Block Clubs: Not Just Beer & Bounce Houses

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I would say this blog demonstrates my passion for the North Buffalo community, and specifically, my neighborhood. But talking the talk (or blogging the blog) only goes so far. So, on May 30, I attended my first SCBA meeting. Translation: I went to Bertha’s for a block club meeting with the residents of Saranac’s central block.

happiness is a bounce house

Growing up as kid, I didn’t know much of block clubs – only block parties. I just thought block clubs provided a legitimate excuse to close off the street for a day, eat a lot of food and rent a bounce house. Turns out, there’s a shit-ton (yes, a shit-ton) of good that can come from these organized neighborhood gatherings. And for the record, you’re never too old to enjoy a good bounce house.

Some pleasant learnings and observations from our meeting:

We have a leader. His name is Vince. There was an agenda. Neighbors Joan and Justin own Bertha’s. Our District Common Council Member, Michael LoCurto, along with legislative assistant, Alyssa Weiss, actually attended. There was open dialogue, suggestions, minor complaining, agreements, and some occasional laughter between the residents and the city representatives. We discussed much needed sidewalk repairs (which I might add have begun and my driveway apron is being fixed as I type, courtesy of National Grid), tree trimming needs, plans and neighbor concerns for nearby Hertel Avenue businesses, development wishes for the former Korean United Methodist Church property, a block sale and even a wine tasting night.

In my initial, un-jaded opinion, it was a wildly productive meeting. I made my $20 donation for annual “dues” and was on my way.

Saranac Central Sign

I live across the street from this sign, and regretfully, it took me two years to attend my first meeting and meet some of my fine neighbors in person. I’ve been following the regular updates of the Saranac Central Block Association Facebook page for quite some time now, but just shook hands with Vince Gregory, the block president, a month ago. Social media is both a blessing and curse in this respect as it allows you to stay informed without actually engaging – somewhat defeating the tight-knit community concept. But for anyone who may be interested in starting a block club or joining a block club, I’d say the SCBA page is worth a follow, to see what an active and productive block club looks like. But don’t let “likes” be your only way of contributing to your neighborhood.

Much more to come as this relationship with SCBA grows…

Get BLOOMED!

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Maybe you were raised in a similar family (but probably not). If so, your Grandfather was a farmer from the old country who utilized nearly every square foot of his plot of land for flowers and vegetables. To him, horticulture was a science that required no teaching. It just came natural. So well in fact, his house was shown in Better Homes & Gardens magazine in the 60s. True story.

So let’s take it to the next generation. Your father would have what I call “landscaping OCD.” Not quite an illness, but an all-consuming urge to make the lawn look like Yankee Stadium and the flower beds look like the Botanical Gardens. I’d imagine this would be what nicotine addictions for smokers are like.

So where does that leave me? Shit. I can’t top that. But what I can do is try, and if lucky enough, I can get recognized with a Buffalo in Bloom designation, something my suburban family members can’t get – no matter how hard they try. Each year in the city, a troop of garden scouts troll the neighborhoods looking for well-manicured streetscapes. Standout front yards are given a B-I-B tag to proudly accompany their garden art. It’s like wearing the Captain’s “C” or getting a key to the city. I wonder if Terrell Owens ever got bloomed?

Bloom

2012 was our first full summer in our new house.  Call it our inaugural planting/gardening season.  After removing layers of bark chips, I began to cultivate the unfruitful beds by adding a solid mixture of top soil, Michigan Peat, compost and 5-10-5 fertilizer. 48 impatiens, a hosta and a daylily later, we had enough curb appeal to earn the coveted tag.

This year, it’s on. It was an active offseason for me, as I was scouting potential additions to the front and back yard. Beyond the return of perennial performing flowers, new prospects include a Japanese maple tree and a purple rhododendron. Time and the landscaping salary cap will tell but Vegas has us at 3-1 odds to repeat as Buffalo in Bloom recipients.

48 impatients 2012

The Anatomy of “The Mike”

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I’m all about the a.m. eats.  On the weekends, I like to opt for something hearty to kick-start my day right into AWESOME. On the home-cookin’ menu that usually translates into omelets, French toast or the occasional banana pancake (who doesn’t love a Jack Johnson reference early in the morning?).  On the other hand if I wake up and decide it’s WAY too early to even consider putting effort into feeding myself, then it’s off to Spot Coffee on Hertel Avenue for one thing and one greasy thing only – The Mike.

photo

Let me break it down for ya.

The Bread – while you probably have little to no desire to make decisions in the morning, this one is important.  What kind of carb-tastic bread are you going with to sop up all that creamy, eggy, cheesy goodness?  The everything bagel. That’s the answer.

The Egg – Packed with protein and pan-fried to perfection (that’s a lot of p’s)

The Cheese – Is it provolone? Is it American? Is it something really cool that I don’t even know about?  It doesn’t matter.  It’s cheese and it’s melty.  (Oh wait, it’s provolone – they just told me)

The Smear – (a.k.a. the cream cheese (and maybe a little mayo added but that’s only speculation)) Quite possibly THE most important layer on the entire leaning tower of Mike-ness.  This is what separates this breakfast nosh from the drive-thru down the street.

The Meat – This is optional but if you’re looking to pork this sandwich up, bacon, ham or sausage are the choices.

The Heat – Frank’s. Obviously.

Champions? Nah. Breakfast of Hertel-ans.

BuffaLOVERS Unite!

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Buf-fa-LOVE [buhf-uh-luhv]

Noun

  1. A profoundly passionate affection for the City of Buffalo.
  2. A feeling of warm and personal attachment for the people, places, traditions, culture and history of Buffalo.
  3. A Western New York city toward which love is felt; beloved city.

Ex) Thousands proudly show off their BuffaLOVE by wearing t-shirts branded with a buffalo and heart logo.

Origin

Circa 2008. 42.8864° N, 78.8786° W. American English, Buffalo Slang. Early appearances of the word BuffaLOVE came on facebook posts and twitter hashtags, and of course, on clothing, turning the theme into an apparel sensation. Regretfully my research couldn’t trace ownership of the word to any individual or group.  My tip of the hat to the creative mind or minds behind it. It’s a pure and relevant way to convey the meaning of our local pride and state of mind.  A beer on me should our paths ever cross.

BuffaLOVE

BuffaLOVE has widely become part of many people’s vernacular, but now that I’ve formally documented the definition of the word it’s time we celebrate it and its meaning with a festival. It’s Buffalo, what else would we do? On May 31st, BuffaLOVERS will get an opportunity to break bread (and tacos) at the Buffalo Zoo as it hosts the BuffaLoveFest; a collection of all things Buffalo.

This inaugural festival came about through a good friend of mine, Tom Muraca, who concocted the idea during one of his many inspirational daydreams.  Through his involvement with the ProZoo board, the idea quickly turned into reality, as the zoo was not only a great venue, but they were eager to partner on the initiative. The BuffaLoveFest will feature everything from Buffalo music on two separate stages to a celebrity dunk tank!

Buffalovefest

I’d be remiss for writing this blog without planning to attend. I’m thrilled we have yet another reason for the masses to herd to North Buffalo. I expect to overindulge in food truck food and locally brewed beer (don’t worry, it’s a short walk home to Hertel), scream many incorrect answers to Buffalo Trivia questions, and just bask in the goodness that is a Buffalo festival.

So logistics. May 31st. Party starts at 5:30 p.m. and for those who wisely buy in advance, tickets are only $20 as opposed to $30 at the door. If you’re into adult beverages, NOTE, you will also receive two free drinks with your ticket purchase. HEYO!

Visit BuffaLoveFest.com for more info and to purchase tickets. See ya there!

Local Restaurant Week on Hertel

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It’s here.

Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week is here.

If you didn’t gorge yourself yesterday on filet mignon, homemade lasagna or a lobster feast, well you’re doing it wrong.  That’s what Restaurant Week Lombardo'sis all about – indulgence. No, no actually it’s not.  In reality, it’s about supporting local restaurants. It’s about FINALLY getting to try that local joint that’s been on your “I’ve heard so many great things about these places, so one of these days…” list.  It’s about those high-end restaurants that normally cause your wallet to shed a tear at the very thought of dropping that kind of money on dinner but $20.13 is MUCH more affordable.  It’s about taking a risk and trying a place you’ve never even heard of.  It’s about rediscovering your neighborhood.

There’s close to 200 local restaurants participating in Restaurant Week – April 22-28.  But be warned, you can encounter a slight case of vertigo sifting through the menus of each place so why bother?  (Please note: if you choose to not heed my warning, please stay safely seated)  Let me help you narrow down that list to 6 restaurants found in our hood – Hertel Avenue.

1.)    Canvas@1206 – 4 words: Dark Chocolate Lava Cake.  Not many of the restaurants offer dessert and the fact that Canvas has 4 dinner options, lava cake for dessert and a killer patio to boot makes it a solid option this week.

2.)    Empire Grill – The description of their salmon entrée alone makes me want to dial the phone right now.  Pecan crusted, seared sweet chili-lime king salmon over rice pilaf with sautéed greens.  Other restaurant’s description?  “Salmon”

3.)    Gramma Mora’s Mexican Restaurant – This place is legendary.  I’m a firm believer that any chance you can get to dine here should be taken.  It’s Restaurant Week…that’s your excuse.

4.)    Jewel of India – I’m not going to lie.  I don’t know ANYTHING about Indian food.  But this is the perfect opportunity for you to step outside your culinary comfort zone. (Then tell me how it was.)

5.)    Lombardo’s Ristorante – One of my faves in all of Buffalo. I’ve had the Tagliatelle Bolognese many o’ times so if you want ensure you’ve ordered a slam dunk, you need to be all over that.

6.)    Shadow Lounge & Restaurant – Choice of appetizer, choice of entrée AND an alcoholic beverage.  That’s worth repeating.  Choice of appetizer, choice of entrée AND an alcoholic beverage.  Yep.