In keeping with 2011′s theme of getting more Buffalo Foodies from the music world, today we are introducing the band The Bird Day as our newest Buffalo Foodies! We were able to get a hold of two of the five band members; Jason Podulski (left) who’s the lead singer/guitarist of the band as well as the primary song writer, and Julian Kowalski (right) who also puts his input into the song writing and plays guitar.
Full disclosure, Jay is actually my roommate and friend of over 7 years but I would have still asked him to be a Foodie even if I didn’t know him. His band The Bird Day are putting out some fantastic songs right now and have started to generate some internet buzz (check out their Hype Machine results). Also Jay and Julian are big foodies and love eating around Buffalo, so it only seemed like a natural fit. Here’s what Jay and Julian have to say about their favorite places to eat in Buffalo…
Where do you like to eat in Buffalo?
Jason: Here are some of my favorites….
- SeaBar- I’m a big fan of sushi, love this place for the creative menu and the good vibin’ atmosphere.
- Thai Orchard- Great Service, Consistent, Fresh and Clean decor…can’t go wrong. My go to dishes are the Shrimp in a Claypot and the Pad Kee Mao (little extra heat). The daily specials are great too!
- Betty’s-Not only is it conveniently down the street from me, but their breakfast/brunch is off the hook. Smoked Salmon Benedict and a Bloody Mary on a Sunday morning…bliss!
- Rue Franklin- This place is truly amazing and stunning. The bill can add up quick here but its so worth the it. I have dreams about the meals I’ve had here. One of my go to’s would be the Duck Confit.
- Also if it rolls up to my area, Lloyd Taco Truck is always a quick good Mexican fix.
Julian: Some favs are Wegmans (love the market and sushi), Lagniappes French Quarter Cafe (po boys and those cheap sides), Amy’s Place, and Saigon Cafe
Where do you like to grab a drink in Buffalo?
Jason: Usually when I go out it’s on Allen, since its footsteps away. I like hanging at Hardware (when I can breathe in there), DBGB’s, and the Pink. Blue Monk- Top notch beer selection, relaxing atmosphere. Founding Fathers- This is one of my favorite places to vibe out with a few of my friends, Love the setting, love the staff. Bonus: free popcorn and nachos. Bar Bill- If I venture out to the land of suburbia, this is a great spot to hit up. It’s usually packed wall to wall but the drinks and cheep eats are worth it. Great wings and beef on weck.
Julian: Just like Jay I like to get drinks at the Pink, DBGB’s, Blue Monk, Essex pub
If you had a friend visiting from out of town, where would you take them to have a good time in Buffalo?
Jason: If a friend out of town comes in, obviously I would have to give them their wing fix, so I’d hit up Gabriel’s Gate. If it’s summer, hit up Hoak’s for a buffalo fish fry on the water (since its the only place ON the water). Then head to Allen for some drinks and a funky time.
Julian: I’d show a good buffalo time with some Duffs wings, trip to the Albright, and end it with a night on Allen st.
What types of food memories do you have from your childhood?
Jason: Growing up, I was always surrounded by amazing food…homemade polish food, Christmas Eve fish fry, Grandmas walnut cookies, late night munches at Louies and Mighty Taco.
Julian: Some food memories I have are home cooked Italian/Polish food, Pizza and Wings, Mighty Taco, chicken finger subs, Louies hotdogs.
What foods do you wish Buffalo had more of?
Jason: Buffalo has tons of amazing places to eat but if it needs anything it needs an Ethiopian restaurant. Also a Ramen noodle bar and more food trucks rolling around couldn’t hurt.
Julian: I wish buffalo had a solid Mexican spot.
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We’d like to thank Jason and Julian for taking time out of recording/practicing to answer our questions. You can see The Bird Day play live this month when they perform for (fellow Foodies) buffaBLOG’s Birthday concert at Nietzsche’s on March 25th. The Bird Day has just released some singles that you can download for FREE! Just check out their blog here and check out Melting/Colors, Her New Touch or even download their entire debut album Collect Vibrations (again, for FREE!). If you like what you hear, go like their band on facebook and help them cross into the 4 digits.
