The News, Eats & Events Shaping Western New York

Andrew Galarneau, Buffalo’s renowned former food editor and restaurant critic, celebrates the city’s rich culinary scene with his debut book, "Four Bites: Where to Eat in Buffalo 2026 Edition."

This comprehensive guide profiles 195 locally owned gems — restaurants, bakeries, and global food stores — found throughout Western New York.

Galarneau, leveraging over 15 years of expertise, ensures detailed entries enhanced with more than 600 vibrant photographs, capturing the essence of each spot.

His dedication is apparent in the careful curation, verified details, and a spotlight on both classic favorites and hidden culinary treasures.

The book’s reach goes beyond restaurant doors, embracing neighborhood bakeries and international grocers to offer a full flavor of Buffalo.

Available at local bookstores and the Four Bites website, the guide is a must-have for anyone eager to experience the best of Buffalo’s evolving food culture.

The Buffalo City Ballet marked 40 years of holiday magic with its annual staging of 'The Nutcracker' on December 20 and 21 at the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.

This celebrated Black-owned ballet school brings together talented students from across Buffalo, including the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, PS #61, and special guest artists Misa Mochizuki and Leonel Linares.

With rehearsals in full swing since summer, young dancers—like sisters Amari, Akilah, and Aurora—are dedicating heart and discipline to their craft.

Buffalo City Ballet stands out for empowering local youth and championing diversity in classical ballet.

Aminah Rasor, instructor and leader, furthers a mission rooted in inclusion and tradition, making every performance a celebration of community.

Acquest Development has transferred 207 acres of land on Grand Island to the Seneca Nation of Indians for $1, marking a pivotal moment in local land reclamation.

The property, located west of I-190 between Long Road and Bedell Road, had been the subject of years of development ambitions that ultimately faced public backlash and regulatory obstacles.

Earlier efforts to establish an Amazon distribution center faltered amid community opposition, prompting the project’s relocation to Niagara County.

This transfer arrives as Acquest sues the Town of Grand Island, claiming that sudden zoning changes hindered planned development, despite significant investments in required infrastructure.

Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca expressed optimism for new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of responsibly redeveloping the reclaimed land.

This handover deepens ties between the Seneca Nation and Grand Island, while ongoing legal disputes continue shaping the land’s future.

Western New York’s Bright Spots of 2025

Buffalo State SEFA Campaign Spreads Holiday Generosity

📍 Buffalo, NY

📄 The Buffalo State University community announced this week that its 2025 State Employee Federated Appeal (SEFA) campaign raised nearly $94,000 for local charities and nonprofits. The annual effort brings faculty and staff together to support Western New Yorkers in need, helping spread generosity and holiday cheer across the region.

Buffalo Police Bring Holiday Joy Through “Shop with a Cop”

📍 Buffalo, NY

📄 Buffalo Police officers volunteered this week for the city’s annual Shop with a Cop event, pairing up with local children to shop for holiday gifts for themselves and their families. The longtime program focuses on building positive community relationships while creating joyful holiday memories for Buffalo families.

The “716 Bros” Spread Kindness with Handmade Banners

📍 Amherst & Across WNY

📄 Ben and John Emerson — known as the “716 Bros” — are 7-year-old twins turning leftover felt into handmade “Happiness Project” banners featuring a buffalo and heart design. They leave them around neighborhoods to brighten people’s days, encouraging others to keep them or pass them along. What began as a local kindness project has spread coast-to-coast as people share smiles and connections across the country.

Red Cross Honors Selfless Local Heroes

📍 Depew, NY

📄 The American Red Cross of Western New York recently held its annual “Real Heroes” event celebrating everyday people and even animals who stepped up to help others selflessly. This celebration highlights local acts of courage, compassion, and service across the region.

Buffalo Honors Dion Dawkins for Community Impact

📍 Buffalo, NY

📄 Buffalo Bills star Dion Dawkins was presented with the Key to the City for his outstanding contributions off the field, especially through his nonprofit Dion’s Dreamers, which focuses on youth mentorship and community empowerment — sparking inspiration and support throughout Western New York.

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