It’s been a while but we are excited to introduce our newest Buffalo Foodie! Today we have Don Paul, the Chief Meteorologist for Channel 4 News (WIVB). Don has been working at Channel 4 for twenty years now and can be seen every weeknight on the 5pm, 6pm and 11pm news casts. Born and raised in Hudston City, New Jersey, Don worked in Maine, Kansas, Florida and Detroit before finally moving to Buffalo in 1984. Along with his love of all things weather, Don is also a pretty big comedy fan and actually was twice considered for a staff writing position on the Johnny Carson Show.
We got a hold of Don through his facebook page and asked him where he loves to grab a meal, here’s what he had to say…
Where are some of your favorite places to eat in Western New York?
Don: My all around favorite restaurant is Mother’s. Have never had a bad bite in that place. My favorite wings, too, bar none; never greasy or dripping. And it’s my favorite place to grab a drink; its’ relaxed and fairly casual. Besides eclectic and sophisticated entrees, Mother’s also has the best steak sandwich in town, and it’s a comparative bargain. And the shrimp fritters–oh, my.
For special occasions, E.B. Green’s is my favorite high end steakhouse, and it’s got everybody’s friend, Jackie Jocko!
We also enjoy Sole in Williamsville for South American cuisine, loved Fuddruckers in Amherst and hope it comes back soon, and there’s Grovers on Transit for the ultimate Big Burger.
What food memories do you have from your childhood?
Don: Coming from a lower middle class upbringing in NJ, next to NYC, my parents’ tastes were simple. We went to some great family Italian restaurants in Union City. My dad liked to take my late brother and me to White Castle in my hometown, North Bergen. Back then, it was chicken chow mein, egg drop soup, egg rolls, fried rice, and spare ribs for Chinese food. Also, Hiram’s deep fried hot dogs in Palisades Park. Loved my mom’s spaghetti sauce and tomato-based dishes. Finally, Kosher dill pickles from Wolf’s Deli.
Is there anything you wish the Buffalo food scene had or had more of?
Don: I don’t personally think the Buffalo metro area is missing much of anything in food varieties, or in quality. We have an amazing eclectic mix from the simplest to the most complex cuisines.
I’ve had fantastic seafood in places like Portland OR, Seattle, San Francisco, and the Outer Banks. Wonderful Mexican in L.A. and San Antonio. Great deli in NYC (we could use a few more good Jewish delis), and steaks in K.C. But in general, most or all of those cuisines measure up quite beautifully here in the Buffalo area.
Lucky us!!
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We’d like to thank Don for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. You can watch Don talk about the lovely spring weather that’s (hopefully) coming our way soon every weeknight at 5pm, 6pm and 11pm on Channel 4.
