This past Sunday, Mother's Day, we went to dinner at Carmine's in Williamsville. We had a gift card so this was a good opportunity to use it. I'll have to admit that Mother's Day is not the best day to go out to eat. The restaurant was very busy and the service was rather slow. But the food was great, so it was worth the wait.
They had a special Mother's Day menu with only limited selections. I had the seafood pasta, my husband and one of my sons had the chicken parmesan (I had my son's leftovers for lunch the next day!) My other two sons had the spaghetti and meat ball (a really big meat ball, I might add) and my daughter had the turkey dinner. My husband and I split a bottle of Salmon Run Riesling (I always like to order NYS Wine and this one was a Finger Lakes wine) All in all it was a good meal, but we will have to check them out some other time, when they have the full menu available and they aren't so busy.
The also do catering, so I will have to keep them in mind for my next big party.
Carmine's, 4715 Transit Road at Sheridan, Williamsville 716-632-2318 www.carminestogo.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
I had a business lunch this past week at JoJo Bistro and Wine Bar in Williamsville. It has a really unique looking bar; the walls are of rough stone and then covered with glass and shelves of wine are attached to it.
The menu which is French inspired had a selection of salads, I was tempted to get the California Cobb, but ultimately went with a tomato sandwich, two hefty slabs of whole grain bread stuffed with tomato, romaine, avocado and brie. It was accompanied with what seemed to be homemade potato chips. Very yummy and filling. One of my dining companions also had the tomato sandwich and the other had the margherita wood-fired pizza, which was topped with fresh basil, mozzarella and tomato sauce. I'll have to go back some other time to check out the dinner menu and the wines.
JoJo Bistro and Wine Bar, 5493 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville 716-204-8663 http://www.restaruantjojo.ocm/
They also have another location in the Rochester suburb of Pittsford.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A day at the Karpeles Manuscript Museums
Since my husband took a few days off from work, we decided to check out a few exhibits we wanted to see at the Karpeles Manuscript Museums in Buffalo. There are nine of these museum in the country, we are fortuante to have two of them in Buffalo.
We first went to the museum on North Street (at the corner of Elmwood Avenue) to see the exhibt on the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. It was a much smaller exhibit than we anticipated. The building itself is very impressive through. The Boy Scout exhibit runs through the end of April.
We then walked down Elmwood and had lunch at Cozumel Grill. Very good Mexican food and BIG portions!
After lunch we drove to the other Karpeles Museum on Porter Avenue. If we were ambitious we could have walked and worked off that lunch! At the Porter Avenue museum we saw the very impressive exhibit "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II & the Jewish People"
We probably spent close to two hours looking at this moving exhibit which chronicled the life of Pope John Paul II, his ties to his Jewish friends, the Holocaust, and more. No matter what your faith, this is a must see exhibit. This exhibit runs through June 30th.
Also at the museum is an exhibit on documents related to the Civil War and another exhibit on the assassination of President William McKinley at the 1901 Pan American Exposition.
For more information call 716-885-4139. Best of all, admission to the Karpeles Museums is free
Sesame Street the Body at Buffalo Museum of Science
Yesterday me and my husband, along with our two youngest, went to the Buffalo Museum of Science to see Sesame Street the Body. It was a really cute exhibit, my seven year old was fascinated with a huge nose that you could make sneeze, along with an exhibit that showed how the digestive system worked. Since he is a seven year old boy he naturally loved the part that illustrated "poo" (complete with a fart noise no less). There was also a small maze to race through, a little grocery store to "shop" in, and a bunch of other hands on exhibits.
The kids also liked the new hands on exhibits on the third floor.
Sesame Street the Body runs through June 9 and it's included in museum admission. http://www.sciencebuff.org/
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Lockport
This past Saturday my husband, me and our two youngest children went to see the Wizard of Oz at the Palace Theater in Lockport. It was a very nice and impressive production. There are several more productions this weekend. Thursday April 22 at 10:30 am, Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24 at 7:30pm and Sunday April 25 at 3pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children.
Lockport Palace Theatre, 2 East Avenue Lockport 716-438-1130 http://www.lockportpalacetheatre.com/
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Fun outdoors things to do this spring
Here's some info I received from the folks at Paths, Peaks and Paddles about fun outdoor things to do this spring.
Hi All:
Spring is here where a young man’s and a young woman’s fancy turn to what else but paddling! With this extra nice warm spell that we are having everyone wants to get out on the water. Our phone has been ringing off the hook “are you renting canoes and kayaks yet”? To my dismay I have to say “no we are not set up with our dock in the water yet, that will be happening in mid April”. However, with this blast of unseasonable weather don’t forget the water is still super cold. If you dump without at least a wetsuit on you are in a hypothermic situation yea, yea! I know you are not planning on dumping, no one ever does, but it does happen and always at the most inopportune time. Remember there are only two types of paddlers out there “those that have swam” and “those that will”. Choose your battles wisely! I’m a selfish person; I don’t have time to close the store to go to your wake or funeral.
Please remember:
The new law in New York State you must wear a PFD till May 1st after that you can be stupid and ignorant and not wear one so says NYS.
The hundred degree rule if the air temp and the water temp don’t add up to at least 100 and you tip, dump or swim you will be in a hypothermic situation.
April 2010 Events
Introduction to Kayaking on April 13, 2010
Join in the world’s fastest growing sport. Are you nervous or just plain scared about tipping over? Let us put your fears to rest in the warmth and safety of a pool with many instructors all around you. Learn that kayaks are much more stable than canoes. All equipment is provided. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides. This is a one-night class running from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Williamsville South High School Pool. Cost is $65.00. Please call Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 if you have any questions. Paths Peaks and Paddles is teaming up with the KenTon School District Community Education to present this session. You do not have to be a resident of the Kenton School System to sign up. You can sign up by phone at the KenTon Community Education Department. at 716-874-8500. You may also register online through us at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People”
Boom Days on April 17, 2010
Come join us at Boom Days a celebration of spring and the removing of the ice boom on Lake Erie. www.boomdays.com
Kayak & Canoe Safety & Rescue on April 27, 2010
What do I do now? You have bought a paddling craft and you have gone out paddling and then thought WHAT DO I DO IF I TIP OVER!! How do I get back in or how do I get someone else back in? I don’t want to be a statistic! Come join us for a 3-week class and learn to save yourself or someone else. All equipment is provided all you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides.These sessions will be conducted Tuesday evenings at Kenmore East High School, Tonawanda NY from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Classes will run 4/27, 5/4 & 5/11/10. Cost is $145.00Paths, Peaks & Paddles is teaming up with the KenTon Community Education Program to present this session. You do not have to be a member of the KenTon School System to sign up. For your convenience there are several different options that you can choose so you can sign up.Sign up by contacting the Kenton Community Education Office at 716-874-8500.
You may also register online through us at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People”
For more information on the class contact Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 or by email at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com
Tuesday Evening Stress Reducer Paddles Starts on May 4, 2010
Our annual Tuesday Evening STRESS Reducer Paddle continues!
Come join the guides and instructors of PPP every Tuesday evening for a paddle for either relaxation, stress relief or just plain FUN. It beats sitting in front of the tube and definitely beats yard work.
We meet at the store (1000 Ellicott Creek Rd. Tonawanda) at 6:00pm and take a paddling trip on Ellicott Creek up and around the big island.All are welcome; if you have your own boat (canoe or kayak) there is no charge.
It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, come join us every week for good conversation and most importantly some fun, after all "You deserve a good paddling".
We have three Rules that we insist on:1. No drugs or alcohol on the water.2. You must wear a PFD properly3. You stay with the groupIf you need to rent one, the cost for a solo boat is only $25.00 per boat or $30.00 for a tandem. The boat rental includes paddle(s) and PFD(s). RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST IF YOU ARE RENTING CALL: 716-213-0350.
Kayak Roll Clinic on May 5, 2010
Learn to ESKIMO ROLL and Handle a Kayak. Join in world’s fastest growing water sport. This class is for you if you want to learn how to roll a kayak for whitewater adventures or learn how to roll a touring kayak. Get introduced to the latest in boats and equipment. TOURING & WHITEWATER ROLLS TAUGHT. All equipment is provided! All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides.4 Week Class on Wednesday Evenings. 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 & 5/26/10 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. $150.00
Class size is small don’t wait to register and be left out in the cold.For Information on the class call: PATHS PEAKS & PADDLES, Inc at 716-213-0350 or email us at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com This class will be held at the Lancaster Central School at 5201 William Street Lancaster, NY Paths Peaks and Paddles is teaming up with the Lancaster Community Education to present this session. You do not have to be a resident of the Lancaster School System to sign up. You can sign up on line at: www.lancasterschools.org or by contacting the Lancaster Community Education Office at 716-686-3262 or sign up online at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People” (direct link).
Thursday Evening Stress Reducer Paddles Starts May 6, 2010
Our annual Thursday evening paddle out on Lake Ontario continues! This is a favorite paddling trip for everyone! Come join PPP and the guides and instructors for our Thursday evening STRESS reducer paddle for relaxation, stress relief or just plain FUN. It beats sitting in front of the tube and definitely beats yard work.We meet out in Wilson at the Wilson Tuscarora State Park (Route 18 East of Niagara Falls) at 6:30pm in the back parking lot. We will either take a paddling trip on either the East or West Branch of Twelve Mile Creek. To top off the evening we paddle out to Lake Ontario and watch a spectacular sunset over Toronto 38 Miles away across the lake. The vibrant colors across the sky and mirrored on the lake is breathtaking. Here you can really appreciate Mother Nature and the beauty she shares with us. We have three RULES in which we insist on:1. No drugs or alcohol on the water2. You must wear a PFD properly3. You stay with the groupAll are welcome if you have your own boat (canoe or kayak) there is no charge. If you need to rent one, the cost is only $30.00 per boat solo or $35.00 tandem delivered out to Wilson for you, includes paddle(s) and PFD(s). We will bring the rented boat out to you! RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST IF YOU ARE RENTING
CALL: 716-213-0350. It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, come join us every week for a good paddle, conversation and most importantly some FUN. After all "You deserve a good paddling"
National River Clean Up on May 15, 2010
RIVER CLEAN-UP (Ellicott Creek)Rain or ShineThis event runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We are looking for volunteers to assist in cleaning up debris on the waterway and banks of Ellicott Creek. Clean up will begin at Parker Blvd and extend down to the NYS 990. We will supply trash bags, gloves and some canoes. All are welcome who have their own canoe or kayak. We will have a cook out back at Paths, Peaks & Paddles following the cleanup. We would like to work as teams starting at Ellicott Creek Rd. and Parker Blvd. This is a great way to help clean up your neighborhood and Western NY. Our past volunteers have been friends, neighbors and scouts. Clean up is conducted on land, along the creek bank and the waterway of Ellicott Creek. Please sign up ASAP if you are willing to participate with the clean up.To sign up please contact Paths, Peaks and Paddles at 213-0350 or by emailing us at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com
Yours in the outdoors,
Oren D. Barris
Paths Peaks & Paddles, Inc.
"The Candy Store for Outdoor People"
1000 Ellicott Creek Rd.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Ph: 716-213-0350
Fax: 716-213-0351
www.pathspeakspaddles.com
pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com
“In twenty years, you will be more
disappointed by the things you didn't do,
than by the things you did.
So throw off the bowlines.... Explore, Dream, Discover…”
Mark Twain 1879
Hi All:
Spring is here where a young man’s and a young woman’s fancy turn to what else but paddling! With this extra nice warm spell that we are having everyone wants to get out on the water. Our phone has been ringing off the hook “are you renting canoes and kayaks yet”? To my dismay I have to say “no we are not set up with our dock in the water yet, that will be happening in mid April”. However, with this blast of unseasonable weather don’t forget the water is still super cold. If you dump without at least a wetsuit on you are in a hypothermic situation yea, yea! I know you are not planning on dumping, no one ever does, but it does happen and always at the most inopportune time. Remember there are only two types of paddlers out there “those that have swam” and “those that will”. Choose your battles wisely! I’m a selfish person; I don’t have time to close the store to go to your wake or funeral.
Please remember:
The new law in New York State you must wear a PFD till May 1st after that you can be stupid and ignorant and not wear one so says NYS.
The hundred degree rule if the air temp and the water temp don’t add up to at least 100 and you tip, dump or swim you will be in a hypothermic situation.
April 2010 Events
Introduction to Kayaking on April 13, 2010
Join in the world’s fastest growing sport. Are you nervous or just plain scared about tipping over? Let us put your fears to rest in the warmth and safety of a pool with many instructors all around you. Learn that kayaks are much more stable than canoes. All equipment is provided. All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides. This is a one-night class running from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Williamsville South High School Pool. Cost is $65.00. Please call Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 if you have any questions. Paths Peaks and Paddles is teaming up with the KenTon School District Community Education to present this session. You do not have to be a resident of the Kenton School System to sign up. You can sign up by phone at the KenTon Community Education Department. at 716-874-8500. You may also register online through us at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People”
Boom Days on April 17, 2010
Come join us at Boom Days a celebration of spring and the removing of the ice boom on Lake Erie. www.boomdays.com
Kayak & Canoe Safety & Rescue on April 27, 2010
What do I do now? You have bought a paddling craft and you have gone out paddling and then thought WHAT DO I DO IF I TIP OVER!! How do I get back in or how do I get someone else back in? I don’t want to be a statistic! Come join us for a 3-week class and learn to save yourself or someone else. All equipment is provided all you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides.These sessions will be conducted Tuesday evenings at Kenmore East High School, Tonawanda NY from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Classes will run 4/27, 5/4 & 5/11/10. Cost is $145.00Paths, Peaks & Paddles is teaming up with the KenTon Community Education Program to present this session. You do not have to be a member of the KenTon School System to sign up. For your convenience there are several different options that you can choose so you can sign up.Sign up by contacting the Kenton Community Education Office at 716-874-8500.
You may also register online through us at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People”
For more information on the class contact Paths Peaks & Paddles at 716-213-0350 or by email at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com
Tuesday Evening Stress Reducer Paddles Starts on May 4, 2010
Our annual Tuesday Evening STRESS Reducer Paddle continues!
Come join the guides and instructors of PPP every Tuesday evening for a paddle for either relaxation, stress relief or just plain FUN. It beats sitting in front of the tube and definitely beats yard work.
We meet at the store (1000 Ellicott Creek Rd. Tonawanda) at 6:00pm and take a paddling trip on Ellicott Creek up and around the big island.All are welcome; if you have your own boat (canoe or kayak) there is no charge.
It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, come join us every week for good conversation and most importantly some fun, after all "You deserve a good paddling".
We have three Rules that we insist on:1. No drugs or alcohol on the water.2. You must wear a PFD properly3. You stay with the groupIf you need to rent one, the cost for a solo boat is only $25.00 per boat or $30.00 for a tandem. The boat rental includes paddle(s) and PFD(s). RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST IF YOU ARE RENTING CALL: 716-213-0350.
Kayak Roll Clinic on May 5, 2010
Learn to ESKIMO ROLL and Handle a Kayak. Join in world’s fastest growing water sport. This class is for you if you want to learn how to roll a kayak for whitewater adventures or learn how to roll a touring kayak. Get introduced to the latest in boats and equipment. TOURING & WHITEWATER ROLLS TAUGHT. All equipment is provided! All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel, a lock for your locker and a positive mental attitude. All instructors are New York State Licensed Guides.4 Week Class on Wednesday Evenings. 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 & 5/26/10 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. $150.00
Class size is small don’t wait to register and be left out in the cold.For Information on the class call: PATHS PEAKS & PADDLES, Inc at 716-213-0350 or email us at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com This class will be held at the Lancaster Central School at 5201 William Street Lancaster, NY Paths Peaks and Paddles is teaming up with the Lancaster Community Education to present this session. You do not have to be a resident of the Lancaster School System to sign up. You can sign up on line at: www.lancasterschools.org or by contacting the Lancaster Community Education Office at 716-686-3262 or sign up online at “The Candy Store for Outdoor People” (direct link).
Thursday Evening Stress Reducer Paddles Starts May 6, 2010
Our annual Thursday evening paddle out on Lake Ontario continues! This is a favorite paddling trip for everyone! Come join PPP and the guides and instructors for our Thursday evening STRESS reducer paddle for relaxation, stress relief or just plain FUN. It beats sitting in front of the tube and definitely beats yard work.We meet out in Wilson at the Wilson Tuscarora State Park (Route 18 East of Niagara Falls) at 6:30pm in the back parking lot. We will either take a paddling trip on either the East or West Branch of Twelve Mile Creek. To top off the evening we paddle out to Lake Ontario and watch a spectacular sunset over Toronto 38 Miles away across the lake. The vibrant colors across the sky and mirrored on the lake is breathtaking. Here you can really appreciate Mother Nature and the beauty she shares with us. We have three RULES in which we insist on:1. No drugs or alcohol on the water2. You must wear a PFD properly3. You stay with the groupAll are welcome if you have your own boat (canoe or kayak) there is no charge. If you need to rent one, the cost is only $30.00 per boat solo or $35.00 tandem delivered out to Wilson for you, includes paddle(s) and PFD(s). We will bring the rented boat out to you! RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST IF YOU ARE RENTING
CALL: 716-213-0350. It does not matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned paddler, come join us every week for a good paddle, conversation and most importantly some FUN. After all "You deserve a good paddling"
National River Clean Up on May 15, 2010
RIVER CLEAN-UP (Ellicott Creek)Rain or ShineThis event runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We are looking for volunteers to assist in cleaning up debris on the waterway and banks of Ellicott Creek. Clean up will begin at Parker Blvd and extend down to the NYS 990. We will supply trash bags, gloves and some canoes. All are welcome who have their own canoe or kayak. We will have a cook out back at Paths, Peaks & Paddles following the cleanup. We would like to work as teams starting at Ellicott Creek Rd. and Parker Blvd. This is a great way to help clean up your neighborhood and Western NY. Our past volunteers have been friends, neighbors and scouts. Clean up is conducted on land, along the creek bank and the waterway of Ellicott Creek. Please sign up ASAP if you are willing to participate with the clean up.To sign up please contact Paths, Peaks and Paddles at 213-0350 or by emailing us at: pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com
Yours in the outdoors,
Oren D. Barris
Paths Peaks & Paddles, Inc.
"The Candy Store for Outdoor People"
1000 Ellicott Creek Rd.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Ph: 716-213-0350
Fax: 716-213-0351
www.pathspeakspaddles.com
pppinfo@pathspeakspaddles.com
“In twenty years, you will be more
disappointed by the things you didn't do,
than by the things you did.
So throw off the bowlines.... Explore, Dream, Discover…”
Mark Twain 1879
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Maple Weekend
This weekend and next head out to celebrate Maple Weekend. It's a lot of fun visiting the local sugaring houses and seeing how maple syrup is made. There are hundreds of places to choose from all over the state. Dates are March 20-21, 27-28 10am-4pm each day. For more info. see http://www.mapleweekend.com/
More Maple Fun
Beaver Meadow Audubon Center will be having a Maple Harvest Festival March 20-21 from 9am-4pm daily. Enjoy seeing maple sugar made the way Native Americans did, taste sugar on snow, take a nature walk, and enjoy pancake breakfast.
Admission is $7 adults, $5 children 12 and under, under 3 free. Admission includes pancake breakfast.
1610 Welch Road, North Java 1-800-377-1520.
Also this weekend
The New York State Regional Park Interpretive Programs office (Niagara region) will offer Maple sugaring 101 at Evangola State Park Saturday March 20 from 2-4pm. It is a hands-on outdoor presentation. Must pre-register 716-826-8895
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