Come on down to try some new things…read more Parking is fairly easy downtown on a Sunday. Sato is here with pumpkin soup and braised pork stew. I had the pumpkin and I'll have it again at the restaurant soon. Two food trucks are here, Roaming Buffalo and Black Market. The Byrd house has a chili soup not listed on the handout, I tried it and that's what I would have again. It was good and has some great flavors. Some of the other vendors, in no specific order: Swing from the Vine, Buffalo Roadhouse Grill, Original Soupman, Go Veggie, Laugerhaus 95 (try the African peanut, superb), Lockport Pub, Saffire Grill and more. For your sweet tooth you have the Cupcake Cafe, Oliver St Bakery, Buffalo Cookie Company, and the Gelato Gypsy to choose from. Randomly there are also Direct TV, Outback Kettle Korn, Tupperware here. Yelp has a table and if you check in you get to spin the wheel and get a prize. I'd go for the Chapstick if I were you. Stop by and say hi to Alex and Danielle. Always a fun table. The venue is large and as a result it's not crushingly crowded. Easy to move around. Lines not too long. This is a fun event to do once a year. Three stars as it's nice but not the best ever. The live music is a little too loud and distracting. The entrance is not as easy as it could be. You cannot leave and come back. It's an 8 hour event. Why not be able to exit and enter? The prices for soups I thought were actually reasonable but the prices for non soups were quite high. Provide some half cupcakes or smaller ones and charge less. This is about tasting, not full size portions. Same for the popcorn, this is not a street fair, so make the portions smaller or lower prices. All on all there is a slight feel of a street fair here which I doubt the organizers are going for and I would imagine makes some of the "target vendors" uncomfortable. All in all A OK.

This was my fourth time attending "Buffalo Soup-Fest" in the four years that they've had it, so…read moreobviously I'm a fan. This venue was the best of all of the places that the event has been held. There was room to walk around. It was light and bright and welcoming. There are just a few issues that I feel need to be addressed. One of the problems is that (maybe because it's such a popular event) they ran out of many of the soups early in the day. The event runs from 11-7, and by 4 close to half of the varieties were no longer available. Frustrating for those of us who chose to come for (an early) dinner. Secondly there just weren't places to get things to drink. And, none of the soup vendors appeared to have beverages for sale. Some of those soups were pretty salty, and something to drink was necessary. Luckily a convention center employee led us to a water fountain hidden on the first floor. Third (for me at least) was that there really wasn't as much variety as I would have hoped for (how many Chicken Wing Soups and Beer Cheese Soups are really needed?).... and some of the soups really weren't all that good (ummm.... isn't Vichyssoise supposed to be COLD?)..... and the portion sizes (at $2-$3 each) were pretty small. And (finally) fourth.... somebody needed to (PLEASE!!!) clean the place up. The garbage cans were overflowing, there were empty (and near empty) soup bowls all over the tables, and the table cloths were absolutely disgusting! (And why were there table clothes anyway? EWW!!) So why, you may ask, am I a fan? Well..... I love all events boosting awareness of Buffalo's great independent restaurants. I love the opportunity to try new things. And, I simply love soup. What were my favorites? The Village Inn's "Mayan Chocolate Stout" and Swing From the Vine Cafe's "My Sweetie Pie". Mmm Mmm Good!

Annual event to raise funds for a local chef with ALS. This was my first year here. I would do…read morethe VIP level again as this becomes a madhouse quickly. Checkin was a little confusing, not for ticket holders but for the actual volunteers for the event. They did not seem well trained or informed. But ok. Once in its a large space. Music was MUCH too loud for the space. It's a Monday, not Friday. But ok. The restaurants represented were Oliver's Riverside grill M&T executive chef DiCanillos Black Sheep Osteria 166 COPPA Toutant Acqua Lockport country club The Mansion Buffalo Proper Lombardos Barrel and Brine Jaguar at the Bistro Nickel city Cheese Bourbon and Butter Impressive list. Given the list the expectations were pretty high and most delivered very well. The plates were all generous so no issue there. Lockport Country Club represented really well. Of the savory tastes I found them the best, with a close second by Oliver's. Lockport served a version of Asian beef that made me want to join the club. Oliver's did their grilled peaches, which I've had before and always enjoy. Newcomer Barrel and Brine was another close contended with a kimchee laden beef bite. Loved it. On the sweet side Nickel City Cheese knocked it out of the park. Brie ice cream. I hope they start to sell that in the store. By far the best thing served, but I voted savory for my top choice. There were tables, high and low, with chairs if needed to sit at. They filled up quickly once the general crowd came in but it worked out for all. Plenty of garbage cans around. I didn't pay much attention to the auctions or raffle but it seemed like many others did. Paid valet parking or street. I did street so not sure how much valet was. I'm knocking off a star for a few things: It's not a non-profit, I think after this many years it should be. Opened late. Not all restaurants were ready even when it did open. Music too loud. But for the food it's 5 stars. It was just some of the rest of the experience that knocked it down. If it happens again next year you should consider going. Fun way to spend a Mon night.

To attend a Culinary Mecca like this was one of the Best times of my Life. over 20 of the Best…read moreChefs/Vendors that make Buffalos Food & Restaurant Scene Extraordinary everyday duking it out for Culinary Supremacy. To raise money for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), Chefs create an Amuse Bouche and 500-800 People within 2-3 where you can vote on your Favorite via Ballot Slip. Favorites: Elm Street Bakery - Goat Cheese Filled Doughnut with Passionfruit Caramel, Fresh from out of the Fryer with the Tang of the Cheese countered by the Sweet Caramel coating it on top. Carte Blanche - Smoked Corn Ice Cream with Spicy Popcorn, Corn has that natural Sweetness that's brought out with a light hit of Chile packed popcorn Bits. Black & Blue Steak & Crab - Smoked Strip Steak topped with a Bourbon Pickled Cherry Relish and Crispy Sunchokes, the Meat was Tender to the Touch with a light profile of Smoke that balances well with the Cherries that had notes of Caramel (Steakhouse Bite with Manhattan Accompaniments) the Sunchokes with their Potato Chip like Crisp lightened it up a bit. This Little Pig - Wild Boar & Duck Liver Pierogi with Czarnina (Duck Blood) Demi Glace and Sambal Sauerkraut, The Pierogi packed a Luscious Punch, this was one of the Few that stood out for being the most Adventurous of the Dishes and the Sambal had a Mild Kick. Osteria 166 - Maple braised Pork Belly on a Rosemary & Thyme Buttermilk Biscuit with a Cherry/Apricot Mostarda and Apple Cider pickled Vegetables, even though it looked Heavy it actually felt light, the Meat (crispy exterior, juicy interior), the Fruity Jam helps to cut through the Fatty Meat and the Acid from the Vegetable to pick it up. Falley Allen - Roasted Beet Salad with Pistachios, Orange, Honey Yogurt & Bleu Cheese, After a lot of Heavy Dishes it was nice to have something Light, Clean and refreshing and very Vibrant in Color. Marble & Rye - Hot Dog with an Asian Twist (Beef & Brisket Link Mix) on a Chinese Bakery Bun with Pickled Long Bean, Sweet Potato Mayo and Sichimi Togarashi, It had a pleasant Bite, Mayo lent a light Sweetness with the Togarashi bursting with a Savory Flavor. Least Favorites: SATO - Pulled Pork with Cucumbers and Kimchi in a Steamed Bun, while the Pork was cooked perfectly and fell apart with ease I thought that Bun should've been toasted a bit for that Mouthfeel Ristorante Lombardo - Chilled Cauliflower & Sunchoke Soup with Bay Scallops, Bottarga, Bread Crumbs & Lemon Zest, I thought that the flavor would've been better if it was a Hot Soup, the Color looked a bit Pale and there should've been other colored Vegetables for Contrast. Lait Cru Brasserie - Dunk a Roos - while I admired them for digging into their Childhood but come on, I thought do something French like Foie Gras, Escargot or even Coq Au Vin. Oliver's - Decadence of Eggs (Sous Vide Egg Yolk, Pancetta, Truffle Essence and Smoked Potato Mousseline) one of the best presented and Cutting Edge dishes of the Night, Creative but my problem was that it was One Dimensional in Texture, the Pancetta lacked that Crispy Bite. Park Country Club - Lamb & Beef Schwarma, Chunks of Meat with Pickled Vegetables all wrapped in one, mine had a Big Chunk of fat that was so Chewy I thought I'd be biting it for Hours (how on earth that won I'll never Know). Honorable Mentions: Craving - Cavatelli Pasta with Lamb Ragu, Barrel & Brine - Korean style McRib Sandwich and Heritage Cured Meats - Bacon Nubs. You come, you Eat, you Vote and whoever gets the most Wins, Riverworks provided the perfect Venue to host this Culinary Powwow. Just be sure to get yourself a Table, although I walk around constantly and I eat, then move onto the Next Table. This is an Opportunity for people to experience something they never thought Possible, be sure to bring an Adventurous Appetite and a Big Personality to win the Crowd over !!!

My parents were visiting from North Carolina, my stepmother is Polish & German American, she told…read moreme about taking the train from Rochester with her Mother to go visit her Aunt & walk to the Broadway Market in its hayday, so I thought that she would enjoy this festival during her visit. We went on opening night & paid $2.00 to park right near the entrance (a great option for those who can't walk too far). The booths were FILLED with wonderful hand made Polish themed gifts!!! Although I did expect to see more vendors. We could not help but purchase some things for friends. After the booths we walked through the food truck area, which had many delicious offerings. And of course we stopped at 4 kings distillery for a sample (delicious). At the historical reenactment area we learned some interesting historical facts, the costumes & gear were impressive. We went to the stage for a bit to watch some adorable children's groups perform, they were darling of course. And then Finally, the beer tent!!!live music & food. the drinks were cold & the food was tasty with very tolerable lines. There was plenty of seating it was very enjoyable. My stepmom said the her Gołąbki was The Most like her Grandmother's she's ever had . Nice family event that did not disappoint.

An entertaining event celebrating Polish heritage running for three days in cheektowaga town park…read morewith free admission. So much to try and experience of Polish culture from listening to the polish music, participating in Polish dancing and my favorite the polish food.SO much here to see from old to young you will not be disappointed. Also many vendors selling festive polish products.

Well in town we heard about this festival with so many different events talking place, had to check…read moreit out. Plenty of street parking nearby Grant Street for easy access. You need to purchase food tickets because the food vendors do not take cash. We decided to check things out before buying and tickets... so many different times of food.. the smell alone was amazing! Lot's of samples to be had before purchasing. I had bought some fresh made bread and stuffed potatoes so good! I got to try the samosa.. supper crispy and cuban pulled pork, They had a lot of water actives going on, mostly for the kids. Lot's of spraying water toys and balloons everywhere. But with the weather being so warm it was refreshing. There was a few stages with a daily schedule. We got to hear a poetry slam with four people that were very talented and really made you think. Also some dancers with beautiful outfits on. Could only spend about and hour and a half here, but it was great. Love how the community all gets together to celebrate the things we all love like food and entertainment.

This is my third year (first time tabling for the WNY Peace Center) attending, and, as expected,…read morethe food hit the spot. This is a fabulous event where people of all ages, nationalities, cultures, and ethnicities unite for good food, good music, good performances, and a good time. Everything was amazing, though the Ethiopian spot was definitely a crowd favorite. I look forward to attending again next year with more friends (we brought some). My only critique is that the Cuban place that participated the last couple years wasn't there (I didn't see them). :(

Buffalo Myanmar Thingyan Festival (Water Festival), the Burmese Lunar New Year. Traditionally…read morecelebrated in April, but because of Buffalo's weather, it was moved to early summer, so everyone can be soaked in water without harm :). "People spray each other with water /originally soaked in Pattra leaves/ during the celebration to chase away any evil spirits and ill luck, as well as to express good wishes and expectations for the New Year." It is an authentic event, full of life and a joyful atmosphere. Everyone was welcomed and invited. There was plenty of fun, tasty food, and non-alcoholic drinks. People performed on the large stage accompanied by a live band. We weren't there from the very beginning, but at one point it felt like a karaoke party, though I assume everything was well planned in advance. Later, the DJ took charge of the entertainment. Throughout the festival, mostly kids and young adults were dousing each other with water. It reminded me of a real 'Śmigus Dyngus' in Poland. It was wild. Garden hoses were set up right next to the stage, and the people dancing to the music were liberally sprayed with them :). For food, we had deep fried chicken drumsticks, which were very popular among the crowd. Also, we tried Chè Thái, a colorful coconut milk drink. It was more like a desert, loaded with sweet jellies and lychees. It was a pleasant surprise to be offered camping chairs by someone connected to the vendor. We appreciated the rest from standing and could enjoy our drink more comfortably. It was a wonderful gesture of hospitality. This has never happened at any street festival I've been to before. Next time, we should get there a bit earlier to make sure we don't miss anything.

This is exactly what a festival should be. Live music, food, and kids having fun. Everyone was so…read morehappy and alive. I learned this festival was happening while at the Taste of Diversity. We were told there was a Burmese festival down the street with free food. We walked down and it was so much more. It was an even better festival than the Taste of Diversity. The first two or three blocks of Grant were blocked off with a giant stage on one end and a water splashing area on the other. We approached from the north, so the water area was what we saw first. There were kids everywhere, all soaking wait, running with water guns and water shooters and hoses. Anyone who walked by risked getting wet, and there were warning signs. Everyone we could see was a good sport about getting wet - the water is part of the celebration. An old man came up to us and whipped colored baby powder on our faces and explained that the new year is when everything gets washed away, Adolescents carrying a bucket walked up to someone they knew and slowly poured a cup of water down the back of his shirt. He didn't try to run or yell, he laughed and then thanked them. Sun Restaurant was there as well as a Thai Restaurant from the suburbs.There were also bowls of warm tapioca...soup I guess. Each had one piece of white sweet potato. It was interesting. All the food was vegetarian. We got some black sushi rolls and thoat from Sun and some samosa looking thing from an unknown vendor. The best part of the whole festival was the music. The music was wonderful and we just sat and listened to it. It was all young Myanmar Americans singing, playing electric guitars, drums. All the performers were great and most had this wholesome 60s rock sound that sounded really familiar but none of it was in English and I couldn't quite put my finger on the sound. Singer after singer came up, performed, had leis draped around his or her neck while singing, and put on a really excellent show. Apparently this isn't the first time this festival has taken place but I've never heard of it before. Perhaps the new West Side Bazaar has made it a more formal event. Regardless, I plan on never missing it in the future.

There's been a lot of TEDxBuffalo's and most recently I've come to their six or seventh annual…read more It's been so great seeing this event grow over the years. It started with a cap of 100 and being a free event with food provided. Many years later, they now sell out of tickets ahead of time and for the past few years it's been held at the beautiful Asbury Hall in Babeville which is a great venue for the event. The organizers do a great job with flow and setting up the space. The speakers this year were phenomenal and some of the best yet. If you haven't yet been to a TEDxBuffalo event, I highly recommend getting tickets early next year and planning to go! A healthy dose of inspiration, laughs and energy make this event a must-go every year.

You can't go wrong with a festival that celebrates the end of slavery in the USA, unless you're a…read moremember of the US Supreme Court. There's food aplenty, the biggest parade I know of, public organizations, arts and crafts, with wonderful people everywhere you turn. This annual event is set in Martin Luther King Park, an Olmsted park in the heart of Buffalo, NY. Access to this outdoor event is via Metro Bus routes 22, 23 and 24.

I went to this event many years ago so thought I would check it out again. The event was fine…read more There was a $3 fee to enter so my $12 gyro was now $15. I realize this is an event to raise money but thought that was a little high priced. The gyro was good. We also got some fried dough...6 small rounds for $4...they were fine. Tickets need to be purchased and there are no refunds on tickets so you need to figure out exactly how many to get. Did bring home some baklava which I was told came from Florida...haven't tried that yet!!!

Wonderful experience! Live Music and the Dancers are exciting and awesome, The food is simply…read moredelicious. Everywhere you walked, inside and outside under the tents, was well organized, lines moved quickly, and there was lots to space to gather with friends! Bravo to all the volunteers and to the organizers and leaders. Nicely done! I only have one suggestion, is to have more chairs at the bar tent, where space was available, but chairs were needed. We attended on Saturday around 4 pm. 2025