Love Your Mom and Pop – O’Connell’s »

By admin
May 23, 2013 @ 2:38 pm

by Buffalo style consultant, Erin Habes

O’Connell’s is a men’s style destination that personifies the meaning of our “Love Your Mom and Pop Shop” campaign! “Established in 1959 they have been a family owned and operated clothier offering men’s, women’s, and young men’s clothing”. It takes a good strong family to keep a business alive, along with a loyal clientele. The Huber family is blessed to have both.

Influencers in this business set the standard and keep pushing until it’s perfect. Bernhard John Huber, had the vision and creativity to withstand Buffalo’s highs and lows, and never once compromised on style, quality or service. His sons John Huber and Ethan Huber have gracefully introduced e-commerce to the O’Connell’s business model and now sell all over the world. Not bad for this three-story hidden gem located on Main Street in the city’s University District.

Stocking fashion heavyweights like Barbour (for men and women), Alden Shoes, Bills Khakis, Samuelsohn Clothing, Quoddy, Salko Coats, and Marrimekko, O’Connell’s is not only known for their exclusive top-notch men’s and women’s brands, but has a coveted private label collection as well. This custom O’Connell product fills the void, which includes everything you ever wanted and could never find, including that pair of beer and pretzels embroidered trousers you have been dreaming of…

In short, O’Connell’s offers the ‘backbone’ of a traditional wardrobe, fused with a cool contemporary sensibility. A “must” for your “things to do in Buffalo” bucket list, a visit to O’Connell’s will make you feel as if you just went back in time, when retail was a rather refined affair.

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Miniature Masterpieces at the Botanical Gardens »

By admin
May 17, 2013 @ 2:43 pm

by Maureen Vitali

It’s time to feast your eyes on one of Western New York’s finest blends of horticulture and art– the Bonsai Show at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

For those who don’t know, bonsais are man-manipulated, miniature, meticulously manicured versions of trees that grow throughout the world. But you don’t have to travel all around the world to find them, thanks to the Gardens.

Dozens of carefully crafted miniature masterpieces will be on display as part of the show on May 18-19. And here’s a fun fact: bonsai trees come in a variety of different species of trees—from cedar to pine and everything in between. So yes, you may get to see an adorable, petite version of a maple tree. And you can count on seeing some beautiful flower bearing bonsais, as these are a favorite among visitors.

The best part is that the master artisans who generated the trees will be present to answer questions and share stories about the bonsai creation process.

The bonsais will be there, the artisans will be there, all that’s missing is you!

So indulge your inner tree-hugger and swing by the Gardens to get a peek of the tiny trees for yourself…they won’t be there long.

 

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Sweet Blues at Pan-Am »

By admin
May 15, 2013 @ 7:54 am

by Karen Fashana

The title of this actually sounds a bit misleading. “Sweet Blues at Pan Am” sounds like it could be a chance to hear some smooth jazz tunes at a local club. Sorry to disappoint, but it’s not. “Sweet Blues” are actually much tastier than that. They’re an appetizer at a brand new restaurant called the Pan Am Grill & Brewery inside the Hotel @ The Lafayette.

When summer starts to roll in, my hankering for sweet potato fries seems to rise. But these aren’t your typical sweet potato fries. These orange spuds are sliced thick, fried to that perfect crisp, then smothered in honey butter (you know it’s going to be good when they use the word ‘smothered’ right on the menu). But hold the phone, they don’t call them Sweet BLUES for nothing. These sweeties are then topped with a generous portion of crumbled bleu cheese.

Now bleu cheese crumbles on a salad or on a steak make sense to me, but I never heard of it on sweet potatoes. The combination of the sweet honey with the salty bleu cheese really meshed well together. Finding those menu items that take me out of my comfort zone and then deliver on taste are always a dining highlight for me. Go out and find yours too!

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Love Your Mom and Pop – MS Eye Candy Boutique »

By admin
May 13, 2013 @ 9:54 am

by Buffalo’s style consultant, Erin Habes

Keeping with our “Love Your Mom and Pop” campaign, this week we give a nod to women’s clothing boutique MS Eye Candy. A charming little shop right off-the-beaten-path on W. Utica, located in the Elmwood Village. Blazing the way with trendy indie labels and emerging brands, MS Eye Candy is a sweet addition to our local retail community.

Owner Siobhan Taylor, has been holding her own for 2 years now, and continues to keep her shop filled with awesomeness. Call it Karma, but she has definitely put in her time in the Buffalo retail scene and is now reaping the benefits of a dedicated customer base. Over the past few years her daughter, Alexis, has grown up in her mother’s boutique and has developed quite a style and personality. Keeping her mother cool and vice versa! Their relationship is truly a part of the heart of this shop.

Next time you’re shopping in the EV, stop in for some major eye candy!

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Bubbles Galore at the Buffalo Museum of Science »

By admin
May 10, 2013 @ 2:10 pm

by Maureen Vitali

If you love bubbles—big and small, wide and tall, those that are made of glass or even those that glow in the dark—you won’t want to miss “Bubblefest” at the Buffalo Museum of Science this Saturday, May 11.

Watch in awe and learn from Corning Museum of Glass artisans as they wield their 5,000 degree Fahrenheit gas and oxygen powered torches to create glass bubbles before your eyes.

Or, stop by the station I’m most looking forward to- the Tekno Bubble Dance Room, which is surrounded by groovy glow in the dark bubbles.

Of course, the party doesn’t end in the museum itself. If you head outside to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, you’ll find bubble-tastic attractions for the whole family to enjoy! Explore tents full of bubble inspired activities from a Kiddy Car Wash to bubbles so big you can stand in them! While outdoors, enjoy kid-friendly musical performances by Susan Rozler and Dave Ruch.

Also, be sure to catch special on-stage bubble performances at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm.

Here’s to unleashing your inner bubble lover this weekend!

Extra Info:

Stage performance admission is $3 per non-member or $1 per BMS Member.

The event runs from 10 am until 4 pm. The cost is free for BMS members, and covered with the price of general admission.

The event will take place rain or shine. In the event of rain, most outdoor activities will be moved indoors but the kiddy car wash is weather dependent.

For more information and tips on preparing your family for the event, visit www.sciencebuff.org.

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Jersey Boys »

By admin
May 9, 2013 @ 9:20 am

by Tweet Team member Steve Bukowski

I was thrilled to find out that I would be attending the opening night of “Jersey Boys” at Shea’s – I had heard so much about this musical and couldn’t wait to check it out for myself. Grabbed the tickets, got all dressed up and headed downtown to Shea’s for the show with my brother. Shea’s is an absolutely stunning building that I’ve seen several shows in, although not in the past few years. Walking through the doors was like seeing an old friend again.

One of the best things about the show is that everyone knows the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The appeal of that classic rock and roll is cross-generational, and I was able to sing along to several of the songs–not too bad for a 23 year old! The musical is told like a documentary, calling on each of the members of the Four Seasons to tell their side of the groups beginning, rise and eventual fall, all with those great songs throughout. After the performances of “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”, the audience cheered so much that the actors were taken aback!

With classic songs and plenty of that colorful New Jersey vocabulary, “Jersey Boys” was entertaining, funny, and such a blast to see. It’s definitely the most fun I’ve had at a musical in a while. My only regret is that I’ll only get to see it once!

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Lotions & Potions – Like Mother, Like Daughter »

By admin
May 8, 2013 @ 10:05 am

By Buffalo’s style consultant, Erin Habes

All month long we will be giving a nod to some of our favorite “Mom and Pop Shops” in Buffalo. Visit Buffalo Niagara has joined forces with Buffalo First to help promote our local shops from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day, giving light to the amazing group of business owners who have invested in our local retail community.

This week we feature the gorgeous mother-daughter duo Susan & Ciara Morreale, owners of Lotions & Potions. Indulge your senses in this one-of-a-kind perfume bar and lingerie shop. These lovely ladies have curated a boutique that has the feeling of  an elegant French boudoir, filled with designer fragrances, clothing, lingerie, and women’s accessories.

Lotions & Potions was born in the early 90’s in Niagara Falls, where they soon moved to their quaint “Village of Williamsville” location. Susan always longed to be in the Elmwood Village, and after 10 years they were ready to make the move. Elmwood Avenue is truly a shopping destination in Buffalo, and Lotions & Potions was the perfect addition to the urban oasis. They are excited to announce their recent move to a new location in the Elmwood Village, 779 Elmwood Ave.

This dynamic duo isn’t just about surface beauty; Susan is a breast cancer survivor who strives to share, build and create a positive message about women’s wellness. Not only is she an active member in the fashion community, producing fashion show fundraisers, but also she can now add jewelry designer to her repertoire. Her jewelry line “Strong Women” was born and continues to inspire.

Love your mom and pop shops- and now fall in love with Lotions & Potions! Make sure to check out this local boutique, and their NEW location.

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On Top of Spaghetti »

By admin
May 2, 2013 @ 10:37 am

By guest blogger Kara Burakowski

When is a meatball a meal?

When it is a meatball the size of a softball, sliced and smothered in melted mozzarella, of course.  You’ll find it at Mulberry, an Italian restaurant nestled in a residential neighborhood in the shadow of Lackawanna’s steel mills.

I’m not saying one should overlook mouthwatering homemade entrees like Ravioli or Gnocchi, and the Nutella Cannoli are the perfect ending to a hearty meal fit for any special occasion.  But if you’re short on time or on cash you can’t beat the value and satisfaction of an appetizer or two (I also recommend the Arancini), a glass of wine, and a seat at the cozy and well-stocked bar to catch some of the game or catch up with friends.

Mulberry  gained national attention when it was featured on the Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,”  but when you cross from the barebones exterior into the warm, inviting interior, you feel as if you’ve stumbled upon an inside secret known only by the locals.  And don’t be surprised if you bump into a local or two that you know:  the restaurant boasts a growing army of loyal customers.  Luckily, there’s plenty of that meatball to go around!

Mulberry Italian Ristorante

64 Jackson Avenue

Lackawanna, NY 14218

(716) 822-4292

mulberryitalianristorante.com

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Wine on Third »

By admin
April 29, 2013 @ 11:36 am

by guest blogger Lindsay Robson

I’ve always been friends with artists. In high school, I was a member of the drama club, and we always hung out with the art club kids. So as an adult (do I really have to be considered an adult now?) it’s no surprise that I am still good friends with artistic people. One of my best friends is a photographer, and she invited me to Wine on Third in Niagara Falls recently to attend a closing reception for an art show. Art, food, and wine? Count me in!

This was my second time at Wine on Third, and the experience was just as great this time around. They have this dish that I’m kind of obsessed with, enough so that I had to make it at home. The Blue Cheese Bruschetta is so incredibly good. Blue cheese and bread is great on its own, but bake it and cover it with clover honey? I’m in heaven.

There is always a different art exhibit going on at Wine on Third, and they have live music as well throughout the week. The crowd is great and their wine list is extensive. This is an excellent restaurant for foodies, art lovers, and wine enthusiasts alike!

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Buffalovely’s BuffaLOVE »

By admin
April 25, 2013 @ 11:28 am

By Karen Fashana

Elmwood. Chippewa. Hertel. Bidwell.  Buffalo’s iconic streets are filled with stately homes, local eateries, swanky boutiques….and now cotton!  Cotton?  Thanks to North Buffalo resident, Amanda Valentine’s creativity and deep-rooted love for her hometown, Buffalo’s thoroughfares are now soft and plush.  They’re pillows!

When I was planning my wedding 2 years ago, I discovered Etsy.  Etsy is a website for artisans and craftsmen to showcase and sell their handmade goods.  I spent hours on Etsy researching wedding invitations, favors and bridesmaid gifts.

After the wedding, my husband and I bought a house off Hertel Avenue.  It’s like we fell in love all over again. The beautiful hardwood floors, the lead-glass windows, the pocket doors…you name it.  As soon as that furniture touched down on the floor, I fired up the iPad and started researching home décor on Etsy.  If you knew my husband and I, you’d know we are proud Buffalonians through and through so we knew we wanted a few of our accent pieces to reflect our BuffaLOVE.  After a “Buffalo” search on Etsy, I stumbled upon “Buffalovely”.  Amanda (screen name ‘Buffalovely’) was selling a line of products that celebrated the city SHE loved so much too.  One look at that Hertel Ave pillow and I knew I had to have.  In fact it made its home righttt about here.

I reached out to Amanda to learn a little bit more about her and her passion and here’s what she said:

I have found in my first two years of business that I am definitely not alone in my adoration of Buffalo. There has been such a huge response to my Buffalovely items, and I have loved hearing from both locals and ex-pats about their love of the city as well. I am so lucky to have a small business that is thriving, and that is all because of the support of local businesses that took a chance on my work and allowed me to showcase items in their stores. My shop on Etsy has allowed me to reach a broader base of Buffalo-lovers and has made Buffalovely grow into something far beyond what I could have imagined when I first started.

Two years and 1500 pillows later, Amanda’s small business continues to thrive.  It’s local artisans like Amanda that make Buffalo unique and oh so fashionable.

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