We get back to our Buffalo Foodie roots with another familiar face from a local news station. Today we introduce WGRZ’s Kevin O’Connell (picture from buffalobusinessethics.org) as our newest Buffalo Foodie. Born and raised in Buffalo, Kevin got his start in radio in the 60′s before he made his move into weather on TV for channel 4. He spent some time doing weather for TV stations in Los Angeles and New York before moving back to Buffalo in the 90′s. He’s been with WGRZ Channel 2 since 1993.
I was able to meet Kevin as a “celebrity” judge at the Soup-Fest and decided to send him and email and see if he’d like to participate in our Foodie series. Luckily he did, and really opened up my eyes to O’Connell’s, so here’s what Kevin has to say about his favorite places to eat in Buffalo…..
Where are some of your favorite places to eat in Buffalo?
Kevin: O’Connells American Bistro in Kenmore, the “Mac & Cheese” is to die for. EB Greens has a great Prime Rib and Ted’s & Louie’s both serve great hot dogs. Jasmine Thai on Niagara Falls Blvd is also very good.
Where do you like to go to grab a drink or hang out with friends?
Kevin: I’m a homebody…I have friends over to the house to play games, watch games, and kick back..several “guy rooms” in the house…
If you had a friend visiting from out of town, where would you take them for a good “Buffalo” time?
Kevin: Obviously I’d take them to O’Connell’s and maybe the casino for fun or a sports event in season. I’d take them to either Chef’s, Grovers, Duff’s & Sterling Pub on Hertel.
What kind of food memories do you have from your childhood?
Kevin: We had 7 kids, so home was where the food was and my Mom’s meatloaf very good. I remember Laube’s Cafeteria (Downtown)…Mortenson’s & Held’s Bakeries….great. Beef Sandwiches at Kerner’s, Meyers & Locker Room. Loved the Old Sign of the Steer & The Executive & Charter House.
Is there any foods you wish Buffalo had more of?
Kevin: I wish we had some “big time” Mexican, Chinese & Japanese restaurants.
———————————————————————
I’d like to thank Kevin for taking time out of his busy schedule of reporting the weather to answer our questions. You can see Kevin on Channel 2′s evening news cast Monday through Friday as their head Weather man. You can also read his blog here on WGRZ’s website.
Although Mr. O’Connell may have a slight bias towards O’Connells American Bistro, in my opinion it is one of the best restaurants in WNY. The service is excellent, and the technical skill that the food is prepared and executed with is absolutely top notch. The “mac and cheese” he refers to is my favorite dish, and is made with gnocchi and butter poached lobster claw & knuckle meat. The dish is phenomenal! In the past we requested a tasting menu for our table which was “chef’s choice” and took you through a full array of their capabilities; an excellent dining experience.
Switching gears, I am a big fan of your site, you guys do a great job. I really like the fact that you check out lesser known neighborhood establishments that otherwise may not get the attention they deserve. Keep up the great work.