The food blogging scene in Buffalo isn’t as big as other cities, but since Buffalo Eats started in February of 2009 we have watched several new blogs pop up. Today we are excited to have fellow Buffalo food writer Karine Varga as our newest Buffalo Foodie.
Since moving back from Norfolk Virginia two years ago, Karine has been trying restaurants all over Buffalo and writing about them on her site KarineVarga.com. Karine isn’t just an amateur fan of food either, since 16 she’s worked in restaurants and is married to a trained Sushi chef (you can see some sushi tips/recipes here) who is currently working at Tempo.
Here is what Karine had to say about her favorite places to eat in Buffalo…
Where are some of your favorite places to eat in Buffalo?
Karine: One of my favorite restaurants in Buffalo is Bistro Europa. Sous chef Bruce Wieszala is very talented, whenever he’s in the kitchen the food is sure to be out of this World. I like Globe Market, it’s great for lunch and their patio is very welcoming. I just recently went to Betty’s for brunch, I loved it! Betty’s decor and their southern charm reminds me of Virginia.
Where are some of your favorite places to grab a drink?
Karine: I live off of Elmwood Ave, so I like Mr. Goodbar, they have good selection of beer. I also like the dive-i-ness of McGarrets. And if I’m hanging out in Allentown I would go to Hardware or Sample.
If you had a friend visiting from out of town, where would you go to have a good “Buffalo” time?
Karine: I would take my out of town guests to Bistro Europa for Dinner. Betty’s for Sunday brunch or Lake Effect Diner for Lunch. If they were in town for the weekend, the Elmwood – Bidwell Farmer’s Market on Saturdays mornings would be something I would want to show off. For music, either Mohawk Place or the Sportsmens Tavern.
What are some food memories you have from your childhood?
Karine: I grew up in Williamsville, so I went to Anderson’s on Main Street a lot with my friends, I always got curly fries with gravy and I would dip the fries in the delicious brown gravy. I was also addicted to their Dolewhip, it was the only yummy non dairy alternative to ice cream around town and since I’m lactose intolerant Dolewhip was as good as it got back then. One of my coolest food memories has to be making stone soup in Kindergarten at Forest Elementary.
Since you’ve traveled so much, what types of food/cuisine would you like Buffalo to have more of?
Karine: I would love to see more Mexican and Spanish tapas restaurants. Maybe some more Bistro’s ? I moved back to Buffalo about two years ago, so I’m not even close to conquering all WNY has to offer. I find hidden gems everyday, most recently Morning Glory Cafe on Porter Ave (with help from Buffalo Eats of course).
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We’d like to thank Karine for taking time to answer some questions about food. You can read about her culinary adventures on her website, on her facebook page or even follow her on twitter. Along with her love of food, Karine is also an abstract painter and has had her work shown at various venues in Hampton Roads (VA) and here in Buffalo at Reimagine Furniture. Her website has a section that’s devoted to just art, check it out to see where’s shes had exhibitions and a view a cool gallery of her work.
