From NYC to Buffalo

Grabbing some food on North Filmore

A school that once grew minds now grows weeds.

Right across from MLK park, gorgeous architecture, and just plain cool looking. Anyone knows if there are talks of using this building for something?

MLK park is a cornerstone of the East Side community. Its the location for family barbecues, meetings, gatherings, and events such as Juneteenth. When I hear people discuss the East Side, I hear phrases like “community fragmentation” or “the area lacks civic engagement.”  Yet it was the community that made this splash pad development possible. When I talked with residents about the progress of the development they said it has been moving slowly, and many would be surprised if it finished by July. 

Many would love if it is completed by June for Juneteenth, but look forward to its completion nonetheless. The project poster definitely make the development look enticing. Hopefully it will also bring people from the West Side and other areas of Buffalo. What do you all think?

A day at Martin Luther King Jr Park on Buffalo’s East Side 

Cantina Loco or Cant Wait an Hour to Eat 

Finally tried Cantina Loco due to a friend’s strong influence. As most of you heard, trying to get into this place during the weekend is a nightmare without a reservation. When we arrived, without a reservation, we had to put our names down and wait for one hour and thirty minutes. The place was packed with young professionals (beautiful people) drinking by the bar, waiting for a table, or chopping down on burritos.

Instead of waiting at Cantina for our table we headed over to Hardware for a couple of drinks. As always, I love the ambiance of Hardware especially when they are playing Motown hits that make a cocktail taste even sweeter. Enjoying ourselves and making small talk with the waiter we informed him that we were waiting to eat at Cantina. He said that seems to be the regular story. Many people waiting for Cantina head to Hardware and realize that Hardware has steak tacos too; as a result, Cantina looses customers. 

Again, due to my friends influence we still went to Cantina (sorry Hardware I’m sure your steak tacos are awesome). When we returned to Cantina for our table we had to wait an extra 5 minutes (I say 10 but my friend assures me it was 5). The kind host (I believe his name was Robert) brought us to our table and had a server greet us immediately. As per a friend’s recommendation we ordered Koreatown Tacos, rice, beans, and a Margarita pitcher.

Don’t know if it was the Magaritas and the drinks earlier or the fact that I was in a better mood, but the food was AMAZING. The Koreatown taco was top notch because it had just the right mix of spice and sweetness to it making me want to order another. Yet, the rice and beans was so filling and tasty that it made me wonder why beans in every Mexican restaurant didnt taste so good. We must have looked like two people that haven’t eaten in days the way we devoured our meal, so it was very good. Our server was very attentive and while there were many people in the restaurant making it noisy, it did not ruin our dining experience. 

Is it worth the wait? I would say once - maybe. The reason I say that is because our food was very good but an hour and forty minute wait is just ridiculous. Also I only tried three items on the menu so I do not know how the meals compare. I am happy I waited and tried the Koreatown tacos and will be more than willing to order it again - for takeout. 

If you want to visit Cantina Loco check them at at 191 Allen Street  Buffalo, NY 14201

The Tree of Life…No just a random tree :)