Last Day of August

Lights of Main Street

Last day of August and yes, it was the warmest August we've had since they started to keep track of those things. Balmy, steamy, sultry, at times blistering, and yes, lovely. Weather has been the small and big talk of the summer in a place that has its share of weather related conversations and barbs thrown its way. We'll remind you again, Buffalo was deemed City with the best weather in The U.S. by Weather Underground. Keep that one in your pocket next time someone tosses out the inevitable Buffalo winter joke.

http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/weather/august-breaks-record-as-hottest-in-buffalo-history-and-heat-isnt-over-yet-20160831

The Buffalo Zoo

Buffalo Bison 

My summer school class just studied and visited the Buffalo Zoo. Before and after we did, the essential question was "Should there be zoos?" I have to say, for the kids and me, the jury is out. There are such good things zoos do for endangered animal, but then you see them just milling around in a small enclosure- a habitat not like their natural habitat. Then there is the question of whether humans could ever see most animals in any other way, and whether humans would form any sort of empathy and compassion for our fellow mammals and other animal relatives. I have to say, after investigating with 7 and 8 year olds, I am still on the fence. But the Buffalo Zoo and their staff gave us a great tour with great information, with dedicated zoo keepers who are passionate about animals and their care.

http://www.buffalozoo.org/

Nietzsche's

Ceiling @ Nietzsche's

There's music every night of the week at this no frills, down to earth birthplace of bands you may know and others long forgotten. The music remains and so do the signatures of those that have passed through on their artistic journey. Look up between the little antique chandeliers and see the scribblings of the musicians who have been part of this musical legacy since 1982. At the ass end of Allen Street Nietzsche's sits sentinel to Buffalo's rich local music scene, as well as those acts that want to play a real venue when they come to town. In the afternoon it plays the role of shadowy neighborhood gin joint,  resting up for the wee small hours of the morning.  

As Friedrich said, " Without music, life would be a mistake."

http://nietzsches.com

Go Topless

Happy Go Topless Day 

Now comes the time of summer when there are so many events at once it will make your head spin. This weekend we had the Irish Festival at Wilkeson Point, Kanye at First Niagara, Elmwood Arts Fest, Bison's baseball, Maritime Fest, a giant rubber ducky and on and on. To top it off it's also Go Topless Day, corresponding to Woman's Equality Day, which was on the 26th. In New York, it is legal for a woman to go topless in any public park any day of the year. Equal rights protestors in 1986 at Rochester's Cobbs Hill Park took on the laws of the time by having a topless picnic in which several women were arrested and convicted. The case was eventually overturned in 1992,  in what is now referred to as The People V. Santorelli. Others have since used the decision and the legality of park toplessness to expand to anywhere a dude might pop off his shirt, whether you want him to or not. So if you're harassed by park police be ready to recite the penal code and "officer, my eyes are up here."

http://gotopless.org/gotopless-day

The Elmwood Arts Festival

Looking northward on Elmwood Avenue 

We looked up how long the Elmwood Festival of the Arts has been running and found several sites that say this is the 16th year. But we both remember coming up on the bus from Fredonia this very weekend, 32 years ago, introducing our New York City classmates to a scant, but interesting art scene during a festival much like this one, albeit much smaller. We would love someone to let us know the true history. I so remeber my friend I brought up on the Trailways bus wondering at the day and asking if Buffalo is always like this? so busy and alive? 32 years ago I had to say that this day was a rare occurrance. 32 years later? Buffalo is on our way to becoming what my NYC friend would have wanted. We are vibrant, we are creative, and we are growing into the city we should have always been.

More Art Please

Public Art by Judith Shea

A bronze sculpture by Judith Shea stands in the little triangle of Potomac, Bidwell and Elmwood. Appropriately named Eden, the piece was donated to the City and installed in our little Eden in 2015. Check out the rest of the city's public art collection at the link below.

https://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us/Home/City_Departments/BuffaloArtsCommission/PublicArtCollection

Raclette - Main Street 

Oui , you had me at cheese. A visit to the revitalized 500 Block of Main Street did not disappoint. Representing at the grand corner of Main and Huron, Raclettes is far from cheesy and tré Paris, tré Buffalo. That is to say,  they are doing it their way and it seems just right. Our knowledgeable waiter had lived in Paris for a couple of years and really knew his Camembert from his Comte. Here you'll find crepes, mussels and of course, their namesake, raclettes. The long suffering 500 block of Main Street is happily unrecognizable from its former self now open for traffic and stocked with other neighbors like Oshun ( in the old Florsheim Shoe store), Furnishings, Jerks Soda Fountain and Ice Cream and D'Avolio's to name a few. A freshly planted and designed corner in the shadow of the Gold Dome Building and The Hyatt tops off this transformed city block much to the delight of neighbors and visitors. This much missed block is back. Hey, how many city blocks do you know that have their own Facebook page?

,http://www.raclettesbuffalo.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/500MainBuffalo/

A Light In August

          "Memory believes before knowing remembers." - W. Faulkner

Less than a month of summer left but who's counting. We're living up to our reputation of finest weather in America. This week is looking spectacular with a plethora of activities around the Queen City to enjoy.

www.buffalovibe.com/buffalo-events-calendar

Buffalo Proper

Buffalo Proper

So I walk in and they are hours from opening. The bearded brigade is buzzing with activity while Car Seat Headrest plays loudly on someone's phone. The staff will take requests for The Ramones but not for food. Here at Buffalo Proper we are at the epicenter of Buffalo's new wave cuisine. These cats aren't your run of the mill service industry types. These are culinary artists-"they are into it" is my best description. From mixologists, with apparent chemistry degrees,  to one of the finest chefs in the city they are muddling, concocting , prepping with an earnest joy. There is no mystery here in a kitchen in full view of the bar. This great building at the corner of Franklin and Tupper has found its proper tenants and it is all good. Just a peek at the menu tells you there's something wonderful happening here, well beyond their self-effacing farm to table description. It's something wrapped in skill, care and an unpretentious elegance. At dinner, you may not hear The Ramones, but you will no doubt be serenaded by some excellent music that fits like everything else happening here. 

http://www.buffaloproper.com/menu/

Hit the Spot- Spot Coffee

Spot Coffee - Elmwood 

Feels like fall is near this evening? But remember, summer isn't over until September 21st. We all tend to start freaking out when the sun goes down a bit earlier and the temp drops at night. But plenty of people were enjoying the month of summer we have left on Elmwood tonight. Don't give it up too soon. The Farmer's Almanac is calling for some serious snow for us.

Albright Out and About

Spectral Locus

https://www.albrightknox.org/collection/public-art/piece:spectral-locus/

Commingling the influences of Cristo and Spencer Tunick, Amanda Browder brings attention and beauty to  things we might otherwise take for granted. Just as Tunick has brought attention to the  neglected Central Terminal draped in naked Buffalonians, Browder's textile extravaganza has covered the Richmond-Ferry church in a coat of many colors. This spectacular new wardrobe is definitely a treat for the eyes but also speaks for the is church saying,  "I'm still here". Appropriately, the installation is an harbinger of the church's new spiritual life. The building will soon be home to a many faceted visual and performing arts center, as well as some flats.

Lake Erie

Lake Erie from Buffalo shoreline

Place your poem here
between the breeze
between the whispering reeds
between the sky and your summer dreams -e.c.

The Lexington Co Op

The Co Op

We used to go to the Co Op when it was really on Lexington- bins and barrels of food stuff and produce all in a tiny turn of the century store front. What a difference 20 years or so make. The Elmwood version is a neighborhood luxury, as it has just about everything, (beer, even) and it's open until 11:00 at night! Coming soon, the second locale on Hertel. This one will be larger and have indoor seating. For Parkside residents, it can't happen soon enough.

 http://lexington.coop/

Flowers and a Poem

Flowers at the Co-Op and rain outside

'Take it all back. Life is boring, except for flowers, sunshine, your perfect legs. A glass of cold water when you are really thirsty. The way bodies fit together. Fresh and young and sweet. Coffee in the morning. These are just moments. I struggle with the in-betweens. I just want to never stop loving like there is nothing else to do, because what else is there to do?'

-Pablo Neruda

Betty's

Betty's

Passed by Betty's today. The interesting looking building at the corner of Virginia and Cottage has been a number of things over the years, from shoe repair, a juice company, a grocer and a hardware store to a string of delis. Since 2004 it's been Betty's and even on a closed Monday they are far from closed. They have been winning hearts and stomachs all these years because of their work ethic and that special ingredient. Yes, it's love. The team was hard at work inside keeping up with their reputation. They have been anchoring this residential neighborhood on the edge of Allentown for 12 years and consistently delivering. A combo of feel good and health conscious treats has kept them thriving, with no sign of slowing. Personally, we're in pursuit of Betty's legendary Veggie Burger. This one's the real deal for vegans. Supposedly this burger is no poser. I hear that it's so good it will make you want to apologize to the next cow you meet. Speaking of meat, they have that too, and word on the street is that it is pristine. This makes Betty's the perfect spot for a family of blended eating philosophies. So,  prep on, Monday makers of eclectic delicacies, prep on.

http://www.bettysbuffalo.com/

https://foursquare.com/top-places/buffalo/best-places-veggie-burgers

Rowboats of Hoyt Lake

Hoyt Lake Rowboats
The first record of boat rentals in Delaware Park was about 118 years ago. The lake on a Sunday afternoon teamed with leisurely boaters in wicker hats and parasols. In 2008 there was a revival of this charming activity. As you pass the lake you can see the boats strung together in the center of the water. Other times a number of boats can be seen crisscrossing the lake. There have been questions of water quality with the old waterway, but we believe it is on the mend and this activity will persist. This is good news for rowers and the hundreds of others that enjoy the area around Hoyt Lake every day.
@HoytLakeRowboats

The Amherst Theatre

 The Amherst Theatre 

Sometimes the only thing you can do on an 85 plus degree day, when it feels like 92 degrees, is to head to a movie theater, epecially if you live without your own A.C. We are lucky to have two great "art house" movie theaters, The North Park, formally a Dipson theater, and The Amherst Theatre, still run by Dipson in the University District. Not only can you bank on finding state of the art surroundings here, the movies shown are well chosen and varied in genre. Originally opened on a cold day in January in 1942, the theater has gone through a major renovation recently, where one can now recline and watch a flick in couch potato-like comfort. And, it's not only mainstream releases you can catch here. There are special events, like the recent Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds 3D Concert showing, as well as Cultivate Cinema's screening series. Each Tuesday beginning August 30, The Buffalo Film Seminars will show a movie from each decade since film began. The series, which includes a discussion by local film buffs, will run through the winter.  

 https://www.facebook.com/cultivatecinemacircle/
http://amherst.dipsontheatres.com/

Burchfield's Studio

Replica of Charles Burchfied's Gardenville Studio

We thought we would bring it into the AC for a bit. It's that time again, Second Fridays at the Burchfield Penny Art Center. Here's a treat beyond free admission and a happy hour reception with music. Tucked away in the beautifully designed gallery is a replica of Charles Burchfield's studio. This tribute to the man's process is an homage to his Gardenville studio, painstakingly detailed like a poem to the artist. 

https://www.burchfieldpenney.org

Too Hot for That Sweater

Sweatered Tree on Bidwell Parkway

It's way too hot for that sweater. Someone decided Mother Nature needed a little designer help and "spruced" up this tree in the middle of Bidwell Pkwy. "Yarn bombing" is a thing apparently, but this is our first sighting. Don't try this at home kids, knitting needles can be dangerous. Seriously, we do appreciate the many artists we have on the loose in our city and if the person responsible for this number is out there, my maple would love a turtleneck for fall.

Some Like it Hot

Lexington Avenue 

Diehard patio lovers braved the 90  degree temps to dine alfresco. Our theory is that some folks like soaking in the oven-like heat to charge their batteries for the dark half of the year. Or they were raised in Florida. We had our touch of much needed H2O, but as these cats at the ever cool Vera Pizzeria on Lexington Ave. will tell you, rain is just a rumor. If AC is your bag, any one of the triad at Lex. and Ashland will cool your jets. One of the few residential side streets (off the beaten path),  that has a smattering of befitting commercial property. Vera, Kuni's and The Place offer a variety of food styles and each a chill respite from the Buffalo kiln.

http://kunisbuffalo.com/
http://verabuffalo.com/#home-page
http://stepoutbuffalo.com/the-place-is-back/

Hot Buffalo

Our Fair City

Another rainless day in the Queen City. The temperature was as high as 91 degrees with the promise of rain. Parched gardens and a sultry city are looking for water in an endless summer. We've had an extraordinary stretch of weather. Unfortunately, it is the driest we've been in some 75 years. Thunder may sound like music to many ears tonight.

Mutual Riverfront Park

Fishing Elevator Alley from Mutual Riverfront Park

At the corner of South and Hamburg you'll find a hidden little gem of a park. On the river, guarded by the towering cement walls of silos, is nestled Mutual Riverfront Park. This neighborhood oasis was like stepping into a library with quiet greetings and folks deep in the meditation of fishing. The park, opened in 2012 sits along "Elevator Alley" in the First Ward. There is a replica of the 1892 Mutual Boathouse, the Waterfront Museum with research library and gardens. Did we mention it has a small boat launch and amphitheater. The Valley Community Association and its Executive Director Peg Overdorf were instrumental in the park's creation, as well as that of neighboring Riverfest Park. In addition to the vital role the Valley Association plays in the lives of families in the Valley and First Ward neighborhoods, they also maintain these revitalizing green spaces. This unexpected diamond is a real treasure. Keep up the great work.

thevalleycenter.com › mutual-riverfront-...

LaSalle Park

LaSalle Park

Lasalle Park, originally named Centennial Park, started its life as a city dumping ground. The land purchased from the state in 1911 for park use somehow ended up as a dump for 2O years before becoming Buffalo's largest waterfront park. This well used strip of land is home to baseball fields, an ampitheater, new skateboard park, public pool and a dog park. Found where Lake Erie flows into the mouth of the Niagara, the park is situated on the west side of the city between the water and the I-190. We observed some road work underway at one end of the park and hope there's a soup to nuts makeover in store, because this amazing location deserves some tender loving care from the city.  At the Porter Avenue end of the park lies the Colonel Francis G. Ward Pumping Station. This huge and historic complex began as a steam engine powered pumphouse and is still operational today supplying the city with water.

http://www.buffaloplace.com/PopupLeaf/Lasalle/132

Silo City Row

Silo City Paddling Co. dock and the SS Columbia

At the end of an extraordinary grouping of old grain silos, we found a young lady tending a kiosk by a patch of beach sand. The setting is amidst the towering cement silos and the Buffalo River bank, reclaiming its natural state from its industrial past. We like the S.C. Paddling Co. motto, "See Buffalo from a different perspective." We're all about a different view, that allows long time residents the fresh look that many of our visitors are experiencing. With that new look, through the eyes of our renaissance, we can embrace our rich history and envision the city's bright future. 

     Tucked around the corner from the dock, we found the SS Columbia resting before it's journey to New York for refurbishment. First launched in 1902, the Columbia is one of the last excursion steamships left. The vessel was a welcome surprise, docked in this wild section of the waterway, adding to the time machine that is the Buffalo River. She's bound for life on the Hudson, but we'd like her to come back to Buffalo.

     

www.silocitypaddling.com/

sscolumbia.org

Elmwood Village Our 50th Post!

Elmwood Village 

Strolling the EV strip on a Friday evening: the sultry, the hot, the hungry and the thirsty cruise this bejeweled rue in search of sustenance, companionship and love. Laughter and conversations float on a warm August breeze teasing summer dresses and cool linen pants. The slow crawl of cars through the Elmwood Village illuminates the faces of those Friday night searchers, strollers and friends in stores and bars and restaurants and cafes. Out there on an August night lies the calm, the thrill, the heart of a summer night. Hey, By the way...tonight is our 50th post! Yay Baffalo Daily Photo! 

http://www.elmwoodvillage.org/

http://lexington.coop/

Canalside Hot

Pedal Boats - Canalside

Imagine these are ice bikes gliding over frigid solid H2O. Feels good, right? The high today was 91 degrees Fahrenheit. If you couldn't get in some water, then you needed to get near some, like these cats, peddling oh so slowly across Canalside's man-made pond that serves as our ice rink in the far away wintertime. Paddle and pedal boats will be cruising through this cool space seven days a week, 10-6 until the geese fly.

https://www.canalsidebuffalo.com/things-to-do/paddle-pedal-boats/2015-06-06/

City Hall Observation Deck

New friends from Shanghai, China / City Hall Observation Deck

High atop Buffalo City Hall is one of the great free attractions of the Queen City. The observation deck of this Art Deco beauty offers a 360 degree view of Buffalo and surrounding environs, including a spectacular view of Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Canada. At 398 ft. high, the building is one of the largest municipal buildings in the U.S. We ran into some folks, visiting from Shanghai, China, who found the view breathtaking.

http://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/buffalo-city-hall-observation-deck/

We are # 1

Sunset Erie Basin Marina

The sun sets on another perfect summer day in Buffalo. According to Weather Underground it's not just our summers that are spectacular. The internet weather service recently determined that Buffalo has the best weather of any U.S. city, beating out the likes of towns like San Diego CA. We believe the stats are based on a ten year look at overall weather but we'll let you pour over the details. All we know is we're number one and we're running with that. 

Public House

P. Moran's Irish Public House 

The incomparable Prish Moran continues to anchor the only patch of commercial property on Parkside Avenue this side of Hertel Ave. Directly across from the Buffalo Zoo, P. Moran's, formerly Sweetness 7 (Parkside) appeared as a rustic neighborhood creperie over 6 years ago and has morphed into a warm handcrafted oasis that Prish left undefined, thinking it would be categorized by patrons. One too many references to her partial English heritage forced her to label it for the better half of her lineage. Thus the sign, Irish Public House. In a real sense it is accurate,  that Prish has created a familial, neighborhood gathering spot reminiscent of a rural European Public. Don't forget the most important part of a true pub, the grub. And it's good.

The Park Meadow recently finished their renovation of the long idle building on the other corner of Russell and Parkside. More on them later.

https://www.facebook.com/P-Morans-160802224288851/

http://sweetness7.com/