Seneca Today Spring 2016

ENEC

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THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

COVER RESORTS & CASINOS

THE BREWERIES OF WNY A hop, skip and a pour away TRUCKIN’ IN BUFFALO The best food on the move

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Buffalo’s Best Polish Food, The Vintage Shopping Trail & Team Building Activities in the Area TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 1

EXPLORE MORE.

RESEARCH LESS. SAVE MONEY. ACCESS OFFLINE.

A CITY GUIDE IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND.

EVENT-URE OUT.

MEET OUR

CONTRIBUTORS

LYNN OGRYZLO Lynn is a food, wine and travel writer, author of three international award-winning cookbooks and regular contributor to REV Publications.

Lynn specializes in culinary tourism covering regional cuisine destinations, slow food, culinary holidays, wine, spirits and “la dolca vita”. She can be reached for questions or comments at lynnogryzlo.com.

JILL THAM Convinced she would have made a better teen in the 80s instead of the 90s, Jill’s passion for writing came after seeing the movie Stand

by Me. When Jill is not moonlighting as a freelance writer, she is an Elementary teacher juggling her three children. Along with being a regular contributor to Today Magazine, Jill’s articles have been featured in Canadian Running, Pedal, Allergic Living and @OECTA. jilltham.wordpress.com @JillBT

GABRIELLE TIEMAN Gabrielle is a writer for REV Publishing and passionate about the written word. A newcomer to Niagara, Gabrielle is a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Journalism program and has written for a number of newspapers and publications across Canada. Her passion lies in profiling members of the community and uncovering the hidden gems within a city. When she is not writing you can find her on her bicycle - most likely with a large coffee in hand.

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR W

armer weather is finally here. And with the change of the season also comes the yearning to get outside and explore. Energized by the sun soaking our skin and the warmer air, there is a gnawing sense of adventure as the landscape changes.

Join us as our writers take us on a sensory trip through the many culinary delights that can only be found in Western New York. Dive into Buffalo’s delicious past and present, by checking out our roundup of Buffalo Food Trucks, and revisiting the best places to get Polish food in the city.

If hitting the streets is more your style, check out our trail of the best places to get some great vintage finds, or our list of great venues for live music in Western New York.

There really is no shortage of things to do, experience and see during your visit to Western New York; whatever kind of activity you seek, indoor or outdoor, action packed or relaxed, there is certainly something here for you.

Enjoy this issue of Seneca by Today Magazine, and have a great visit!

PHOTO CREDIT: GEORGE SMITH TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 5

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puBliSHer rev Publishing inc. preSiDenT & CeO daniel a. Pasco General manaGer candace LeBlanc aDVerTiSinG SaleS manaGer sherry madden BuSineSS DeVelOpmenT manaGer david mace eDiTOr megan Pasche CreaTiVe DireCTOr tina Lanzillotta GrapHiC DeSiGnerS tabitha macdonald, rachel Bertrand, christina Picton, Jenn Blais iT/WeB DeVelOper Justin soungie marKeTinG anD SOCial meDia COOrDinaTOr kaila henderson COnTriBuTinG WriTerS Jill tham, Lynn ogryzlo, gabrielle tieman TO aDVerTiSe pleaSe Call 905.356.7283 or 1.877.888.2825 WeBSiTe todaymagazine.ca

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FOOD & DRINK 10

the sticky side oF sWeet

14

truckin’ in BuFFALo

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enJoyinG A tAste oF BuFFALo’s PAst

20

26

sticky buns can be a dessert, breakfast treat or a delicious anytime snack.

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE 32

once doomed to be remembered as a grandfathered member of the city s rich past, the revitalization of buffalo s waterfront has helped to form a new vision for the abandoned member of buffalo s industrial landscape.

Luckily for everyone that visits, buffalo is home to a thriving food truck industry. the revitalization of a beloved Polish community in eastern buffalo.

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senecA nAtion Fish & WiLdLiFe

38

Beyond the trust FALL: teAM BuiLdinG in Wny

the BreWeries oF Western neW york With passionate brewers always striving to come up with unique creations to please a growing market of craft beer drinkers, these high quality beers are guaranteed to satisfy your senses.

BuFFALo GrAin eLeVAtors reiMAGined

it is only natural that the seneca nation of indians (sni) continues to conserve, protect and enhance all of its resources, including the natural habitats of its fish and wildlife.

Employees are the greatest assets to any company, and team-building activities are a great way to help elevate a team s performance at the office.

the Art oF tABLe settinG don t just set a table, create culinary theatre

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FAithkeePers schooL Cultivating Culture, Language, and Mother Earth

ABOUT TOWN 47

For oLd tiMes sAke

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uP cLose & PersonAL

Housing the trinkets and treasures of yesteryear, Western new York is a thrift shopping paradise.

Western new York is home to some of the most unique concert venues in the state; places that put you up close and personal with musicians, completely immersing you in the concert experience.

HERE. SEE. DO 58

sPotLiGht: thunder FroM doWn under Fridays and saturday in July, you ll be able to spend the night with some hot Australian men, as they woo you with their chiseled bodies, seductive dance moves, saucy hysterics and boy next door charm.

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Western neW york eVents

Check out upcoming shows at seneca resorts & Casinos Events happening in and around Western new York.

todaymagazine.ca 9

the sticky side of sweet making it your way

Written by Lynn Ogryzlo | Photos by Jon Ogryzlo

The first memory I have of my mother’s sticky buns is from when I was just a little girl. Hot bread from the oven was a regular treat in our house, everything from raisin buns to braided bread. My favourite though, the one I longed for the most, was her famous sticky buns.

I remember standing at the counter on my tiptoes, fingers grasping the countertop waiting for permission to pull one from the tray. Just at the critical moment, my brothers would arrive and we’d fight for them, pulling one from

the tray, the hot sugar burning our fingers and seizing on our teeth. It really didn’t matter much; they were such a heavenly treat.

Sticky buns may look like Chelsea Buns or Cinnamon Rolls because they’re all made with a rich yeasty dough stuffed, rolled, sliced and baked but they’re a world apart when it comes to flavour.

Sticky buns can be a dessert, breakfast treat or an anytime snack as my mother would serve them. The dough is rolled into a f lat rectangle and spread with melted butter, brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon. Then it’s rolled up jelly-roll style and sliced into thick spirals of yeasty, sugared dough. Before they were put in the pan I remember my mother would melt lots of butter with brown sugar and chopped pecans on the stove. She’d bring it to a boil and the sugar would dissolve into a syrupy mass. Then she’d add her secret ingredient, a little bit of maple syrup or honey to ensure the stickiness and gooeyness of the finished product.

Still warm, the sweet and sticky concoction was poured onto the bottom of a large baking dish and that’s when she’d place the slices of rolled dough on top. It was sheer agony to watch her cover the pan with a clean dishcloth and set it in the warmest place in the kitchen so the dough would rise just slightly enough to make the dough light and airy when baked. Once risen, they’d crowd each other in the pan and the f lavour of the syrupy bottom would be infused into the dough.

When they came out of the oven, she’d flip the sticky buns onto a large platter and hold the baking pan overtop so the syrupy sweetness could drizzle over the buns. I suppose the smart thing to do would be to wait until they were cool, but we couldn’t. Pulling them apart when they were hot made them deliciously dangerous.

The dough was warm and fluffy, the nuts soft and cinnamony and the sticky syrup yummy and messy. We’d be licking our fingers forever after eating them: they are the ultimate treat!

Contrary to what some bakers use, the best sticky buns are not made with white bread dough, but an elegant yeasted dough, rich in butter and eggs with a delicious flavour that lies somewhere between bread and pastry. Technically speaking, the recipe is a cross between a brioche and challah bread. Add to this deliciously decadent dough, a sweet inside that is sugar laced with any flavours your mind can concoct and a sticky outside that can include dried fruit, nuts, chocolate or anything that allows you to put your own personal twist on them.

I think everyone should have a sticky bun tradition in their family where you add your own favourite ingredients to make them truly personal. After all, if sticky buns are made in three parts; dough, sweet insides and sticky, gooey outside, then you’ve just been >>

FOOD & DRINK TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 11

given lots of opportunity to change up the flavours in an infinite number of ways.

Using the Brioche dough recipe below, pick a sweet inside and sticky stuff for the bottom and bake at 350°F for 20 to 35 minutes. Here are some ideas to get you started.

the dough Brioche is an elegant yeasted dough, rich in butter and eggs, a cross between bread and pastry. It is difficult to make without an industrial bread mixer so here is an easy, cheater recipe that works well. Whisk 1 ½ tablespoons of active dry yeast into ½ a cup of water. Add a pinch of sugar and set aside for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt ½ cup of butter with 1 cup of milk until hot. Pour into a large bowl of a mixer fitted with dough hooks. Add 1/3 cup of sugar, a tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix on low to dissolve the sugar. Add the creamy yeast and 4 eggs. Add 5 cups of all-purpose flour and beat on low speed for 3 minutes.

Continue to beat on medium low, adding an additional cup of flour, maybe more. Knead on medium low for 8 to 10 minutes. Let rise for at least 2 hours.

the sticky stuff This is the magic of all sticky buns. Make on the stove top and pour into the bottom of a prepared pan, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.

A 18 x 14-inch rectangle pan works well. Set aside to make the buns.

Traditional Melt: one stick of butter in a saucepan with 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Cook until bubbling.

Maple Walnut: Add ½ cup of butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar and ½ cup of maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is bubbling. Add 1 ½ cups of chopped walnuts.

Salted Caramel Pecan: Combine ½ cup of butter and 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until sugar dissolves. Stir in 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir and cook but don’t allow it to boil. Add 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans.

Cinnamon Melt: ½ cup of butter with ¾

cup of packed dark brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and add ¾ cup of heavy cream, 1/3 cup of honey, a pinch of salt and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Simmer until golden brown and glossy, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Add1 ½ cups of chopped pecans.

Maple Whisky Bacon: Add ½ cup of butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, a tablespoon of whisky and ½ cup of maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is bubbling. Add 1 ½ cups of crunchy bacon bits.

the sweet insides Always baste the rolled out dough with plenty of warm, melted butter before sprinkling the sweet insides overtop. Roll, slice into equal rounds, place in the baking pan over the Sticky Stuff and let rest for an hour.

Nutella Spread: 1 ½ cups of Nutella evenly

over top of the dough, leaving a half-inch border on one long side. Sprinkle with half a cup of chopped hazelnuts. Roll. Works well with Traditional Sticky Stuff sprinkling a cup of roughly chopped hazelnuts overtop.

Classic Cinnamon: Stir together 2/3 cup of packed light brown sugar with a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over rolled out dough. Works well with any Sticky Stuff.

Apple Pie: Mix together 1 ½ cups of applesauce and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Spread evenly over top of the dough, leaving a halfinch border on one long side. Works well with Cinnamon Sticky Stuff or Salted Caramel Pecan Sticky Stuff.

Apple Honey: Caramelize 2 cups of peeled apple slices in ¼ cup of honey until the apples are soft, about 5 minutes. Spoon the filling overtop of the dough and sprinkle with a scant amount of pecans. Works well with Cinnamon Sticky Stuff or Salted Caramel Pecan Sticky Stuff. TM

READ TODAY R E A D TO M O R R O W . R E A D FO R E V E R .

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TRUCKIN’

THE BEST FOOD ON THE MOVE

IN BUFFALO

BY PAIGE TURNER

When the sun comes out, and the air gets warmer, what’s better than getting to eat outside? Luckily for everyone that visits, Buffalo is home to a thriving food truck industry. This foodie scene only continues to grow, with more and more trucks popping up all the time, with many of the trucks attracting legions of loyal followers. There are currently dozens of food trucks serving Buffalo, and this will hopefully give you an idea of where to direct your taste buds first!

716 CLUB HOUSE

BIG BLUE

SERVING: GOURMET SANDWICHES

SERVING: SANDWICHES, SIDES

AMY’S TRUCK

BIG SUZIE’S LITTLE BAKERY

SERVING: VEGETARIAN/LEBANESE

SERVING: GOURMET DESSERTS

BETTY CROCKSKI

CENTER STREET SMOKEHOUSE

SERVING: POLISH

SERVING: BBQ

BLACK MARKET FOOD TRUCK

THE CHEESY CHICK

SERVING: GOURMET SANDWICHES, SOUPS, SIDE

SERVING: GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE

PIZZA AMORE SERVING: WOOD FIRE PIZZA

R&R BBQ TRUCK SERVING: BBQ

CHEF’S ON THE GO SERVING: ITALIAN

CRUSIN’ CREPES SERVING: CREPES

THE FLAMING FISH SERVING: SEAFOOD

FRANK GOURMET HOT DOGS SERVING: GOURMET HOT DOGS

GELATO GYPSY SERVING: GELATO

THE GREAT FOODINI

RICO’S PINCHOS PLACE SERVING: PUERTO RICAN

ROAMING BUFFALO SERVING: BURGERS, PUB FARE

ROLLING JOE CAFÉ SERVING: COFFEE

SASSI CAKES SERVING: CUPCAKES

STREET CAFÉ SERVING: MIDDLE EASTERN

THE SWEET HEARTH

SERVING: SANDWICHES, PIZZA

SERVING: DESSERTS

GREEK ON THE STREET

SWEET MELODY’S

SERVING: GREEK

HALAL MOBILE FOODS SERVING: MIDDLE EASTERN

HOT OFF THE PRESS SERVING: GRILLED SANDWICHES

HOUSE OF MUNCH SERVING: CARNIVAL/FAIR FOOD

J&L’S BOULEVARD BBQ TRUCK SERVING: BBQ

KNIGHT SLIDER SERVING: SLIDER

KONA ICE SERVING: HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE

LLOYD TACO TRUCK SERVING: TACOS/BURRITOS

THE LOUISIANA COOKERY SERVING: CAJUN

MIKEY DEE’S SERVING: AMERICAN

MINEO & SAPIO STREET EATS SERVING: SAUSAGES, SANDWICHES

O.G WOOD FIRE SERVING: NEAPOLITAN STYLE PIZZA

PHILLY FLATTOP SERVING: PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

SERVING: GELATO/SORBET

TAFFY’S SERVING: MILKSHAKES

TASTE OF PUERTO RICO SERVING: PUERTO RICAN

THAI ME UP SERVING: THAI

THE WHOLE HOG SERVING: FARM TO TABLE FOODS

So, where do you get your hands on some of these scrumptious eats? Food Truck Tuesdays take place every Tuesday (running this year from April 19 until the end of October) from 5 to 8pm. In addition to food, there is music and shopping. Over 30 food trucks take part in the every week. Free parking is available, and make sure to bring your own blankets or folding chairs. Larkin Square is located at 745 Seneca Street in Buffalo.

In terms of finding out where each truck is on a daily basis, you best bet is to check them out on social media. Most trucks have a twitter account or Facebook page where they post daily updates as to where they will be next. Another great resource for info on where the food is at any given time is roaminghunger.com/buf, you can sort by meal, and it pinpoints where the trucks are on a very handy map. TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 15

enjOying Buffa By lynn Ogryzlo

A TASTE LO’S PAST of

“It’s happening,” boasts Eddy Dobosiewicz of Forgotten

Buffalo Tours. He’s talking about the revitalization of his beloved Polish community in eastern Buffalo. Eddy’s tours are all about history, education, culture, architecture and food all wrapped up in an afternoon of fun with the man who is also known as "Maxwell Truth," host of Off Beat Cinema.

On this day I’m getting a personal tour with Eddy. He tells me this neighborhood was once the largest Polish settlement in the world outside of Poland. I’m looking forward to soaking in a neighborhood drunk with so much culture.

We’ve agreed to meet at the famous Broadway Market. While the location has changed throughout its history, it has always remained a strong central meeting place of the Polish community. I arrive early to meet a friend, Chef Jean White of the Three Sisters Restaurant in Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Polish by heritage, Jean is full of personal stories cooking in her grandmothers kitchen and by her fathers side.

Jean and I walk around the market, from stall to stall being attracted by the smells of smoked Polish sausages, tempted by the sight of the baked goods, wowed by the size of the giant pickles, tantalized by the glistening vats of sauerkraut, lured by the rows upon rows of various pierogi and drawn to blood red pails of grated beets. There’s a woman filling jars of freshly grated horseradish, we couldn’t resist, it was our last purchase of the day. In the center of the market, men sit on stools with their coffee while a bustling crowd around them scurry to buy their food. Broadway Market specializes in Polish foods and these people, mostly of Polish

heritage come from miles around to shop and buy the comfort foods of their home country.

We walk by the bright blue and yellow bakery called Chrusciki and Jean spots a pile of icing sugar-dusted strips of fried dough. They’re called Chrust. She laughs nostalgically and talks of her grandmother making them as we’re given a sample to taste by one of the bakers, Rene. I ask how authentic the Chrust are and Rene tells me there are women who travel from Poland to Buffalo every year to bake the traditional foods. They come just before lent and the church houses them until after Easter while they cook for the onslaught of Easter shoppers.

Now that’s authentic!

Rene offers up a taste of Paczki, a traditional jelly filled donut. These are popular just before the fasting practice of lent she explained because you wanted to use up all the food in the house in preparation for lent. So the almost unsweetened donuts are fried in rich kitchen fat and take on a savory flavor if that’s at all possible in a donut. I’m thinking all it would need is a sprinkling of smoky bacon bits to take it over the top. Yum. >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 17

“

This is a neighborhood of ghosts and Eddy it seems, knows them all personally. He also sees a new vision of this neighborhood and points to the signs of progress – “it’s exciting, a diamond in the rough.

Wait till you see it in a few years from now.”

Jean shows me Placek and calls it the Polish version of Panettone. This is baked in a loaf pan and topped with a crumble crust. Buttery rich, it’s the Placek that makes Jean’s mouth water more than any other Polish delicacy in the bakery.

In between the bakers and the butchers are shops that sell Easter Butter Lamb. It’s basically butter molded into the shape of a sitting lamb. I’m thinking it would look beautiful on my Easter table. Other Easter lamb are made from cake with white frosting.

Eddy arrives wearing a black trench coat and Fedora hat. He’s a man oozing with energy and stories of the Polish neighborhood, past, present and future. Yes, he’s even predicting how the revitalization activities will play out.

And you can bet Eddy will be a major player breathing new life into these tired streets.

We piled into his jeep and drive through the streets. Eddy talks of the wave of Polish settlers who arrived in the city around the mid to late 1980’s. They settled in the area around Broadway and Fillmore Avenue. It quickly became known as the Polish quarter. He points to St. Stanislaus Parish, built in 1873.

It was the reason Polish immigrants stopped

travelling through Buffalo on their way to Chicago. With a church of their own, they stayed, worked in the slaughterhouses, tanneries, grain yards and railroads, built houses and formed a tight-knit community.

As we drive around I notice a few other churches, now abandoned with their stained glass painfully stripped from the windows. We arrive at Corpus Christie Church, the newly restored Polish Catholic church.

The inside of the church is stunning with newly painted frescoes on the ceilings and copulas.

When churches were built, they were built as community centres.

The men’s included a bowling alley and the women’s, which were almost always separate, included kitchens and lounging areas, where needlepoint and sewing took place. Jean laughs, “if you’re Polish and you don’t bowl, you’re just not doing it right.”

Jean is a good companion for Eddy and she accentuates Eddy’s historical stories with the personal anecdotes. We drive for almost an hour and Eddy explains the architecture of the every day houses, he talks about the Polish taverns through the lives of the people who owned them and food through a personal lens. As we drive around, it’s sad to see that most businesses are closed down, abandoned factories with broken windows and houses in crippling disrepair, some so bad they’re even missing roofs.

I think Eddy is the only one who knows where the most popular breweries and bars of the past existed. He points out the old slaughterhouses that are now empty shells of broken glass and tin roofs, he drives up the grand entrance to the massive, towering and stunningly beautiful art deco building that was once a bustling train station. In one single day, more than four hundred trains would stop here. Now it’s a lonely shell of a grandiose era with only the sound of a lonely seagull to echo through it’s cavernous interior. This is a neighborhood of ghosts and Eddy it seems, knows them all personally. He also sees a new vision of this neighborhood and points to the signs of progress – “it’s exciting, a diamond in the rough. Wait till you see it in a few years from now.”

Eddy organizes a festival called Dyngus Day that takes place at the end of lent. It’s a “weird observance” says Eddy. Dyngus Day is a lot of fun that involves food trucks, polka parties, some pussy willow spanking and a little splashing of water. There is a parade that begins at the Broadway Market and ends at the train station. It’s a huge day for the Polish bars. Last year more than 50,000 people came out for Dyngus Day in the old Polish neighborhood, bringing it to life, even if only for a day.

So how did the largest Polish community outside Poland become so desolate? It was the next generation of American born Pols that mass migrated to the suburbs. Once it began, it was like a tidal wave that couldn’t be stopped, not even with the death of the downtown core. But there is a new influx of immigrants moving into the neighborhoods, repairing houses and reopening businesses that gives Eddy hope.

Eddy’s belief of the revitalization is so strong he’s banking his business here. His company, Forgotten Buffalo Tours designed a series of tours; three Polish tours among others. “They’re always sold out,” says Eddy of the demand by a younger crowd who see the withering old neighbourhood as an irresistible place to explore. TM

the breweries of western

new york

BY JILL THAM

JU

Small, independent and

traditional. These are the three words that define a craft brewery, but this list is not complete without adding the words originality and excellence. Residents of Western New York don’t have to travel far to find a brewmaster who is committed to brewing exceptional beer. With passionate brewers always striving to come up with unique creations to please a growing market of craft beer drinkers, these high quality beers are guaranteed to satisfy your senses. Filled with happy customers, these breweries are serving up a wide variety of beers that are distinctively different from mass produced beer. As educated consumers with refined tastes enjoy the complex flavor that encompasses craft beer with far less ingredients then their commercial counterparts, the breweries of Western New York are demonstrating exactly why the production and sale of craft beer is on the rise. >>

R

AY AW

ST

A

P, A ND I K S , P AP O H OU

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 21

COMMUNITY BEER WORKS

BIG DITCH BREWING COMPANY

Community Beer Works (CBW) is a one and a half barrel facility serving up a variety of appetizing beers such as Stout Affective Disorder and Yuz Not That IPA. “Community Beer Works is Buffalo, New York’s first nanobrewery. We began providing fresh, high quality, local beer in April 2012,” says Brendon Van Allen from Community Beer Works.

Community Beer Works was started by a group of beer loving friends. “The founders of CBW all have roots in Buffalo and we want our brewery to be an integral part of our city and the neighborhood our brewery is located in,” says Van Allen. CBW doesn’t fi lter or use clarifying agents in their beer: holding in the nutrients. Good beer, good laughs and good friends makes up the Community Beer Works.

“Our goal is to foster a sense of community and place, enriching our hometown through the production of damn good beer. Look for us at many of the beer venues around Buffalo,” concludes Van Allen. Drop by and enjoy a glass of beer for $5.00. You can’t go wrong. For more information visit communitybeerworks.com

What happens when two beer loving scientists get a hold of a bucket, barley malt, hops, and yeast? The result is a 20-barrel brew house that is producing mouth-watering beers. Located in downtown Buffalo, New York, Big Ditch Brewing Company pays homage to the men that built the Erie Canal.

“We usually have six to 12 beers on tap at all times,” states Matt Kahn, President of Big Ditch Brewing Company. “Our most popular beer is Hayburner American IPA, which is a luscious and citrusy IPA, with primary notes of orange, melon, grapefruit, and a slightly earthy fi nish. It packs a fi rm bitterness but remains balanced by abundant late hop additions and a soft, airy malt base.”

“We distribute beer all over Western New York and also have a taproom at our brewery which includes a two level restaurant that accommodates over 200 people,” says Kahn. Visit their newly renovated facility and try one of their festive choices or old favorites and you won’t believe their fi rst fermenter was a food grade bucket. Big Ditch Brewing Company is an example of the success that can be achieved when you put two beer-loving scientists are given an opportunity to hone their mad scientist skills. For a look at their food and beer menu visit bigditchbrewing.com

15 LAFAYETTE AVENUE, BUFFALO, NY

WOODCOCK BROTHERS BREWERY 638 LAKE STREET, WILSON, NY

The story is in the name: two brothers, who along with their spouses, began a craft brewery. Woodcock Brothers Brewery Company (WBBC), founded by brothers Mark and Tim Woodcock, is set in the historic town of Wilson, New York. “The building was a cold storage for ice and then apples and cabbages in the late 1800s,” states Randal Byington, General Manager and Head Chef at WBBC. “It’s an old building with great architecture. The brothers recycled everything they could including the floorboards.”

“Niagara born and Niagara brewed” is the theme at Woodcock Brothers Brewery as their beers, such as Devil’s Hole Black India Pale ale, are named after local attractions in the Niagara area. Community and comradery is the theme at the taps with a variety of beers that use locally grown ingredients and a guest tap where the WBBC features a beer from another brewery.

Enjoy a pint or two in the WBBC spacious bar room where 12 different beers are on tap or at one of the 140 locations from Niagara to Rochester that are serving WBBC beer. “The Niagara Lager and WBBC Porter are our most popular beers and our menu is inspired by our wood fi red oven,” adds Byington. For more information visit woodcockbrothersbrewery.com

55 EAST HURON STREET, BUFFALO, NY

PAN-AMERICAN GRILL & BREWERY 391 WASHINGTON STREET, BUFFALO, NY

In 1901, Buffalo hosted the Pan-American Exposition. The fair was an iconic moment in Buffalo’s history as it was the fi rst time that electricity was transferred from a power plant to the Exposition which was located 25 miles away. The x-ray machine was showcased and the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley was assassinated on the fairgrounds during the Exposition. With beers like the Pan Am Porter, Lake Effect, and Roosevelt Red, a little history shines through as you enjoy great beer in a French Renaissance-style historical building.

Th is brewery has perfected the art of producing beers that have a variety of strengths, colors, and fl avors. “At Pan American Grill & Brewery, we brew our beers in-house on a 15 barrel system located in the basement. Starting from the grain silo in the back lot, our brewers are creating beer right here from water, barley, hops, yeast, sometimes spices and always passion,” states Erica Ambrose, General Manager at the Pan American Grill and Brewery. For more information visit buffalobrewerydistrict.com

RUSTY NICKEL BREWERY HAMBURG 4350 SENECA STREET, WEST SENECA, NY BREWING COMPANY Are you the adventurous type? Or an individual who always get into the season? Then Rusty Nickel Brewing is the place for you to wet your whistle. The taps are booming with flavorful, ultra-creative brews such as the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Stout and Root Beer Heaven. Although Rusty Nickel Brewery brings mixology to a new level, there are still classic brews on tap like the Rusty Belt IPA that will please all types of beer drinkers. “Rusty Nickel Brewing Co. is an experience for each and every guest, the tasting room’s warm industrial rustic décor and outdoor patio in the woods are welcoming and comfortable for friends and family of all ages to gather,” says Jason Havens, who co-owns Rusty Nickel Brewery with Dave Johnson.

“When you arrive, you’re greeted by our Brewtenders and they guide your selection of the perfect beer or beverage. Our brews truly define craft as they’re ‘Brewed just a little different’ and 100% hands on, designed to please the masses we brew something for everyone,” says Havens. “Malty to hoppy, traditional styles to flavors all of their own including our signature Slice O’ Havens – Imperial Orange Creamsicle; Rusty Nickel Brewing Co is a one stop shop craft experience.” For a list of beers on tap visit rustynickelbrewing.com

6553 BOSTON STATE ROAD, HAMBURG, NY

ELLICOTTVILLE BREWING COMPANY

RESURGENCE BREWING COMPANY

Direct from the slopes comes the Ellicottville Brewing Company, located in Allegany New York. The EBC has been brewing high quality beer since 1995 and 2016 will be no exception. With old reliable brews like Blueberry Wheat and new releases such as Blood Orange Hefe Crisp, the Ellicottville Brewing Company is still the leader of the pack. “Western New York is in the midst of a brewing Renaissance.

Ellicottville is grateful to be considered a pioneering brewery in this awakening,” states Peter Kreinheder, Operator and General Manager at the Ellicottville Brewing Company.

In October 2015, the EBC created a special brew called Hang Time to help raise awareness for the P.U.N.T Foundation. Former Buffalo Bills punter, Brian Moorman, started the foundation with his wife to help support children who are fighting cancer. Hang Time can be purchased at Tops, Wegmans, Consumers Beverage, and other participating locations and beer stores in Western New York.

With a sizeable menu of scrumptious options, stop in after the slopes and enjoy both the food and the beer. For more information visit ellicottvillebrewing.com

Great beer is not just a beverage, but an experience,” states Jeff Ware, Owner and President of Resurgence Brewing Company (RBC). With a commitment to creativity, quality, and atmosphere, the Resurgence Brewing Company is a place for great beer in a light hearted and funloving environment. “We make unique beers in a wide range of styles, with both experimental and tried-and-true flavors our customers enjoy not only in our West Side taproom and biergarten, but at home and in many of our local establishments,” states Ware.

“With favorites like Citra Mosaic IPA and Blood Orange Saison among our standard offerings, RBC is a true Buffalo brewery as both a part of the fabric of the community and the rising tide that is our local economy today,” says Ware. Resurgence Beer Company also has a host of information from how to select the appropriate glass for your beer to tips for successful cellaring on their website’s blog. For a complete list of beers on tap and to read their blog visit resurgencebrewing.com

28-30 MONROE STREET, ELLICOTTVILLE, NY

If you appreciate the ambiance of an open fire while enjoying a fresh pint of beer, then the Hamburg Brewing Company is the brewery for you. “Our beautiful taproom and brewing facility is a popular destination to those living in and visiting the WNY area,” states brewery owner, John Russo.

Hamburg Brewing Company grows their own hops on site: producing three different varieties of hops on their half acre farm. The brewery also purchases ingredients from local farms; keeping it all in the New York State family. With the light and refreshing Belgian Saison Ale and Hoppenstance, an American double India Pale Ale brewed with four different varieties of hops, there is something to tickle everyone’s beer fancy at the Hamburg Brewing Company.

“Hamburg Brewing is becoming engrained in the Western New York beer community by producing quality, innovative, and consistent brews such as Small Town, IPA, and our Irish Red,” says Russo. “For those who can’t make it out to the brewery, our beer is available at numerous retailers throughout Western and Central NY for all to enjoy!” he continues. For more information visit hamburgbrewing.com

1250 NIAGARA STREET, BUFFALO, NY

All unaccredited sources have been taken from the Brewery Websites. TM

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 23

RIVERWORKS

BU F FA L O’S

EXTREME MAKEOVER BUFFALO IS AT A MEMORABLE POINT IN ITS HISTORY. A tipping point. An inflection point. A point of departure.

Call it what you will. By any name, the point is the same: a new city – a re-born city – is emerging after several decades of economic struggle. A New Buffalo is being built on a foundation of extraordinary architecture, visionary city planning and acclaimed cultural institutions. This legacy of the city’s 19th and 20th century heyday is being restored, rejuvenated and readied for visitors. And 2016 is the year this storied past meets an exciting future. Here are eight reasons to visit Buffalo in the year to come.

JOE CASCIO

1. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S MARTIN HOUSE COMPLEX Our story starts with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex – an exhilarating example of how Buffalo has summoned the will to remake itself as a 21st century city and vibrant tourism destination.

The Martin House was Wright’s largest residential commission when it was built in 1905, but fell into disrepair in the late 20th century. A grand re-opening this fall will herald the completion of a 20-year restoration and allow visitors to experience the entire campus in all its restored grandeur. darwinmartinhouse.org

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S MARTIN HOUSE COMPLEX

ED HEALY

2. HOTEL HENRY URBAN RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER Much like the Martin House, the Richardson Olmsted Complex has succeeded against all odds. After sitting vacant for the better part of four decades, this National Historic Landmark will find new life in early 2017 with the opening of the 88-room Hotel Henry Urban Resort and Conference Center.

The hotel will be joined by the Buffalo Architecture Center, which will give visitors a go-to spot to learn about the city’s world-renowned architecture through a series of permanent and traveling exhibits. hotelhenry.com

3. ARCTIC EDGE Another venerable institution reinventing itself is the Buffalo Zoo. Located in the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Delaware Park, the Zoo recently built the Arctic Edge, a $14 million, one-and-ahalf acre habitat for the polar bears that includes an underwater viewing area, giving zoo visitors a face-to-face encounter with one of nature’s most impressive animals. buffalozoo.org

CANALSIDE

JOE CASCIO

4. CANALSIDE Buffalo became a 19th century boomtown and a place where great fortunes were made because of its advantageous site at the confluence of the Buffalo River, Lake Erie and the Erie Canal.

Today, a once industrial waterfront has become the city’s playground, hosting more than 1,000 annual events including artisan markets, yoga classes, concerts, curling leagues and festivals of every stripe.

Stay for the lightshow that illuminates the Connecting Terminal grain elevator every evening from dusk to 11 p.m.

HOTEL HENRY

canalsidebuffalo.com

7. BUFFALO HARBOR STATE PARK

5. RIVERWORKS

Grain scoopers, stevedores and longshoremen may have once ruled the waves along Buffalo’s shoreline, but today the kids have the run of the place. Buffalo’s Outer Harbor is a natural escape from nearby downtown with its marinas, parks, bike trails, kayak launch spots, and Buffalo Harbor State Park, a nautical themed playground emulating dunes, waves, ships, rocky shores and whirlpools.

Until recently, only factories, warehouses and grain elevators used the land along the Buffalo River. RiverWorks changed that with its bar, restaurant, concert venue, roller derby track, riverfront patio and hockey and curling rinks. A craft brewery housed in a grain elevator and a beer garden will be added to the RiverWorks menu in 2016.

nysparks.com/parks/191

buffaloriverworks.com

6. HARBORCENTER

8. NEW HOTELS

HARBORCENTER is the straw that stirs the drink of the New Buffalo, a multifaceted sports, entertainment and hospitality complex that has taken Buffalo’s already stellar reputation as a great hockey city – and amateur sports destination – to a whole new level. The $200 million complex features two NHL size rinks, a Marriott Hotel, (716) Food & Sport, a flagship Tim Horton’s and retailers at the Shops at HARBORCENTER.

Buffalo’s accommodations continue to evolve along with the city, meaning more choices for travelers. Summer 2016 will see the opening of the Westin Buffalo in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. The 118-room hotel will feature a 6,000 square foot outdoor patio and upscale restaurant. Nearby, local restauranteur Mark Croce is restoring the century-old Curtiss Building as a state-ofthe-art 68-room boutique hotel.

The Curtiss Hotel will feature a rooftop lounge, restaurant, revolving bar and all-weather hot springs.

harborcenter.com

visitbuffaloniagara.com/stay

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THE ART TABLE SETTING CREATING CULINARY THEATER of

By: Lynn Ogryzlo

If ever there was a lady who turned a head with her beautifully set dining tables, it’s Carole Berlove. I call Carole a culinary historian because she knows so much about the art of dining. It started early for Carole who found she had a natural interest and instinct for culinary presentation. Influenced by her father Mourad ,who would always say to Carole, “you should always feel like a guest in your own home.”

Dining at Carole’s you can easily see how she’s taken those words to heart. I first met Carole when she invited me to a Tea With Monet party. For someone like myself who remembers occasions by the food served, all I remember about Carole’s tea party was the wonderful time I had sipping tea in the gardens of Giverny, France. What I mean is that I remember being whisked away by the sights, sounds, smells and mood of the entire event.

“Whether you’re having a family party or a get-together with friends, keep the food simple because you don’t always remember the food but you’ll remember good company and a great atmosphere,” says Carole.

The Tea with Monet event was held in Carole’s backyard. She had worked on her gardens all summer planting all of Monet’s favorite flowers.

The gardens were in full bloom, colorful, fragrant and beautiful. Dotting the lawn were a few round tables with white floor length tablecloths.

In the center of each table was a charming bouquet of Monet’s flowers in soft shades of mauve, pink and white. Posters of Monet’s artwork rested on easels throughout the garden and soft period music played in the background. The tables were set with china, crystal and silverware, all of the period.

There was even a replica of Monet’s tea set Carole had managed to miraculously acquire from France.

Carole had researched the food Monet would have served his guests and she perfected it. >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 27

Dressed in full costume and a wide brimmed hat Carole strolled between tables telling stories of Monet and his work. Even the weather was perfect, not a scorching summer day but not a wet one either. With her attention to detail Carole had managed to whisk us all away to Giverny for an afternoon tea.

The perfect affairs have the ability to make you forget your own worries, deadlines and responsibilities and take you into another place in time.

Carole has the ability to do this, but it takes patience and persistence, two virtues rarely seen in our modern fast-paced lifestyle. When asked, Carole is quick to quote Henry David Thoreau who said, “life is each season as it passes, breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influence of each.”

Carole’s interests have always been drawn to the culinary world but unlike a chef who works his magic in the kitchen, Carole has a remarkable command of the dining room. “I’m already thinking of Thanksgiving,” says Carole as I talk to her the beginning of September. For a fall dinner, Carole suggests,

“think of the fruit, what you’d drink and incorporate that into your (table) setting.”

Fall has vibrant shades of orange, yellow and red, there’s plenty of dried material all around to use and don’t be afraid to use fruits and vegetables. “People forget centerpieces aren’t just about flowers.”

When it comes to table centerpieces, Carole recommends you keep them low. “I’m notorious for going too high, (centerpieces) should be below eye level and if they’re above, make sure you can see through them.”

Carole talks about the centerpiece rule exception. “I prefer round dining tables because they create a friendlier environment”. If you have a long table seating eight to 12 people, Carole explains, “you really only speak to the people beside and across from you.” She recommends large centerpieces can be set in between each four people grouping. “You may not be able to see others but that’s not important because they’re controlling their own conversations.”

Carole continues with her tips, “keep a shelf of all different shapes and sizes of vases, use multi sized candles and different colored napkins. In the 1940s and 1950s everything had to match, no longer.”

Just last year Carole worked tirelessly on a Downton Abbey Tea party. It took her months to find just the right pieces for table decoration; she researched the food and practiced cooking until she got it right. She wrote each flawless invitation in calligraphy, strategized over her guests and insisted they all come dressed for the part including hats. The day of the event, Carole’s >>

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IT’S LIKE ASKING AN ARTIST, WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST PAINTING –WHAT IS MONET GOING TO SAY? EACH ONE HAS ITS OWN CHALLENGES AND REWARDS. IT’S ART, IN A DIFFERENT FORM OTHER THAN PAINTING A CANVAS. helpers were dressed in period costume including her husband Jay who played the butler, Mr. Carson. The tables were set in period dinnerware and antique linens. It was culinary theatre extraordinaire and like good theatre, we were all transported into the fantasy of tea at Downton Abbey.

For Carole, this is pure joy. “Every time I get an idea that’s a challenge, I love it,” says Carole who once used records instead of black chargers for a dinner with her musically inclined guests. “It was whimsical and personal, they loved it. I think the 78’s only cost a dollar a piece.” Carole has created many table settings for Riverbrink Art Museum in Queenston. The last one she created was an art deco dinner table incorporating one of the museums sculptures in the centerpiece. It was showcased proudly on this year’s Rotary House Tour.

“Every time I do a table setting or design like that, I feel like I really accomplish something,” says Carole proudly.

“Some have been better than others, some I feel I didn’t capture the sense I wanted.” I asked Carole what her greatest achievement was, “It’s like asking an artist, what is your greatest painting –what is Monet going to say? Each one has its own challenges and rewards. It’s art, in a different form other than painting a canvas.”

Carole laughs at her last table setting, saying, “it was a fluke”. She was having friends over for brunch and she went to the farmers’ market and got excited with the colors and shapes of the fall fruit and vegetables. “I found purple peppers, green quince, yellow and black heirloom tomatoes.

I’d not seen those colors in vegetables before so I created a

centerpiece with purple peppers and yellow tomatoes.” Carole recommends your table can be decorated as simply as with what’s in season. “You don’t need a lot of money to create a table setting.” Carole used white dishes, bright yellow napkins and serving dishes with varying shades of aubergine. She served quiche (which was the color yellow) and a salad with purple tipped lettuce. “It’s just a trip to the farmers market and all of a sudden I have my table setting.”

One Christmas season Carole filled a miniature sleigh with some of her children’s little toys and used it as the table centerpiece. For Halloween, Carole says “I’ll probably have the grandchildren over for lunch. I’ll keep it whimsical with a Halloween theme. I’ll serve pumpkin soup in real hollowed out pumpkins. I might even make a white pumpkin chariot,” says Carole. “I like to teach kids the art of dining and I bring out special items that their parents wouldn’t bring out.”

Like her father before her, Carole is influencing the next generation of passionate culinary theater directors. “My father taught me to eat at the dining table, he hated looking at dirty dishes in the kitchen and we would make tea sandwiches together. He was very creative around the table, when he carved a turkey or roast, it was precision exact. He was a great source of inspiration and I’m passing it down to my grandchildren. Even if they only take in ten percent of what I show them, at least they’ve been exposed to it.”

For your next special occasion or holiday gathering, take some tips from Carole, think of creating a bit of culinary theatre and make it a memorable event for all to remember. TM

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TODAY MAGAZINE

By Gabrielle Tieman

Buffalo's Grain Elevators Reimagined

A

D

ominating the waterfront of Lake Erie, overlooking the city they helped to build, Buffalo’s grain elevators serve as a monument to a bygone era; a symbol of Buffalo’s industrial importance as the largest supplier of grain in the world.

Once doomed to be remembered as a grandfathered member of the city’s rich past, the revitalization of Buffalo’s waterfront has helped to form a new vision for the abandoned member of Buffalo’s industrial landscape. Today, the grain elevators again serve as a contributing resident of Buffalo; giving the once abandoned buildings a new purpose as vibrant members of the city’s revitalized entertainment district.

Shining a new light on the historical grain elevators, Buffalo’s dynamic new illuminated art installation, dubbed Kaleidoscope, has transformed the enormous buildings into a canvas for the city’s permanent contemplative artistic lighting installation. Actively linking the past with the present, the light show has created a beacon for Buffalo as well as a visually exciting waterfront attraction for Canalside.

The nightly light show continues to add momentum to Buffalo’s growing waterfront and stance as a year round entertainment hub.

Resting only 600 feet away from Canalside’s shores, the goal of the unique art project is to both increase public appreciation of Buffalo’s historical industrial heritage all while continuing to revitalize Buffalo’s waterfront through art and community interaction. “[The Grain Elevators] are now redesigned to function as a piece of art in the room – with the room being Canalside,” said Pamm Lent, Director of Communications for Western New York Empire State Development. “You can see them as you skate or as you hang out or eat or take a bike ride in the area.”

Taking place nightly from dusk to 11 p.m. the light show will boast over 500 light fixtures which will illuminate an area over 100 feet tall and all four sides of the

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

structure – massing the equivalent of four full sized football fields. The visual concept serves to provide a 360 degree visual art experience and is meant to be enjoyed from every angle, 365 days a year. Whether you choose to enjoy the show from the boardwalk at Canalside, from inside a kayak in the canals or from the Outer Harbor, visitors will be able to enjoy the multi-facetted dynamic light installments.

“In the summer time, because they are lit from all four sides, they will be able to be seen from Canada on a clear day or by boat in the water,” said Lent. “But the best view will always be from Canalside.”

The $3.1 million dollar project came to life in late 2015 following several hundred hours of programming; with the initial launch in November drawing crowds of over eight thousand strong all who travelled to witness the elevators’ first illumination. The project was brought to life by Martin Gagnon, the founder and creative mind behind Montreal based company Ambiances Design Productions.

Lent said Gagnon had taken inspiration from the four seasons and from there created four >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 33

“

This new light installment is only another visual component that can help bring the whole area to life.

separate light shows compiled of five layers of light that illustrate a kaleidoscope-like narrative inspired by both abstract and realistic images from nature.

Each show is 15 minutes long and will circulate on a loop throughout the evening so that no one has to worry about missing a viewing. Only one season-inspired program will be shown over the course of an evening, so visitors will have to return to witness all four season depictions projected onto the grain elevator backdrop.

“Public art is an important part of Canalside,” said Lent. “The grain elevators were sitting there as this big huge obstruction.

Many communities have turned their [grain elevators] into housing or used them for other purposes but we thought this would be a good use for them. Art is very important and we have other art installations throughout Canalside.

We wanted to embrace this and create an interesting element for making people think about art and light and color. We wanted people to be able to truly appreciate these structures on multiple levels.”

Dating back to the early 1800s, Buffalo’s history in the grain trade paints a picture of a strong industrial city, as Buffalo stood proud as one of the largest suppliers of grain in the

world. Originally built in 1825, the Erie Canal Harbor – known as America’s Gateway to the West – was the western terminus of the Erie Canal. This historic juncture was home to one of the world’s greatest business centers and for much of the 19th century, Buffalo remained an industrious and bustling metropolis.

But the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959 brought an end to much of the grain industry and the arrival of trains and automobiles in the early 20th century led to the ultimate and untimely demise of both the Erie Canal Harbor as a functional hub of commerce and Buffalo’s thriving grain industry. Once housing one of the largest concentrations of grain silos and elevators in the world, today all but a few of these enormous buildings remain and no longer serve the industry for which they were originally designed.

The harbor sat in this comatose state until 2005, when the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation was formed and the area was reclaimed as one of America’s brightest historical treasures.

Under this new and innovative leadership, Buffalo grew to regain its former glory; with newly developed waterfront access, a rejuvenated entertainment district as well as the creation of new opportunities and public activities where there were once none.

“Canalside is a celebration of the city,” said Lent. “It is now a super point of pride for the citizens of this city. This light show will help further encourage people to visit Buffalo and for residents to enjoy their city. Many of the boat tours available will give new perspectives of the light show from the water; people can rent kayaks or take their own boats out on the water and see the show from a different angle from the canal.

“Millions of people a year now visit Canalside for recreation and concerts; the list just goes on and on about all of the things to do down here,” said Lent. “This new light installment is only another visual component that can help bring the whole area to life.”

Lent said Gagnon and his team plan on doing more projects within the city similar to the grain elevator art illumination and will continue to take chances at Canalside.

“The best way to think of [the show] is as an evolving piece of art,” said Lent. “It is bringing these formerly dead and very big grain elevators back to life. It is so interesting to people, it makes a beautiful background for Canalside and it marries history with art.” TM

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SENECA NATION WILDLIFE

BY MAURICE JOHN JR.

Big Things Behind the Scenes

“Without our resources, without our lands, we don’t have a territory,” says Fisheries Manager Shane Titus. “We need to make sure our lands are the best… or as close to as our ancestors had it, as we can make it.”

The Seneca people have a very close relationship with their environment, having occupied the area for centuries. Seneca communities developed advanced agriculture, natural resource management and taught Europeans how to prosper on the lands we live on today.

It is only natural that the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) continues to conserve, protect and enhance all of its resources, including the natural habitats of its fish and wildlife.

Established by the Seneca Nation in 1977, the Conservation Department has evolved to become a leading example of how Native American nations can successfully oversee, protect and preserve their territories. The SNI Fish & Wildlife Department, much like its federal counterpart, is the quiet protector of Seneca lands and the ecosystems within.

“We are amongst the top tribes nationally… competing with the State and Federal Agencies,” according to Fish and Wildlife Director William Miller. While they are responsible for policing their territories and enforcing SNI laws, ordinances, and codes, the department has also recently developed several programs that are at the forefront of the field.

In 2010, the Seneca Nation constructed a 100% green-energy fish hatchery on its Allegany territory to preserve fish populations in the Allegany River watershed. Due to erosion and a decline in natural habitat over the years, the walleye population was in drastic need of help. Yielding approximately 1 million fry (baby fish) annually, the department calculates about 50,000 new walleye will reach healthy adulthood in the water system. “We encourage visitors to come to our territories and enjoy the great recreational fishing on our waters,” says Titus. The Seneca Nation sells fishing licenses throughout the area with $5 dollars from each sale going towards the maintenance of their fish hatchery.

On the wildlife front, the department recently developed a Hellbender facility to repopulate the culturally significant species.

Queue the question “What is a hellbender?”

The Eastern Hellbender is the largest salamander in North America. This project is unique in that a significant portion of their native habitat rests solely within Seneca Nation Territory.

Through the Rearing Program, the facility is

able to release 90 to 150 juvenile (4 years old) hellbenders into the Allegany watershed. Similarly, the department has initiated a successful repopulation program for the Blanding’s turtle.

Perhaps the most iconic initiative undertaken

by SNI Fish & Wildlife would be the Bald Eagle Program run in conjunction with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Prior to the early 1900s, New York State was home to over 70 nesting pairs of bald eagles. By 1960, New York had only one known active bald eagle nest remaining. With the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the initiation of New York’s Endangered Species Program in 1976, the state was able to import eagles from other states (mostly Alaska) and hand rear them to independence.

Today, there are more than 170 pairs of eagles nesting in the state. Several of those nests are on Seneca Nation territories and are managed by the SNI Fish & Wildlife Department. These nests draw bird viewers year-round and are a source of pride for the Seneca Nation.

“We will continue to expand our operations,” asserts Titus. “We want to encourage Seneca youth to get more involved and pursue careers in environmental fields… and come back,” adds Miller. “We’re going to continue to build natural areas where people can come and learn,” states Titus when referring to a swampland walkway project in the works. “A place where we can take the kids and they can see what’s going on without disturbing the habitat.”

The territories of the Seneca Nation are fortunate to have the mindful eye of the SNI Fish & Wildlife Department protecting and enhancing the natural surroundings. The next time you travel through the green valleys of the Allegany and Cattaraugus territories don’t forget to look around for the work going on behind the scenes.

For more information on the SNI Fish & Wildlife Department, visit senecaconservation.com TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 37

BEYOND THE TRUST FALL TEAM BUILDING IN WNY Employees are the greatest assets to any company, and team-building activities are a great way for those employees to get to know each other better, which can really elevate a team’s performance at the office.

Team building helps facilitate better communication, aids in motivation, promotes creativity, helps employees build up their problem solving skills, and all of which will translate back to the workplace.

There are a variety of team building exercises you could get your team to partake in, and you can choose to focus on different areas of strength building: communication, problem solving/decision making, planning or trust. They can range from pre-designed activities to simply participating in a group activity together. There is a ton of team building activities located around the Seneca properties, making either Seneca Resort the perfect place for a work weekend away. Whether you have a small group of less than 50 or more than 500, Seneca Niagara and Seneca Allegany are able to accommodate you.

TEAM BUILDING IDEAS: American Outback Adventure & Events American Outback Adventure & Events is a company that specializes in organizing team-building events in Buffalo, and their activities range from scavenger hunts to random acts of kindness to boatbuilding to detective games. This company has branches all over the United States, so when it comes to team building, they definitely know what they are doing. Check out americanoutback.net Sail Buffalo Sailing is an especially unique kind of team building experience: with Sail Buffalo, you can arrange a race or go for a more leisurely sail around the canal. Everyone gets the chance to sail the boat, and there are instructors sailing alongside you at all times. Check out sail-buffalo.com

Epic Fun Center Numerous activities can be done here including go karting, dodgeball, kickball or volleyball. Located in Williamsville, you can visit epic-center.com for more info.

Pedal Tours Buffalo This is another unique activity that will allow coworkers to bond, but also to get a good tour of Buffalo while they are participating. Book the pedal tour bus, and your smaller group can pedal down to the waterfront for a tour and some cocktails. Check out Buffalopedaltours.com Escape Rooms These rooms find you “locked” in a room with your teammates and you need to solve your way through finding clues and cracking the puzzles.

Buffalo has a number of these rooms, all with different themes and difficulty levels:

The Great Escape Room is home to The Library where teams of 10 must see if they have what it takes to be the next apprentice to Sherlock Holmes. Visit thegreatescaperoom.com Trapped is home to three different games: Room # 9, Double Agent and The Wizard’s Keep. Located in Tonawanda, you can book your game or get more information at trappedgames.com Escape Room Buffalo is home to three different games: The Brewery, Prison Break, and The Time Machine. More info at escaperoomwny.com Lock and Key Escape Room is home to the Virus Outbreak game, which finds your team with an hour to find the serum or risk being zombified forever.

More info at buffaloescaperooms.com Perplexity Escape Room is home to two rooms: Crazy Aunt Gertrude and the Museum Heist. More info perplexityroom.com >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 39

SkyZone Trampoline Park What’s better than jumping on a trampoline, especially as an adult? You can have a group of over 75, and employees get to spend a day acting like kids. If your employees are really up for a workout you can rent out the trampoline dodgeball court.

Located in Cheektowaga, just outside of Buffalo, you can find more info at skyzone.com.

Holiday Valley activities In addition to staff that will plan out specific team building exercises, employees can go skiing, tubing, golfing, hiking, or try out the Sky High Adventure Park, which is probably one of the best team building activities there is as it allows coworkers to encourage each other and communicate effectively to make their way through the obstacles up in the trees. You can get more information at holidayvalley.com

“

THE WAY A TEAM PLAYS AS A WHOLE DETERMINES ITS SUCCESS. YOU MAY HAVE THE GREATEST BUNCH OF INDIVIDUAL STARS IN THE WORLD, BUT IF THEY DON’T PLAY TOGETHER, THE CLUB

- BABE RUTH

“

WON’T BE WORTH A DIME.

If you don’t want to plan an activity outside of where you are staying, consider organizing your own team building exercise at the event or conference center you are staying at (or if your office just isn’t big enough, you can rent out one of these rooms for the day). Both Seneca Niagara and Seneca Allegany offer flexible meeting and event space that can easily accommodate anywhere from 50 to 1000 people. There are endless ideas for setting up your own team building games, but here are some ideas for some easy to organize, and need minimal supplies: Office Trivia Come up with 20-25 trivia questions about your workplace, divide into teams, and test their knowledge.

Back-to-Back Drawing Split your workers into pairs and have them sit back to back. One individual gets a picture of something, and the other person gets a blank paper and pen/marker. The person with the picture has to describe to the other person how to draw the item without expressly saying what it is. After the set amount of time is up, see which team was able to come up with the best effort. This is a great game for working on communication skills.

Mine Field Scatter objects around an indoor space. Break groups into pairs.

One person is blindfolded, and the other is responsible for guiding their blindfolded partner through the minefield. You can make it more challenging by having more than one pair competing at a time.

There are tons of games along these lines, if you are looking for additional ideas, do a quick Google search for “indoor teambuilding games” and you will be presented with a variety of great options. TM

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Open For Lunch and Dinner

Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 pranzoniagara.com | 905 353 7174 | facebook.com/pranzoniagara Complimentary parking for our dining guests.

Faithkeepers

CULTIVATING CULTURE, LANGUAGE, AND MOTHER EARTH

BY DEANNA DIAZ AND TAMI WATT

In 1998, the late Lehman “Dar” Dowdy and Sandy Jimerson-Dowdy founded Faithkeepers School (FKS) on the Allegany Territory. At this critical time, there were very few fluent Seneca language speakers left, as well as a lack of interest in Seneca indigenous knowledge among the younger generation. To save the language and re-establish a strong Seneca identity, this husband and wife duo began teaching children out of their own home. After retiring from a 20 year career in the Navy, Dar worked for another two

decades teaching Seneca language for the Nation’s Education Department, and was a Speaker and a Head Faithkeeper for the Coldspring Longhouse.

Sandy is also an accomplished language educator, having taught for the Salamanca School District for over a decade, and having extensive experience in Montessori and Asher’s Natural Approach teaching methods that she incorporates at FKS. She is a Faithkeeper and carries on the work that she and Dar started together to keep Seneca language and traditions alive for future generations.

Currently FKS serves as a Seneca Language Nest - a language immersion school for young children.

Sandy not only shares her knowledge with the students but also actively educates the wider community on Seneca culture, language, and sustainable living. Her latest educational venture is to re-establish another cornerstone of Seneca culture - agriculture. Longhouse ceremonies are dedicated to honoring the changing seasons, praying for seeds to grow into strong plants, and giving thanks for a good harvest. While many

Senecas continue to honor agricultural cycles in ceremony, very few are farming or regularly consuming the healthy traditional foods of their ancestors, such as the Three Sisters - Corn, Beans and Squash, known in the Seneca language as Ha’dewënödë:nö:de:’ Johehgöh - Our Life Sustainers.

The USDA has classified the Allegany Territory as a food desert, which is a region that does not have access to quality, healthy foods. As a result, Seneca community members experience high rates of obesity and diabetes.

Seneca youth are at the highest risk for developing type 2 diabetes. According to Echohawk Consulting’s report “Feeding Ourselves”, which is based on current health trends in

Indian Country, 1 out of 2 American Indian children will develop type 2 diabetes. From 1990 to 2009, diabetes rates have increased by 110% for Native youth aged 15-19 years.

FKS is committed to reversing these trends through culture and tradition. The Seneca Nation was once completely self-reliant, growing abundant quantities of nutrient rich foods for their families. Sandy and the school staff are working to empower the community through reaffirming connections with traditional food ways by teaching children and adults how to grow their own food. FKS is creating a small educational farm that will provide participants with hands on education in sustainable agriculture, lunar planting cycles, cultural plants and medicines, harvesting, processing/preservation, and animal husbandry. Providing this opportunity for the community will have lasting benefits. Growing food is a cost effective solution to the high costs of produce in the area. Improved access to healthy foods will also encourage families to eat better, while bringing them together. FKS encourages the whole family to come and learn Seneca farming, as healthy habits are developed in the home. Having families learning together on the farm not only teaches them agricultural skills, it provides the whole family with continual exercise, which will increase their physical/mental health and reduce risks for obesity and diabetes.

FKS has successfully operated a school garden and a greenhouse for over five years. Students help with the planting and care of the gardens and most importantly, eat the foods that are grown there. They grow traditional fruits and vegetables that are used in Seneca ceremonies such as corn, beans, squash, strawberries, carrots, and potatoes. Currently, FKS is home to a sheep,

a goat, and a miniature horse named Ted, located in a small barn with a modest fenced in area. They also house roosters and chickens in separate coops that produce fresh eggs for consumption with their motto “Fresh eggs from happy chickens!” In the future, they plan to house more livestock with the building of a large barn. The land adjacent to the school has been cleared in preparation to make way for it and construction will begin this spring.

This barn will serve as a classroom for participants, shelter for animals, storage for equipment, and for processing harvests. Students, along with staff members, will help maintain care and upkeep of both the barn and the animals on a daily basis. This will provide the teachers the opportunity to use the Seneca language in a natural environment. By learning hands on the students will understand where food such as eggs, chicken, beef, and vegetables come from, observe a live animal birth, the growth and development of newborn livestock, and how to care for them. All of these aspects promote working cooperatively toward organic sustainability.

FKS has been hosting fundraisers to pay for construction of the barn with an overwhelming amount of support shown by community members and business owners. The school staff would like to keep the momentum going to ensure that by next spring, their new barn will be finished and the farm will be open to the public. Please consider helping FKS fulfill their mission to combat the diabetes/obesity epidemic and restore food sovereignty and security through education on their gofundme. com page titled “Barn for Faithkeepers School Farm.” All donations will directly fund construction and help defray costs of feed, hay, straw, and medications. Weso ‘ nya:wëh (much thanks) for your support! TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 43

MEAT...

DONE WELL ALL YOU CAN EAT CUTS OF MEAT L FA L A R G A A DA A I N N CA

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Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse brings the flavours of Southern Brazil to Niagara. Guests feast on unlimited cuts of meat carved tableside. Enjoy the delicious preparations of our gaucho chefs along with our gourmet salad bar, authentic Brazilian side-dishes, and award-winning wine list.

Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 brasaniagara.com | 905 353 7187 | facebook.com/brasaniagara Complimentary parking for our dining guests.

L AL F A A R A DA G N A NI CA

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Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 spycelounge.ca | 905 354 7887 | facebook.com/spycelounge Complimentary parking for our dining guests.

OLD TIMES SAKE Western New York’s Vintage Shopping Trail

BY GABRIELLE TIEMAN Housing the trinkets and treasures of yesteryear, Western New York is a thrift shopping paradise. Calling to shoppers who love the thrill of the hunt, this vintage shopping trail celebrates the truly one-of-a-kind and the excitement of finding the perfect antique piece.

Catering to a diverse array of locals and tourists, each region offers a unique experience for each vintage shopper. Whether it be a once a week flea market that specializes in milk glass and antique toys, a city street with the best refurbished retro furniture or a store housing one of the largest concentrations of upcycled furs and clothing, it is not hard to find somewhere to try your hand at bartering for the best deal.

If you love being thrifty, discovering a fashion bargain and the hunt is your favorite part of shopping, our shopping guide to some of Western New York’s most popular antique

treasure troves will be your map to a truly unique shopping experience.

BUFFALO, NY

Demonstrating Buffalo’s rich historical heritage as being once one of the wealthiest industrial cities in the United States, the city’s antique collections is a gold mine; with unique, elaborate pieces awaiting to be discovered from the high Victorian era to the Edwardian age and art deco scattered in-between.

Internationally acclaimed in the antique business, Moda Vintage has an extensive collection of antique jewelry and accessories from all over the world. The shop also carries an assortment of eclectic clothing, home décor and costume jewelry. The family-run Gothic City Architectural Antiques is not for the weak of heart. Boasting a 9,000 square foot showroom, a 10,000 square foot ware >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 47

ABOUT TOWN

FOR

house and an acre of outdoor elements, this antique village is for those ready to pack a snack and commit a full day to the search. They specialize in home furnishings but take it a step further; discover beautiful stained glass, vintage plumbing and furnishings, funky lighting and large scale signage. Miss Josie’s Vintage and Antiques is a one stop vintage fashion boutique for both men and women. They offer a wide selection of clothing encompassing all of the ages from the Victorian era all the way to the 1990s. Miss Josie’s selection includes but is not limited to head pieces, jumpsuits, pantsuits, bell bottoms, blouses and shirts, skirts, maxi dresses and, of course, accessories.

CLARENCE, NY

Western New York’s largest Antique and Flea Market Antique World is a year-round indoor and outdoor Flea Market and Co-Op renowned for recycling the past. This premiere antique center is overf lowing with hundreds of vendors – both staples to the market and a revolving number of newcomers with diverse inventory– who sell everything from antique furniture sets to fine arts, pottery, jewelry and everything else you can imagine in-between. They also host auctions and garage sales throughout the year.

ELLICOTTVILLE, NY

There is more to do than ski in Ellicottville.

Though the beautiful little ski village is known to annually draws crowds solely for the scenery and outdoor adventure landscape, this picturesque town is quickly becoming

a destination for those looking for a unique antique shopping experience.

Take a step back into the past at the charming Ellicottville Country Store and Antiques.

The historical country store is not your typical small town mercantile; the store houses a full sized antique gallery on the second floor of the traditional shop. Multiple dealer reside upstairs, retailing a large collection of revolving quality antiques from their booths which date back over the past 150 years. Tucked in the hills and valleys of Ellicottville, Tangled Twigs offers custom made floral designs, whimsical home decor and the perfect finishing touches for any unique home. Not only a home and garden store, Tangled Twigs is a refreshing alternative to big box home furnishers; catering to those striving to give their home a signature look. The store shelves are filled to the brim with antique creamware and tabletop accessories, vintage glass and affordable bling.

vintages and collectibles, Fine Antiques on North Fourth Street is not your average antique store. From signed collectibles to vinyl records, they sell both large scale collections [think 14 piece hand painted spice sets] to one-of-akind pieces like vintage posters to appeal to every type of bargain shopper. Their evolving inventory can be previewed on their Facebook page. Antique to Chic are experts in the old to new and everything in-between. Such items include pristine condition vintage jewelry and clothing to wrought iron furniture and home décor. They specialize in the Christmas season, containing a large collection of vintage holiday decorations, signage, plate sets and more.

SALAMANCA, NY

The quaint city of Lewiston is calling to all those antique diggers in search for the funky, the eclectic and the unique. Though only a simple one square mile in size, the town is bursting at the seams with historic allure and flair.

The Country Doctor Antiques and Gifts hosts 10 dealers under one roof, each offering a diverse array of antiques and vintage collections at very affordable prices. Antiques to write home about include indoor and outdoor retro oak furniture, hand crafted home décor, glassware, turntables, taxidermy animals and more. Offering a varied mix of antiques,

New York’s largest antique mall, Salamanca Mall Antiques has created an escape from the typical retail store hub. Featuring over one thousand dealers and millions of items, shoppers are guaranteed to discover high quality vintage finds within the over 30,000 square foot mall. The mall literally carries everything.

From paintings and prints to collector coins, timepieces and vintage toys, it is very easy to become lost in this treasure trove.

The mall even specializes in Asian and Native American dealers whose collection highlights include statues of Buddha from Thailand, Myanmar and Sumatra, a Hindu statue of Shiva and a Tibetan statue of Avalokiteshvara, as well as exciting Native American items such as a painted buffalo skull, beaded moccasins, a totem pole and beaded worry dolls.

gallery for both emerging and established local artisans and crafters.

“I wanted to show the possibilities that can happen between our two countries – because there hasn’t yet been a specific gallery shop that features a lot of local talent and crafters,” said Boberg. “Their work has been featured in restaurants and shops but never in a spot dedicated to displaying their work where people can ask questions and really stop to look at a piece.”

Featured artisans include Todd Plough, a

fine arts oil painter renowned for his depictions of the seasons and other outdoor subject matter; Elliott Hutton, a local potter who creates useable and functional stoneware; Darlene Allen, a Canadian holistic health care provider and photographer who specializes in photo emulsion on metal; Anna Linderman, whose forte is repurposing fur and leather items; and other unique vendors who specialize in hand crafted jewelry, marble sculptures, clay figurines and much more. TM

LEWISTON, NY

AMERI-CAN A homegrown store in Ellicottville, AmeriCan offers a diverse selection of exclusively American and Canadian art, antiques and apparel. Proprietor Liz Boberg invites shoppers to embrace the talent in their own community; filling her store with the artwork of local artisans mixed with an eclectic collection of one-of-a-kind treasures and casual couture for both men and women.

A long-time resident of Ellicottville, Boberg says the store’s purpose is to serve as a local

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upclose& personal A Guide to WNY’s Best Live Music Venues

Western New York is home to some The Bear’s Den of the most unique concert venues in Niagara Falls, New York the state; places that put you up close This is a great intimate venue located at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, and with and personal with musicians, com- only 440 seats in the theatre, there isn’t a bad pletely immersing you in the concert seat in the house. experience. If you happen to be a live Check out senecania.garacasino.com/bears-den music fan, check out some of these venues when you are in town, and Nietzsche’s see if you can catch a show. Buffalo, New York

This intimate venue hosts live music seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tons of local musicians who have since made it big got their start at this place. This is a spot that lives and breathes music. Right now, there is a huge focus on local artists, so this is the place to be if you want to experience the best of Buffalo’s local live music scene.

Check out nietzsches.com

Sportsmen Tavern

Buffalo, New York Over the years, this once unknown neighborhood tavern has become one of the greatest live music venues in the city. This spot currently hosts close to 40 shows a month. It’s a great, small, intimate venue.

Check out sportsmentavern.com for tickets and show info.

Kleinhans Music Hall

Buffalo, New York This place is a national historic site and is one of the finest music halls in the country; it’s considered to be one of the most acoustically perfect venues ever. It was officially opened in 1940 and designated as historically significant in 1989. If classic music is your thing, make sure to stop by this place during your visit.

Go to kleinhansbuffalo.org for shows and tickets. >>

“

There’s nothing better than live music. It’s raw energy, and raw energy feeds the soul.

“

- Dhani Jones

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 55

PHOTO VIA BUFFALORISING.COM

The Colored Musicians Hall

Buffalo, New York This historic venue has played host to some of the greats in jazz history: Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and more.

It’s been in its current location since 1934 and it’s had a storied history in that spot. It’s contributed significantly to the cultural landscape of Buffalo, and remains one of the best places to see a live show. Visit colored musiciansclub.org for more information.

Artpark

Lewiston, New York If you are visiting during the summer make sure to check out the line up for Tuesdays and Wednesday nights. Big name acts play this outdoor stage that is perched on the edge of the picturesque Niagara River. This place is in no way small and intimate, but a night out here will make for a memorable summer evening. Visit artpark.net for shows and info.

The Tralf Music Hall

Buffalo, New York This is known as Western New York’s “best sounding room”. This is another venue where there are no bad seats, with everywhere in the room providing great sightlines. Check out tralfmusichall.com for tickets and show info. TM

Buffalo Iron Works

Buffalo, New York This venue is housed in a converted 1900’s factory space. It is a great intimate place to see shows and has a great food and drink menu to boot.

Visit buffaloironworks.com for ticket and show information.

Town Ballroom

Buffalo, New York This venue was originally known as the Town Casino. It served as a restaurant and hot nightspot. Musical legends used to play the Town Casino all the time: Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole, Miles Davis and Les Paul. It has changed names many times since then and finally in 2005 was purchased and remodeled to once again be a premier concert venue on Queen Street. It’s a great layout, with a bar out front, and the venue itself in the back. There are several tiers to watch the shows from and there is not a bad seat in the house. Visit townballroom.com for show and ticket info.

Babeville

Buffalo, New York This beautifully restored building is home to two venues: Ashbury Hall and The 9th Ward. This 19th century church was saved from ruin by Ani DeFranco, and turned into a multi use facility for the arts. The renovation process took almost 10 years and millions of dollars, but the end result is a space music lovers continue to praise. In addition to the concert venues, the building houses an art gallery and a screening room.

Visit babevillebuffalo.com for ticket and show info.

PHOTO BY CANDACE CAMUGLIA VIA BUFFABLOG.COM

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER Fridays and Saturdays in July, you’ll be able to spend the night with some hot Australian men, as they woo you with their chiseled bodies, seductive dance moves, saucy hysterics and boy next door charm.

The show makes for a perfect Girls Night Out, because in addition to the show itself, its easy to make it a true girls night out, as Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino has a spa, numerous restaurants and a bar, STIR, that you can frequent after the show. Performers can often be found hanging out there post show, giving you the opportunity to mix and mingle. Booths at STIR

can be booked ahead of time, and there will be drink specials every Friday and Saturday night after the shows.

Thunder from Down Under is one of the longest running shows on the Vegas strip, and is currently performed at the Excalibur. It has been voted “best male strip show” numerous times. All of the performers are from Australia (as the name of the troupe suggests), and their accents (and their muscles) are all very real. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this sexy show!

Tickets for the show are currently on sale and can be purchased through senecaniagaracasino.com TM

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 59

HERE.SEE.DO

spotlight on:

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MAY STEVE MILLER BAND

$50

Sat, May 7 @ 7PM Seneca Allegany Events Center

APRIL LOU CHRISTIE

$40

FOREIGNER

$45

Fri, May 13 @ 8PM Seneca Niagara Events Center

Sat, April 16 @ 8PM The Bear’s Den Showroom

THE SMITHEREENS BUDDY GUY

$25

$50

Sat, May 14 @ 8PM The Bear’s Den Showroom

Sat, April 23 @ 7PM Seneca Allegany Events Center

THE ZOMBIES COLIN BLUNSTONE ROD ARGENT

ROBIN TROWER

$55

Thurs, April 28 @ 8PM The Bear’s Den Showroom

Fri, May 20 @ 8PM The Bear’s Den Showroom

CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING STEELY DAN

$90

Fri, April 29 @ 8PM Seneca Niagara Events Center

$65

$35

Fri, May 27 @ 7PM Seneca Niagara Events Center

AN EVENING WITH A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS $45

KENNY ROGERS featuring LINDA DAVIS ‘THE GAMBLER’S LAST DEAL’ FINAL WORLD TOUR $40

Sat, April 30 @ 8PM The Bear’s Den Showroom

Sat, May 28 @ 7PM Seneca Allegany Events Center

JUNE TRAVIS TRITT

$15

Fri, June 3 @ 8PM Seneca Allegany -Outdoor

RINGO STARR AND HIS ALL STARR BAND

$30

Sat, June 4 @ 8PM Seneca Allegany -Outdoor

RON WHITE

$40

Sat, June 18 @ 7PM Seneca Allegany Events Center

JULY AUSTRALIA’S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER OUTBACK FANTASY TOUR 2016

JACKSON BROWNE Fri, June 24 @ 8PM Seneca Niagara Events Center

$60

$40

Fridays and Saturdays in July.

July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 ,16, 22, 23, 29, 30 @ 8PM The Bear’s Den Showroom TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 63

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CUSTOMIZE YOUR FALLSVIEW DINING EXPERIENCE Three Course Dinner

$55

Five Course Dinner

$65

Located in Hilton Hotel & Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 watermarkrestaurant.com | 905 353 7138 | facebook.com/watermarkfallsview Complimentary parking for our dining guests.

EVENT CALENDAR FOOD TRUCK TUESDAYS APRIL 19 TO OCTOBER 4 Food truck Tuesdays feature dozens of food truck from Buffalo and Rochester, this year including new additions and welcoming back old favorites. The event also features beer and wine service, live music and a small marketplace where guest can shop from an assortment of handmade goods Enjoy your meal in any number of Larkin Square’s comfy eclectic seating and end your night with a round of hula hooping. More info at www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/event/ food-truck-tuesdays/all BUFFALO PORCH FEST MAY 7 FROM 1PM TO 6PM PorchFest is headed up to Elmwood Village Association. The event takes place in the spring, and in the fall. The event gives musicians a chance to play on their home turf. It also gives proud homeowners the ability to do something great for their respective neighborhoods. The event has become a Buffalo staple in the pantheon of seemingly never-ending festivals.

More info at www.buffalorising.com/2016/04/ buffalo-porchfest-spring-2016 ECHO ART FAIR MAY 13 TO 15 Echo Art Fair, a juried fine art exposition, connects experienced collectors and first-time buyers with emerging and established local, regional and international artists in a centralized and creative environment. It provides fine art enthusiasts- at all levels- an opportunity to learn more about collecting and/or experiencing art.

Echo Art Fair showcases a broad scope of fine art disciplines- including painting, photography, sculptures, print, works on paper, video and mixed media,and performance art from artists all over the world. More info at www.echoartfair.com BUFFALO GREEK FESTIVAL JUNE 3 TO 5 Our Greek Community welcomes you to our 39th Annual Greek Fest! Our festival heralds the beginning of the festival season on the Niagara Frontier. We are the beginning of many such events for the entire family to attend and experience the beautiful diversity of the people of our area. Acquaint yourselves with our Greek Orthodox Church. Step into our culture and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the birthplace of democracy- Greece. Enjoy the Greek food, feel the rhythm of the music, and dance a little! More info at buffalogreekfest.org BONSAI SHOW JUNE 4 & 5 Bonsai masters and novices display their prized trees at the peak. Do not miss this once-a-year opportunity to see these meticulously trees all in one place. More info at www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/event/bonsai-show/all WINE AND CHEESE JUNE 4 & 5 The Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario have created a unique microclimate suitable for the production of exquisite wines, Experience the beautiful countryside of this area as you spend the day traveling from one winery to another.

More info at niagarawinetrail.org/2016-event-schedule ALLENTOWN ART FESTIVAL JUNE 11 & 12 The Allentown Art Festival takes place in the Allentown Historic Preservation District of Buffalo, New York.

Tens of thousands of art patrons visit the festival to enjoy the beauty of Buffalo’s weather in June, the charm and uniqueness of the Allentown area and the quality of the art and crafts presented by the over 400 juried exhibitors.

More info at allentownartfestival.com >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 65

NIAGARA FALLS MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL JUNE 17 TO 19 Enjoy over 100 art vendors along with food vendors, wine tastings, chalk walk, non- profit booths, street entertainers, and the best selection of regional musicians. More info at niagara-usa.com.

FAIRY HOUSE FESTIVAL JUNE 18 & 19 This whimsical outdoor festival held annually in the Lower Park of Artpark (Use 4th Street Entrance) attracts families and friends looking to create, discover, and play!

More info atartpark.net.

SCI-JINKS AND DRINKS JUNE 24 FROM 6PM TO 9PM Join us Friday, June 24 from 6-9 for our NEW action-packed happy hour fundraiser! For one night only, the museum will transform into a carnival featuring thrilling games, science magic, cash bars and live entertainment. With these activities and more, we invite you to leave the kids at home- and act like a kid again!- in our intellectually stimulating playgrounds for adults. More info atsciencebuff.org.

AVENUE Q APRIL 7 TO 24 Avenue Q is Broadway’s smash-hit, 2004 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. MusicalFare Theatre’s 2012 production was both a box office and critical smash with record-breaking ticket sales and glowing reviews. Now, MusicalFare’s original cast and crew are back for more! For tickets visit sheas.org HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING APRIL 13 TO MAY 15 Power, ambition, greed… It’s just another day at the office! From Fran Loesser, the composer and lyricist of Guys and Doll, comes one of the most delightfully irreverent musicals of all time. Winner of the 1962 Pullitzer Prize for Drama, How to Succeed in Business without really trying is the classic satire of big business and all it holds sacred, melding wit, comedy, and romance. Visit musicalfare.com for more info.

INTO THE WOODS APRIL 20, 21, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 MAY 1 This UB production will feature a live orchestra and include newly designed and executed sets, lights, and costumes. The musical, Into the Woods, with music and lyrics by Sondheim and book by James Lapine is one of the world’s most loved musicals. The show opened on Broadway in 1987 and won three Tony awards including Best Original Score. Since then, Into the Woods has continued to play worldwide. The show was made into a feature film in 2014 and received three Academy award nominations.

Visit ubcfa.org for more info.

DIRTY DANCING MAY 3 TO 8 Dirty Dancing-the live classic on stage-is a record-breaking live theatre sensation, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing.

Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” You’ll have the time of your life! Visit sheas.org for tickets and more info. TM

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Rainforest Cafe, Niagara Niagara Falls Falls USA USA “Outstanding “Outstanding Service!”

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reviewed >> Boston, >> February reviewed by

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