For our first Buffalo Foodie of 2011 we are going to switch it up and have a newscaster who isn’t from WBKW Channel 7. Since we started to post some of our articles on WGRZ.com I figured it was only natural to reach out to their staff and see if anyone would like to share their favorite places to grab a bite to eat in Buffalo. Ed Kilgore was the first to respond back and we are thrilled about it. Originally from Missouri, he got his start on TV working for stations in Houston and San Antonio before moving to Buffalo. He started working for WGRZ in 1973, and has been covering Buffalo’s sports teams through their ups and downs over the last 35+ years.
We got a hold of Ed on facebook and asked him about his favorite places to eat in Buffalo, here’s what he had to say….
What are some of your favorite places to grab a bite to eat around Buffalo?
Ed: I love O’Connells American Bistro in Kenmore; their macaroni and cheese dish is to die for. Also love Buffalo Chophouse even though it’s pricey. The Kansas City Strip – medium rare – is the best because the bone helps lock in the true flavor of the steak. Their house merlot is more than up to the task and the cream corn is a must. Mangia (which is eat in Italian) is another favorite right near me in Orchard Park. Their sea bass is as good as any I’ve ever had. I also love the terrific Italian atmosphere. Maybe saving best for last is Chef’s, where Ive enjoyed the spaghetti parm and special mix salad along with great garlic toast many many times over the years.
When you have friends visiting from out of town, where do you like to take them out to show them a good time?
Ed: When guests come in from out of town we also, in addition to places mentioned above, like to hit up Templeton Landing when the weather is good, because Buffalo never looks better then from the deck overlooking the harbor.
Where do you like to go after work or on the weekends to hang out with friends?
Ed: Since I work late I seldom go anywhere after work but two places I sometimes meet friends for dinner between newscasts are Mother’s on Virginia Place and Papaya on Chippewa.
Is there anything you wish Buffalo had more of (food wise) ?
Ed: Although Buffalo has one of the richest and most diverse array of restaurants you could ask for, working in San Antonio and Houston before coming here left me wishing Buffalo had a good authentic Mexican restaurant. Also have yet to find any Barbeque places like Kansas City offers, but Im still looking!
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We’d like to thank Ed for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer some of our questions. You can check Ed on Channel 2′s various news casts as their lead sports anchor. You can also read his blog on WGRZ.com and become his friend on facebook.
