was delicious). The bar area is trendy and they offer a fun cocktail menu as well as a wine list and good beer on tap (including Flying Bison Rusty Chain).<br /><br />Once the rest of our group arrived, we sat down for our 6:00pm reservation. Sometimes, with big groups, and especially during Restaurant Week, you can feel crowded in your seat. I really appreciated the open feel to this restaurant. The arrangement of tables is well laid out and the dining area is gorgeous. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjd1f53bk6dtwo2X_k2tA0oYXy7vg9tNo3uymy8EwwOJyJ_jEJ51MQOtI4iYMGQHWqZCcTSPizGXJkw9Nmo6iO-GnSg6y4wV5GpVrYNDQCC-Ziq1w-H0euEBPsoiOZXR3o8uKPmB5QbM/s1600/coco3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjd1f53bk6dtwo2X_k2tA0oYXy7vg9tNo3uymy8EwwOJyJ_jEJ51MQOtI4iYMGQHWqZCcTSPizGXJkw9Nmo6iO-GnSg6y4wV5GpVrYNDQCC-Ziq1w-H0euEBPsoiOZXR3o8uKPmB5QbM/s320/coco3.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The menu for Restaurant Week included a starter, entree and dessert. Between the six of us in my party, we tried each of the starters and they were all delicious. I chose the pea & carrot aranchini with arborio rice and mozzarella (pictured, left). I've tried aranchini at a few restaurants before, but this one was seasoned and cooked perfectly. The crispy exterior gave way to a flavorful mix of cheese, rice and vegetable. It sat on a bed of lettuce that was the perfect compliment to it. My boyfriend ordered the roasted red pepper bisque, and while it did have a bold spice to it, it was tasty too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the entree course I went back and forth all day on what to order, everything looked great. I ended up going with the "Bagels & Lox" dish (pictured below) which was an incredibly creative and inventive dish. Playing off the traditional bagel and lox, the entree was a piece of pan seared salmon in an "everything bagel vinaigrette", with a cream cheese and chive risotto. It was topped with a beet marscarpone and had a chopped egg garnish. All I can say is, WOW! The entire dish came together beautifully, and getting a little piece of everything made the flavors burst. My salmon was cooked perfectly, and the risotto was outstanding. As I finished up my last bite (debating on whether or not to lick the plate clean), my boyfriend commented, "You clearly didn't like your dinner."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY5wCgk-vNzJ6NWfA4CkUXxes4Gbgjxx7MPWAgiaNL7XmMcyn6iiSWBs5cHnPSbvRWjQN2xXyTH6MqX3OEhlF9C5fOw9wTBt60nnepgchGPX1h8Ugh80T00_UFDqHRiiBKeugh-J8zSM/s1600/coco4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY5wCgk-vNzJ6NWfA4CkUXxes4Gbgjxx7MPWAgiaNL7XmMcyn6iiSWBs5cHnPSbvRWjQN2xXyTH6MqX3OEhlF9C5fOw9wTBt60nnepgchGPX1h8Ugh80T00_UFDqHRiiBKeugh-J8zSM/s320/coco4.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My boyfriend and one other guest in our party ordered the Moroccan chicken on the menu that came paired with a couscous with dried fruit and nuts. They both enjoyed it a lot, but said it needed a little more seasoning. <br /><br />The other two Restaurant Week entree dishes were also ordered at our table: Porcini & Marscarpone Pierogi and the Steak Frites. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and there was very little left on plates. I had a chance to try some of the rosemary frites and they were amazing. Among some of my favorite french fries! One of the guests in our party commented that this Restaurant Week adventure was up there as her favorite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our meals closed out with our choice of either a chocolate brownie with ice cream, a rhubarb shortcake (what I chose), or a unique avocado mousse. All the desserts were great!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We looked at the regular menu at Coco and it includes pizzas, entrees, and a handful of different types of mussels. While we were at the bar, another patron ordered mussels and they looked and smelled incredible. We all agreed we needed to come back for another meal and get them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With Restaurant Week wrapping up in a few days, I'd say that Coco should be a "must squeeze in" if you can fit it into your schedule this weekend. Call for reservations ahead of time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love Restaurant Week in Buffalo for so many reasons, but the number one reason is because it opens my eyes to restaurants I hadn't heard about before. I didn't know Coco existed prior to looking at the participating restaurants, and I'm glad that the group I was going out with was looking to try something new. There are so many "hidden gems" throughout Buffalo and Western New York, and Restaurant Week gives local restaurants the chance to shine. Coco certainly did for us! </span><br />
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Moroccan Chicken</div>
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Rhubarb Shortcake...a sweet ending to a perfect meal!</div>
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For more reviews on Coco check out Urbanspoon: <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/42/1679176/restaurant/Central/CoCo-Buffalo"><img alt="CoCo on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1679176/minilogo.gif" style="border:none;padding:0px;width:104px;height:15px" /></a>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-28017051965263544992013-04-23T06:15:00.000-04:002013-04-27T06:45:39.457-04:00Restaurant Week Recap #1: Mangia Ristorante & Caffe in Orchard Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_S1-IW_sCFdGOWCdlrQUUcYFsdHmbhtXRtjk6yn-1oYbzzbByQ1EH1Z7L1WQi6f969ExLBtW7nq9CTFUl3BE4jvIJ4XsT3Ned7FL2A-iUt1kremip2q8EFWssVk1MNnNeV5Oz5emBGA/s1600/IMG_20130422_200657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_S1-IW_sCFdGOWCdlrQUUcYFsdHmbhtXRtjk6yn-1oYbzzbByQ1EH1Z7L1WQi6f969ExLBtW7nq9CTFUl3BE4jvIJ4XsT3Ned7FL2A-iUt1kremip2q8EFWssVk1MNnNeV5Oz5emBGA/s200/IMG_20130422_200657.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Welcome to </span><a href="http://www.localrestaurantweek.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Local Restaurant Week</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">! One of two weeks out of the year totally dedicated to the great food this area has to offer. Restaurants offer dinner specials for $20.13. It's an excuse for me to go out to eat at least half the week because, "I need to blog about it". This week is no exception. I've set up reservations at a total of four local establishments starting with </span><a href="http://www.mangiaristorante.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Mangia Ristorante & Caffe</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in Orchard Park. I'd previously been to Mangia for a fundraising event, but hadn't eaten off the dinner menu. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We made the drive out to Orchard Park on a gorgeous spring night in Buffalo. The sun was shining and I didn't need a jacket. When we arrived at the restaurant, it was busy, and we took the last parking spot in the additional lot they have for guests. We were a few minutes early for our reservation, but were promptly seated at a table near the window in the back room. A few other tables were already enjoying their meals, and we were shocked by the enormous portion sizes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our waitress shared the specials for Restaurant Week with us, as well as some other specials for the evening and we took a few minutes to decide. I, however, had the menu up on my computer at work all day, meticulously looking it over and trying to decide when I had a free moment. Every entree special they offered was something I'd eat, but I finally settled for a pasta dish, mainly because they are an Italian restaurant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The special at Mangia included your choice of salad (mixed greens with a balsamic dressing or a Cesare with anchovies), one of five entrees and a cannoli for dessert. They also are offering $20.13 bottles of Mondavi wine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being a Polish girl, I'm not the proper critic of Italian food, but I brought along my Italian boyfriend and his Mom and Aunt, who grew up with traditional homemade Italian dishes from their Aunt Pat and other family members. The perfect place to start our meal then, was with some of Mangia's homemade meatballs in their red sauce. Our server brought a plate of meatballs out and I watched as their faces lit up as they sampled them. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"It's the closest I've ever had in a restaurant to what Aunt Pat used to make." My boyfriend's Mom, Debbi said. The recipes truly have the "homemade" taste to them, and you feel lucky to be a part of the family for the night!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />Along with the meatballs, we were brought out a basket of bread and pizza bread which was incredible. The olive oil to dip it in was outstanding too, with the perfect mix of seasoning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For our entrees, my boyfriend and I both chose the Penne Al Gorgonzola (pasta sauteed with chicken, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a gorgonzola cheese sauce). The pasta was cooked perfectly and the flavors all came together well. The cheese sauce was a little on the heavier side, not to say it wasn't delicious, and was very filling. The portion size was very generous and between my boyfriend and I, we took one plate home with us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The other entrees our table enjoyed were the Pollo Picatta (boneless chicken breast floured and sauteed in a lemon caper wine sauce served with roasted red potatoes and vegetables), Chicken Parmesan (not part of the Restaurant Week specials), and the lasagna. Everyone was extremely happy with their dishes and again the portion sizes were very generous. I sampled a little of the lasagna (which was the largest portion of lasagna I've ever seen) and loved the sausage inside. It had a little spice to it and really stood out in the dish. I'll be enjoying some of the leftovers tonight for dinner! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The meal finished up with a large cannoli for each of us. My boyfriend rarely will eat dessert, but will always have a cannoli. For him, it wasn't his favorite, as the cheese was seasoned with a little bit too much nutmeg. For me though, I enjoyed every bite! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our meal at Mangia kicked off what I expect to be another fantastic week of dining out in Western New York. Mangia is located at 4264 North Buffalo Road in Orchard Park. They are open Monday - Saturday and serve lunch starting at 11:00am. They are open until at least 10:00pm, 11:00pm on the weekends. They were definitely worth the trip for us (from the Northtowns)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also on tap for this week are Coco, Butterwood Sweet & Savory and Cecelia's. We will have post reviews the day after those meals as well! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have you made a reservation to check out one of 200 locally owned establishments throughout WNY? If you have the time to spare, put aside the money and make a point to get out this week and explore all the great food Buffalo and Western New York have to offer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pollo Picatta (left) and Chicken Parmesean</span></div>
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For more reviews on Mangia Ristorante & Caffe check out Urbanspoon: </div> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/42/461216/restaurant/Buffalo/Mangia-Restarante-Cafe-Orchard-Park"><img alt="Mangia Restarante & Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/461216/minilogo.gif" style="border:none;padding:0px;width:104px;height:15px" /></a>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-31492122558308117312013-04-18T16:45:00.000-04:002013-04-18T16:45:00.836-04:00Giving Back: Liz Callahan & B Team Buffalo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are so many amazing volunteers in Buffalo who are making a difference on a regular basis. I've decided to write a bi-weekly "column" entitled, "Giving Back" that will highlight different organizations in Western New York and the volunteers who keep them going. If you know someone who has made a difference in Buffalo, please contact me at <a href="mailto:ksondel@hotmail.com">ksondel@hotmail.com</a>. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I have a lot of passion for where the city of Buffalo is
going, and I want to be a part of the regrowth!” Liz Callahan told me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Her face
lights up when she talks about <a href="http://www.bteambuffalo.com/" target="_blank">B Team Buffalo</a>, an organization she joined four
years ago after taking up her Uncle on an invitation to attend an event. Since
that first event, Liz joined in the planning committee for their biggest annual
event, “City of Light” and joined the Board shortly after. In 2012, she was
voted in as Chairman of the Board. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">B Team Buffalo is a not-for-profit organization that was started
back in 2008 by a group of Buffalo residents. The group hosts a handful of events focused on supporting the communities throughout
Buffalo. In addition, they coordinate volunteers to assist at community events during the year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I learned about B Team Buffalo towards the end of 2012 and volunteered my time to help out with "City Of Light". The event brings volunteers into one neighborhood in Buffalo in early December to decorate houses for the holidays in the neighborhood and provide a carnival and meal for the community. I was impressed and thrilled to have found such a wonderful group of people. Since then, I've volunteered at additional events, and getting to know the members has been a blast. </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The energy B Team Buffalo brings to the area is contagious. Led by Liz and additional Board members, they are an ever growing, passionate group of young professionals in the area who are helping to shape Buffalo's future. </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've gotten to "know" Liz from the few events we have worked at together and by following her Twitter feed. She is committed to making a difference in Buffalo and is always spreading the word about other community events. Liz is also involved in the committee for TedX Buffalo. </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the next few months, B Team-ers will be serving dinner at The Ronald MacDonald House, assisting with clean ups at The Central Terminal, volunteering at Pop Up Parks, and planning for their summer carnival event. More events continue to be added each month! </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I fell in love with B Team because they are not limited to one event or one cause; they champion all of Buffalo and different events going on in the city." Liz said. "In addition to the volunteer aspect of the group, I've found it to be a great way to meet people and network."</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Members have the opportunity to pick and choose which events they are able to volunteer for and can be as active as their schedules allow. Members are involved in suggesting future projects and can join committees for different events. B Team will typically send out e-mails every few weeks with upcoming volunteer opportunities. Members just respond to the appropriate person and receive their assignment. Anyone with an interest in volunteering is encouraged to join!</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We are a group of young professionals who are interested in
making a difference in Buffalo. If you have an interest volunteering your time
and resources, then you should get involved.” You can reach out to Liz for more information
by e-mail at <a href="mailto:liz@bteambuffalo.com">liz@bteambuffalo.com</a>. You can also find B Team on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bteambuffalo?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/bteambuffalo" target="_blank">Twitter</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Liz is 3rd from the left at City of Light 2012. </span></div>
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-37345785463893354352013-04-09T06:43:00.000-04:002013-04-09T14:32:55.563-04:00COMING SOON: Silo City Rocks<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzDGk3UdBKgslz-OlEURo1bbrofT8uA90K4IcwIvjB1hmp49K4d93a42cTr2uuK6BWR7Dq0rvqAWasbB60gcbG4vNh9A7G63AQnPhMqlt9LIxHzxeBmSb1ZsN77-rR4dYksam2ctGPU0/s1600/SCR3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzDGk3UdBKgslz-OlEURo1bbrofT8uA90K4IcwIvjB1hmp49K4d93a42cTr2uuK6BWR7Dq0rvqAWasbB60gcbG4vNh9A7G63AQnPhMqlt9LIxHzxeBmSb1ZsN77-rR4dYksam2ctGPU0/s200/SCR3.jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went rock climbing once in my life. I was in high school, and my best friend Kristy and I took a few days to "vacation" around Buffalo. We didn't have a lot of money to spend, so we picked out a handful of activities we'd never done and checked them out. Why we chose rock climbing, I'm not sure, but we fumbled our way up the wall, had a good laugh and went on to the next adventure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fast forward almost fifteen years later: I'm standing inside a grain elevator in Buffalo looking up at the future home of <a href="http://www.silocityrocks.com/" target="_blank">Silo City Rocks</a>. I'm off the wall excited about this project, quickly opening my wallet to support the project. It isn't about the rock climbing to me. With one failed shoulder surgery, and the other one in need of surgery, I'm never going to be a climbing fanatic. Sure, I'll give it a try, but, it's not about the climbing. It's about progress. It's about a change of attitude. It's about taking a dream in Buffalo and making it a reality. In a grain elevator. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQM9yPFjK02FMAapHUiTdYCcmr5J5DSV7JKzgkXxT4Xz_GiJa2Awsf1MbVS0DUeygA_4NqzyW81ZHhWK4_kJK-ICuFLrLy7_BloiEvLpFQnjiv0bZ7tnn_glzlMNLPEd4b3_OkKoj2vc/s1600/SCR2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQM9yPFjK02FMAapHUiTdYCcmr5J5DSV7JKzgkXxT4Xz_GiJa2Awsf1MbVS0DUeygA_4NqzyW81ZHhWK4_kJK-ICuFLrLy7_BloiEvLpFQnjiv0bZ7tnn_glzlMNLPEd4b3_OkKoj2vc/s320/SCR2.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Walking around the grain elevator with one of the co-owners of Silo City Rocks, Jason Schwinger, I could feel the energy and passion he has for this project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what exactly is the project? Schwinger and two other co-owners have teamed up to create a unique experience for climbers in Western New York. An abandoned grain elevator in Silo City will be converted into a rock climbing facility filled with climbing walls for children and adults. Climbers will have the chance to climb and repel off the outside of the grain elevator as well. In addition to space for climbing, Silo City Rocks will be home to a yoga studio, a history lounge and more! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In March, the owners unveiled the project to the community and the response has been incredible. They launched an <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/grain-elevator-rock-climbing-center?c=home" target="_blank">Indiegogo page</a> asking the community to donate to the project and have raised over $15,000 to date. The donations will go to support the purchase of materials to get the project off the ground by Memorial Day weekend 2013. <br /><br />"Since we unveiled the project, I've gotten dozens of e-mails a week asking how people can get involved with the project. In addition to making donations, we are in need of a lot of people to help clean out the space and work on the remodel." Jason told me. If you are interested in getting involved, you can contact Jason by e-mail at<a href="mailto:jason@silocityrocks.com" target="_blank"> jason@silocityrocks.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The plans for the project are big. Jason knows the full dream won't be realized by the Memorial Day weekend opening, but they plan to continue to expand and add on. Climbing classes and workshops may be offered in the fall and more events and activities will continue to be added as they can. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Though Silo City Rocks will take up a lot of space, it will still leave a large portion of the grain elevator empty. "We hope that Silo City Rocks starts sparking other ideas from Buffalonians to continue to fill this incredible space. The possibilities are endless." Jason said. In addition to the grain elevator they will be operating out of, there are a handful more in close proximity! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the past few years, reuse/rehabilitation/restoration projects in Buffalo have been fascinating. With the recently renovated Statler, Hotel Lafayette, a beautiful Canalside, plans to reuse the historic Richardson Complex, and more, Buffalo is setting itself up for an incredible future. Now, add the historic grain elevators to the mix and Buffalo continues to become an even more attractive destination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As Memorial Day gets closer, I find myself getting even more excited about Silo City Rocks. I'm looking forward to getting my chance to explore the walls, bum shoulders and all, and see another space in Buffalo reused. If you enjoying climbing, it is a must do this summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If rock climbing isn't your thing, maybe kayaking is? Jason also owns<a href="http://bfloharborkayak.com/" target="_blank"> BFLO Harbor Kayak</a> (which we reviewed <a href="http://www.lovinonbuffalo.com/2011/06/bflo-harbor-kayak.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> back in 2011. Check out the website for current pricing and hours). It's another great outdoor option for summers in Buffalo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether or not climbing is your thing, you have to appreciate what they are trying to do. I'm so proud of the people of Buffalo who are thinking outside the box to create all the wonderful projects that are in the works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Summer 2013 is going to be an incredible time to be in Buffalo. Stay tuned for more details as they come out...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy climbing!</span><br />
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-11230499213090074502013-04-02T06:35:00.000-04:002013-06-06T14:26:48.126-04:00Buffalo Festival Dates 2013<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week, I started laying out plans for summer 2013 in Buffalo. I've already purchased tickets to a few summer concerts, my brother is getting married in July, and my boyfriend surprised me with talks of taking a family cruise this summer! With so much going on, I needed a game plan to lay out the rest of my summer so I don't miss all the great festivals and events going on in the City! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Summers in Buffalo fill up quickly. There are hundreds of events to choose from throughout the summer months, and while I can't do them all, there are a handful (or two) of summer staples I have to attend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is a running list of some of the big Buffalo summer festivals. I'll put out a summer concert post towards the end of this month once they are all released! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's to another wonderful summer in Buffalo!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>2013 Summer Festivals In Buffalo, NY</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://thebnff.com/about-festival/" target="_blank">Buffalo Niagara Film Festival</a>: April 10th - April 14th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.buffalopridefestival.com/" target="_blank">Buffalo Pride Festival</a>: May 28th - June 3rd</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buffalogreekfest.org/" target="_blank">Buffalo Greek Festival</a>: May 31st - June 2nd</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.polfunfest.com/" target="_blank">Polish Heritage Festival</a>: June 7th & June 8th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.allentownartfestival.com/" target="_blank">Allentown Art Festival</a>: June 8th & June 9th (11am - 6pm)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.juneteenthofbuffalo.com/" target="_blank">Juneteenth Festival</a>: June 15th & June 16th<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverAmherstStreetFestival" target="_blank">Discover Amherst Street Festival</a>: June 15th<br /><br /><a href="http://buffalobluesfest.com/home.cfm" target="_blank">Buffalo Blues & Brews Festival</a>: June 16th (12pm - 9pm)<br /><br /><a href="http://citybration.com/" target="_blank">Citybration</a>: June 21st - June 23rd</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://nationalgardenfestival.com/" target="_blank">National Garden Festival</a>: June 21st - August 4th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.festivalatthefalls.com/" target="_blank">Niagara Falls Music & Arts Festival </a>- June 28th - June 30th</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.tasteofdiversity.org/" target="_blank">Taste of Diversity Festival</a>: June 29th (11am - 7pm)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://edyoungs.com/ohd/index.html" target="_blank">Old Home Days (Williamsville)</a>: July 9th - July 12th</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.tasteofbuffalo.com/" target="_blank">Taste of Buffalo</a>: July 13th (11am - 9pm) & July 14th (11am - 7pm)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.canalfest.org/" target="_blank">Canal Festival</a>: July 14th - July 21st<br /><br /><a href="http://infringebuffalo.org/schedule.php" target="_blank">Buffalo Infringement Festival</a>: July 26th - August 4th</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Niagara County Fair: July 31st - August 4th</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buffaloitalianfestival.com/" target="_blank">Italian Festival</a>: August 1st - August 4th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.edencornfest.com/" target="_blank">Eden Corn Festival</a>: August 1st - August 4th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lucycomedyfest.com/" target="_blank">Lucille Ball Comedy Festival</a>: August 1st - August 4th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chalkfestbuffalo.com/" target="_blank">Chalk Fest Buffalo</a>: August 3rd & August 4th</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://tasteofwilliamsville.com/" target="_blank">Taste of Williamsville</a>: August 4th (12pm - 9pm)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.ecfair.org/" target="_blank">Erie County Fair</a>: August 7th - August 18th<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ellicottvilleny.com/taste-of-ellicottville/" target="_blank">Taste of Ellicotville</a>: August 10th & 11th<br /><br /><a href="http://eafa.techriver.net/" target="_blank">Elmwood Ave Festival of the Arts</a>: August 24th (10am - 6pm) & August 25th (10am - 5pm)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.buffalowing.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: August 31st (12pm - 9pm) & September 1st (12pm - 7pm)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://beerbaconfest.com/" target="_blank">Beer & Bacon Fest</a>: August 31st (12pm - 6pm)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.musicisart.org/Festival.html" target="_blank">Music Is Art Festival</a>: September 21st (10am - 10pm)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.buffalofilmfestival.com/" target="_blank">Buffalo International Film Festival</a>: September 20th & October 3rd - October 6th </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...more to come...</span><br />
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Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-14669332443818169322013-03-21T06:39:00.000-04:002013-03-21T11:19:08.491-04:00WNY Young Writers' Studio<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop9-ymD8TeNcu1E75cs4LkpjeJ0n7XyHjmqWpHh7TZ6DipOAoHJVKlgHh9UsZxS_PiIkOqK-QoU217ODQxmVqSioJll5L5rM-NZMpP-W3_E7K5ZBkYqKcbO3wP6hHiCP11e7OP0CE-iI/s1600/Final-Studio-Web-Large+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop9-ymD8TeNcu1E75cs4LkpjeJ0n7XyHjmqWpHh7TZ6DipOAoHJVKlgHh9UsZxS_PiIkOqK-QoU217ODQxmVqSioJll5L5rM-NZMpP-W3_E7K5ZBkYqKcbO3wP6hHiCP11e7OP0CE-iI/s320/Final-Studio-Web-Large+(2).jpg" width="162" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I attended the annual Poetry Slam at Amherst High School last week, and was once again blown away by poems the students wrote and shared. The energy in that room was intoxicating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />As I sat at the Poetry Slam thinking back to my days in school, I don’t remember being given a lot of chances to write creatively. For me, I’ve always been able to best express myself through writing; whether it be a journal I kept under my bed, writing for the school newspaper or through this and other blogs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />I asked my boyfriend (an English teacher at Amherst High School) how much creative writing is in the curriculum now, and he said very little. Sadly, the focus is on the tests. How, then, are kids supposed to find ways to express themselves and get constructive feedback on their work?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />The answer, surprisingly, came to me through Twitter. I was looking at my “Who to Follow” suggestions when I came across the <a href="http://www.wnyyws.org/" target="_blank">WNY Young Writers' Studio</a>. Intrigued, I checked out their website and gave them a follow. A few days later, I contacted the Executive Director, <a href="http://www.angelastockman.com/studio/" target="_blank">Angela Stockman</a>, and we spent some time chatting last week about the group. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Founded in April of 2008, Angela had a vision of creating a collaborative writing community for students and teachers. A community where the teachers are also the students and the students are also the teachers. After working in the classroom as a writing teacher for years, and then running professional development workshops for teachers, she found a need for students to have the opportunity to write creatively. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first year brought 15 – 25 students from around Western New York together to learn what good writing is, have the chance to write, and spend time learning how to become a peer reviewer and use constructive criticism to better your writing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Five years later, the community is thriving, with over 75 registered students, and a growing group of dedicated teachers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The WNY Young Writers Studio offers a year-long fellowship program to students and teachers who attend a session once a month on Saturdays and a week-long intensive in the summer. The cost to attend is $180/year for students. There is no cost for teacher fellows. If you do not have the money to pay for the class, but are interested, scholarships may be available. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Students as young as first grade through high school can attend. Groups are split up by age; Grades 1 - 5 & Grades 6 - 12. The focus is on creative writing. "We all learn through our experiences. We take experiences we have had and use them to guide us into great writing." Angela told me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"A big part of our discussion explores peer review. Students and teachers are given the skills to constructively review work. Each session ends with peer review. Writing is such overwhelming work. We don't get better in a day or two, it takes months or years. Our goal is to find ways to sustain the energy students have throughout the entire learning process so they don't get discouraged."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The 5th year of the WNY Young Writers' Studio is bringing about some changes! In April, Angela will unveil a new space that will allow the group to continue to expand and reach more in the community. In addition, they will be releasing a new catalog of workshops that will be open to writers of all ages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For students/adults who want to get more involved in writing, Angela says to begin to reflect on the things you enjoy. Start a daily journal and keep track of what made you smile each day. From there, ideas for writing will start flowing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I spoke with Angela, I could feel and hear her passion for this program. Many students are looking for a way to express themselves, a way to deal with sadness and an avenue to share joy. Writing is such a healthy outlet that can improve self-esteem. Being able to write down your thoughts and explore your feelings can provide such a needed outlet, not only for students, but everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To register for the upcoming fellowship year, or to find out more information about the WNY Young Writers' Studio, you can contact Angela by phone at 716-418-3730 or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:stockmanangela@gmail.com">stockmanangela@gmail.com</a>. I know I'll be keeping an eye out for the new catalog of workshops. I'm looking forward to finding new ways to enhance my writing and work with others who share the same passion as me!</span></div>
Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-64299667576447550732013-03-19T15:36:00.002-04:002013-03-19T15:37:21.109-04:00Call For Action: Ride For Roswell 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Ride For Roswell is one of Buffalo's biggest annual fundraisers. Last year, the fundraiser brought in over 3 million dollars for cancer research in the area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After being terrified of bikes for years following a biking accident, my boyfriend talked me into participating last year, and I had an absolute blast riding the 20 mile river route. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was an incredibly inspiring and emotional day for me as I rode with thousands of others who participated. Check out my review from last year's event <a href="http://www.lovinonbuffalo.com/2012/06/ride-for-roswell-june-23-2012.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We created a Lovin' On Buffalo team, and our four team members raised around $1200 for cancer research. This year, I've set the team up again and am now looking for team members!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you have ever wanted to participate but were never motivated to, here is your chance! If you have been participating for years, but never on team, here is your chance!<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are looking for anyone and everyone who is willing to give up one Saturday morning/afternoon to ride in honor of someone you know who has cancer and beat it, or in memory of someone who lost their life to cancer. EVERYONE has been touched by cancer in some way, and with our help, we can get Roswell Park one step closer to finding a cure through the money we raise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year's event will take place on Saturday, June 22nd at The University of Buffalo, North Campus. You can find out more information on the ride at the website <a href="http://www.rideforroswell.org/">www.rideforroswell.org</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being a member of Team Lovin' On Buffalo will get you a team t-shirt as well as a pre-race party the week of the event (these are team perks specific to Team Lovin' On Buffalo). Team members need to raise a minimum of $150 in order to be able to ride the day of the event. We can help you raise your minimum if needed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://rideforroswell2013.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1054496&lis=1&kntae1054496=06FD63829B65488DB75ABB8F2D28DD77&supId=0&team=5436193&cj=Y" target="_blank">HERE </a>is a link to our team page. All it takes is a few minutes and a $10.00 registration fee and you will be added to our team! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If riding is not your thing, consider making a donation to our team page (or my personal page) and cheer us on as we get closer and closer to our goal of $1500.<br /><br />Thank you in advance to anyone who signs up or makes a donation. Your support is appreciated more than I can express here!!</span>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-84043071965126416442013-03-15T07:36:00.000-04:002013-03-15T09:58:49.777-04:00Tabree On Main in Snyder<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IUNygy8F5Dgub_IKUdelT5TRq0WbZK-cXpvvZO3cNoepnXn__Phj1jGClh1wXx9IXspJlqLnH8n8Oo9a58sJWlXnCseY9lPQY0PHM54dn1QyaqxPi4EuL28yeL2lapLAhHELF_Yy1N0/s1600/2013-03-07_17-08-25_548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IUNygy8F5Dgub_IKUdelT5TRq0WbZK-cXpvvZO3cNoepnXn__Phj1jGClh1wXx9IXspJlqLnH8n8Oo9a58sJWlXnCseY9lPQY0PHM54dn1QyaqxPi4EuL28yeL2lapLAhHELF_Yy1N0/s320/2013-03-07_17-08-25_548.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.tabreeonmain.com/" target="_blank">Tabree</a> on Main has been on my "WNY Restaurant To-Do List" for a while now, but because it is a more upscale and pricey restaurant, it's been pushed down the list many times.<br /><br />Last week though, we were looking for a restaurant to take my boyfriend's Mom for her birthday, and decided to splurge and treat us all to Tabree. They are also in the Buffalo Dining Cards for 2013! We chose an early time for dinner, 5pm (which is when they open), and we were the first customers to arrive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They are located on Main Street near Harlem Road. The small brick building can get lost in the shuffle of Main Street if you aren't looking, and parking is behind the restaurant in a lot connected to an office building. You enter the restaurant from behind.<br /><br />Once inside, the restaurant is gorgeous and looks bigger than the building suggests. There is a large bar when you first walk in and then a seating area that has around 15 tables. The dark wood throughout the bar and restaurant is gorgeous and the space is very inviting and comfortable. Candles lit throughout the restaurant add to a wonderful ambiance that fills the space.<br /><br />Appetizers include escargot, foie gras, scallops and more and run from $9.50 - $21.00. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Entrees run from $19.00 - $40.00 with amazing French inspired dishes including chicken, duck, seafood, beef and pasta entrees.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> They also have a very large wine menu with glasses running from $6 and up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was excited when each of us chose something different to try! For an appetizer, my boyfriend and I split the fried eggplant ($9.50). The eggplant was surrounded by goat cheese a tomato confit and herb pesto. The combination of flavors was outstanding and since I'm a huge goat cheese fan, was excited by the amount of cheese they included on the plate. It didn't take away from the eggplant at all, and all the flavors came through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My boyfriend's Mom started with the classic Caesar salad ($8.50). It came out as a wedge salad with a generous portion of Romaine lettuce topped with homemade croutons, anchovy, egg and their Caesar dressing. The dressing was very subtle and did not overpower like some Casear dressings can. The croutons were lightly seasoned and tasty. There was a considerable amount of egg on the salad, and I felt it took away from the dish because all you could taste was the egg.<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My dinner entree selection was the Coq Au Vin ($26.00). It was two pieces of braised chicken, roasted root vegetables and spaetzle in a red wine sauce. From the first bite, to the last attempt to get a little more chicken off the bone, the dish was fantastic. The red wine sauce had an intoxicating smell to it and the chicken was cooked perfectly. The vegetables offered a nice mixture of crunch and sweetness to the dish and the spaetzle enhanced it even more. If I didn't think someone would notice, I would have licked the plate clean!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My boyfriend chose the Braised Beef dish ($28.00). The beef sat on a bed of cheddar grits, carottes Vichy and was surrounded by a bordelaise sauce. The combination of the beef and the grits was great and while I only sampled a little myself, there were numerous "mmm's" from my boyfriend. The beef was cooked well and packed full of flavor. I'm a huge fan of grits and these did not disappoint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The final entree selection was the Steak Au Poivne ($38.95). This 12 oz. NY Strip steak was served with frites. My boyfriend's Mom hasn't had a steak in over five years, and if she was going to wait that long to have one again, this is the one to do it with. The giant piece of meat was cooked perfectly and was absolutely delicious. The frites were crispy and some of the best frites I've had locally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tabree on Main has it all. They combine the look, the feel and the taste into one incredible dining experience. You have a handful of great upscale options in Western New York for special nights out, but Tabree should be your next stop! They are open Monday - Saturday starting at 5:00pm. They are well worth the cost, and will give you a wonderful night out with those you love! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Want the proof? Check out our plates at the end of our meal! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more reviews on Tabree, check out: </span><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/42/778083/restaurant/Buffalo/North-East/Tabree-Williamsville"><img alt="Tabree on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/778083/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></div>
Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-9641412190579533452013-03-14T07:23:00.000-04:002013-03-14T20:44:00.710-04:00Book review: City Of Light by Lauren Belfer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdEIm8601ueF2NOyiyMbRE5Fr570PJVjABifXb_xqsflHx_xCtNfJikJLGJI-_-AtDdqpLfqoaskSc9mwbDXDQOOobaRDj7co13HoYHRIRHrby7f1h-UH6UEbqr3bJXB7cGVzQ4GcImw/s1600/9780385337649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdEIm8601ueF2NOyiyMbRE5Fr570PJVjABifXb_xqsflHx_xCtNfJikJLGJI-_-AtDdqpLfqoaskSc9mwbDXDQOOobaRDj7co13HoYHRIRHrby7f1h-UH6UEbqr3bJXB7cGVzQ4GcImw/s1600/9780385337649.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I thought about starting a Buffalo book club, I asked anyone who would answer what books we should read. The book that was mentioned most often was <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1639117338"></span>Lauren Belfer's<span id="goog_1639117339"></span></a> "City Of Light". The plot sounded intriguing and I heard so many good things, so I chose it as our first book to read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">City of Light takes place in Buffalo in 1901. The city is booming, planning to host The Pan American Exposition and working on creating mass electricity through Niagara Falls. The story focuses around the life of Louisa Barrett (headmistress of The McCauley School which is based on Buffalo Seminary), who tells the story from her point of view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Throughout the book, Louisa is put in the position to keep secrets, cover up scandals and all the while keeping an eye on her goddaughter, Grace. While the plot is heavily focused on Louisa's daily life and the people she encounters along the way, the city of Buffalo is my favorite character in the book. Her expressive writing made it easy to feel like I was taken back in time to Buffalo's glory days, and I often found myself looking at maps of the Pan Am grounds and flipping through picture books of the time period. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was reading the book, I was also taking a docent class in Buffalo and we were learning a lot about the Pan Am Exposition. It couldn't have been a more perfect time to combine the two. Belfer obviously took a long time to research the book (it took her about six years) and she so flawlessly incorporated buildings, people and streets into her writing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The actual plot of the book kept me turning the pages and left me feeling happy, sad, angry and disheartened at the same time. There were a few parts of the book that I found difficult to read (not because of the writing but because of the plot), revelations that surprised me and characters I grew to love and hate. The ending of the book came as a shock to me and was incredibly sad. I absolutely loved how Belfer tied up some loose ends at the end and gave us a look into the future in her final few pages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether you love Buffalo or not, this is a wonderful novel to read. It will keep you thinking, offer some surprises along the way and leave you wondering more about Buffalo in its glory days. If you do love Buffalo, it's a must read. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Check out some other reviews from our Lovin' On Buffalo Book Club members:</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"City of Light is an adventurous walk through Buffalo at the height of its glory days. The City itself, The Pan Am Exposition, and some well-known historical figures are major "characters". I loved it!" - Suzanne Kashuba<br /><br />"The book takes Buffalo's shining moments leading up to The Pan An Exposition and casts a darker view on the people and events of the powerful." - Casey Herko<br /><br />"City of Light is a powerful book that relates the story of a strong woman who finds herself involved in the intrigue of the beginning of the creation of electricity at the turn of the century. The city of Buffalo is a major character." - Debbi Testa</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I couldn't put this book down! Enthralling story filled with historical gems and references." - Amanda Clute</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"City of Light was romance, mystery, suspense and history intertwined into a well written story of life in Buffalo, NY in the early 1900's." - Angela Cooke</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"City of Light captures the mystery, power and grace of Buffalo during 1901." - Angela Keppel</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Thrilling & mysterious! You don't want to put it down - except to Google places in Buffalo that she writes about." - Angela Stefano</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out book club member Zandria's book review <a href="http://www.ichoosebuffalo.com/2013/01/29/book-review-city-of-light/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-32084001178328460562013-03-13T06:45:00.000-04:002013-03-13T21:36:33.986-04:00Niagara Escarpment Wineries - Winter 2013<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My boyfriend and I make a point to get up to Canada, just over the border along the Niagara Escarpment, to check out the Niagara Ice Wine Festival each winter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year, while we sampled some ice wines, we focused on checking out as many "new to us" wineries we could, and sampled everything! We found some incredible wineries, met some wonderful people and had great conversation about food and wine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not even close to a wine critic, but I'll give you my take on flavors and taste. I won't go through all the color, clarity, complexity, balance and finish notes, but will mention what we liked so you can sample them when you get a chance. As a point of reference, I gravitate towards white wines and my boyfriend is a fan of reds. In the time we have been dating though, almost three years, we've come to appreciate the opposite and my palate is beginning to change. One thing we can agree on, we both love Rieslings, so much of what we buy are Rieslings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My reviews below are also about the overall atmosphere and experience at each, which is almost as important to me as the wines. Enjoy! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.legendsestates.com/" target="_blank">Legends Estate Winery</a>: We started off our day at Legends Estate Winery. They are situated right near the water, and even though it was a cold day out, the sun was shining so we walked around the grounds. The location is beautiful and a gazebo situated right near the water makes it a great spot for summer visits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The winery itself is a small space with one tasting area. There was one other couple wrapping up a tasting when we arrived so we looked around as they paid and then began our tasting. Most of the wines we tasted we good and we settled on a bottle of Truth & Dare (one white, one red). The packaging of the bottles was fun (see bottom picture of all the wines)- Truth is green, Dare is red). I'm not a huge fan of reds, but I enjoyed this one. The girl taking care of us was pleasant and asked if we were from Buffalo because of our accent. We just laughed.<br /><br />Good start to our day! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.goodearthfoodandwine.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;" target="_blank">The Good Earth Food & Wine Company</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;">: Our second stop of the day was to The Good Earth Food & Wine Company, and from the moment we pulled up the driveway, I was in love. The grounds house a few different buildings. One building serves as a cooking school, and the other (pictured below) is the winery and a restaurant. The tasting room is small, but absolutely beautiful. As opposed to many typical tasting areas that are set up as a bar, the tasting room has small circular tables with a hole in the middle for the chilled wine to sit. The owner of the winery greeted us and did our tasting herself. She could tell we enjoyed wine, so we sampled everything. They had two Rieslings to sample and we were told people were split down the middle on which they preferred. For us, it was the 2010 (I didn't care for the 2009 at all). The best wine there, and my favorite wine of the day, was the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc. Wow. It is the perfect summer night wine with a very crisp flavor that went down a little too easily. We are planning on building a fire pit in our backyard this year. This wine will be perfect for our first night enjoying it! Absolutely outstanding.<br /><br />The wines are priced a little higher than other wineries in the area, but they were worth it, the tasting alone was outstanding, and I'm already kicking myself for not buying more than one bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc.<br /><br />We didn't eat in the restaurant, but the menu looked fantastic and they have pre-fixe menus throughout the year that we will definitely go back for. The cooking classes seemed pricey (most of the classes you just watch, and they are not hands on), but from what we heard, they are extremely popular there. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;">This winery alone is worth the drive over the border! Make it a "must" stop next time you get to Canada! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.vineland.com/" target="_blank">Vineland Estates Winery</a>: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are not strangers to Vineland, it is our favorite place to visit every year, and the only repeat winery we visited. Unlike most years we have gone, the tasting room was not very busy and our favorite wine expert, Joe, was not there. While the girl who took care of our tasting sort of rushed us through it, it was great to get back there and sample some of our favorite wines again. We ended up walking out of there with four bottles of wine; 2 bottles of the 2011 St. Urban Elevation, 1 bottle of the 2010 Semi Dry Riesling (one of my all-time favorites), and a bottle of the 2011 dry Riesling which we sampled for the first time. For a drier Riesling, I thought it was fantastic (and I'm more of a semi dry girl). The flavors were crisp and I really enjoyed the finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Vineland is an absolutely gorgeous estate with a restaurant housed in a separate building as well as a small chapel for weddings. The tasting room is large and they have a nice storefront area with all the wines and accessories. If you go upstairs they have a small cheese shop which is wonderful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.thirtybench.com/" target="_blank">Thirty Bench Wine Makers</a>: From the outside, Thirty Bench Wine Makers has a very rustic feel to it. On the inside the space boasts big windows that overlook a gorgeous estate and wood throughout. In addition to the tasting bar, they have a VIP tasting area with small stations for you to get a more in depth tasting. The storefront area is small, but they have very cool handmade wood serving dishes, trivets and more.<br /><br />We mostly focused on the white wines here and enjoyed the flight of Rieslings. They have three different Rieslings (all prepared different ways), and then a mix of the three. As we sampled each of the three, we really enjoyed the 2011 Small Lot Riesling. In addition, the 30 Bench Riesling (the mixture of the three) was great and really produced the flavor that I thought was lacking in the other two. The mix was a lot cheaper than the individual ones, but we wanted a little of each to take home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We found this winery on a whim, just noticed it as we were driving down the street and decided to stop. I'm glad we did! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.megalomaniacwine.com/" target="_blank">Megalomanic Winery</a>: When we were looking for this winery, we almost missed it. It's hidden, basically underground with just a small, hill-like structure sticking out. There is a long winding road to get to it, but once we were inside we were amazed. The space is incredible! When you walk in, you are at the storefront, a small area with all the wines for sale and a cash register. The tasting room itself is huge, although tastings are only done at one small bar area. The tasting room is also where the wine is made, and stored and there are barrels throughout the space and the fermentation tanks used to make the wine. There are beautiful chandeliers throughout the space and a nice running waterfall in one area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The wines were outstanding! We walked away with a bottle of the 2011 Narcissist Riesling and the 2011 Homegrown Riesling. Each had very different distinct flavors that, from start to finish, were a treat for my palate. They also had a fantastic Riesling ice wine, and I've always been partial to Vineland's, but this one was better. Next time we get up there, I'm definitely going to splurge on a bottle! </span></div>
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<a href="http://ridgepointwines.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Ridegepoint Wines</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: When I started putting this blog together, I forgot we even went to this winery...that's how memorable it was. From the moment we walked in the tasting room, I felt like I was being talked down to, and rushed through everything. This winery was the only place we had to actually pay for the tastings (most will waive it if you buy a bottle), and the lady who took care of us was not pleasant or helpful. The only positive from this winery, I did find a red wine I enjoyed; the 2011 Cabernet Merlot. While it was on the drier side, I found it full of flavor. I am looking forward to enjoying a nice steak with it this summer. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.rosewoodwine.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Rosewood Estates Winery</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: Rosewood is a fun winery, with a beautiful tasting room. The winery is also home to many beehives, and in addition to more typical types of wine you see, they produce a wine called mead (which is wine made with honey). I loved the layout of how the store was set up - all the wines were in wood containers that were shaped to look like a honeycomb. Throughout the winery they had cute wine quotes and the grounds outside were beautiful as well. <br /><br />The lady who took care of us was so personable and gave us a good history of the winery and mead. We tried many different wines and they were all good. We both absolutely loved the 2011 Mima's Block Riesling. We were excited to try the Mead wine and really enjoyed it. It definitely has a very different flavor than other wines and the honey and fruit flavors in the 2008 Mead Royale were great. It is sweet, and usually served as a dessert wine. We also purchased some honey (in an adorable bear glass jar) and the cutest little honey dipper. We've since tried the honey and it is absolutely fantastic! </span></div>
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<a href="http://staffwines.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Sue Ann Staff Estate Winery</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">: This winery was our last stop of the day, and as far as the overall "experience" goes, this was our favorite winery of the day (and after the great time we had at Good Earth, I thought it was impossible to top).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />The winery is also the home of the owner, Sue Ann Staff. She purchased the estate from her ancestors and renovated it, although many original features are still noticeable throughout the home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tasting room is her kitchen. Her actual kitchen that she cooks in! It has a very modern feel to it and is very inviting and comfortable. The lady working that afternoon was so full of knowledge and we spent a long time talking with her about the wines. Unlike the other wineries of the day, there was absolutely no wine we tried here that I didn't like. Everything was fabulous. The wines are priced a little higher than most, but they were truly outstanding. We left with a bottle of the 2011 Riesling Baco Noir (a combination I didn't think I'd like, but LOVED), 2011 Riesling, and the 2010 Baco Noir. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After our tasting was complete, the lady working showed us around the lower floor of the house and it's beautiful! What a location. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our Sunday along the Escarpment was absolutely wonderful. It is one of the best day trips for wine lovers in the Buffalo area (and beyond). There are many limo/bus packages offered from various companies that would be a perfect way to explore with friends, family or for a special event. Check out my blog on The <a href="http://www.lovinonbuffalo.com/2012/01/niagara-ice-wine-festival-2012.html" target="_blank">Ice Wine Festival </a>from last year for more ideas of places to go! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many people have asked me why I haven't blogged about the wineries in Niagara County yet, while I've mentioned Niagara on the Lake a few times. To be honest, I have been to the Niagara County wineries a handful of times, but have only fallen in love with a few. Maybe it is because Niagara On The Lake has soooo many to choose from, that I gravitate towards there, but I honestly think the quality of the wine, and the location, makes them better overall. This summer though, I'm planning on getting back up to the wineries in Niagara County, and will blog about them! </span><br />
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Our haul for the day: 18 bottles of wine and some honey!</div>
Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-54361591859124449432013-03-08T06:00:00.000-05:002013-03-08T10:36:35.960-05:00Kyoto Japanese Restaurant In Amherst<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The last time my boyfriend and I had dinner at <a href="http://dinekyoto.com/" target="_blank">Kyoto Japanese Restaurant</a> (located on Maple Road in Amherst), we both realized I hadn't blogged about them yet. I've been going to the restaurant for years. It's been the restaurant for family get togethers and holiday parties as well as date nights and evenings out with friends to catch up. In fact, I took my boyfriend there early on in our relationship, and paid for the meal (I'm a catch). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The restaurant is laid out in two areas; there are tables for regular dining and there are a handful of hibachi grills with about 10 chairs around each one. I've dined in both and it all just depended on my mood that evening or who I was with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The hibachi meals include soup (a broth with mushrooms, scallions and onion), salad (with the best ginger dressing in the world on it), a shrimp appetizer, your choice of meat, vegetables and then your choice of noodles or rice. They typically cost between $16 - $30+ dollars depending on what you choose (you can get vegetable, lobster, scallops, chicken, shrimp, salmon, strip steak, filet mignon or combinations of them). If you have never been to a hibachi restaurant before, the meal is cooked in front of you and your chef puts on a fun show as he prepares it. Every hibachi meal I've had has been delicious, and extremely filling and well worth the cost. It is a great place to take a group of people to enjoy a fun night out.<br /><br />There are a few other hibachi restaurants in town, but I have found this one to be the best price and very good quality. Shogun on Transit is probably the most popular place, but the meals there are a bit more expensive. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmspsKJ8TBhSeTooe3-LGHbrtIrHQSz8t74OHHrALZSifZP8Yj6Xwvfrmf06XJV0CjNxbttkD-EBe91Gmz1hDJVMPeLp-6Kkz8D24wCuRx5j9BPzky-0cYTsZ9_UyFUzrmpB7RWM-qq6s/s1600/2013-01-31_18-17-26_879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmspsKJ8TBhSeTooe3-LGHbrtIrHQSz8t74OHHrALZSifZP8Yj6Xwvfrmf06XJV0CjNxbttkD-EBe91Gmz1hDJVMPeLp-6Kkz8D24wCuRx5j9BPzky-0cYTsZ9_UyFUzrmpB7RWM-qq6s/s320/2013-01-31_18-17-26_879.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are looking for a more intimate experience, I'd suggest sitting at one of the regular dining tables. The restaurant has a very modern feel to it and is trendy without being pretentious. It is a very inviting space to enjoy a meal. All the tables are situated as booths and it gives a more private feel to the meal. The dining tables are situated away from the hibachi grills, so you aren't overwhelmed by the commotion of the hibachi show. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />They have a full menu of starters, salads, sushi rolls and entrees. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />We almost always start the meal with the gyoza, which are pan fried pork dumplings. They come with a delicious dumpling sauce to dip them in and are always crispy and full of flavor (picture to left).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When it comes to the kitchen entrees they offer, I've had most of the udon/soba items on the menu. My favorite is the yaki udon with chicken (pictured below). </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The udon noodles are always cooked perfectly and the chicken is tender and full of flavor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My boyfriend and I love to share meals, so we typically order the gyoza, an entree to share and a few sushi rolls. The sushi here is among some of the best I've had locally. The last time we were there we ordered the shrimp tempura roll (my favorite roll to order at Kyoto), the California roll and the Futo Maki roll (pictured below). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kyoto Japanese Restaurant is locally owned and offers a VIP dining card and has daily happy hour specials from 3:00pm - 5:30pm that includes $2 California rolls and $3 drafts, well drinks and cosmos. They are open for lunch and dinner every day of the week starting at 11:30am and are open until at least 10:00pm (closing later on Friday/Saturday). Check out the <a href="http://dinekyoto.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for a $5 off coupon (scrolling at the bottom of the page), and get there soon! </span></div>
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<i>Yaki udon with chicken</i></div>
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<i>Shrimp tempura, Futo Maki and California sushi rolls</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out more reviews for Kyoto here: </span><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/42/1349219/restaurant/Amherst/Kyoto-Japanese-Restaurant-Buffalo"><img alt="Kyoto Japanese Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1349219/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2566766312668076420.post-19525052532831137742013-03-05T06:46:00.000-05:002013-03-05T10:28:32.046-05:00The Tobacco Cessation Center of WNY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvn72XbT9hhSnJf6TTnVtz1mnuC-7dOw8D05G4dZpSofrHAAxmBxi-jstlMn9aKN-2ZsbsTYya-qJv6METC39iUNZdWLHfkHIFJVH7J9PeRIItB_ogysaFILmCJUQ2jAahhfUMa1Hgqo/s1600/395790_158034944311810_285272209_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvn72XbT9hhSnJf6TTnVtz1mnuC-7dOw8D05G4dZpSofrHAAxmBxi-jstlMn9aKN-2ZsbsTYya-qJv6METC39iUNZdWLHfkHIFJVH7J9PeRIItB_ogysaFILmCJUQ2jAahhfUMa1Hgqo/s200/395790_158034944311810_285272209_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TCCofWNY?ref=ts&fref=ts" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">The Tobacco Cessation Center of Western New York</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is one of
many agencies that is in danger of funding cuts in Governor Cuomo’s proposed
budget this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Tobacco Cessation Center of WNY has been serving Erie,
Niagara, Genessee and Orleans counties since 2005. They provide training to
healthcare providers so they can talk to and treat patients who are thinking
about quitting smoking. Staff members will come right to your office to provide
the training and the materials you need. Beyond that, The
Tobacco Cessation Center of WNY offers workshops, support groups and other
outreach to the community to help smokers quit and stay smoke free. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“There is help and resources out there for people who are
trying to quit smoking. Many people forget they can talk to their doctor about
it. That is the best place to start.” – Staff member, Heather Bashaw told me. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The NY State Smokers Quitline (1-866-NY-QUITS) is a free
service to everyone in the state that can offer support and potentially free supplies
of patches to help smokers quit. Some insurance providers will also pay for the
patches so if you are thinking about quitting, contact your insurance company &
contact your health provider as starting points. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I met with Heather at the Tobacco Cessation Center of WNY
offices (located on the Roswell Park campus), it became even more apparent to
me how important small, grassroots organizations like The Tobacco Cessation
Center of WNY are to our community. When trying to quit smoking, it is
incredibly hard to quit cold turkey. In fact, only 7% of people who try to quit
cold turkey actually end up quitting. By getting a health care professional involved,
the number jumps to 30%! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Heather told me that the WNY healthcare community has been
very receptive to the programs and services offered by The Tobacco Cessation
Center of WNY. Currently, doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists and dental hygienists
are receiving continuing education credits for participating in the trainings.
The materials provided make it easy for healthcare professionals to talk to
their clients about quitting. “In an initial three to five minute talk with
patients, doctors can incredibly increase the chances of getting them to quit
smoking.” <br /><br />You can check out a You Tube video from the organization, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4nXBPADshU&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><u>Here are some overwhelming statistics on smoking:</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />* Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death
in NYS. In 2012, over 25,000 died prematurely because of tobacco use. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* Smoking is responsible for over 400,000 deaths in the US
each year and costs the healthcare industry $193 billion annually. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* Poor smokers spend ¼ of their household income on cigarettes.
<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* The smoking rate in Erie County is 26.7%. It is highest in
Orleans County at 29.9%. The smoking rate in all of NYS is 17%. (Western New
York has some work to do in getting those numbers down!)<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* The top three preventable causes of death: 1) Smoking, 2)
Obesity, 3) Second hand smoke <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Statistics courtesy of The Tobacco Cessation Center Of WNY)</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Tobacco Cessation Center of WNY is an organization that
helps everyone in New York State. Whether you smoke, or not, <b><u>everyon</u></b>e is
affected by tobacco use. Second and third hand smoke are increasing the numbers
of those affected by tobacco, and without these organizations in place to help
reduce the number of smokers, our air quality and overall health will continue to be negatively affected. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>CALL FOR ACTION</b>: As the finalized budget date gets closer, I urge you to contact your local legislators and tell them how important The Tobacco Cessation Center of WNY is to the area. Investing in tobacco control NOW will ultimately save money in the long run AND save lives! As it stands right now, New York State is only spending 17.5% of what the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) recommends be spent. 17.5%!!! No wonder people have such a hard time quitting! If you would like more information on the "State of Tobacco Control", check out New York's annual grades, posted by The American Lung Assocation, <a href="http://www.stateoftobaccocontrol.org/state-grades/new-york/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /><br />If you are a smoker, reach out and get the help to quit. You can do it! The resources <b>are</b> available to help you make a life changing decision. It will not only save your life, but improve the lives of those around you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“If people don’t smoke, it’s basically creating a vaccine of
sorts for cancer.” – Heather told me. She couldn’t be more right! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Krystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01220527573199669162noreply@blogger.com0