Seth Greene
The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York |
South Buffalo native Louis Mustillo returned to Shea’s Buffalo Theatre for a hometown honor: induction into the Western New York Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Nearly 200 guests attended the celebration, where Mustillo spoke with Shea’s Board of Trustees member Meg Quinn about his Buffalo roots and four-decade acting career.
He first performed skits at Bishop Timon High School, then worked as a bartender in Buffalo before studying acting in New York City.
Mustillo later wrote and performed Bartenders, a one-man play honoring his father, who spent his life tending bar in Buffalo.
Television audiences know him from Mike & Molly and The Sopranos, while his career includes 28 feature films and appearances on more than 60 TV series.
His induction celebrates a career that took him far from Buffalo without leaving his hometown behind. Read More... |
Highmark Stadium became a showcase for women-owned businesses Thursday night as Western New Yorkers gathered for fashion, conversation and community support.
The WNY Women’s Foundation held its annual What She’s Made Of event at the stadium, raising funds for its work supporting women across the region.
A runway show presented with the Buffalo Bills Women’s Association put local talent in the spotlight, while Buffalo designer Mara Hoffman added a hometown connection.
For Buffalo State fashion design major Kaylee Starkweather, showing her bridal and formal wear meant a chance to meet other women entrepreneurs and gain visibility in a competitive industry.
Foundation CEO Sheri Scavone emphasized the opportunity for women and male allies to connect and recognize Western New York’s talent.
Beyond the stadium setting, the evening gave emerging designers and business owners a place to be seen, supported and remembered. Read More... |
A house fire near the West Seneca Police Department sent officers racing toward a smoke-filled home after they heard a man calling from the basement.
Lieutenants Mike Kocieniewski and James Gehen arrived with Officer Mark Partridge, but no one could confirm who was still inside.
The officers called out to guide the man to safety, then lost track of him before he reached the exit.
Gehen entered the home, followed by Kocieniewski, and they found the 93-year-old man on the stairs and pulled him outside.
The danger was not over: officers feared others, possibly a child, might remain inside, but the smoke was too thick for them to search again.
Firefighters took over and confirmed the rescued man was the home’s only occupant.
Body camera footage captures a rescue shaped by split-second decisions and the uncertainty officers faced at every step. Read More... |
🍜 Top 5 Best Ramen Spots in Buffalo & WNY |
From rich, savory broths and perfectly cooked noodles to spicy miso bowls and creative toppings, Western New York has some incredible ramen spots! Whether you're craving a comforting bowl on a chilly Buffalo day, looking for authentic Japanese flavors, or exploring something new, here are five local favorites worth checking out.
1. SATO Ramen – Buffalo 📍 Location: 3268 Main Street, Buffalo 🍜 Known For: House-made noodles, rich tonkotsu broth, spicy miso ramen, and creative Japanese-inspired bowls 📄 Details: A favorite among Buffalo ramen lovers, SATO Ramen brings authentic Japanese flavors to the University Heights neighborhood! Known for its flavorful, slow-cooked broths and freshly prepared noodles, this cozy restaurant serves everything from traditional pork ramen to spicy miso and vegetarian options. Don't miss their Buffalo Chicken Ramen for a unique local twist on a Japanese classic! 2. Haruko Craft Ramen & Umi Tea – Tonawanda 📍 Location: 341 Somerville Avenue, Tonawanda 🍥 Known For: Extensive ramen selection, customizable noodle bowls, bubble tea, and Japanese-inspired atmosphere 📄 Details: If you love variety, Haruko Craft Ramen & Umi Tea deserves a spot on your list! With approximately 25 different ramen options, there's something for everyone, from traditional savory broths to spicy and adventurous combinations. The anime-inspired décor, Japanese mini-market, colorful bubble teas, and even karaoke rooms make this a fun destination for families, friends, and ramen enthusiasts alike!
3. SATO – Buffalo 📍 Location: 739 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 🥢 Known For: Authentic Japanese ramen, spicy miso broth, sushi, and elevated Japanese cuisine 📄 Details: Located in the heart of Elmwood Village, SATO combines traditional Japanese cooking with a modern dining experience! Led by Chef Satomi Smith, whose culinary roots trace back to Fukui, Japan, this popular restaurant offers flavorful ramen bowls made with scratch-prepared broths and house-made noodles. Their spicy miso ramen with black garlic oil is a standout, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a great choice for a casual dinner or date night.
4. Lime House Sushi and Ramen ( Niagara Falls Blvd) – Amherst 📍 Location: 3030 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst 🍲 Known For: Spicy miso ramen, tonkotsu ramen, creative noodle bowls, sushi, and bubble tea 📄 Details: Lime House Sushi & Ramen is a fantastic stop for anyone who loves Japanese comfort food with a creative twist! Their menu features everything from traditional tonkotsu ramen to inventive combinations featuring coconut broth, crispy chicken, and spicy vegetables. With fresh ingredients, flavorful toppings, and plenty of sushi options, it's a great destination for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or satisfying takeout meal.
5. Hokkaido Ramen House and Sushi – Blasdell 📍 Location: 3860 McKinley Parkway, Suite 260, Blasdell 🔥 Known For: Rich tonkotsu ramen, spicy noodle bowls, Japanese appetizers, and fresh sushi 📄 Details: Southtowns ramen fans have a delicious destination at Hokkaido Ramen House and Sushi! This welcoming restaurant serves hearty bowls of ramen with flavorful broths, tender noodles, and satisfying toppings. From traditional Japanese noodle soups to sushi rolls and crispy appetizers, there's plenty to explore on the menu. It's an excellent choice for a cozy dinner after shopping or whenever you're craving something warm and comforting! |
Stay connected to Western New York with just a few spare minutes! Don’t miss the WNY Insider Podcast. This is your spot for the best local spots, eats, experts & more...all in quick, easy listens! |