Buffalo Restaurant Blog

IN THE NEWS: BuffaloRising.com's Christa Glenna Seychew reviews Caz Coffee Cafe (688 Abbott Road, Buffalo, 716.825.7806), while Queenseyes notes the recent closing of the pub-eatery The Rendezvous. ... Business First of Buffalo features 800 Maple (800 Maple Road, Williamsville. 688-5800, 800maple.com). buffalo.bizjournals.com ... The Buffalo News' Anne Neville's Cheap Eats visits Casey’s Tavern, a well-known neighborhood spot in Black Rock. buffalonews.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Jimmy Mac's Closes; Amigo's To Open

2007-09-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: BuffaloRising.com's Christa Glennie Seychew previews the Amigo's (1609 Kenmore Avenue), a contemporary restaurant set to open in November or December, while Queenseyes visits Fables Café (inside the Buffalo Central Library) and notes the Sept. 9 closing of Jimmy Mac's at the corner of Anderson and Elmwood. ... Business First of Buffalo features Indian eatery Kabab & Curry (5185 Transit Road, Williamsville. 565-3822 or www.kababandcurry.com). ... The paper also reports that Made in Japan Teriyaki Experience is looking to add Western New York to its growing menu of restaurants. The Oakville, Ont.-based chain has struck a deal with Clear Creek Development to operate a series of restaurants in several Upstate New York markets, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls. buffalo.bizjournals.com ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun gives four stars in reviewing Sea Bar (5235 Main St., Williamsville, 204- 5283). buffalonews.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Reviewers Rate Brodo, Touch, Lone Star

2007-09-11T05:19:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Business First of Buffalo features Brodo (765 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, 881-1117 or 4548 Main St., Snyder, 635-1117. www.brodo.net.). buffalo.bizjournals.com ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun awards three stars in reviewing Touch (8080 Transit Road, Williamsville, 634-4204). buffalonews.com ... BuffaloRising.com considers Lone Star Fajita Grill (1853 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, 716.833.7756) and Lexington Real Foods Community Co-Op (230 Lexington Ave Buffalo, 716-884-8828).

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Statler Mezzanine Construction Under Way

2007-09-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: BuffaloRising.com details the ongoing construction on what is tentatively titled the Statler Mezzanine Restaurant, which is shooting for a June 2008 opening. ... Business First of Buffalo features Loughran's (4543 Main St., Snyder. 716-839-0283). buffalo.bizjournals.com ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun awards three stars in reviewing Romeo & Juliet's (5199 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, 839-4960), while Andrew Galarneu squeezes in one last roundup of summer-friendly eateries, including Sullivan’s Charcoal Broiled Hot Dogs (501 Cayuga Drive, Niagara Falls, 236-4119). buffalonews.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Mall's Expansion Includes Cozumel Grill

2007-08-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Business First of Buffalo reports McKinley Mall is expanding this fall by about 10,000 square feet to accommodate two new tenants. ULTA Beauty and Cozumel Grill and Tequila Bar will lease the renovated space inside the Blasdell shopping center's north entrance. Cozumel Grill and Tequila Bar, a popular Elmwood Avenue restaurant, also is making its Southtowns debut. It will occupy what was the former Garfield's restaurant. ... The paper also features My Tomato Pie (3085 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, www.mytomatopie.com). buffalo.bizjournals.com ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun reviews Bravo! (One Walden Galleria, Cheektowaga, 684-4595). buffalonews.com ... ArtVoice's Marla Baykan reviews Sea Bar (Main Street in the village of Williamsville). artvoice.com ... BuffaloRising.com visits The Hatch, and La Marina Market & Grille.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Mode Opening New Eatery on Elmwood

2007-08-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: BuffaloRising.com reports, "The gang from Mode Restaurant is at it again with a new restaurant on Elmwood. This time Buck Kaber and Marty Palame and will be venturing into an upscale Italian restaurant. ... Louis Zanghi from Mode will be the new executive chef. It had been the Elmwood Soda Bar for so long ... The name has not been released yet." ... Spreeblog.com reports the Aug. 9 opening of Rita’s Ice (across from UB South Campus on Main Street, next to Tim Hortons and Kenmore Ave.). ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun gives three and a half stars to Golden Lotus (6380 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, Ont.), while Emily Sullivan's Cheap Eats considers Steel Crazy Cafe (191 Allen St.). buffalonews.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Critic Rates Harry's Harbour Place Grille

2007-08-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: The Buffalo News' Janice Okun gives two and a half stars to Harry's Harbour Place Grille (2192 Niagara St.), while Anne Neville considers New Fuji Buffet (3206 Sheridan Drive, Amherst). buffalonews.com ... Business First of Buffalo tries the sushi at O Restaurant and Lounge. buffalo.bizjournals.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Harry's Harbour Place Grille Turns 10

2007-08-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Christa Seychew considers the 10th anniversary of Harry's Harbour Place Grille and also reviews Papaya (118 West Chippewa, Buffalo, www.papayarestaurant.biz) at BuffaloRising.com. ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun gives two and a half stars to Dug’s Dive (1111 Fuhrmann Blvd.), while Cheap Eats visits Augie’s Sunrise Diner (2470 Military Road, Niagara Falls). buffalo.com ... ArtVoice's Bridget Kelly reviews Madame Mocha's Espresso Pub & Tea Room in Lovejoy. artvoice.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Vado Pazzo Closes, Looks to Relocate

2007-07-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Business First of Buffalo features Gramma Mora's on Hertel Avenue. ... University Heights Italian restaurant Vado Pazzo (3112 Main St) has closed as of June but apparently is looking to relocate, according to its website, vadopazzobuffalo.com ... Best as Where the Locals Eat can tell, given the out-of-commission phone number, the Cajun eatery Tim's Rendezvous also has closed. Please keep us posted if you hear otherwise or know further details. ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun gives two and a half stars to Faso's (2126 Niagara St.), while Anne Neville's Cheap Eats visits The Golden Parachute (5735 Main St., Williamsville). buffalonews.com ... BuffaloRising.com features the new Street Café & Halal Foods (2614 Main St).

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Lake Effect Diner Closes, May Reopen

2007-07-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: The Buffalo News' Christopher Michel reports on the June 17 closing of the Lake Effect Diner, while the owner of the 24-hour eatery near the University at Buffalo South campus re-evaluates how the diner will be run. The diner at 3165 Main St. opened after being hauled from Philadelphia and refurbished to its 1950s appearance by owner Tucker Curtin in 2002. Curtin is looking into finding a new chef and assembling a new staff. “I am hoping to have it open within the next few weeks. I hope to make this a temporary close. It’s a great place and was a great project finding the 54,000-pound diner, bringing it to Buffalo and restoring it,” Curtin said. Curtin was able to place the remaining employees of the Lake Effect Diner at his other two restaurants, The Steer Restaurant and Saloon, next door, and Dug’s Dive at the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor. If he reopens the Lake Effect Diner, Curtin doubts it will be open 24 hours a day. ... Critic Janice Okun awards two and a half stars to Shanghai Red's (2 Templeton Terrace). buffalonews.com ... BuffaloRising.com features Father Sam's bakery and looks for the city's best fries.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Taste of Buffalo Winners Announced

2007-07-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Winners of the annual Taste of Buffalo festival held July 7-8 included: People's Choice, Lafayette Tap Room (391 Washington, www.lafayettetaproom.com), BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich; New York Award, Caribbean Experience (2897 Bailey), Jerk Chicken Sandwich; Lou Billitier Memorial "Rookie of the Year", Garris Bar-B-Que (200 William), Catfish Nuggets; Best Seafood, Ms. Goodie’s (1836 Bailey), Junkyard Dog Fish Sandwich; Best Vegetarian Food, Donnie’s Smokehouse (883 Jefferson), Southern Cabbage & Rice; Best Dessert, Sweet Tooth (199 Allen, www.atsweettooth.com), Double Fudge Torte; Children's Choice, Panaro’s (571 Delaware Ave, panaros.net), Mini Cannoli; Meat Item, Mobay’s Caribbean Cuisine (3167 Bailey), Jerk Chicken with BBQ Sauce on Rice & Beans; Healthy Choice Options- First Place, Niagara Café (525 Niagara), Arroz Con Pollo Gusado (stewed chicken with rice). tasteofbuffalo.com ... Blues, a Southern-flavored restaurnat, opened July 6 at The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, Business First of Buffalo reports. Blues is the sixth sit-down restaurant in the casino and the first to open since spring 2006. Blues replaces the former Hush nightclub, which itself replaced the former Morrie's. ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun gives one and a half stars to The Eagle House (5578 Main St., Williamsville). buffalo.com ... ArtVoice's Bridget Kelly reviews Marco’s Sangwiches. artvoice.com ... Buffalo Spree magazine's July/August 2007 issue looks at waterfront dining options and reviews Palace of Dosas (656 Millersport Hwy., Amherst). buffalospree.com ... BuffaloRising.com visits Sit & Chat Cafe, the Snooty Fox Lounge, El Flamboyan, and previews the new Medina Deli.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Wendy's Takes Over Sunview Nursery Spot

2007-07-09T11:56:00.001-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Business First of Buffalo features Europa Bistro on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo and also reports that Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers has acquired the former Sunview Nursery location at 2375 Sheridan Drive and is expected to open an eatery there in the coming months. ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun reviews Hutch's (1375 Delaware Ave.), while Deidre Williams looks at breakfast spots, including Betty's (370 Virginia St.) ... Andrew Galarneau rounds up area barbecue joints, including Donnie's Smokehouse (883 Jefferson Ave.) buffalo.com ... BuffaloRising.com visits Dolci for gelato.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Steve's Clam Bar Finds Home in Pockets

2007-07-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: BuffaloRising.com reports that Steve's Clam Bar, a former Elmwood mainstay, has moved to a new home at M.T. Pockets at 15419 Hertel. ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun gives three and a half stars in her review of Old Winery (2228 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the Lake, Ont.), while Anne Neville visits Garden Park Cafe (3525 Genesee St., Cheektowaga). buffalo.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Buffalo's Wings Slay Food Network's Flay

2007-06-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Buffalo Wing king Drew Cerza further cemented his royal title by beating celebrity chef Bobby Flay in a chicken wing cooking competition that's airing nationally this month, Business First of Buffalo reports. The episode of the Food Network show "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" featuring Cerza first aired June 14 and will repeat throughout the month. Cerza's Bourbon Street Buffalo Wings beat Flay's Hot Wings with BlueCheese-Yogurt Sauce in a head-to-head battle that was filmed in April. Recipes for both can be found at www.foodnetwork.com. ... From BuffaloRising.com, "Building upon the resounding success of previous years, Slow Food Buffalo and Flying Bison Brewing Company have once again teamed up to produce the Slow & Sizzling Summer Barbeque. This year the event takes place at Flying Bison Brewing Company on Sunday, July 15 from 2-6 pm. In addition to the fresh and delicious Flying Bison brews, Suzy-Q’s Bar-B-Que will offer ribs, smoked pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, dimple bread, Key lime pie, and their new bread pudding. Also, Avenue Boys Smokehouse will serve fresh and smoked sausage in many flavors. For the vegetarian crowd, Adventures in Heat will be serving up grilled veggies. Saltamonte’s fresh gourmet salsa will also be offered to pair with homemade chips. Tim Herzog of Flying Bison will offer tours of the brewery, and all of the participating companies will give out some tips and tricks to help you cook like the pros." ... The Buffalo News' buffalo.com Janice Okun gives three stars in her review of La Tee Da (206 Allen St), and Anne Neville visits The Farmer’s Daughter (39 E. Main St., Springville).

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Owner Hopes to Rebuild Fire-Gutted Ritts

2007-06-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Ritts Casual Dining & Spirits, the landmark Upper Mountain Road bar and restaurant in the town of Lockport, across the street from the Delphi Thermal Systems plant, was gutted early June 7 by a six-alarm fire, the Buffalo News buffalo.com reports. The loss was estimated at $400,000. Owner Keith Ritts, his family and friends were shaken as they stood on the sidelines watching firefighters. Ritts said he has insurance and hoped to rebuild. He bought the business six years. The business, originally known as Reggie’s, had operated under many names. In its heyday, it was known as the Copper Penny. After the Copper Penny closed about dozen years ago, it was called Ventures and Barb’s Hideaway before Ritts took over. ... Business First of Buffalo profiles the huge Mexican eatery Solé (5110 Main St., Williamsville), best known as the location where police obtained the evidence leading to the capture of admitted killer Altemio Sanchez. ... BuffaloRising.com reviews Washington Square Bar & Grill and Main Menu, and also reports, "North End Bistro recently changed hands, and the new chef and owner, Marc Marotta, has overhauled the menu. Although the restaurant remains true to its Italian roots, Chef Marotta has conceived an original menu borne of his extensive experience. As a chef with over 18 years in the industry (mainly at local institutions such as Friar’s Table and the Eagle House), Marotta has added some unique touches to Italian favorites." Also from Buffalo Rising, "Even though Elmwood Avenue is not known for its varied selections of fast food chains, the few that are found on the street are experiencing some interesting turn of events. It appears that the Burger King near Bidwell Parkway will be closing June 17. Rumors have been floated that a donut shop has been eying the location. We do know that Tim Horton’s has been looking for prime space on the street for quite some time, and the Burger King spot has everything that they require including a drive-thru. I'm sure that Tim Horton's fans will be crossing their fingers and hoping that the rumors are true. Then again, Dunkin' Donuts are notorious for taking over closed Burger King locations."

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Hard Rock Cafe Also In Tune With Recycling

2007-06-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: The Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls, N.Y. is doing more than just partnering with Artpark to sponsor a series of free summertime concerts. In an added twist, the popular restaurant will also be running a recycling program at the shows, Business First of Buffalo reports. Staff members and employees from the Hard Rock Cafe are manning recyclable drop-off points at Artpark during the "Tuesday in the Park" concert series, which began June 5. Proceeds from refunds collected through the recycling program will benefit Artpark's family weekends and children's art programming series. ... Business First also profiles the restaurant Papaya (118 W. Chippewa) and reports, "Father Sam's Bakery is hoping to bank more dough based on the popularity of wraps and flat breads. The Buffalo bread maker has installed nearly $1 million in equipment to introduce a new production line of tortillas. The flat bread is catching up to white bread as the fastest-growing product in the industry - and Father Sam's is jumping on the bandwagon with both its own brands and private-label wraps. "We are moving at a whole new stage for our company, just another level," said Father Albert Sam, an Episcopalian minister who founded the bakery in 1977. "Where we were always a major pita flat bread manufacturer, now we're doing a great deal of business in tortillas and wraps." ... The Buffalo News Anne Neville's Cheap Eats column visits B.K. Ryan’s Irish Pub (3191 Eggert Road in the Colvin-Eggert Plaza, Tonawanda). buffalo.com ... Bill Rapoport's restaurant guide http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/restaurant.guide/ has a new take on Cole's (1104 Elmwood Ave.).

Compiled by Pat Embry, WheretheLocalsEat.com

Viking Lobster Co. Wins With Critic

2007-06-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Buffalo News critic Janice Okun awards three stars in her review of Viking Lobster Co. (366 Tonawanda St.), while Anne Neville's Cheap Eats column visits B.K. Ryan’s Irish Pub (3191 Eggert Road, Colvin-Eggert Plaza, Tonawanda). buffalo.com ... Forbes Traveler forbestraveler.com recently asked asking a panel of food and travel experts for their take on the top hotel dining in the country. The top 15 chosen include: The Peabody Memphis and its upscale restaurant, Chez Philippe; Four Seasons Hotel and L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant in New York City; Jean Georges, Trump International Hotel and Tower, New York; Gordon Ramsay, The London hotel in New York; The Carlyle Restaurant, The Carlyle Hotel in New York; Cathe St. Regis Hotel and Ame restaurant in San Francisco; Michael Mina, Westin St. Francis in San Francisco; Cortez in the Hotel Adagio, San Francisco; Studio Restaurant, Montage, Laguna Beach; the Beverly Wilshire and Cut restaurant in Los Angeles; The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Va.; The Wynn Las Vegas; Citronelle, Latham Hotel in Washington, DC.; Azul at Mandarin Oriental hotel in Miami.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Starbucks Launching McCartney's Latest

2007-05-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: If you can't stand Paul McCartney music, you don't want to go into the Buffalo Starbucks on June 5. That's the day the Seattle coffee giant will launch McCartney's first album recorded on Starbucks' Hear Music label, called "Memory Almost Full," the Pugent Sound Business Journal reports. The album will be played in all Starbucks stores, all day, all over the world, Starbucks officials said. "Customers from Taipei to Topeka have the opportunity to experience this extraordinary album all within a span of 24 hours," said Ken Lombard, who is president of Starbucks Entertainment and runs Hear Music, in a statement. In March, Starbucks Corp. announced that former Beatle McCartney would be the first musician signed for Los Angeles-based Hear Music. ... The Buffalo News' Janice Okun awards four stars in her review of the new Japanese restaurant Wasabi (100-C Plaza Drive, Williamsville). ... Okun reports, "The Village of Williamsville is opening a new shopping destination. The Farmers’ Market at the Williamsville Mill will open Saturday, June 2, and will be open every Saturday through Oct. 27. Market hours are 8 a.m. to noon. East Spring Street from Main to the mill will be closed during that time to make a pedestrian-safe shopping experience; free parking is available on village streets and behind Amherst Town Hall. Growers/producers will sell fruit, vegetables, cheese, flowers, coffee, baked goods and honey." buffalo.com ... BuffaloRising.com praises North End Trattoria (1458 Hertel) in detailing its upcoming Buffalo Chef's Challenge, which includes restaurants Amaryllis, Left Bank, Mode, Sample, Shango and Torches. ... Two restaurants are expected to open in August in Lockport's Ulrich City Centre, Business First of Buffalo reports. The first business, Taboo, is billed as a restaurant/nightclub by owner David Ulrich, who developed and owns the two-year-old blockwide commercial and office complex along Main and Walnut streets. Operating Thursdays through Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., it will cater to all ages and offer casual dining and menu items such as hamburgers, flat-bread pizza, beef-on-weck and chicken-and-biscuit. The second establishment, Metropolitan Bar & Grill, is owned by Peter Calieri, owner of the Village Eatery in Lockport and a 30-year food service veteran.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Applebee's Says No to Trans Fat

2007-05-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Applebee's International Inc. has joined the ranks of restaurants putting their menus on trans fat-free diets, the Kansas City Business Journal reports. The Overland Park, Kan.-based casual dining chain said May 17 that its more than 1,800 domestic restaurants have finished a three-year transition to frying oil with no trans fats, a blend of two soybean oils. Several other local and national restaurant chains also are taking the cue. Overland Park-based PB&J Restaurants Inc., whose concepts include Yia Yia's Euro Bistro and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, is trying to move to completely trans fat-free menus, President Paul Khoury said recently, the paper reports. Casual diners such as Jason's Deli, Ruby Tuesday and Chili's already have made the change. Leading quick-service restaurants, including Wendy's, Starbucks and KFC, have done the same, leaving Burger King the target of a lawsuit filed May 16 by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. Also, Hooter's has announced plans to switch to zero trans-fat frying oil in its 22 restaurants in Tampa Bay, Chicago and New York City.

IN THE NEWS: Carbone's Pizza & Subs will miss hockey season. Business First of Buffalo reports that the visitors' lockerroom for Buffalo Sabres hockey games consume "a couple of sheet pizzas and several hundred wings. Within minutes after the game, most of the pizza is gone and just a few wings remain." ... Artvoice's Marla Crouse reviews Ming Teh. artvoice.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

America's Best Restaurant Cities

2007-05-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

"Today ... most major cities in the U.S. have the kind of gastronomic diversity and regionality that is rich in every department, and even if you’ve visited recently, you can be sure that next time you go, there’ll be more new and enticing restaurants than you could possibly visit," writes Donald Burnam in a recent ForbesTraveler.com piece, "America's Best Restaurant Cities." "It’s getting hard not to have a great meal anywhere in the U.S.." Burnam continues.

Forbes' Top 10 Restaurant Cities:
1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. San Francisco
4. Los Angeles
5. New Orleans
6. Houston
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Atlanta
9. Boston
10. Las Vegas

Rankings were based on: Overall number of restaurants above the fast food level; Number of fine dining restaurants with national and international standing; Solid representation of regional American food; A wide segment of second-tier restaurants that would include seafood, steakhouses, and independently chef-owned restaurants; Breadth and depth of ethnic restaurants, especially if the city has neighborhood such as a Chinatown; A significant number of neigborhood restaurants where the locals tend to eat out regularly; A well-traveled clientele that regards eating out in that city one of the real pleasures of going there.

IN THE NEWS: The Buffalo News critic Janice Okun reviews O’Brien's Pub, 8557 North Main St. buffalo.com ... Bill Rapaport's Restaurant Guide http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/restaurant.guide notes the closings of CC's Leghorn BBQ Restaurant and Salfranco's and also revisits: Vullo's Restaurant and Veal House, 2953 E. Lake Rd. (Rt. 430) in Jamestown (actually, Greenhurst); Embers Grill, 2402 N. Forest Rd. (in the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center (formerly, the University Inn), Amherst; and Wasabi, 100 Plaza Dr. (in Dash's Plaza at Hopkins Rd. & W. Klein Rd.), Williamsville. ...

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Beard Award Winners Announced

2007-05-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

Chicago's Frontera Grill won Outstanding Restaurant of the Year and Michel Richard of Michel Richard Citronelle in Washington, D.C. was named Outstanding Chef at the 2007 James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony. Hosted by CBS Early Show anchor Hannah Storm, the Beard Awards were held May 7 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York's Lincoln Center. More than 60 awards were presented by the country's pre-eminent nonprofit culinary organization, in its 20th anniversary celebration, and more than 1,600 industry leaders attended the ceremony. Other top awards went to: New York's L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, named Best New Restaurant; Thomas Keller (The French Laundry, Yountville, Ca.) received the award for Outstanding Restaurateur; and David Chang (Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York) received the Rising Star Chef of the Year award. Celebrity and culinary superstar attendees included Stephanie March, Ted Allen, Katie Lee Joel, Martha Stewart, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Thomas Keller, Jose Andres, Tom Colicchio, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Padma Lakshmi, and Marcus Samuelsson. The Foundation's Media Awards took place at a separate event at the Hudson Theatre at Millennium Broadway Hotel on May 6. All Award winners received a bronze medallion etched with the image of the late James Beard, the esteemed chef, cookbook author, and food journalist. There are no cash awards. Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognizes outstanding achievement within the fine food and beverage industry in North America. For full awards results, please visit http://jamesbeard.org/

Beard Award highlights are:

AMERICA'S CLASSICS: Primanti Brothers, Demetrios Patrinos, Pittsburgh, Pa.; The Pickwick, Christopher Wisocki, Duluth, Minn.; Doe's Eat Place, The Signa Family, Greenville, Miss.; Aunt Carrie's, Elsie Foy, Narragansett, R.I.; I

Brookville Hotel, Mark and Connie Martin, Abilene, Kan.; Weaver D's, Dexter Weaver, Athens, Ga.

BEST CHEF, GREAT LAKES: Grant Achatz, Alinea, Chicago

BEST CHEF, MID-ATLANTIC: R.J. Cooper, III, Vidalia, Washington, DC

BEST CHEF, MIDWEST: Celina Tio, The American Restaurant, Kansas City, Mo.

BEST CHEF, NEW YORK CITY: David Waltuck, Chanterelle, New York, NY

BEST CHEF, NORTHEAST: Frank McClelland, L'Espalier, Boston

BEST CHEF, NORTHWEST: John Sundstrom, Lark, Seattle

BEST CHEF, PACIFIC: Traci Des Jardins, Jardinière, San Francisco

BEST CHEF, SOUTH: Donald Link, Herbsaint, New Orleans

BEST CHEF, SOUTHEAST: Scott Peacock, Watershed, Decatur, Ga.

BEST CHEF, SOUTHWEST: Nobuo Fukuda, Sea Saw, Scottsdale, Ariz.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT: L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Chef-Owner: Joël Robuchon, New York, NY

OUTSTANDING CHEF: Michel Richard, Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC

OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF: Michael Laskonis, Le Bernardin, New York, NY

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT: Frontera Grill, chef-owner: Rick and Deann Bayless, Chicago

OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR: Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE: Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand, and Richard Melman, Tru, Chicago

OUTSTANDING WINE AND SPIRITS PROFESSIONAL: Paul Draper, Ridge Vineyards, Cupertino, Calif.

OUTSTANDING WINE SERVICE: Mark Slater, Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC

RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR: David Chang, Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York, NY

Compiled by Pat Embry, WheretheLocalsEat.com

Art Voice Best of Buffalo Winners

2007-05-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Art Voice's The Best of Buffalo winners have just been announced, and the winners include:
Best New Restaurant, Empire Grill
Most Romantic Restaurant, Left Bank
Best Place for a Cheap Date, Pano's
Best Cheap Breakfast, Pano's
Best Waterfront Restaurant, Shanghai Red's
Best Late-Night Eats, Jim's Steakout
Best Diner, Lake Effect
Best Patio, Cozumel
Best Service, Shango
Best Takeout/Delivery, Kuni's
Best Brunch, Betty's
Best Dessert, Chocolate Bar
Best Deli, Globe Market
Best Bagel, Bagel Jay's
Best Barbecue, Fat Bob's
Best Beef On Weck, Charlie the Butcher
Best Wings, Anchor Bar
Best Fish Fry, Hamlin House
Best Ice Cream, Anderson's
Best Burger, Grover's
Best Hot Dog, Ted's
Best Pasta, Chef's
Best Pizza, Just Pizza
Best Salad, Globe Market
Best Sub, Jim's Steakout
Best Steak, Buffalo Chophouse
Best Sausage, Mineo & Sapio
Best Seafood, La Marina
Best Chinese, Great Wall
Best Japanese/Sushi, Kuni's
Best Thai/Vietnamese, Saigon Cafe
Best French, Rue Franklin
Best Greek, Pano's
Best Indian, India Gate
Best Polish, Polish Villa
Best Italian, Chef's
Best Mexican/Tex-Mex, Gramma Mora's
Best Middle Eastern, Falafel Bar
Best Vegetarian, Amy's Place
Best Bar Food, Cole's

Also in this week's Art Voice, Bridget Kelly reviews Mode Urban Bistro. artvoice.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, Where the Locals Eat.com

Art Voice, Beard Winners Await

2007-04-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

Winners of Artvoice's annual Best of Buffalo readers poll were to be announced Monday, April 30 at the alt weekly's annual Best of Buffalo Bash at Town Ballroom. The free, open to the public party included live entertainment and food provided by many nominees. Vying for Best New Restaurant: Bistro Europa, Stillwater, North, Chocolate Bar, and Empire Grill. Check out all the noms, and the winners, at www.artvoice.com.

Roughly the dining out equivalent of The Academy Awards, The James Beard Foundation annual awards ceremony takes place Monday, May 7, at the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. Go to www.jamesbeard.org for the complete list, but here's a partial list of national nominees:

-- Outstanding Restaurant: Boulevard, San Francisco; Frontera Grill, Chicago; Magnolia Grill, Durham, N.C., Picholine, New York; Spiaggia, Chicago.
-- Best New Restaurant: A Voce, New York City; Chochon, New Orleans; Cut, Beverly Hill, Calif; L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, New York City; Momofuku Ssam Bar, New York City; Restaurant Guy Savoy, Las Vegas.
-- Outstanding Restaurateur: Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif; Keith McNally, Balthazar, New York City; Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (R.J. Grunts, Wildfire, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!), Chicago; Drew Nieporent, Myriad Restaurant Group (Tribeca Grill, Nobu, Rubicon), New York City; Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean Georges restaurant, New York City.
-- Outstanding Chef: Tom Colicchio, Craft, New York City; Lee Hefter, Spago, Beverly Hills, Calif.; Jean Joho, Everest, chicago; Paul Kahan, Blackbird, Chicago; Michel Richard, Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, D.C.
-- Rising Star Chef: Nate Appleman, A16, San Francisco; Graham Elliot Bowles, Avenues at The Peninsula Hotel, Philadelphia; David Chang, Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York; Patrick Connelly, Radius, Boston; Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison Park, New York City.

Restaurant magazine just released its list of the world's top 100 restaurants. (http://www.theworlds50best.com/2007_list.html) Here are the U.S. entries:

The French Laundry, Yountville, Ca. (No. 4)
Per Se, New York City (No. 9)
Jean Georges, New York City (No. 18)
Le Bernardin, New York City (No. 26)
Charlie Trotter's, Chicago (No. 30)
Daniel, New York City (No. 32)
Alinea, Chicago (No. 36)
Chez Panisse, Berkeley, Ca. (No. 40)
Masa, New York City (No. 56)
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons, New York City (No. 64)
Peter Lugar, Brooklyn, NY (No. 69)
Nobu New York, New York City (No. 89)
Gramercy Tavern, New York City (No. 90)
WD-50, New York City (No. 91)
Zuni Café, San Francisco (No. 98)
Alex at Wynn, Las Vegas (No. 100)

IN THE NEWS: The new Allentown bar and restaurant Sample, 242 Allen St., gets a positive review in The May/June 2007 issue of Buffalo Spree magazine. www.buffalospree.com ... Bill Rapaport's excellent Buffalo Restaurant Guide -- and, by the way, the University of Buffalo professor/dining guru is featured in the latest Buffalo Spree -- includes new reviews of Elmo's, Family Tree, Kostas, Marinaccio's, Suzy-Q's Bar-B-Que Shack, and Wasabi. Newly listed restaurants include The Dog Bar and Sample. And recent closings include Indian Diner, Sam's Express caterers, and the Audubon Room, which has reopened as Embers Grill. Rapaport has been writing the guide since 1988. Check it out at http://www.cse.buffalo.edu/restaurant.guide/ ...

Franklin Street Cafe and the Sunday brunch at Shango are reviewed by Buffalo Rising's Christa Glennie Seychew. And may we say, what a great name for a restaurant critic. www.buffalorising.com ... Tim Hortons, the Canadian fast food-and-coffee restaurant chain, is on target for an early May opening in Wrights Corners Plaza, Town of Newfane, Business First of Buffalo reports. www.buffalo.bizjournals.com