For 2011 we are going to expand our idea of “Buffalo Foodies”. This year I really want to shed some light on people who are doing really cool things in Buffalo but aren’t getting the attention from a radio station and/or television network. That means I’m going to start asking more musicians, bands, artists, business owners, restaurant owners, heads of charitable organizations and anything else we deem “cool”.
Now, I remember seeing the 12 Grain Studios website before and being really impressed with their work, but I didn’t bookmark the page and couldn’t remember their exact name. However thanks to twitters “suggestions” I saw their twitter account and rediscovered them. Made up of a husband and wife team, Matt and Laura Duquette (pictured above), 12 Grain Studio specializes in design, illustration and animation. They have done some amazing work for Urban Roots, Hyperion Tattoo, Grassroots Gardens and way more (just click on ‘Work’). On top of that they also run an online magazine The Artery which talks about all things creative and interesting that are going on in Buffalo. It appears they’ve taken a hiatus but I’m assuming having a baby will do that.
With that said, let’s check out where Matt and Laura love to eat and drink in Buffalo….
Where are some of your favorite places to eat in Buffalo?
Laura: Hands down, Shango. I got my first taste 5 years ago and I’ve been loyal ever since, especially now that we live only a few blocks away. I always order the blackened catfish po’ boy even though I swear I’ll try something different “this time”.
But I’ll never turn down a pod from Pizza Plant or Egg Sandwich from Sweetness_7, home to the city’s friendliest staff. When I was 9 months pregnant they made me an egg sandwich even though it was close to dinner time and the place was jammed full. Thanks guys!
Matt: I don’t think I’m very fussy when it comes to food, I will eat anything. Living in the city there are so many choices, but I prefer to frequent the smaller places. In my opinion, Shango is one of the best places in town. The food, beer and wine selection, staff and atmosphere are all top notch. I’d say Bistro Europa is another favorite. They’re not very vegetarian friendly (Laura), but I do like to treat myself to a nice pork knuckle every once and awhile. I love the quaint atmosphere and the wine/beer choices are always good. For a quick meal we like to stop by Red Pepper. It seems like we get an order of Pho and dumplings every week and the portions are ridiculous.
Where do you like to grab a drink and hang out on the weekends?
Laura: I like a bar I can hear myself talk in and still enjoy some tunes, so Essex Street does it for me although it’s been almost a year since I’ve had a drink. A close second is a friend’s living room with a Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald in hand.
Matt: We work from home and just had a baby, so going out doesn’t really apply to us anymore. However, I love to listen to great music, with a couple PBR’s at Mohawk Place . Plus, Essex St. Pub, and Hardware are always entertaining. Lately, I like to catch up on my love for German beer at Blue Monk.
If you had a friend visting from out of town, where would you take them to show them a good “Buffalo” time?
Laura: Since most of our friends are other creative types, photographers and artists, it’s nice to drive through South Buffalo and get inspired by the old factories. They often pick up on the smallest details that the rest of us natives miss. And of course they always inquire about wings for dinner but I feel like Buffalo has too much else to offer so I refuse.
Since guests usually come to Buffalo in the summer, I like to suggest a trip to the Bidwell Farmer’s Market for whatever’s in season, grilling in the back yard and then a walk up to Parkside Candy on Main for dessert instead. If it’s winter time, Bistro Europa cause I love the cozy atmosphere and hearty food on a cold night.
Matt: Let’s start at Sweetness 7 for coffee and an egg sandwich. Then head over to the Farmers market in Bidwell Park. Take a quick tour of the area, make our way down Elmwood and grab some lunch at Globe Market. I’m thinking we’d eat dinner at Shango. If there is a good show then we will hit up Mohawk Place, or maybe just Hardware, and a slice at NY Pizza to top it off! Otherwise we’ll just do what Laura said 
What kind of food memories do you have from growing up in Western New York?
Laura: I grew up in Lockport on a farm and didn’t venture to the city much until college. We raised our own cows and chickens, and we had a huge veggie garden so dinner was fresh and served every night at the table, as a family. Mom also makes a mean spaghetti. Which reminds me; one time my sister brought a boy to dinner that my Dad wanted to make squirm so we pre-planned a food fight. A little while into dinner, Dad picked up a handful of spaghetti and launched it at my sister who immediately retaliated with a whole bowl full. The boy sat there with his jaw dropped and never joined in. A few years later my Mom took a painting off the wall and found dried spaghetti behind it. Pretty sure she put the painting back and left it there for safe keeping.
Matt: I grew up in Tonawanda – so plenty of Old Man River, Swistons, Fish Fries, & Mighty Taco. I ate dinner with my family every night at the dinner table, so a home cooked meals is truly appreciated. I love my mom’s potato salad, cookies and strawberry pie! Plus, plenty of good hearty soups and stews in the winter. I’d eat anything, but still live on PB&J and Chef Boyardee.
Is there anything you wish Buffalo’s food scene had more of?
Laura: I’m not lacking for anything. But if we had a great Ethiopian place I’d consider us really spoiled.
Matt: I’d like to see more moderately priced restaurants downtown. More Vegetarian and/or places that use strictly local ingredients. Would like to see a Korean BBQ or Ethiopian, too.
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We’d like to thank Laura and Matt for talking time out of their busy schedule of running and business and taking care of their new baby to answer some questions for us. If you are looking for any type of web design help, I definitely recommend you check out their website for all of their work. Otherwise you can follow them on twitter or become a fan on facebook.
