Latest news with #BuffaloWings
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I tried PizzaExpress' new summer menu in Bexleyheath - I found the best new pizza
I tried PizzaExpress' new summer menu at the Bexleyheath branch – and found the best pizza I've ever eaten. PizzaExpress has always been my go-to spot for a relaxed meal out. As someone who eats gluten-free, I've found they cater brilliantly without sacrificing taste or options. So when I heard about their new summer menu, I couldn't wait to give it a try. Gluten-free diner finds spicy perfection in PizzaExpress' Calabrian Feast (Image: Holly Brencher) We started with the new Buffalo Chicken Wings and Buttermilk Chicken Strips. The wings were coated in Sauce Shop's Buffalo Hot Sauce and served with a creamy blue cheese dip. They were messy in the best way – tangy, spicy and completely addictive. Buffalo wings and buttermilk strips kick off PizzaExpress summer feast (Image: Holly Brencher) The buttermilk strips were perfectly golden and crispy, great for dipping and sharing. Both dishes felt fresh, packed with flavour and ideal for kicking things off. For drinks, we tried the new Soho Spritz. It was fruity and refreshing without being too sweet – ideal for summer. And with their current deal of two for £12, it felt like a bargain. Then it was time for the pizzas. Four Seasons Speciale offers a flavourful twist on a classic favourite (Image: Holly Brencher) I started with the Four Seasons Speciale – a modern rework of their iconic 1965 pizza. I ordered it on a gluten-free base, and as always, it was crisp and light without falling apart. Each quarter of the pizza had a different topping, which made it ideal for someone indecisive like me. One part had pepperoni and Calabrese sausage, bringing heat and richness. Another was topped with baby plum tomatoes and basil pesto, fresh and herby. There was also a quarter with mushrooms and truffle oil, which felt indulgent and earthy. And the last section – salty anchovies, olives and capers – packed a real flavour punch. It's a pizza that truly has something for everyone. But then came the real star of the meal – the Calabrian Feast. Calabrian Feast crowned standout dish in new PizzaExpress lineup (Image: Holly Brencher) This was honestly the best pizza I've ever eaten. It was loaded with 'nduja, Calabrese sausage, pepperoni and crispy pancetta. On top of that were two types of mozzarella, Gran Milano cheese and an extra chilli kick. The finishing touch was a drizzle of hot honey, which balanced the heat beautifully. Every bite was packed with bold, spicy flavour and rich, creamy cheese. It was indulgent, fiery and unforgettable. Now, I didn't try it myself, but PizzaExpress has found a bold new way to tackle the pineapple-on-pizza debate. Instead of serving it on pizza, they've created Hawaiian Hot Dough Balls. Tossed in garlic butter, topped with pancetta and pineapple, and drizzled with Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce, they're certainly a talking point. According to new research from the brand, the UK is split 50/50 on pineapple on pizza. But more than half of people say they'd try these new Dough Balls, which just might be the middle ground we've all been waiting for. For dessert, we had the Birthday Cake Sundae. It was sweet, playful and totally satisfying. Birthday Cake Sundae ends the meal on a sweet, festive note (Image: Holly Brencher) Layers of vanilla gelato, raspberry coulis, whipped cream and sprinkles made it feel like a celebration. It even had a mini sponge cake and a topping of Joe & Seph's Birthday Cake Popcorn. A proper party in a glass. PizzaExpress has nailed it with this summer menu. They've kept their classics while bringing in bold new flavours and playful twists. Whether you're a spice lover, a sweet tooth or someone who wants variety, there's something here for you. And for gluten-free diners like me, it's one of the few places where you feel totally looked after. The Calabrian Feast alone is worth the visit. This menu is a summer treat that genuinely delivers.
CNET
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNET
My Secret Crispy Buffalo Wings Recipe Will Upgrade Every Summer Party
With summer now just around the corner, it's time to start planning for this season's outdoor parties. There'll be great food, great drinks and even better company, but there is one very easy way to improve on last year's effort. Is it really a party if you don't serve my gorgeous Buffalo wings? Every good party needs two things at the very least: great wings and your favorite beer. So if you want to impress your guests, check out this easy, convenient, crispy oven-baked chicken wing recipe. This is great if you don't have a deep fryer or must make large batches of wings. Another perk of using the oven is that it's a healthier alternative. Now, just because it's healthy doesn't mean you're sacrificing flavor or that satisfying crispy chicken crunch. Here's everything you need to know to make these tasty bites for game day. Read more: Clever Cleaning Hacks for the Hardest-to-Reach Crevices in Your Kitchen Everything you need to make oven-baked chicken wings Porter Road Raw ingredients Porter Road wings from Jolly Barnyard Start with high-quality chicken wings. Jolly Barnyard's pasture-raised birds have room to move, get fresh air and eat a varied diet free of added hormones and antibiotics. The shipment of 1 to 1.5 pounds of wings arrives frozen. $24 at Porterroad How to make crispy chicken wings in the oven 1. Decide how many wings you need. Generally speaking, budgeting six to eight wings per person is wise, depending on what else is being served. A variety of sauces and dips will keep things interesting. 2. Make sure the wings are washed and patted completely dry. Preparing the wings beforehand is as important as anything to achieve crispy results, so don't skip the drying step. 3. To lock in moisture and also help the skin develop crispiness, most chefs encourage a light coating of baking powder and/or white flour. If you're trying to avoid those two ingredients, trusted food nerd Alton Brown suggests lightly steaming the wings for 10 minutes to render the fat, which naturally helps to crisp skin during cooking. 4. If you're doing a dry rub like Cajun seasoning or jerk spices, apply to the wings before cooking. Otherwise, wings are tossed in a wet sauce afterward (but never before). 5. Place the wings in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet. Feel free to line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place the wings on a wire rack set within the pan so the fat drips down (optional). 6. Bake the wings at 350 degrees for 1 hour, turning them over halfway through. This helps the skin crisp relatively quickly without drying out the inside. Optional: A good, if slightly more caloric tip comes from Mark Bittman who suggests a little extra fat to baste the wings while they cook, still flipping them partway through. Not only do they stay moist, according to Bittman, but they get beautifully browned, too. 7. For truly crispy skin, turn the oven up to 425-450 degrees during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Or, broil the wings for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. If you're basting per Mark Bittman or the wings are baking in some of their own juices in a tray, you may cook them for longer without the risk of them drying out. Just look for a crispy skin to develop and don't exceed 90 minutes of total cooking time. 8. You can follow these same basic rules and processes to make frozen chicken wings crispy in the oven, too. Just make sure to pat them dry, especially well before cooking, as ice may have formed on the skin. 9. Once cooked, it's saucin' time. There are a million and one sauce (and dip) recipes to try, from classic Buffalo with blue cheese to international flavors like soy, garlic, teriyaki, ginger and even curry. Is your summer party really a party without buffalo wings? Gettys Images/ repinanatoly Fan favorite chicken wing recipes: Crispy oven-baked Buffalo wings This clip from RecipeTin Eats' Nagi Maehashi teases the use of a rack to drain juices for less fat and more crispiness. Get Maehashi's recipe for truly crispy oven-baked Buffalo wings. Smoky rubbed wings with molasses Smoky rubbed wings with molasses. Quentin Bacon Beauty & Essex chef Chris Santos' recipe uses molasses, honey and bourbon. A smoky spice rub and a doctored barbecue sauce make his baked-then-broiled wings irresistible. Soy-glazed wings Soy-glazed chicken wings. CNET These sweet wings are great as is, but add some fresh chives, sesame, crushed red pepper or diced garlic for a multilayered sauce. Tasting Table's recipe uses rice flour to dredge the chicken, giving it the added bonus of being airy, crispy and gluten-free. Maple-mustard barbecue wings Maple mustard barbecue wings. CNET Christine Gallary's recipe is easily adapted to the oven-baked method. Just brush the wings with the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking so it caramelizes a bit but doesn't burn. Chicken wing recipe FAQs When should I season my chicken wings? If you want to season your wings, apply any dry seasonings or rubs before you cook them in the oven. However, if you're using any sauces, those are going to go on after you're done cooking the wings. How can I make sure my wings are moist and crispy? In order to make sure the moisture is locked into your wings and they don't get dry in the oven, apply a thin coating of baking powder or white flour before you cook the chicken wings.
CNN
31-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Buffalo, New York is a welcoming blend of cool and old school
Buffalo, New York (CNN) — 'Go Bills!' is the standard exchange here. I quickly surmised that there's only one acceptable reply when someone says to you, 'Go Bills!' And that's, 'Go Bills!' 'It's more than just a rallying cry during football season, it's become a kind of regional shorthand for pride, camaraderie and shared identity,' explained Shawn St. John, age 31, who I met in a Buffalo bar. 'You'll typically hear it used as a farewell, or a salutation.' A visit to Buffalo feels like being in a play about a small town where everyone knows each other, and they bond over the local sports team. Only, it's a reality, and it's the Empire State's biggest city outside the New York City area, and the local team is in the NFL. Apparently, none of this has gone to their heads. Buffalo is an instantly charming blend of big and small, of cool and old school. Its restaurants and bars range from foodie and fancy to messy (see: Buffalo chicken wings) and quirky. It has an art museum with works by the Old Masters and also a soda fountain attached to a still-working chocolate factory. And it's just a short drive out of town to skiing, Canada and the largest waterfall (by volume) in North America. It's also friendly and surprisingly youthful. 'Lucky Day,' said the young man sitting next to me on the 90-minute flight from New York City, when I asked him where I should go while I was in town. He followed that bar recommendation by sharing his favorite places for Buffalo wings, which prompted an eavesdropping young couple in the row behind us to share their favorites. Then others weighed in on what became a good-natured debate among them as we disembarked. (Contenders tossed around included Cole's, Gabriel's Gate, Doc Sullivan's and Anchor Bar, which makes claim to being the origin of the fried, spicy wings). Prev Next Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. Nearly 38% of the population is under age 24, and the median is 34 years old. By contrast, the median age for New York City is 38 and for the whole state, it's 40. As Buffalo approaches its bicentennial in another seven years, young people not long out of college are moving here like it's the hot new destination, or staying after they graduate from one of its several colleges. The attraction includes affordability, access to nature, and the growing food and drink scene — all of which benefit visitors, too. Not bad for a town that emerged originally as the terminus of industrial traffic along the Erie Canal in the early 1800s. After checking into the affordable luxury of the Curtiss Hotel downtown, I searched for the location of Lucky Day and it was two blocks away. 'Must be my Lucky Day,' I said to myself and walked there through the compact center of the city. Downtown is marked by the inspiring beauty of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts and other classical design styles. The magazine Architectural Digest even named Buffalo one of the 23 Top Places to Travel in 2023. A light rail train smoothly beeps through it. Giant posters in the stately, gold-domed M&T Bank building read, 'Billieve.' Lucky Day Whiskey Bar lives up to the potable half of its name with warmly illuminated bottles that stretch from bar to ceiling. The whole space looks the part, with its wood paneling, fancy gold-infused wallpaper on one side, and urban exposed brick on the other. A taxidermied, not-so-lucky buffalo head looks out over the bonhomie. Beyond the encyclopedic whiskey menu, the bar's excellent beer selections include Kilkenny's nitro-infused Irish ale, from the old country, and a local lager from Woodcock Brothers Brewery. The bartenders, in their spiffy vests and hipster facial hair, shake hands and chat with the customers they know by name. 'Your regular or something new tonight?' they ask from behind the beautiful, dark wood bar. Sitting there, I introduced myself to Shawn and his significant other, Krystina Lucas, 32. He manages a local cannabis dispensary and she's a grade-school teacher. If one conversation with a random local on the plane landed me at Lucky Day, another one at Lucky Day should net me more, I reasoned. They enthusiastically gave me a long list of places to eat, drink and shop to get a feel for their evolving city, particularly its nightlife and culinary scene. Krystina recommended the four-story Pearl Street Grill & Brewery located downtown by the water, where I had a Peanut Butter Vibes lager at a bar with views of giant, gleaming beer tanks. Don't knock it till you try it. But if that's outside your comfort zone, the Sabre's Edge is an award-winning double IPA. And you can enjoy it in the large first-floor bar, which was recently renovated. There's also a swanky wine lounge in the Black Rock neighborhood called Waxlight Bar à Vin that opened in 2019 in the revitalized Chandler Street factory building, part of a trend of breathing new life into old industrial spaces. Waxlight was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. The Curtiss Hotel has a rooftop bar and a circular first floor one that slowly revolves. But I was on the elevator when I was reminded of what really led me to pick the hotel in the first place. An elevator button labeled 'Hot Springs' leads guests to an enormous, outdoor hot tub with powerful jets — an effective last stop before sleep. Buffalo is famous for its eponymous wings, of course, but there's also local pride for a meal-of-a-sandwich called a beef on weck (translation: roast beef on a kümmelweck roll). Ask 10 people in Buffalo the best place to go for wings and/or a weck and you'll get 10 different answers, and then have fun figuring out your own answer. Two local chains to also add to your Buffalo classics bingo card are Ted's Hot Dogs and Anderson's Frozen Custard. But newer spots such as Lucky Day, which opened in 2017, are expanding beyond Buffalo's traditional menu offerings. Lucky Day's signature mac & cheese is served in a cast-iron cauldron with an inspired Goldfish cracker-crumble crust, alongside a hearty salad made with brussels sprout leaves. For a different milieu only a few blocks away, Misuta Chow's specializes in Japanese street food, such as tasty sesame noodles, miso-spiced deviled eggs and ramen. Faux roofs and real lanterns inside give the place the feel of a Tokyo alleyway. Above the bar is a cartoon version of Bill Murray from 'Lost in Translation,' pitching a Japanese whisky. 'For a relaxing time, it's Suntory time!' Instead, I ordered a pink, crunchy sugar-bottomed Hello Kitty cocktail with my meal. I happened to arrive on 'Family Feud Night' and was recruited by two friends sitting next to me at the bar to be on their team. In the middle of the game, the bartender carried around a large golden Buddha for contestants to tap on the head for luck. 'It's a tradition,' he explained to me, the only newcomer. One of my teammates, Garrion Sirman, never left Buffalo after graduating college, citing the appeal of its big city vibes and 'mix of affordable and cool shit.' The converted Chandler Street factory is made up of two adjoining red-brick warehouses in the Black Rock neighborhood north of downtown. The buildings are home to the kitchens for multiple culinary start-ups, and in addition to the Waxlight, two other anchor tenants are the popular Crenshaw's Chicken and Waffles and a mushroom farm. Yes, farm. Flat #12 Mushrooms sells mushroom varieties as well as mushroom-infused products such as coffee and cream cheese. But they are growing the goods in the back. The Chandler Street developer has plans for an outdoor swim club with a bar and poolside restaurant, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If chocolate is more your kind of souvenir, head to the 98-year-old Parkside Candy, a landmark-of-a-shop, lined with ornate ceiling trim and glass display cases full of handcrafted chocolates, located just north of Delaware Park. A visit is a portal back in time, maybe to the early 1940s – the time period in the 1984 Oscar-nominated film, 'The Natural,' whose diner scenes were filmed at Parkside. My server, wearing a throw-back uniform of black apron and red bowtie, served me a grilled cheese and a glass bowl of ice cream while I sat next to a beautiful, solid walnut wood soda fountain. When I asked if she knew about Parkside's big-screen moment, she told me she had been an extra in the 40-year-old Robert Redford film. The factory where the chocolate is made is next door. Walking into the Talking Leaves…Books, I was greeted by The White Stripes on the speakers, which set the tone for an enjoyable browse, as do shelf categories such as 'Belles Lettres' (for poetry and miscellaneous literary subjects), and the laidback but helpful staff. I bought a quirky postcard and wrote to a friend from the inviting Caffe Aroma next door while enjoying an expertly executed cappuccino. Aroma is Buffalo's longest-running locally-owned coffee shop. North of downtown, on the edge of Delaware Park, the world-class Buffalo AKG Art Museum has the usual suspects when it comes to great artists, including Rothko, de Kooning, Pollock, Lichtenstein, Warhol and Picasso. But a hands-on space for adults and kids allows you to create your own sculpture with the classy medium of black-and-white-only Legos. After a massive expansion, the 160-year-old art institution, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, reopened as this modern museum in 2023. Another master's artistry is on display and open to tours at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, located about two miles east of the museum on the other side of the park. The cantilever design is considered one of the architect's greatest works; Wright himself described the Prairie-style home as a 'domestic symphony.' The Wright house is just off Delaware Park, the crown jewel of the city's system of parks and designed by another genius: Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. Delaware Park is flanked by lovely Edwardian-style homes and contains statues from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Back in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Canalside park benefited from a recent $300 million waterfront revitalization and hosts hundreds of waterside concerts and events every year. It has a huge ice rink in the winter. And it's also the launch pad for river cruises or kayak rentals on Lake Erie. Like Flagstaff, Arizona's proximity to the Grand Canyon, Buffalo could mistakenly be overlooked as the last stop before visiting Niagara Falls, just a half hour's drive north on Interstate 190. There's a city bus from downtown to the Falls for only $2. Beautiful if touristy, Niagara Falls make for a memorable day trip from Buffalo. Unlike the Falls, however, you need more than just a few hours in the city to soak in all it has to offer. There's a small (39 runs), inexpensive ski resort with a long season about 45 minutes south of Buffalo called Kissing Bridge. It was acquired at the end of last year, and investment in the resort and in off-season activities, such as additional mountain biking and hiking, are planned. Then there's Canada. The small town of Fort Erie, Ontario, lies just across the Niagara River, accessible by the Peace Bridge – and your passport. From there, it's only a couple more hours to Toronto, with the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as a stop along the way. Toronto is a fitting sister city to Buffalo; they share a reputation as low-key cool. I made one last stop before heading to the airport. One of the Buffalo wings destinations debated on the plane was Betty's, and I was eager to try its vegetarian version made with seitan (but missing none of the hot, tangy messiness). I got a lunch serving, to-go, for the midday flight back to New York. After I arrived at the airport rental car drop-off, the young man behind the counter thanked me when I handed him the keys. As I turned away, something felt missing in the exchange. 'Go Bills!' I initiated for the first and only time, then started to walk away. 'Go Bills!' the rental car attendant called back, grinning.
CNN
31-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Buffalo, New York is a welcoming blend of cool and old school
Buffalo, New York (CNN) — 'Go Bills!' is the standard exchange here. I quickly surmised that there's only one acceptable reply when someone says to you, 'Go Bills!' And that's, 'Go Bills!' 'It's more than just a rallying cry during football season, it's become a kind of regional shorthand for pride, camaraderie and shared identity,' explained Shawn St. John, age 31, who I met in a Buffalo bar. 'You'll typically hear it used as a farewell, or a salutation.' A visit to Buffalo feels like being in a play about a small town where everyone knows each other, and they bond over the local sports team. Only, it's a reality, and it's the Empire State's biggest city outside the New York City area, and the local team is in the NFL. Apparently, none of this has gone to their heads. Buffalo is an instantly charming blend of big and small, of cool and old school. Its restaurants and bars range from foodie and fancy to messy (see: Buffalo chicken wings) and quirky. It has an art museum with works by the Old Masters and also a soda fountain attached to a still-working chocolate factory. And it's just a short drive out of town to skiing, Canada and the largest waterfall (by volume) in North America. It's also friendly and surprisingly youthful. 'Lucky Day,' said the young man sitting next to me on the 90-minute flight from New York City, when I asked him where I should go while I was in town. He followed that bar recommendation by sharing his favorite places for Buffalo wings, which prompted an eavesdropping young couple in the row behind us to share their favorites. Then others weighed in on what became a good-natured debate among them as we disembarked. (Contenders tossed around included Cole's, Gabriel's Gate, Doc Sullivan's and Anchor Bar, which makes claim to being the origin of the fried, spicy wings). Prev Next Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. Nearly 38% of the population is under age 24, and the median is 34 years old. By contrast, the median age for New York City is 38 and for the whole state, it's 40. As Buffalo approaches its bicentennial in another seven years, young people not long out of college are moving here like it's the hot new destination, or staying after they graduate from one of its several colleges. The attraction includes affordability, access to nature, and the growing food and drink scene — all of which benefit visitors, too. Not bad for a town that emerged originally as the terminus of industrial traffic along the Erie Canal in the early 1800s. After checking into the affordable luxury of the Curtiss Hotel downtown, I searched for the location of Lucky Day and it was two blocks away. 'Must be my Lucky Day,' I said to myself and walked there through the compact center of the city. Downtown is marked by the inspiring beauty of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts and other classical design styles. The magazine Architectural Digest even named Buffalo one of the 23 Top Places to Travel in 2023. A light rail train smoothly beeps through it. Giant posters in the stately, gold-domed M&T Bank building read, 'Billieve.' Lucky Day Whiskey Bar lives up to the potable half of its name with warmly illuminated bottles that stretch from bar to ceiling. The whole space looks the part, with its wood paneling, fancy gold-infused wallpaper on one side, and urban exposed brick on the other. A taxidermied, not-so-lucky buffalo head looks out over the bonhomie. Beyond the encyclopedic whiskey menu, the bar's excellent beer selections include Kilkenny's nitro-infused Irish ale, from the old country, and a local lager from Woodcock Brothers Brewery. The bartenders, in their spiffy vests and hipster facial hair, shake hands and chat with the customers they know by name. 'Your regular or something new tonight?' they ask from behind the beautiful, dark wood bar. Sitting there, I introduced myself to Shawn and his significant other, Krystina Lucas, 32. He manages a local cannabis dispensary and she's a grade-school teacher. If one conversation with a random local on the plane landed me at Lucky Day, another one at Lucky Day should net me more, I reasoned. They enthusiastically gave me a long list of places to eat, drink and shop to get a feel for their evolving city, particularly its nightlife and culinary scene. Krystina recommended the four-story Pearl Street Grill & Brewery located downtown by the water, where I had a Peanut Butter Vibes lager at a bar with views of giant, gleaming beer tanks. Don't knock it till you try it. But if that's outside your comfort zone, the Sabre's Edge is an award-winning double IPA. And you can enjoy it in the large first-floor bar, which was recently renovated. There's also a swanky wine lounge in the Black Rock neighborhood called Waxlight Bar à Vin that opened in 2019 in the revitalized Chandler Street factory building, part of a trend of breathing new life into old industrial spaces. Waxlight was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. The Curtiss Hotel has a rooftop bar and a circular first floor one that slowly revolves. But I was on the elevator when I was reminded of what really led me to pick the hotel in the first place. An elevator button labeled 'Hot Springs' leads guests to an enormous, outdoor hot tub with powerful jets — an effective last stop before sleep. Buffalo is famous for its eponymous wings, of course, but there's also local pride for a meal-of-a-sandwich called a beef on weck (translation: roast beef on a kümmelweck roll). Ask 10 people in Buffalo the best place to go for wings and/or a weck and you'll get 10 different answers, and then have fun figuring out your own answer. Two local chains to also add to your Buffalo classics bingo card are Ted's Hot Dogs and Anderson's Frozen Custard. But newer spots such as Lucky Day, which opened in 2017, are expanding beyond Buffalo's traditional menu offerings. Lucky Day's signature mac & cheese is served in a cast-iron cauldron with an inspired Goldfish cracker-crumble crust, alongside a hearty salad made with brussels sprout leaves. For a different milieu only a few blocks away, Misuta Chow's specializes in Japanese street food, such as tasty sesame noodles, miso-spiced deviled eggs and ramen. Faux roofs and real lanterns inside give the place the feel of a Tokyo alleyway. Above the bar is a cartoon version of Bill Murray from 'Lost in Translation,' pitching a Japanese whisky. 'For a relaxing time, it's Suntory time!' Instead, I ordered a pink, crunchy sugar-bottomed Hello Kitty cocktail with my meal. I happened to arrive on 'Family Feud Night' and was recruited by two friends sitting next to me at the bar to be on their team. In the middle of the game, the bartender carried around a large golden Buddha for contestants to tap on the head for luck. 'It's a tradition,' he explained to me, the only newcomer. One of my teammates, Garrion Sirman, never left Buffalo after graduating college, citing the appeal of its big city vibes and 'mix of affordable and cool shit.' The converted Chandler Street factory is made up of two adjoining red-brick warehouses in the Black Rock neighborhood north of downtown. The buildings are home to the kitchens for multiple culinary start-ups, and in addition to the Waxlight, two other anchor tenants are the popular Crenshaw's Chicken and Waffles and a mushroom farm. Yes, farm. Flat #12 Mushrooms sells mushroom varieties as well as mushroom-infused products such as coffee and cream cheese. But they are growing the goods in the back. The Chandler Street developer has plans for an outdoor swim club with a bar and poolside restaurant, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If chocolate is more your kind of souvenir, head to the 98-year-old Parkside Candy, a landmark-of-a-shop, lined with ornate ceiling trim and glass display cases full of handcrafted chocolates, located just north of Delaware Park. A visit is a portal back in time, maybe to the early 1940s – the time period in the 1984 Oscar-nominated film, 'The Natural,' whose diner scenes were filmed at Parkside. My server, wearing a throw-back uniform of black apron and red bowtie, served me a grilled cheese and a glass bowl of ice cream while I sat next to a beautiful, solid walnut wood soda fountain. When I asked if she knew about Parkside's big-screen moment, she told me she had been an extra in the 40-year-old Robert Redford film. The factory where the chocolate is made is next door. Walking into the Talking Leaves…Books, I was greeted by The White Stripes on the speakers, which set the tone for an enjoyable browse, as do shelf categories such as 'Belles Lettres' (for poetry and miscellaneous literary subjects), and the laidback but helpful staff. I bought a quirky postcard and wrote to a friend from the inviting Caffe Aroma next door while enjoying an expertly executed cappuccino. Aroma is Buffalo's longest-running locally-owned coffee shop. North of downtown, on the edge of Delaware Park, the world-class Buffalo AKG Art Museum has the usual suspects when it comes to great artists, including Rothko, de Kooning, Pollock, Lichtenstein, Warhol and Picasso. But a hands-on space for adults and kids allows you to create your own sculpture with the classy medium of black-and-white-only Legos. After a massive expansion, the 160-year-old art institution, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, reopened as this modern museum in 2023. Another master's artistry is on display and open to tours at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, located about two miles east of the museum on the other side of the park. The cantilever design is considered one of the architect's greatest works; Wright himself described the Prairie-style home as a 'domestic symphony.' The Wright house is just off Delaware Park, the crown jewel of the city's system of parks and designed by another genius: Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. Delaware Park is flanked by lovely Edwardian-style homes and contains statues from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Back in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Canalside park benefited from a recent $300 million waterfront revitalization and hosts hundreds of waterside concerts and events every year. It has a huge ice rink in the winter. And it's also the launch pad for river cruises or kayak rentals on Lake Erie. Like Flagstaff, Arizona's proximity to the Grand Canyon, Buffalo could mistakenly be overlooked as the last stop before visiting Niagara Falls, just a half hour's drive north on Interstate 190. There's a city bus from downtown to the Falls for only $2. Beautiful if touristy, Niagara Falls make for a memorable day trip from Buffalo. Unlike the Falls, however, you need more than just a few hours in the city to soak in all it has to offer. There's a small (39 runs), inexpensive ski resort with a long season about 45 minutes south of Buffalo called Kissing Bridge. It was acquired at the end of last year, and investment in the resort and in off-season activities, such as additional mountain biking and hiking, are planned. Then there's Canada. The small town of Fort Erie, Ontario, lies just across the Niagara River, accessible by the Peace Bridge – and your passport. From there, it's only a couple more hours to Toronto, with the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as a stop along the way. Toronto is a fitting sister city to Buffalo; they share a reputation as low-key cool. I made one last stop before heading to the airport. One of the Buffalo wings destinations debated on the plane was Betty's, and I was eager to try its vegetarian version made with seitan (but missing none of the hot, tangy messiness). I got a lunch serving, to-go, for the midday flight back to New York. After I arrived at the airport rental car drop-off, the young man behind the counter thanked me when I handed him the keys. As I turned away, something felt missing in the exchange. 'Go Bills!' I initiated for the first and only time, then started to walk away. 'Go Bills!' the rental car attendant called back, grinning.
CNN
31-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
Buffalo, New York is a welcoming blend of cool and old school
Buffalo, New York (CNN) — 'Go Bills!' is the standard exchange here. I quickly surmised that there's only one acceptable reply when someone says to you, 'Go Bills!' And that's, 'Go Bills!' 'It's more than just a rallying cry during football season, it's become a kind of regional shorthand for pride, camaraderie and shared identity,' explained Shawn St. John, age 31, who I met in a Buffalo bar. 'You'll typically hear it used as a farewell, or a salutation.' A visit to Buffalo feels like being in a play about a small town where everyone knows each other, and they bond over the local sports team. Only, it's a reality, and it's the Empire State's biggest city outside the New York City area, and the local team is in the NFL. Apparently, none of this has gone to their heads. Buffalo is an instantly charming blend of big and small, of cool and old school. Its restaurants and bars range from foodie and fancy to messy (see: Buffalo chicken wings) and quirky. It has an art museum with works by the Old Masters and also a soda fountain attached to a still-working chocolate factory. And it's just a short drive out of town to skiing, Canada and the largest waterfall (by volume) in North America. It's also friendly and surprisingly youthful. 'Lucky Day,' said the young man sitting next to me on the 90-minute flight from New York City, when I asked him where I should go while I was in town. He followed that bar recommendation by sharing his favorite places for Buffalo wings, which prompted an eavesdropping young couple in the row behind us to share their favorites. Then others weighed in on what became a good-natured debate among them as we disembarked. (Contenders tossed around included Cole's, Gabriel's Gate, Doc Sullivan's and Anchor Bar, which makes claim to being the origin of the fried, spicy wings). Prev Next Those 30-something passengers represented a surprising demographic distinction for this city mainly known for its long winters, spicy chicken wings and proximity to one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the country. Nearly 38% of the population is under age 24, and the median is 34 years old. By contrast, the median age for New York City is 38 and for the whole state, it's 40. As Buffalo approaches its bicentennial in another seven years, young people not long out of college are moving here like it's the hot new destination, or staying after they graduate from one of its several colleges. The attraction includes affordability, access to nature, and the growing food and drink scene — all of which benefit visitors, too. Not bad for a town that emerged originally as the terminus of industrial traffic along the Erie Canal in the early 1800s. After checking into the affordable luxury of the Curtiss Hotel downtown, I searched for the location of Lucky Day and it was two blocks away. 'Must be my Lucky Day,' I said to myself and walked there through the compact center of the city. Downtown is marked by the inspiring beauty of Art Deco, Beaux-Arts and other classical design styles. The magazine Architectural Digest even named Buffalo one of the 23 Top Places to Travel in 2023. A light rail train smoothly beeps through it. Giant posters in the stately, gold-domed M&T Bank building read, 'Billieve.' Lucky Day Whiskey Bar lives up to the potable half of its name with warmly illuminated bottles that stretch from bar to ceiling. The whole space looks the part, with its wood paneling, fancy gold-infused wallpaper on one side, and urban exposed brick on the other. A taxidermied, not-so-lucky buffalo head looks out over the bonhomie. Beyond the encyclopedic whiskey menu, the bar's excellent beer selections include Kilkenny's nitro-infused Irish ale, from the old country, and a local lager from Woodcock Brothers Brewery. The bartenders, in their spiffy vests and hipster facial hair, shake hands and chat with the customers they know by name. 'Your regular or something new tonight?' they ask from behind the beautiful, dark wood bar. Sitting there, I introduced myself to Shawn and his significant other, Krystina Lucas, 32. He manages a local cannabis dispensary and she's a grade-school teacher. If one conversation with a random local on the plane landed me at Lucky Day, another one at Lucky Day should net me more, I reasoned. They enthusiastically gave me a long list of places to eat, drink and shop to get a feel for their evolving city, particularly its nightlife and culinary scene. Krystina recommended the four-story Pearl Street Grill & Brewery located downtown by the water, where I had a Peanut Butter Vibes lager at a bar with views of giant, gleaming beer tanks. Don't knock it till you try it. But if that's outside your comfort zone, the Sabre's Edge is an award-winning double IPA. And you can enjoy it in the large first-floor bar, which was recently renovated. There's also a swanky wine lounge in the Black Rock neighborhood called Waxlight Bar à Vin that opened in 2019 in the revitalized Chandler Street factory building, part of a trend of breathing new life into old industrial spaces. Waxlight was a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. The Curtiss Hotel has a rooftop bar and a circular first floor one that slowly revolves. But I was on the elevator when I was reminded of what really led me to pick the hotel in the first place. An elevator button labeled 'Hot Springs' leads guests to an enormous, outdoor hot tub with powerful jets — an effective last stop before sleep. Buffalo is famous for its eponymous wings, of course, but there's also local pride for a meal-of-a-sandwich called a beef on weck (translation: roast beef on a kümmelweck roll). Ask 10 people in Buffalo the best place to go for wings and/or a weck and you'll get 10 different answers, and then have fun figuring out your own answer. Two local chains to also add to your Buffalo classics bingo card are Ted's Hot Dogs and Anderson's Frozen Custard. But newer spots such as Lucky Day, which opened in 2017, are expanding beyond Buffalo's traditional menu offerings. Lucky Day's signature mac & cheese is served in a cast-iron cauldron with an inspired Goldfish cracker-crumble crust, alongside a hearty salad made with brussels sprout leaves. For a different milieu only a few blocks away, Misuta Chow's specializes in Japanese street food, such as tasty sesame noodles, miso-spiced deviled eggs and ramen. Faux roofs and real lanterns inside give the place the feel of a Tokyo alleyway. Above the bar is a cartoon version of Bill Murray from 'Lost in Translation,' pitching a Japanese whisky. 'For a relaxing time, it's Suntory time!' Instead, I ordered a pink, crunchy sugar-bottomed Hello Kitty cocktail with my meal. I happened to arrive on 'Family Feud Night' and was recruited by two friends sitting next to me at the bar to be on their team. In the middle of the game, the bartender carried around a large golden Buddha for contestants to tap on the head for luck. 'It's a tradition,' he explained to me, the only newcomer. One of my teammates, Garrion Sirman, never left Buffalo after graduating college, citing the appeal of its big city vibes and 'mix of affordable and cool shit.' The converted Chandler Street factory is made up of two adjoining red-brick warehouses in the Black Rock neighborhood north of downtown. The buildings are home to the kitchens for multiple culinary start-ups, and in addition to the Waxlight, two other anchor tenants are the popular Crenshaw's Chicken and Waffles and a mushroom farm. Yes, farm. Flat #12 Mushrooms sells mushroom varieties as well as mushroom-infused products such as coffee and cream cheese. But they are growing the goods in the back. The Chandler Street developer has plans for an outdoor swim club with a bar and poolside restaurant, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. If chocolate is more your kind of souvenir, head to the 98-year-old Parkside Candy, a landmark-of-a-shop, lined with ornate ceiling trim and glass display cases full of handcrafted chocolates, located just north of Delaware Park. A visit is a portal back in time, maybe to the early 1940s – the time period in the 1984 Oscar-nominated film, 'The Natural,' whose diner scenes were filmed at Parkside. My server, wearing a throw-back uniform of black apron and red bowtie, served me a grilled cheese and a glass bowl of ice cream while I sat next to a beautiful, solid walnut wood soda fountain. When I asked if she knew about Parkside's big-screen moment, she told me she had been an extra in the 40-year-old Robert Redford film. The factory where the chocolate is made is next door. Walking into the Talking Leaves…Books, I was greeted by The White Stripes on the speakers, which set the tone for an enjoyable browse, as do shelf categories such as 'Belles Lettres' (for poetry and miscellaneous literary subjects), and the laidback but helpful staff. I bought a quirky postcard and wrote to a friend from the inviting Caffe Aroma next door while enjoying an expertly executed cappuccino. Aroma is Buffalo's longest-running locally-owned coffee shop. North of downtown, on the edge of Delaware Park, the world-class Buffalo AKG Art Museum has the usual suspects when it comes to great artists, including Rothko, de Kooning, Pollock, Lichtenstein, Warhol and Picasso. But a hands-on space for adults and kids allows you to create your own sculpture with the classy medium of black-and-white-only Legos. After a massive expansion, the 160-year-old art institution, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, reopened as this modern museum in 2023. Another master's artistry is on display and open to tours at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, located about two miles east of the museum on the other side of the park. The cantilever design is considered one of the architect's greatest works; Wright himself described the Prairie-style home as a 'domestic symphony.' The Wright house is just off Delaware Park, the crown jewel of the city's system of parks and designed by another genius: Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. Delaware Park is flanked by lovely Edwardian-style homes and contains statues from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901. Back in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Canalside park benefited from a recent $300 million waterfront revitalization and hosts hundreds of waterside concerts and events every year. It has a huge ice rink in the winter. And it's also the launch pad for river cruises or kayak rentals on Lake Erie. Like Flagstaff, Arizona's proximity to the Grand Canyon, Buffalo could mistakenly be overlooked as the last stop before visiting Niagara Falls, just a half hour's drive north on Interstate 190. There's a city bus from downtown to the Falls for only $2. Beautiful if touristy, Niagara Falls make for a memorable day trip from Buffalo. Unlike the Falls, however, you need more than just a few hours in the city to soak in all it has to offer. There's a small (39 runs), inexpensive ski resort with a long season about 45 minutes south of Buffalo called Kissing Bridge. It was acquired at the end of last year, and investment in the resort and in off-season activities, such as additional mountain biking and hiking, are planned. Then there's Canada. The small town of Fort Erie, Ontario, lies just across the Niagara River, accessible by the Peace Bridge – and your passport. From there, it's only a couple more hours to Toronto, with the Canadian side of Niagara Falls as a stop along the way. Toronto is a fitting sister city to Buffalo; they share a reputation as low-key cool. I made one last stop before heading to the airport. One of the Buffalo wings destinations debated on the plane was Betty's, and I was eager to try its vegetarian version made with seitan (but missing none of the hot, tangy messiness). I got a lunch serving, to-go, for the midday flight back to New York. After I arrived at the airport rental car drop-off, the young man behind the counter thanked me when I handed him the keys. As I turned away, something felt missing in the exchange. 'Go Bills!' I initiated for the first and only time, then started to walk away. 'Go Bills!' the rental car attendant called back, grinning.
