Author Archives: Charlie Fashana

Is It Spring Yet?!

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OK, it’s official. I’ve got cabin fever. This year we’ve endured a blizzard, a polar vortex or two, and a lot of snow. Basically just 3 straight months of relentless punishment.

I’m really not one to complain about Buffalo weather. I’ve long said our winter weather is part of what makes us Buffalonians who we are. But there are times when Mother Nature will test our grit, and for me, this is that time.

It’s been tough to muster up the courage to walk down to Hertel with such cold temps and icy sidewalks. Even this weekend’s 40 degree reprieve was diminished by the wind slapping us in the face. For us with a newborn, we can’t take the chance to be outside just yet. A shame since we bought a $4,000 stroller (OK drop a zero but I think you get the point I’m trying to make), and haven’t been able to show it off.

I just long for the fresh air…and patios…like this one:

Mes Que December

If you look closely, you might notice we’re sitting on the patio of Mes Que. You may also notice we’re drinking lovely fresh beers. What the picture doesn’t tell you is that it’s December 7, 2012.

Yes, remember the last few winters? When we could go out without the adornment of a scarf or gloves? We definitely got spoiled and it feels as if this year was the reality check we weren’t looking for.

Oh well. At least I finally own a snowblower.

For now friends, just keep your eye on the prize. The days are getting longer and the warmer temps are nearby. Here’s a Countdown To Spring just in case you’re really grasping for something like I am.

23 days!

Elmwood vs Hertel

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Last week, the Buffalo News published an article documenting that teens find the Elmwood Village and Hertel Avenue “hip”. An encouraging write up from a teen’s point of view that gave both neighborhoods some great free press. I’ll take that any day.

Just a few short years ago, Hertel wouldn’t be mentioned in the same sentence as the Elmwood Village – whether it was a teen, adult or senior citizen talking. But clearly, things have changed and we now have a legitimate debate on which area is better.

Truth is, they’re tough to compare as they host a different demographic and present a different image. If I had to brand the two, I would dub Elmwood as the hip part of town, but I’d call Hertel the cool part of town.

Elmwood is fashionable, trendy, artistic and maybe even a bit pretentious.

It’s a mature neighborhood filled with eclectic personalities, densely populated (arguably overcrowded), but without a doubt a vibrant and lively locale. Some of my absolute favorite places in all of Buffalo happen to be in the Elmwood Village. Cecelia’s and Blue Monk top the list; I love Urban Threads for clothes and Bidwell Parkway in the summer is has an unbeatable vibe.

I love Elmwood. I just don’t want to live there, nor do I like it better than Hertel. (This is a blog about Hertel, what did you expect?)

Hertel is the down to earth side of town, with similar offerings minus the hipster counter-culture. People start families and buy furniture and home decor here, but they also enjoy similar amenities in terms of dining, fashion and nightlife.

The Italian influence still remains with places like Johnny’s Meats, Caruso’s Imports and Lombardo’s still going strong. The revitalized North Park Theatre is a gem that few areas anywhere can boast. And Mes Que has become WNYs only true soccer outlet. Something for everyone, but still somehow the appeal is different from Elmwood.

A trend worth pointing out however, is the one that has long established neighborhood shops opening an additional location across town (Spot Coffee, Village Beer Merchant expanded to Hertel, Joe’s Deli added an Elmwood location). This movement confirms both areas are in fact places to be, and we should be thankful the city has two distinct destinations like these. But the rivalry between the two will only intensify as Hertel continues to grow and further develops the loyal following the Village has.

P.S. I have somewhat of a hard time giving the Elmwood Village ownership of Albright Knox, the History Museum or Burchfield Penney. Yes, I know they are physically located on the street Elmwood Avenue. But I view those treasures as a section all their own, separate from the Village. But if they can take credit for them, Hertel is going to take credit for Delaware Park and the Buffalo Zoo. Call it a draw.

“Stay inside, grab a six-pack and watch a good football game.”

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So the holidays are over, should that stop us from being merry? Surely not. It’s NFL Wild Card weekend and there’s a local merchant on Hertel that sells quality beer to help fight the lurking winter blues.

I decided to take Jimmy Griffin‘s advice this weekend, but I didn’t want to go at winter beer sampling alone so I gave my beer connoisseur brother-in-law an offer he couldn’t refuse – free beer. When it comes to beer he means business, just look at his twitter avatar (@BobStrusa) – it’s a beer drinking a beer!

We picked up a mix six from Village Beer Merchant. Bob and I enjoyed each of the six beers this afternoon (don’t judge), and here’s our amateur review:

Winter WhiteWinter White Ale (Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, MI)

Started light. This one is an alternative to the heavier “winter warmers”. In my opinion, this is a glorious beer. Cloves. Bananas. Bright color. Easy finish. ABV 5%

Winter SolsticeWinter Solstice Seasonal Ale (Anderson Valley, Boonville, CA)

A spicy, copper colored beer. Bob said he tasted raisins in this one. I said he was crazy. Then Bob’s beer app mentioned that there were currants in this brew. We proceeded to google “currants” to learn that they tasted like a cross between cranberries and raisins. Bob wins. ABV 6.9%

Hibernator Ale

Hibernation Ale (Great Divide Brewing Co, Denver, CO)

This is a darker, roasted beer, not your typical ale. It could have almost a stout flavor, which could come from the lengthy aging process for this brew.

The flavors hide the power behind this beer, leaving the 8.7% ABV feeling a bit more subtle.

CelebrationCelebration – Fresh Hop Ale (Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Chico, CA)

Hoppy but not the bitterness you’d find in some of the strong IPA’s out there. Instead you get citrus and pine taste and aromas.

Celebrate we will! ABV 6.8%

Mad ElfMad Elf Ale (Troegs Brewing Co, Hershey, PA)

The label says it’s brewed with honey and cherries which is definitely a statement of the obvious as you seemingly can smell and taste both in this reddish tinted ale. Very sweet finish.

And by the time you’re done smelling and tasting, you may forget your name because this one packs an 11% ABV. This one may have been my favorite!

StoutBlackout Stout (Great Lakes Brewing Co, Cleveland, OH)

We wanted to throw in something other than an ale for good measure, but this is average at best. I’ll admit I’m not a stout fan so this just tastes like burnt crayons to me, but even Bob said this left much to be desired. It’s probably because it’s brewed in Cleveland. ABV 9%

Well that’s it folks. Good beer, good football, family. That’s what winter Sunday’s are about…

Resolve To Be Involved!

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Happy New Year friends and neighbors!

As I was enjoying my first cup of (Spot) coffee in 2014 this bright and crisp morning, I got to thinking about what many of us have been thinking, talking, and posting about: how great 2013 was and how we’ll dominate in 2014.

Karen and I were blessed with a baby boy (“Sweet Baby” Ray) a few weeks ago, so our primary resolution for 2014 is to figure out the whole parenting thing. Something tells me that will be our 2015 resolution as well, but we’re up for the challenge.

But apart from that, continuing to spread the positivity for Buffalo and pitching in to make our community better tops our list of things to do this year.

If you’re like many of the folks that I talk with, you’re wildly proud to be a Buffalonian, you’re stoked about all the things going on and you’re dying to be a bigger part of it all.

But “how?” you might say.

We were asking ourselves that same question this time last year when we decided we were going to start this blog. It’s nothing fancy but seems to be aiding in raising awareness and love for our North Buffalo ‘hood. In fact, the success of Hello Hertel has surpassed our wildest expectations, with over 15,000 views so far! For us, its a fun and easy way to contribute.

The answer for you is just as simple. Anything you choose to do that shares the BuffaLOVE will work. Shop local. Eat local. Don’t move to the suburbs. Embrace the progress. Ditch the “old Buffalo” mindset. Attend a community meeting. Stop and talk with your neighbors. Join a board or committee. Volunteer. 

All feasible. All impactful.

I see some folks are already taking action. Take a look at NorthBuffalo.org – a grassroots organization spearheaded by Ryan Sajdak that looks to pull it all together. Getting involved with this might be a no-brainer. Looks like there’s a meeting on Friday night…hint hint.

The Washington Post said that BuffaLOVE is “in” for 2014. Yep. Everybody’s sharing it. It’s your turn!

Getcha Popcorn Ready

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Ok I’ll admit it. Prior to its closing this past May, I never saw a show in the historic North Park Theatre. Nor did I have the popcorn.

An admission worthy of heckling, sure. But hopefully I can keep my North Buffalo stripes because I felt as devastated as any lifelong patron when it went dark. Hertel Avenue without the North Park would be like Delaware Park without the Zoo.

MarquisBut the return to vibrancy is in full swing, as evidenced by the lighting of the restored marquis this past Friday. Look at the brilliance shown in this image from Kevin McDonough.

Buffalo Spree recently posted an article showing the below picture from the 20s or early 30s. Saving the history of this building is just emblematic of everything else going on in Buffalo these days.

Historical North Park

Wikipedia went on to tell me the theatre opened in 1920. I might be getting ahead of myself here, but I’m smelling a 100 year anniversary party…just like I’m smelling the popcorn.

I’m all in now and urge you to be as well.

If you haven’t yet, give a “like” to the North Park Theatre facebook page. They’ve been doing a great job sharing progress reports, stories of the theatre’s magical past, and plans for its next chapter.

And most notably, there is a fundraising sneak peek gala being held on Friday, December 27. Thanks and kudos to the new owners and theatre manager for making this happen.