2021 FY Faves ........... Sabrina Kahwaty and Johnathan Ciolek

FAVES

BY SABRINA KAHWATY AND JOHNATHAN CIOLEK

2021 was the year of reuniting with what we’d missed, including local activities and restaurants. We were excited to see readers respond to our Faves survey with such enthusiasm, and even more excited to share the results here. This year, we revamped our categories to include even more Western New York establishments and hope this list will inspire you to support local by trying something new. Congratulations winners and thanks for making WNY a great place to live!

DO

Favorite Weekend Activity Walking

While many activities (golf, gardening, being with grandkids) received mentions, walking was the far and away favorite. Especially in the early days of the pandemic, daily walking was one thing we didn’t have to forgo; perhaps that accounts for its overwhelming popularity this year.

Favorite Theater Shea’s Performing Arts Center

650 Main Street, Buffalo; 847-1410, sheas.org

What began as a movie theater built by Michael Shea in 1926 is now a campus of three theaters in Buffalo’s theatre district: Shea’s Buffalo, Shea’s 710, and Shea’s Smith. Declared a National Historic Site in 1975, Shea’s Buffalo is a touring house providing a full season of Broadway shows. Things got extra exciting in 2016, when Shea’s was tapped to launch national tours, beginning with Finding Neverland.

Favorite Outdoor Event Taste of Buffalo

tasteofbuffalo.org

Taste of Buffalo, presented by TOPS, the largest two-day food festival in the United States, made a welcome return in summer 2021. Attendees enjoyed food and drink from dozens of excellent Buffalo restaurants, food trucks, and wineries, as well as demonstrations from area chefs. Mark your calendars for next year’s Taste: July 9 and 10, 2022.

Favorite Park/Nature Trail Chestnut Ridge Park

6121 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park; 662-3290

While it’s probably best known for its path to the Eternal Flame, a small waterfall with a shale rock base that hosts a seldomextinguished flame created by a natural gas leak, this longtime favorite park features many hikes and nature trails. The Park also received mentions as a favorite place to bring kids.

Luna the polar bear takes a plunge at the Buffalo Zoo.

Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo

Favorite Place to Bring Kids Buffalo Zoo

300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo; 837-3900, buffalozoo.org

The third-oldest zoo in the country features a variety of exhibits that make it an exciting place to spend a day with little ones. In March, the Zoo welcomed two lion cubs, Khari and Zara, and in October, the greater one-horned rhinoceros Tashi gave birth to a female baby (not yet named at press time).

Favorite Outdoor Music Venue Artpark

450 South 4th Street, Lewiston; 754-4375, artpark.net

Artpark mainstays like Coors Light concerts and the Art in Park series returned in 2021, as well new engagements such as Sonic Trails, an immersive audio experience presented in a mobile app designed by the Holladay Brothers, curated and coproduced by Sozo Creative.

Favorite Senior Swimming Pool Southtowns Family YMCA

1620 Southwestern Boulevard, West Seneca; ymcabn.org, 674-9622

This YMCA branch offers water fitness classes, lap swim, and swim lessons. After a brief closure this fall, the pool, hot tub, steam room, and sauna reopened to the delight of the community.

Favorite Senior Center/Favorite Senior Entertainment/ Favorite Senior Outdoor Space Orchard Park Senior Center

4520 California Rd., Orchard Park; orchardparkny.org/departments/ senior-center, 662-6452

The Orchard Park Senior Center (OPSC) is “dedicated to the enhancement of each senior’s life by offering quality programs, services, and activities that contribute to each person’s mental, physical, and social wellbeing by reinforcing the believe that age has no boundaries and that each person has a vital role in his/her community.” It’s safe to say it’s succeeding, as it was the reader favorite for multiple categories. The center offers an overwhelming selection of daily and weekly activities including dining and book clubs, games, guest speakers, movies, art classes, and more. Visit the website for a full list of offerings.

Favorite Senior Living Food Service Fox Run at Orchard Park

One Fox Run Lane, Orchard Park; foxrunorchardpark.com, 662-5001

Through its partnership with Morrison Senior Living, Fox Run provides high-quality meals made with fresh ingredients, with new menu items added daily, and a strong focus on healthy options. (Executive Chef Lisa Sanders provided a recipe for butternut squash soup in our September issue!)

The East Aurora Farmers Market offers a variety of locally grown and produced products.

Photo by kc kratt

Favorite Senior Exercise Program Club 99 at Orchard Park Senior Center

4520 California Rd., Orchard Park; orchardparkny.org/departments/ senior-center, 662-6452

The Erie County Department of Senior Services and OPSC’s Senior Nutrition Program have teamed up to present Club 99: free fitness program for ages sixty-plus that uses resist-a-bands to tone and build muscle.

THE “HOLIDAY 3-PACK”

-THE PERFECT GIFT!

A comedy about Fact vs. Fiction A classic about fi nding your true match A drama about addiction, recovery and everything in between

$120 General Admission | $105 Senior Admission

Purchase tickets at KavinokyTheatre.com or call (716) 829-7668

Favorite Volunteer Opportunity Places of worship

Local places of worship offer fulfilling volunteer opportunities, including frequent mentions ushering, collection, and food pantries.

Favorite Farmers Market East Aurora Farmers Market

Aurora Village Shopping Center, 123 Grey St., East Aurora; eastaurorafarmersmarket.com

The East Aurora Farmers Market has been providing locally grown and produced products since 1978. The market runs from the first Saturday in May until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Favorite Veterans Program Buffalo VA Medical Center

3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo; va.gov, 834-9200

This year, the Buffalo VA Medical Center earned special recognition for its COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Set up in a large, climate-controlled tent in the hospital parking lot, the clinic was the first of its kind within the national VA health system. It proved so efficient that other VA health centers began sending unused doses to Buffalo.

SHOP

Favorite Garden Shop Gullo’s Garden Center

4767 Southwestern Boulevard, Hamburg; gullosgc.com, 646-6111

Family owned and operated, Gullo’s has been a WNY mainstay for almost thirty years. The center now comprises more than eight acres of offerings, including 20,000 square feet of greenhouses.

Favorite Liquor Store Premier Wine and Spirits

Multiple locations; premierwines.com

Premier consists of three independently owned and operated stores in Amherst (3900 Maple Road), Williamsville (7980 Transit Road), and Orchard Park (3410 Amelia Drive). With assistance in every aisle and offering some of the largest selections of premium wines and spirits in the country, Premier Group stores have something for everyone.

Favorite Pet Store Daisy’s Doghouse

1448 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo; buffalopetstore.com, 322-1931

This pet boutique offers everything from holistic food to stylish collars to fun toys, many made by WNY artists and craftsmen. Daisy’s Doghouse has partnered with City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, Dash Dog Running Service, Fix-A-Bull WNY, and Sadie’s Safe Harbor Canine Rescue to make its store a one-stop shop for all pet needs.

Beer mugs line the walls of Fattey Beer Company.

Photo by kc kratt

Favorite Brewery Fattey Beer Company

Multiple locations; fattey-beer.myshopify.com

With four locations, indoor and outdoor seating, free delivery, and an overwhelming selection of craft beer, wine, cider, seltzer, nonalcoholic drinks, and gourmet snacks, Fattey Beer Company has it all.

KENMORE EYE CARE and AMHERST EYE CARE

Dr. David Burstein | Dr. Sandra Segerson

Optometrist Optometrist

• Comprehensive Eye Exams • Specially Trained in Treating Eye Diseases

• Contact Lens Specialist • Fashion Eyewear Visit our newly expanded Amherst location!

KENMORE EYE CARE 924 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY (716) 876-2020

AMHERST EYE CARE 606 N. French Rd., Suite 7 & 8, Amherst, NY (716) 688-8127

Favorite Eyewear Store Hogenkamp Optics

6404 W. Quaker Street, Orchard Park; hogenkampoptics.com, 662-5050

This family-owned office makes every customer feel like a part of the family. The wide selection of frames and combined experience of Hogenkamp’s three opticians means customers of all ages leave with the perfect shape and style.

Favorite Gift Shop The Olde Steeple

381 Main St., Elma; theoldesteeple.com, 668-2655

When owner Diane Kling drove past an abandoned, fire-damaged Elma church, she thought, “What could be more charming than a hundred-year-old church to showcase a mix of antiques, reproductions, and handcrafted items?” Following an extensive twoyear restoration, the church became home to the Olde Steeple, a popular gift shop offering items for kitchens, gardens, and more.

Favorite Estate Sale Company Sandra D. Ziemer Estate Sales & Household Liquidations

61 Bradfield Drive, East Amherst; sandraziemer.com, 741-2120 or 352-0065

This company has been providing professional estate sale, household liquidation, and appraisal services in WNY since 1978. Free on-site consultations are also available.

Favorite Winery Spring Lake Winery

7373 Rochester Rd., Lockport; springlakewinery.com, 439-5253

This establishment proudly proclaims it is not just a winery but an experience, and that it is. Take a ride on the Vineyard Express and enjoy the beautiful Niagara countryside, listen to live music, take a tour to learn about winemaking, or enjoy a quality vintage in the café.

Favorite Clothing Shop Danahy’s

3206 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo; danahys.com, 831-0773

For ninety-five years, this family-owned shop has offered everything from office wear to outfits for formal affairs. Danahy’s is also known for its trunk shows and designer lines.

Favorite Bookstore The Bookworm

34 Elm Street, East Aurora; eabookworm.com, 652-6554

This independently owned bookstore and gift shop has been operating in the heart of East Aurora since 1986. It is especially popular for its Book Exchange program, through which customers can exchange previously owned books for store credit.

EAT

Favorite Takeout Place Peg’s Place

4046 Lake Shore Rd., Hamburg; pegsplacehamburg.com, 627-7800

This family-style restaurant has been in business for nearly twenty-eight years, and recently announced they are expanding to brewing and distilling.

Favorite Italian Place Chef’s

291 Seneca St., Buffalo; ilovechefs.com, 856-9187

Famous for its spaghetti parm, this Buffalo eatery is known for plentiful but inexpensive portions, red-checked tablecloths, and a spacious dining area.

Favorite Chinese Chang’s Garden

1753 Orchard Park Road, West Seneca; changsgardenbuffalo.com, 6758888

Serving Buffalo for more than twenty years, Chang’s Garden is a prime lunch and dinner spot for health-conscious Chinese cuisine. All dishes are made with plant oil and low salt.

Favorite Taco Place Mighty Taco

Multiple locations; mightytaco.com

From classic tacos, burritos, fajitas, nachos, and salads to house favorites like Buffitos and Bowlitos, Mighty Taco fulfills Buf-Mex needs in more than nineteen locations across WNY.

Favorite Omelet/Breakfast Poked Yolk

Locations in West Seneca and Orchard Park; thepokedyolk.com

What better way to start the day than with a specialty omelet, sweet and savory waffles, or fluffy pancakes? This popular breakfast spot is known for creative spins on classic dishes, friendly service, and generous portions. (And if you sleep in, we hear the burgers are worth a try.)

A variety of Paula's Donuts' offerings.

Photo by kc kratt

Favorite Coffeeshop SPoT Coffee

Multiple locations; spotcoffee.com

Whether you are on-the-go or ready to linger in true coffee shop aesthetic, Spot Coffee is never too far. Enjoy excellent coffee drinks and fresh-made meals and snacks all day.

Favorite Donuts Paula’s Donuts

Multiple locations; paulasdonuts.com

Family owned and operated for more than twenty years, Paula’s invites customers to indulge in over fifty fresh-made varieties, such as cannoli, peanut stick, cheese, and more. Picking a dozen donuts has never been more difficult.

Favorite Bagel Bagel Jay’s

Multiple locations; bageljays.com

Award-winning bagels since 1976, consistently delicious deli favorites, and homemade cream cheese shmears are only a glimpse of what Bagel Jay’s has waiting for you at one of its three WNY locations. Customers swear it’s the closest you can get to a New York City bagel.

Favorite Deli Sandwich Wegmans Deli

Multiple locations; wegmans.com

Wegmans is ready with classic cold-cut combos for any occasion. A variety of hot subs, as well as a build-your-own option, are available.

Favorite Hot Dog/French Fries Ted’s

Multiple locations; tedshotdogs.com

Stop in for hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and chicken sandwiches all cooked over hardwood charcoal. Ted’s spoils its customers with homemade hot sauce, hand-battered onions rings and fries, ice-cold loganberry, and milkshakes made with real ice cream.

Favorite Beef on ’Weck Schwabl’s

789 Center Rd, Buffalo; schwabls.com, 675-2333

The Schwabl family has been serving Buffalo since 1942. The classic sandwich, served on a fresh-baked kummelweck roll, never disappoints.

Favorite Fish Fry Striker’s Lanes

50 Michael Rd., Buffalo; strikers.biz, 674-1104

Come for the bowling, stay for the fish fry. Striker’s hosts bowling leagues and offers open bowling all week, but its famous fish fry is offered on Fridays.

Favorite Pizza Bella Pizza

Multiple locations; bellapizza.com

Beloved for its crisp crust and perfect sauce-to-dough ratio, Bella’s always has a savory slice available at one of three WNY locations. Feeling adventurous? Try the “Pizza of the Month.”

Favorite Wings Duff’s

Multiple locations; duffswings.com

From mild lovers to those who crave “Death Sauce,” Duff’s has you covered with quality wings across the Scoville scale (a measure of a chili pepper’s pungency).

Favorite Greek Salad Alton’s

Multiple locations; altonsrestaurant.com

You can count on a generous portion, fresh ingredients, and an affordable bill when you order a Greek salad at Alton’s. This restaurant also received some shoutouts for its breakfast in this year’s responses.

Favorite Sponge Candy Watson’s

Multiple locations; watsonschocolates.com

Best known for the regional favorite, sponge candy, this family owned and operated shop has been handcrafting delicious chocolate treats since 1946.

Favorite Custard Anderson’s

Multiple locations; andersonscustard.com

Carl and Greta Anderson brought their frozen custard to Buffalo in 1947 and children Keith and Holly are carrying on the tradition. The two original main products were beef on ’weck and frozen custard; the operation has since expanded to offer handmade ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and grill items.

Favorite Ice Cream Nick Charlap’s

Multiple locations; nickcharlapsicecreaminc.com

With five locations across WNY, Nick Charlap’s makes it feel like homemade hard ice cream is always just around the corner. You’ll be itching to try each of its more than forty flavors. FY

Sabrina Kahwaty is editor of Forever Young.

Johnathan Ciolek is a Buffalo Spree intern and Buffalo State student studying journalism and photography.