Monthly Archives: September 2015

Brunch Strikes Back!

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Think back to the Empire Grill Sundays. Those filled with bottomless mimosas and an all-you-can-eat brunch that was worth more than your $20.

Well, those days are gone but a kickass brunch at the same, renovated location isn’t. Mac’s Sunday brunch is totally different, and shouldn’t be compared to that of Empire’s. But what is similar is the A-game that is brought to the offering.

I had the pleasure of joining some fine folks for a “Buffalo Brunch Club” meal last week. My Sweet Baby Ray accompanied me and provided the only distraction from our fantastic feast. Cinnamon raisin bread stuff french toast, sticky buns, steakhouse hash with poached eggs and cheese blintzes were the orders for the table. (Ray got a grilled cheese – not sure if you care. Maybe you do. Or maybe the takeaway is that they have a proper kids menu and the restaurant is very much kid friendly.)

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The Toast.

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The Hash.

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The boy.

I’m no food critic, but let me tell you, everything was delish (is that what food critics say?). Seriously, just awesome. The menu is unique and each option – including the coffees and brunch cocktails – comes with a creative take. It’s not your ordinary brunch that’s for sure. Oh, and the bloody mary. The Mac Daddy Mary. Just look at the picture. Bacon! Need I say more?

Mac Daddy Mary

So give it all a try, and if you can pull your attention away from your plate, I recommend staring at the Big Ass Fan.

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WANTED: Street Art!

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Calling all artists! The North Buffalo Organization has extended their deadline for the Mural Design Contest submissions. This is NBO’s first public art project and the winning submission will be painted on the huge (15′ x 75′) and highly visible wall on the side of the J&L Auto Repair building at 1127 Hertel.

For those that may be unfamiliar with public art, or may even question its significance, please allow me to offer some insight.

The idea of public art is predicated on a few very basic premises: to celebrate art and artists; to beautify neighborhoods and enhance their cultural identities; and to simply connect people and communities.

Public art takes on all shapes and sizes and can come to fruition in a few different ways. You’ve likely seen Shark Girl or the “you are beautiful” signs. Those are just a few of the many exhibits that came from Albright Knox Art Gallery and their Public Art Initiative. Then there’s amazing public/private collaborations like that of Savarino Companies and the Art Services Initiative of Western New York, which brought “Go!” to the side of a Cobblestone District building.

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Hertel has even seen some public art courtesy of Community Canvases, a Public Art and Community Development Initiative that has put their mark on many utility boxes along the avenue.

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Art lover or not, it’s hard to deny that these exhibits not only add beauty to our community, but character, intrigue and just flat out fun.

The goal for this particular project is no different from any of these and the opportunity is huge for both aspiring and established artists alike. So make the last few brush or key strokes (graphic designers are artists too!) on your work, and submit that masterpiece!

You have until Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Noon.

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Above photo credits to Buffalo Rising, Community Canvases, and the North Buffalo Organization.