The Buffalo Subway...."system"?

The definition of a system is: a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole.  I question if we are truly a subway "system" as we run one straight line.  We aren't connecting much of the city at all....just providing a commute option to downtown (if you already live within city limits and are near Main Street).  

But....hey its a start!  Although, it has been 30 years and we haven't seen it expand beyond the 6 mile stretch.  This was not how the subway was intended.  It was originally implemented with plans of expansion to over 45 miles (see here).  But, that has not happened.

Buffalo is growing, people are flocking to the city, tourism is rising, campuses are expanding.  We really need to see the subway expand with the city.  If we want to be a big city, we need to keep up with the rest.  Public transportation is a key factor to city living.

I live about a half mile away from a subway stop.  I have used it a total of two times.  The convenience isn't there.  It closes at midnight, therefore, not providing a solution for late night rides.  And to be honest, I don't feel safe using it.  Both times I have used it, it has an eerie feeling of emptiness and dirtiness.  Too often, I have driven by the stop and saw policy activity.  Taking the subway isn't "the norm" in Buffalo because it hasn't been worthwhile.  That needs to change.

I would LOVE if it had a direct line to the Buffalo airport.  I would use it every time I flew out to avoid the cost for parking.  I heard rumors of connecting the UB campuses by subway - which would be helpful to many students that are from out of town without cars.  I say, connect to Niagara Falls....to the Galleria Mall....closer to Elmwood....closer to Delaware Park....to anywhere!  Let's make the subway useful!

Buffalo: Born & Brewed

Buffalo has always had a reputation of enjoying their alcohol.  Heck, our bars are open til 4am. But, Buffalo is maturing in this scene.  We are beyond just the drinkers....we are the makers!

Breweries (Beer)
My favorite beer, Rusty Chain, is made by Flying Bison on Ontario Street in Buffalo.  I rarely drank much beer, but upon sampling this at a Parkside beer tasting event...I was hooked!

Stop by to fill up your growler at Community Beer Works on Lafayette.  Or try one of the newest Buffalo beers, which just hit the market: New Buffalo Brewing.  Dare to try some Buffalove flavors: loganberry wit, Sponge Candy Stout....visit the Resurgence Brewery on Niagara Street. It seems as though breweries in Buffalo are popping up everywhere.

Breweries (Ciders)
Our region has a lot of apple trees. So let's put them to good use - hard cider!  There are actually over 20 cider breweries in the area (and growing).  So far, I have only tried two: Blackbird ciders & McKenzie's.

Wineries
New York state has the second largest wine production in the US, next to California.  In Buffalo, we have the Niagara Wine Trail to the north and Lake Erie Wine Country to the south.  Cross over the Canadian border and you have Niagara on the Lake's wine trail.  Travel a couple more hours east for the finger lake wine region.  Fairly unique to our general region is the ice wine, a sweet dessert wine made from frozen grapes.  We are also known for catawba grapes. What was once mainly sweet wines, we are seeing  a growth in drier wines too.

Distilleries
I was one of those that stood in line and luckily obtained two bottles of Lockhouse Distillery's vodka the weeks before Christmas 2013.  This was the first distillery to open in Buffalo since prohibition!  They used the concord grapes from our wine region, as opposed to the typical grains.

On 4th of July, BFLO Distilling Company released there first batch of The One Foot Cock Bourbon Whiskey.




Based on all this info, I think Buffalo is becoming self-sufficient in regards to sustaining our habits!

Tops Vs Wegmans

Ask most people in Buffalo what their favorite grocery store is and they likely respond: Wegmans. No surprise as Wegmans has repeatedly been rated the number one grocery chain in the country.  I agree with all the reasons people love Wegmans: the deli, the family packs, dinner meal options, the bakery, the organic foods, the service, etc.  But, in all honesty, I prefer Tops.  Shocking, I know.  But let me explain why.

#1.) I am a sucker for their Monopoly game.  Rightfully so - this year I won $5,000!

#2.) For every $100 I spend, I get 10 cents off gas.  I don't know about you - but 40 cents off each gallon is very appreciative.

#3.) Manager's Specials - There are always manager special barrels.  For example, I stocked up on 69 cent bags of frozen organic fruits, vegetables, and grains (regularly $3 a bag or more).

#4.) SALES.....they have so many weekly sales.  Yes, I know Wegmans, in general, has lower prices.  But I don't get that feeling of satisfaction when you stock up on a good sale price.

#5.) Taste of Buffalo is my favorite summer event....it's the country's largest 2 day food festival.  You know who is the largest sponsor?  Tops!

I, in no way, am anti-Wegmans.  I appreciate all they offer and their ability to secure a strong following. But, price is often my bottom line.  I am thrifty and frugal.  Tops always wins on that as I only purchase items if they are on sale.

And by the way....I also love Price Rite!  But, that's not as common a chain to compare.  But, if  you haven't shopped here - check them out.  Incredible pricing!

I present to you....the Queen City

I grew up hearing people refer to Buffalo as "The Queen City." Various stores and shops have used the term as well:  Queen City Wine & Liquor, Queen City Bookstore, Queen City Taxi, Queen City Farm, and so on.  Not until last week did I ever stop to wonder what "The Queen City" means.

What it truly means is a city that is the second largest city in the state (or region).  Buffalo is far from the only city to have had this title. Just Google"Queen City" and you will find numerous cities claiming Queen City title-ship.

Not only is Buffalo referred to as Queen City for being second largest to NYC, but we were called the Queen City of the Great Lakes for being second largest to Chicago (which is on Lake Michigan).

The first recorded usage of this term in reference to Buffalo was in the 1840s.  NYC had over 300,000 people.  Buffalo was the Queen with rapid growth occurring.  In 1845, it was almost 30,000 people and just ten years later...nearly 75,000 people.  Today, NYC is over 8 million and Buffalo remains the Queen city with approximately 260,000 people (1 million when counting the suburbs).  We are proud  of our nickname and with our continued upward growth....intend to hold on to it for quite some time.

Cheer(ios) for Buffalo!

We are well aware that Buffalo smells like Cheerios!   But did you ever really think about the history and impact it has on Buffalo?  While on vacation, did you ever wonder if their Cheerios came from Buffalo?  It is easy to tell.  On each box there is a code - if it begins with "BU" - it came from Buffalo.

Did you know that the oldest building on the Buffalo property is from 1903 and General Mills began flour production there in 1904 (Gold Medal Flour)? That's over 110 years. How many other companies in Buffalo can you name that have been in continuous  business that long?  Nothing comes to my mind.  They remained strong during the country's recessions and even during the Great Depression.  They stayed put in Buffalo, when many other companies left us.


Cheerios didn't begin production there until May, 1941 under the name CheeriOats. It would have been a year earlier if the building had not caught on fire, one week prior to opening.  The Edward M. Cotter fireboat actually helped put out the flames.

I, personally, would love to have an opportunity to take a peak inside this amazing piece of Buffalo's history and future.  But, there are no tours of the factory or visits allowed.  So, if any employee wants to sneak me in...let me know!

Embrace the Taste...of Buffalo

What's not to love at Taste of Buffalo?  It is an opportunity to eat from at least 50 different restaurants.  You spend as much, or as little money as you want.  Even if you don't eat anything (which seems impossible)....it is just fun to people watch and enjoy the entertainment: culinary shows, bands, a beer tent, a kidzone, and various vendors providing fun activities.

And then there is the food and the wine!  Each year, these are the standard items I always get:
1.) Merritt wine slushy (or 2...or 3 if it is a hot day)
2.) Junkyard dog from Ms. Goodies
3.) Hazlitt Red Cat wine
4.) Chester's crawfish (which is not going to be there this year)
5.) At the end of the weekend I always use up my remaining tickets at Bavarian Nut Company

For 2014, my "must-try" list includes:
1.) The Lodge's ceviche cup
2.) Sun Restaurant's black rice sun roll
3.) T.C. Wheeler's Nutella Pizza with almonds

The dish size you receive is pretty decent....or some items have a smaller sample size if you only want a bite or two.  There is a healthy option available at each tent...for those not willing to budge from their diets.  For me, healthy eating is thrown out the window on this weekend!  This is an opportunity to try out all the different restaurants and decide if they are worth visiting for a full meal.

This year, at the Culinary Stage, I am beyond excited to watch the canolli competition (one of my favorite desserts). My favorite juicery, Ashkers, will also be showcasing the health benefits of fresh squeezed juices.  Hey canolli makers....any chance you can prove health benefits of eating canollis? Haha!  And of course.....the beer and vodka demonstrations.  Lockhouse Distillery and Community Beer Works - two of my favorite Buffalo companies!

And you know what's REALLY GREAT about Taste of Buffalo??  They are not-for-profit.  The proceeds go to various organizations in Buffalo: Boy Scouts, Shea's Spotlight, Hospice, and Meals on Wheels to name a few of the 15 charities.  Plus, there are scholarships provided to high school students planning on attending college for hospitality. So the more you eat....the more you are helping people.  How awesome is that?

There have only been a couple years in which I missed attending Taste of Buffalo - the nation's largest 2 day food festival!  My family has been involved as far back as I can remember. Personally, I have volunteered with ticket sales, entertainment, logistics, and security.   This year is extra special, because it will be the first time my twins, Estelle and Louis, will start joining in on the tradition.  Hopefully I will see YOU there too!

To plan out your menu....check out http://www.tasteofbuffalo.com/app/restaurant