Delaware Ave. & Niagara Sq., Buffalo, NY 14202
Web: Taste of Buffalo 2009
Phone: 716.983.0978
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"Sage advice: Go on an empty stomach. Try things you mightn't have sampled if you were paying more than $4 per item at a restaurant. And save room for drinks and dessert."
Thinking of attending the 2009 Taste of Buffalo? If you're in Western New York, of course you are! So we've put together a list of quick links that will hopefully help you get ready for this two-day event - the second biggest food festival in the country, behind the 10-day-long Taste of Chicago. It's this weekend, Saturday, July 11 from 11:00am to 9:00pm, and Sunday, July 12 from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Note that current weather forecasts call for thunderstorms near the 11am start of the event on Saturday and again around 7pm, but otherwise nice weather throughout the day, and all day Sunday. Dress for rain if you're planning to come for an early lunch or a late dinner on the first day.
Where is it held? It runs across Delaware Avenue, starting at Niagara Square. Our brief 2009 Taste of Buffalo event page can be seen here; an official map and directions can be found here.
Who will be there? Over 60 restaurants and 6 wineries, including many that have been reviewed on Buffalo Chow. A complete guide to the restaurants at the 2009 Taste of Buffalo can be found here.
Who won't be there? Chicken wing specialists are almost nowhere to be found at the Taste, and Beef on Weck fans similarly have little to look forward to at the event. Ethnic food lovers will find a lot of Italian and European fare, a little Latin, and some Caribbean, but far too little Asian save for Indian.
What is the event like? Our three-part series on the 2008 Taste of Buffalo can be read here, complete with photos. You buy tickets for 50 cents each and spend between 1 and 8 tickets per food item, with each restaurant offering at least one 3-ticket "taste" of an item, and one "healthy option." It's a great way to try a bunch of different places in one swoop through Buffalo, and gives you the chance to see Niagara Square and Delaware Avenue.
Is there anything to do other than eat? Musical performances are offered on two separate stages on each day of the event. A list of the performers is available here. A Culinary Theatre is also being set up to let local chefs show off their recipes and tricks.
How should we prepare? Any sage advice? Go on an empty stomach. Try things you mightn't have sampled if you were paying more than $4 per item at a restaurant. And save room for drinks and dessert - there are some really great items there. We'll have more to say soon.
