Thanks to my friend Kristy at Scarlet Noir Photographic, I came across Kelvis (real name: Kelly Welsted) who’s quickly becoming one of Buffalo’s most popular Pin Up Models. Taking cues from models from long ago, Kelvis’ pictures tend to evoke that retro style of photography and fashion while also adding a modern kick. She also has some bad ass tattoos. Her facebook page has continued to gain a strong following and she’s appeared in both Retro Lovely Magazine, Skin Artist Magazine and Rebel Rodz Magazine. She’s also been featured as “Pin-Up of the Month” on both PeachCupcakes.com and LucyB.com
Now her modeling success would itself warrant us tracking her down as a Buffalo Foodie, however, Kelvis is also a cook in the kitchen of one of the southtowns more popular restaurants, The Poppyseed. I got a hold of Kelvis and asked her about some of her favorite places to eat (when’s shes not cooking herself), here’s what she had to say….
Where do you like to go out and eat in Buffalo (when you’re not working at Poppyseed)?
Kelvis: I like to support local businesses when I go out to eat. Yes, the occasional TGI Fridays is OK, but I like to support the people! Steve’s Pig and Ox Roast in Lakawannna…amazing. I love their french fries, especially their curly Qs. Mike [fiance] loves the sandwiches. So delicious!! Also, for a treat, we love going to The Western Door at the Seneca Niagara Casino. Most amazing steakhouse I’ve ever been too. Bar Bill is awesome in East Aurora and Sal’s in Depew…both have great chicken wings. I love BBQ!!! Kentucky Gregs is amazing…BBQ chicken sandwich with coleslaw (aka “memphis style”) mmmmmmmm……delicious.. and the french fries… amazing!!!. For Italian…Ilio Dipalos… amazing banana peppers…great service.
Where do you like to grab a drink with friends on the weekend?
Kelvis:We don’t get out much, but as far as drinks go, when I go out with my girls for our bi-monthy “Ladies Night” we love going anywhere where we can be as loud as we want! We like Fuji Grill On McKinley; it’s a BLAST! So much fun, great food and their bar is also great. O’Neils on the corner of Abbott and Southwestern is great for drinks also. They always have live music which is great. In the summertime we occasionally go to Four Aces on Rt.5, nice place to bring the bikes to and always good for bands.
If you had a friend visiting from out of town, where would you take them for a good “Buffalo time”?
Kelvis: Bella, Bar Bill or Sal’s. Chances are if they are out of town they want chicken wings and pizza and these are the places to get them. Also, The Western Door in the Seneca Niagara Casino if we have special guests, hands down, this is where I would take them. You can always gamble for entertainment after dinner. Restaurants on the lake are great for a view but overpriced if you ask me.
What are some food memories you have from your childhood?
Kelvis: My parents took us all over, we had 7 kids in our family but were well taken care of. What I remember the most are family backyard BBQs 
Maybe that’s where my love for BBQ comes from! Going for ice cream with my dad on his motorcycle also to the Dunkirk Pier and Dairy Queen! Now that I’m older, I guess I appreciate food more. Because I AM a chef, I appreciate all the hard work that goes into cooking a meal, especially a home cooked meal. Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter dinners for over 15 people in that small kitchen…I don’t know how my mother did that. Never burnt a thing and it was always ready on time! Thanks mom!!!
Is there anything you wish Buffalo’s restaurant scene had more of?
Kelvis: Not at all. I think Buffalo has a great restaurant on every corner. Really….what don’t we have?!
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We’d like to thank Kelvis (Kelly) for taking time out of her very busy schedule to answer our questions. If you’d like to see more of her modeling shots check out her facebook page where she has posted 100′s of pictures (some are slightly NSFW). She just started selling some specific photographs so head over and pick one up if you are a fan!
