Fashion Fun

This past weekend Crista and I attended Runway 6.0 at Buffalo State College. The fashion show showcases students (senior designers) in the Fashion Technology Program at the College. This year the theme was City Bits City Bytes. Money raised from this event goes to the Fashion Technology Scholarship Fund. This year it was brought back to campus and took place inside the Campbell Student Union. It has been a few years since I've graduated from Buff State, so being back on the campus for the show was nice. I was able to see some of the renovations that have taken place and see how the College is advancing in a variety of different avenues. Overall, the show was good. The students in the program are talented, creative and one-of-a-kind.

For more information on Runway and to see pictures click here

-B

Cinco De Mayo Festivities

With Cinco De Mayo just a few days away, you may be planning a little (or big) fiesta. Here are some things that you may want to have at your fiesta this year:

Or if you're interested in attending a Cinco De Mayo festivity around town here are a couple places you could check out:

The Draft Festivities at RWS

The NFL Draft was this past week and I had the opportunity to kick off the festivities at Ralph Wilson Stadium with my gal Lacey. While I attended a draft party a few years back, it was held in the Field House the last time I went and I thought the layout was better than this past year. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed walking through the Jim Kelly Club and getting to walk on the field and see the locker room, but the layout was a little "off" and it seemed to appear that no one (including the staff) were aware that the event was taking place outside. It felt like I was at a home game in the month of December. In the future if the Buffalo Bills Organization would like to hire me as there event planner for events like these I would be very, very happy to offer my services (hint, hint). Overall, Lacey and I made the best of it and had fun and in the end that's all that mattered. I'm looking forward to football season. Here's to hoping for a great upcoming season. Go Bills!!

-B

"Larkinville"

While I've driven down Seneca and Exchange St. multiple times before, I never actually had the chance to see the Larkin Building prior to last week when I was at the venue to attend a meeting for there upcoming Wednesday Concert Series. To my surprise there is a lot and I mean a lot they offer at Larkin Square.  Not only are there free concerts, they also offer food from a variety of places - The Filling Station (open year-round), The Grill (open seasonal), Square 1 Sandwiches, and Larkin Ice Cream Cart (offering Lake Effect Ice Cream). Tennis courts and Stalls with a variety of vendors fill the outside area making it a hot spot to be on a nice day. Inside tenants of all sorts rent space. For more information on the history of the Larkin Building or for leasing opportunities click here

Make sure to check Larkinville out this spring and summer- its a great place to go with your family or friends. Its also a great place to go for a date night or if you have guests from out of town visiting this would be a great place to take them.

-B

Larkin Square on Twitter

Larkin Square on Facebook

Friday Favorites*

Happy Friday! As I recap my week I always try to be better than yesterday whether it be in my personal or professional life. With that said, I'm pretty excited for the new opportunities that lie ahead. Enjoy your weekend!

-B

Draft Day

 

Happy NFL Draft Day!!! Tonight the Buffalo Bills are hosting a Draft Party at the Field House. Its been a couple years since I last attended this Draft Party, since then the Bills Organization has added more to the festivities and I am looking forward to checking things out. GO BILLS!!

-B

A Touch of Mediterranean

Located at 929 Elmwood Avenue Mezza Restaurant and Lounge is known for the delicious Mediterranean dishes and Hookah. This week is Restaurant Week in WNY (a variety of local restaurants offer special dishes for only $20.13). For a complete list of the restaurants participating click here.

Since it was a beautiful day out yesterday, my friend Annette and I had a couple drinks and dinner on the patio. It was nice to have the sunshine out and watch the activity going on, on Elmwood. While I've been to Mezza before it was my first time ever having rice pudding and I must say it was delicious! If you're looking for a change stop by Mezza and check them out.

-B

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

It's a beautiful day in WNY, get outside whether it be on your lunch break or after work. A little sun and fresh air never hurt anyone.

-B

East Side History

A beautiful Church called St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Church is located at 348 Peckham St., in the East Side of Buffalo, known as the Polonia District. Growing up in this area and attending grammar school here (unfortunately, the school is no longer open) this Church holds a special place in my heart. While the area around the Church is not anywhere near where it used to be, it still remains the oldest Parish in the Diocese of Buffalo and is the oldest in New York State.

Being founded in 1873, this year is a special year as St. Stans is celebrating 140 years. Upon entering the Church you will be amazed by the architecture, the stained glass windows and the incredible statues and altar. Tours are available (for more information on them click here).

It doesn't matter what religion you are or how religious you may be, this building is a beautiful place and if you ever have time to stop by and take a look inside you will know why.

-B

Friday Favorites*

With the tragic events that happened this past week and are continuing to happen in Boston, we should be thankful for the simple things in life that we have; freedom, family, friends. The world that we live in can be a scary place, but we can't live in fear. Not only this weekend, but everyday, we should all count our blessings and enjoy the simple things in life.

-B

Beer & Science

Saturday night, the Buffalo Museum of Science hosted the fairly new event, Beerology. With a sold out crowd, over 500 people were in attendance to enjoy a variety of different beers, sample food, listen to music from DJ LoPro and walk around the exhibits in the Science Museum. They also offered an opportunity to win prizes if you tweeted during the event. It was an overall fun night out.

Food trucks Frank's Gourmet Hot Dogs and Sweet Hearth were on hand outside the building for guests to enjoy some one-of-a-kind eats before or after the event.

It was a night of firsts for me; It was my first time attending this event and it was great! I especially enjoyed the Blueberry Beer from Ellicottville Brewing Company and the Rasberry Beer from Harpoon. I have no complaints and overall is was enjoyable and unique. It was also my first time ever having food from a food truck in Buffalo and I was impressed with how good my food tasted.

I highly recommend you try a hot dog from Franks or grab some dessert from Sweet Hearth the next time you see them on the streets. Its cheap, delicious and you're supporting local business.

-B

More info:

• Buffalo Museum of Science on Facebook
• Buffalo Museum of Science on Twitter
• Franks Gourmet Hot Dogs on Twitter  
• Franks on Instagram: FranksGourmetHotDogs
• Sweet Hearth on Facebook
• Sweet Hearth on Twitter

Bonjour Coco

Me and my friend Nicole love to meet up and have wine nights occasionally, so instead of going to are main wine bar, we changed it up and checked out Coco Bar & Bistro at 888 Main St. A french decor theme is showcased throughout the building. We sat at the bar when we went and we each had a couple glasses of wine and tried the mussels (my first time ever) that came with rosemary frites (a staple item at Coco). Both were delicious! The place is great for a romantic night out with your significant other or a get together with friends.

-B

Coco on Facebook

My List of "Must Go-To" Summer Events 2013

With the warm weather starting to approach the Western New York area, below are a list of events around Buffalo for the Summer time that I personally love, love, love to attend. There are a couple that I will be attending for the first time this year and I'm super excited to see how they are. If you have a chance to attend any or all of them, I'd love to know what you think!

What are some of your favorite events to attend in the Summer time?

-B

(for more information on any of these events, click the title below)

1. Buffalove Fest (First year event)

2. Bases Merloted

3. Local Designer Fashion Show - June 15 at Ooo La La Boutique

4. Refresh

5. Wines in the Wild

6. Buffalo Chicken Wing Fest

7. BrewFest at Coca-Cola Field (Check back for 2013 info)

8. Allentown Art Festival

9. Mash Bash

10. Starry Night in the Garden

11. Buffalo Spree's Best of WNY Party (Check back for 2013 info)

On a Cobblestone Street

Located in the "Cobblestone District" Helium Comedy Club sits at 30 Mississippi St. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to catch the Garfunkel and Oates Show. To be honest, up until that night I didn't really know what to expect, and didn't have any expectations. I was thinking it would be a regular comedy show, but to my surprise I was quite impressed with the venue and with the show. Kate and Riki (who is originally from Olean, NY) are two of the funniest gals in the business. It was a packed house and they kept the crowd laughing the whole night. Included with the show was a host and opening act, Sean Murphy, who both were very good as well.

The only downside of the night were the tables you sit at, they are way to small for a group of 4 or more. If ordering food, plan on having your plate on your lap. For a group of 3 or less there perfect though.

If your looking to do something other than just the usual "dinner and drinks" think of checking out a show at Helium. Wednesday nights are open mic nights. Tickets are reasonably priced (avg. $25 per person) and if you catch a show on a non-eventful day at the First Niagara Center, there's lots of free parking in the area. You can expect to have a night full of laughs.

-B

"Like" them on Facebook           Follow them on Twitter

The Mansion On Delaware

Located on the corner of Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that offers a variety of amenities, complimentary breakfast and cocktails in the evening, shoe-shining, a Billiards Salon, internet access and space for that "special" event.

Whether your in town for leisure, or looking to host a business function, the Mansion on Delaware has got you covered. The pictures posted above are from a Bridal Show that took place last week that my friend Kate (who recently got engaged) and I attended. The rooms are amazing and the service that is provided is exceptional. If you ever have a chance to attend an event at this fine establishment you won't be disappointed.

-B

Friday Favorites*

Some fun at Seabar

If you love Japanese or Seafood Seabar is a place you have to check out! A few weeks ago a friend of mine had her birthday celebration in the back room of the restaurant- which is quite roomy, private, modern and just right for the size of her party of close to 20. It was a fun night out! Music, Finding Nemo on the television, good food and drinks, sleek decor and spending time with your friends, you can't beat that!

Seabar offers a wide array of food that you can enjoy at lunch or dinner time. When I was there I enjoyed the Sesame Noodles and the Best Spicy Tuna Roll (you'll see pictures below). Accompanied with my food was a Sake Flight (that a friend and I split). I never knew they offered Sake Flights before, anywhere, but it was pretty cool to try. Its also a great way to taste a variety of different kinds of Sake and find out which one you like best. While the food is priced reasonably, the drinks were a little pricey. Keep that in mind when you visit. At the end of the night, the waitress brought out complimentary Sake Jello shots for my friends birthday. It was a nice surprise to end the night.

-B

Located at: 475 Ellicott Street, 14203               Seabar Facebook Page

Mulligan's Brick Bar - Allen St.

Looking for the perfect spot for a relaxed or fun happy hour out? Brick Bar (located at 229 Allen St.) in Buffalo has got you covered! With a big bar in the front and back of the building, darts, a pool table, televisions for you to catch a sports function, and unique decor choices, you could never say you're bored there. Its the spot to be. They have an outdoor patio located in the front of the building so you'll be able to catch all the action that happens on Allen St. without having to leave the bar. Its one of my favorite places to go on Allen. Friend them on Facebook and check it out sometime!

-B

Let's Go Buffalo! Blue & Gold

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Buffalo Sabres game vs. the Boston Bruins with my Dad. The game was held at the First Niagara Center (FNC) which is located in downtown Buffalo.

While the Sabres lost the night we attended, it was nice to have the opportunity to sit in the 200 Level where we could order food and drink from our seats if we didn't want to go to the stands. It was a nice "luxury" to have for one night, since a majority of the time I am sitting in the "nosebleeds" 300 level section.

The FNC venue was formerly known as HSBC Arena, until the bank was bought out by First Niagara a year ago.

Did you know?!? The venue has been open since September of 1996 and since that time has hosted over 11 million people for a variety of entertainment and sporting events.

FNC is not only home to the Buffalo Sabres, but also another Buffalo sports team the Buffalo Bandits. The venue offers guests with the opportunity to have private functions held in a party suite. It also has a Sports Hall of Fame display located outside the Sabres Store and Sabretooth's (the Buffalo Sabres mascot) house, a fun place to take the kids before, in-between periods, or after games. To receive more information on these features, click here.

Right now if you make your way down to the FNC you will notice construction taking place. In efforts to revitalize the City of Buffalo's Waterfront, Terry Pegula, the Owner of the Buffalo Sabres, put a plan together for the Webster Block. Included in this project are two new ice rinks, a hotel, retail shops and restaurants. For more information or to stay up-to-date on the project you can follow it here: Harbor Center Development.

A tip of advice: If attending an event you may want to leave earlier than planned as parking can be difficult to find, also be prepared to wait after a game or concert if you parked in a parking ramp as traffic gets backed up. If you don't mind walking, finding a parking lot a couple blocks from the FNC is the best way to go. You'll get out faster, its cheaper, and you even sneak in some exercise.

While the Sabres and the Bandits haven't had the best seasons, maybe the revitalization down by Canalside will boost spirits not only for the fans and residents of Buffalo, but the professional athletes that play for our sports teams.Sometimes we all just need a fresh start and maybe this "project" is that step in the right direction.

-B

What is Dyngus Day?

With it being a week since the Polish festivity I thought I would write about what Dyngus Day really is. Dyngus Day is a celebration held on Easter Monday in Poland. In tradition, boys dump water over girls they like and then spank them with pussy willows. In modern times, it is known as guys squirting girls they like with squirt guns and the girls chasing them away with the pussy willows. This tradition has been traced back to the 15th century. Dyngus Day in America is most notably known in Buffalo, NY according to Wikipedia. Other big Dyngus Day celebrations take place in Chicago, IL. "The Buffalo Dyngus Day celebrations only started in the 1960s as an effort by the Polish-American community in the city to find a new focus for its identity. It proved hugely successful, to the point that a local newspaper claimed that "everybody is Polish on Dyngus Day. It has become a fusion of Polish and American traditions, with polka bands and Polish food accompanying American patriotic songs sung in English.Party-goers dress up in the red-and-white colors of the Polish flag and carry balloons saying "Happy Dyngus Day" in English." (Wikipedia.com)

While there are a variety of places to go for Dyngus Day in Buffalo the east side of Buffalo is one of the biggest hot spots to go for the celebrations. The parade kicks off at the Broadway Market and makes its way down Fillmore Ave. to the Central Terminal grounds where this year they were host to the festivities outside the building due to renovations taking place. Below are some pictures of the new set-up. Food trucks lined the outskirts of the entrance before you made your way into one of the tents that served a wide array of alcohol and food.

Like people say "everyone is Polish on Dyngus Day." Mark it in your calendars, next years Dyngus Day is Monday, April 21, 2014.

-B