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FeedLRW Preview: Make reservations at the new hot spots today
Photo courtesy of Mike A at Lafayette
Mike A at Hotel Lafayette's foie burger is on offer during Local Restaurant Week
October 15 marks the beginning of Local Restaurant Week, an ideal opportunity that comes just twice a year to WNY. Area residents can enjoy delicious, affordable meals at local, independent restaurants as part of this one-week event, which happens in the fall and in the spring every year.
The number of restaurants involved is impressive, even if you consider the very large number of independent restaurants operating in our region. Those included in this season's restaurant week stretch from the Wilson House, located at the most northern point of Niagara County and noted for its local-centric wine list, all the way to southern Erie County in Eden, where you'll find juicy burgers made from locally raised beef at O'Brien's. The experiences available vary from very posh, high-end restaurants to mom and pop taverns; from fine French fare and sushi to classic Italian American cuisine and sandwiches.
Diners can approach LRW two ways, in my estimation. They can think of it as a less risky way to explore the talents of a new chef, or they can take advantage of the discount at an old favorite. Over the course of next week we'll highlight a few of the many options out there, but the one thing I must recommend to you at this stage in the game is to get on your phone and make reservations. Now.
That recommendation rings especially true if you are considering a meal at a new hot spot. Several restaurants have opened since the last LRW was held, and they are sure to be near the top of many people's must-try lists next week, so I cannot urge you enough to make up your mind and call your reservation in today.
Our picks for the top new restaurants participating in LRW are below. There may be others, but these are our favorite selections. They range from a free-spirited bistro to the area's only ten-star restaurant (as rated by The Buffalo News.)
At Coco by Le Metro, diners will discover a bevy of new offerings among favorites from the former Le Metro menu. Served in the chic downtown location formerly inhabited by The Eights, Coco has transformed the space into a warm and friendly restaurant across Main Street from the burgeoning Medical Campus. Whether you're a fan of mussels, pho, pizza, or big, tasty salads, Coco has something for you. As part of their LRW offering, guests can sample a seasonally influenced three-course meal. Appetizers include classic Brandade Fish Cakes, a sweet, apple salad with goat cheese, or Plum Baked Chicken Wings. Main course options include flank steak with frites, Seared Sea Bass with roasted cauliflower risotto, and the vegetarian-friendly Gruyere Galette. Pumpkin ice cream, a dish of poached pear with chocolate sauce, or a rich and tasty sfogliatelle round out the dessert menu. One selection from each course will set diners back only $20.12.
Butterwood's Sweet & Savory has been open only a few weeks, occupying the lower floor of the Hotel Lafayette. I recently visited for a cocktail and a few appetizers at the bar. I was impressed with the menu of signature drinks and it is safe to say that it might be the prettiest restaurant in all of the region. The menu is overflowing with elements and the dining room is breathtaking, but don't let that intimidate you, Sweet & Savory is comfortable and very friendly, and on my visit I felt perfectly at ease in casual attire. Their LRW menu is also three courses, beginning with a traditional selection of soup or salad, which lead into four entree options. A NY Strip served with a mushroom demi glace, mashers, and fresh veg will please most, along with the classic Frenched Chicken served with a subtly spicy chorizo risotto cake and vegetables. Salmon appears on many LRW menus this year, and Sweet & Savory is no exception. Here it will be grilled and served with chevre polenta and a white bean compote. Vegetarians will find a free form take on Vegetable Lasagna made with a roasted vegetable puree and served with both Alfredo and a vodka sauce. Since Butterwood is known worldwide for dessert, it's safe to say that probably any of those on offer a good choice. This menu doesn't specify which desserts are available as part of the LRW menu, but the restaurant's abilities in this department are tremendous, so have no fear.
Finally, our third recommendation for new restaurants that should be sampled during LRW is Mike A's at Hotel Lafayette. Loved by critics and beautifully appointed, Mike A's creative menu, excellent wine list, and killer cocktails make it a destination location on any night of the week. But if you haven't been, this is an excellent opportunity to try the place on for size. LRW offerings include the opportunity to enjoy one of Chef Ed Forster's stellar appetizers and a glass of wine for only $20.12 in addition to your steak order, and if you love truly divine cuts of beef, this is the place for you! Across the hall in the Lounge, the talk-of-the-town Foie Gras burger (pictured above) can be yours—along with a local Flying Bison beer to wash it down—for only $20.12. If you aren't an avid foodie, you may have missed the chatter online and on social media about this decadent and unctuous burger. Hand ground beef is dressed with lush, seared foie gras and served on a buttery brioche roll with freshly cut potato chips. I cannot recommend this burger enough; it is so good, it may bring tears to your eyes.
So there you have it, my three favorite new restaurants to sample next week during LRW. Please don't forget to make your reservations today for any (or all three) of these hot spots, and check in with us every day next week as we share our favorite LRW participants for fancy dinners, classic Italian, kid-friendly destinations, and more!
