SATURDAY, JULY 13 11AM-9PM
SUNDAY, JULY 14 11AM-7PM |
DOWNTOWN BUFFALO
Artwork by: Kelli Dingle
MESSAGE
On behalf of the board of directors, countless volunteers, participating restaurants, and sponsors, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 41st annual Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops. It is one of the most anticipated premier summer festivals where families have the unique experience to stroll around, explore over 200 food items from the finest Buffalo restaurants, and enjoy NYS wineries and great beer and beverages while listening to the best local musicians. The diversity of Buffalo’s worldly food scene is the perfect reason for the community to come to together and share a meal.
From my early years on Main Street to the successful years on Delaware Avenue, the Taste of Buffalo has continually changed but the all-volunteer board of directors has always remained dedicated to the festival’s core mission of promoting local restaurants, showcasing downtown Buffalo and giving back to our community. This year is no different - you can feel good about eating at the Taste because your purchases help make possible donations to local charitable organizations and high school scholarships.
With my thirty years involved on the logistics side of the event, I would be remiss not to mention the extensive yearlong planning required to orchestrate the creation of the event. Supervising the 24 hours to set up and the marvel of only 5 hours to tear down will never cease to amaze me.
It is my sincere pleasure to extend a heartfelt gratitude to all of our patrons, Tops Markets for being our presenting sponsor, our national and local sponsors, Mayor Byron Brown, the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Police, the Buffalo Fire Department, all of our restaurants, wineries and our invaluable event and sponsorship manager Connie Wendling!
Most importantly, I would like to thank my wife Liz, our daughters Claire and Esme for their endless support and understanding of what it takes to bring this amazing event to the community.
Let the party begin. Eat, Drink and most importantly Have Fun!
Tom Mahoney, 2024 Taste of Buffalo Chair
board OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Chair Thomas Mahoney SAHD
1st Vice Chair Matthew J. Reis Tallinger Associates, Foodservice Design
2nd Vice Chair Adam C. Roma Principal Financial Group
Secretary Cheryl Goldstone Retired – School Counselor Williamsville South HS
Treasurer Lori Rizzo Gibraltar Industries
Assistant Treasurer Rozana Ayanbadejo Nova Healthcare Administrators
Past Chair Elizabeth Mamot Aventra
DIRECTORS
Paul Avery, Esq. Bond, Schoeneck & King
Greg Beckwith NFTA-Metro
Paula Bilski Retired
Douglas Boehm Element Materials Technology
Becky Chambers Delaware North/Erie Sportservice LLC
William Fahs HSBC
Timothy Herzog Flying Bison Brewing Company
Rob Hummel First Student Inc.
Brendan Orr
Valerie E. Pillo Clarivate Analytics
Rachel Rajan MergerShark
Mark E. Reimann Joblio, Inc.
Peter Sass A-Kleen Windows, Inc./Bugg Control, Inc.
Matthew Testa M&T
Mark Zawodzinski Integer Holdings Corporation
Amanda Ziegler University at Buffalo
EX-OFFICIO
James K. Morrell NFTA-Metro
Thomas P. Muscarella Erie County Department of Health
W. Morgan Smith Buffalo Place, Inc.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Luke Baecker Roofers Local No. 74/203 Benefit Funds
Erin Collins Linde
Ann Hackett aHa! Designs
FESTIVAL & SPONSORSHIP MANAGEMENT
Connie Wendling Sell-utions, Inc.
The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is the largest two-day food festival in the United States. It began in 1984 with 22 restaurants on Main St and now we are celebrating our 41st year in 2024. The Taste is a notfor-profit corporation registered with the State of New York and is run by an all-volunteer board of directors, and event management and sponsorship agency and supported by approximately 1,000 dedicated volunteers.
The mission of the Taste of Buffalo is to promote the City of Buffalo and showcase the greater Buffalo area restaurants and businesses by providing an affordable and enjoyable weekend festival that takes place in an inclusive and socially responsible manner for all.
The Taste awards annual scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a major in culinary arts or the hospitality field.
Named one of “10 food and wine festivals you can feel good about attending,” by USA Today. Your purchases help make possible donations to over 20 local charities and annual scholarships awarded to WNY students pursuing a culinary or hospitality degree.
BUFFALO PORK RIBS INGREDIENTS
2 racks pork back ribs, (about 3 lbs. each), membrane removed
3 cups bu alo sauce, (like Franks Red Hot Sauce)
¾ cup unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325oF. In a saucepan set over medium heat, combine hot sauce and butter. Bring to a boil while whisking until smooth, then set the bu alo sauce aside.
Remove ribs from oven, place oven rack in the middle of the oven; turn oven to broil. Remove ribs from the foil and lay them, meat side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Coat each rib with ¼ cup of bu alo sauce, broil until the sauce starts to brown, 4 min. Continue to broil and baste ribs until you have used another ¼ cup of bu alo sauce per rack.
Let the ribs rest for 10 min., then cut into individual ribs. In a large bowl, toss the ribs with half of the remaining bu alo sauce. Arrange ribs on a serving platter and serve with blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks. 1) 2) 3) 4)
Arrange 2 layers of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap around each rack of ribs, on a work surface. Place a rack in the center of each foil, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Coat the meat side of the ribs (facing up), with ½ cup of bu alo sauce. Wrap ribs tightly with foil, place on a baking sheet, and bake until tender, about 1 hr.
SWEETS SWEETS
DOUBLE DOUBLE the
MOUTH-WATERING MOUTH-WATERING MOUTH-WATERING
REFRESHMENT
LIVE MUSIC
SATURDAY, JULY 13
COURT STREET
T-N-T Duo
11AM - 1:45PM Classic Rock & Contemporary Country
Almost Seamus
2:30 - 5:15PM
Acoustic Irish/Celtic Rock
Hello Molly
6 - 8:45PM Pop/Party Rock
Just Jen 11AM - 12:15PM Piano Pop Myq Farrow 12:30 - 2PM Soulful Folk
Sue Kincaid & Grace Lougen 2:30 - 5:15PM Acoustic Rock
Bloodmoney
5:45 - 8:45PM Acoustic Country
SUNDAY, JULY 14
COURT STREET MOHAWK STREET MOHAWK STREET HURON STREET HURON STREET
Speedy Parker
11AM - 1:15PM Blues Duo
Will Holton
1:45 - 4 PM Jazz Duo
Michael Delano
4:30 - 6:45PM Acoustic Rock
Acoustic Grateful Dead & Friends Presented by TUNES TUNES
Slow Animals 11AM - 2PM Modern & Alternative Rock Band
Moe Badger
2:30 - 5:15PM R&B Band
Michael Bly
5:45 - 8:45PM Acoustic Rock
Davey “O” 11AM - 1:15PM Acoustic Americana & Country
Jess Bennett Duo 1:45 - 4 PM Pop/Rock Duo
The Dooleys 4:30 - 6:45PM
Genesee Beer Garden INSIDE NIAGARA SQUARE
DJ Darkmatter Saturday, July 13 • 11AM - 9PM
Midnight Kings 11AM - 1:15PM Classic Rock Band
Stone Circle 1:45 - 4 PM Irish/Celtic Band
Two Towns
4:30 - 6:45PM Classic Rock Band
DJ P-Nasty Sunday, July 14 • 11AM - 7PM
Rick James Dance Party hosted by Stone City Affair Saturday, July 13 • 1PM
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Southern Junction + Always Something Farm
Coconut-Spiced Pork Belly Burnt Ends w/ Pickled Veg and White Rice
2024 James Beard Finalist; Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
There’s no place on earth like Southern Junction, where expert Texas-style barbecue is augmented by owner Ryan Fernandez’s brilliant, deft application of Indian flavors. Go for the perfect brisket; stay for the coconut curry and cardamom cornbread. A partnership with Always Something Farm brings Taste attendees a hyperlocal take on this James Beard finalist’s killer fare. Learn more at southernjunction716.com.
Tortuga Sandwich Shop
Quesabirria Taco
Slightly off the beaten path, Wheatfield’s Tortuga Sandwich Shop is where Chef Andrew Smiedala plies his trade after years of cooking for some of the country’s most successful restaurants, including Jose Andres’s Jaleo and Cafe Atlántico. At Tortuga, Quesabirria Tacos — stuffed with juicy, braised beef and served with an incredible dipping broth — are only served as a special because it takes so much effort to make them properly. Lucky for you, these unforgettable tacos will make an appearance at Taste this weekend. Learn more at tortugasandwich.com.
Donut Kraze
Two Signature S’mores Donuts w/Marshmallow and Graham
Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
Its classic, homey, made-from-scratch-the-old-fashioned-way donuts have earned Donut Kraze legions of enthusiastic fans. But its playful, specialty flavors — like blueberry crumble, banana cream pie, and frosted cannoli — go one step further. This weekend, they’re sure to bring their A-game to the Taste with their killer S’mores Donuts, made with gooey chocolate, marshmallow , and crunchy notes of graham—you won’t want to miss it. Find Donut Kraze on Facebook and Instagram.
DELAWARE AVE./NEW ERA CAP
11AM - 1PM
SUNDAY, JULY 14
Anastasia’s Artisan Bread
Egg and Green Onion Pirozhki Hand Pie (v)
Artisan baker and entrepreneur Anastasia Nikolaeva began selling her incredible European baked goods in local farmers markets. Her popular bread and pastries have garnered such a following that she and her family will soon open a brick-and-mortar bakery in North Tonawanda. Don’t miss her savory breakfast hand pie this weekend! Follow Anastasia’s Artisan Bread on Instagram and Facebook.
4 - 6PM
Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs
Fried Onion Cheeseburger
Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
Frank Gourmet has won dozens of awards for its killer hot dogs, hand-cut fries with signature dipping sauce, chicken sandwiches, and more. Its Oklahoma-style Fried Onion Cheeseburger is an amazing take on this classic handheld. Its crispy smashed patty is served with razor-thin caramelized onions and melted, gooey cheese between two buns. Lucky for us, this quintessential burger is best eaten outside at a food festival. Learn more at findfranknow.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Bratts Hill
Matcha and Lemon Fresh Fruit Tart (vg + gf) 11AM - 1PM 3 -
Truffle Cassava Fries w/Sauces (v)
Chris Sinclair McCalla, the executive chef at Bratts Hill by Chef Darian Bryan, serves the Larkinville restaurant’s classic cassava fries drizzled with truffle oil. Before relocating to New York, McCalla had a successful career back home in Jamaica. He’s brought his penchant for nutrition and fusion with him to Bratts Hill. Learn more at brattshill.com.
Dopest Dough
Cacio e Pepe Beignets (v)
Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
One of the best savory bakeries in WNY, East Aurora’s Dopest Dough may be best known for its sourdough and award-winning bagels. For Taste attendees, its owner — a former rock star-turned-baker — is transforming 2024’s hottest pasta dish, Cacio e Pepe, into crave-able, shatteringly-crisp savory beignets featuring parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Learn more at dopestdough.com.
Fig Tree Patisserie
This Kenmore bakery makes stunning cakes, macarons, and other luscious sweets. Fig Tree Patisserie has also perfected the ability to create gluten-free and vegan desserts that are impossible to tell apart from more traditional recipes. Check out its Taste of 2024 Pop-Up item: A tart shell of delicate, matcha-infused pastry crust is filled with bright lemon filling and fresh fruit. It’s the ideal dessert to round out a day of foodie fun in the sun. Learn more at figtreepatisserie.com.
DELAWARE AVE. AT CARY
SUNDAY, JULY 14 Sponsored
12PM - 1:45PM
3:30 - 6PM
Jay’s Artisan Pizza
Tomato Pie with Bianco Di Napoli, Sicilian Oregano, and Garlic
Tiramisu of Espresso-Soaked Ladyfingers and Whipped Mascarpone
Ranked #6 Pizza in the USA; #23 Pizza in the world; Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
Jay’s Artisan Pizza, recognized for its award-winning woodfired Neapolitan pizzas, knows more than a thing or two about a slice. Its ability to leverage the freshest local ingredients and old-world techniques to create some of the best pizza in the world applies to its skill with other dishes — including the Tomato Pie (just like Grandma makes, but better!) and the luscious handmade Tiramisu being served this weekend. Learn more at jaysabuffalo.com.
Dopest Dough
Yakiniku Beignets
Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
East Aurora’s outstanding bakery, Dopest Dough, is known for its sourdough and over-the-top bagels. Its team is pulling out all the stops for Taste attendees with beautiful, golden brown crave-worthy savory beignets made with yakiniku sauce and bonito. Learn more at dopestdough.com.
DELAWARE AVE. AT NIAGARA SQUARE
SATURDAY, JULY 13 SUNDAY, JULY 14
Waxlight Bar á Vin
Pimento Cheese and Chorizo Croquetas
2023 James Beard Semifinalist; 2024 James Beard Finalist; Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
Waxlight offers diners a stunning dining room, genteel service, and two James Beard nominations for its incredible wine and cocktail menu. At Taste of Buffalo, Waxlight will share its love for small plates by serving crispy, crunchy Spanish-inspired croquetas stuffed with spicy chorizo and pimento cheese. Learn more at waxlightbaravin.com.
Orso Nero Japanese Katsu-Style Arancini
Can you keep a secret? New kid on the block, Michael Diletti of Orso Nero, is making some of the best Italian food in the region. We couldn’t be more excited to feature his skill and culinary point-of-view at Taste this year. What happens when you fuse Italian and Japanese cuisine? Itameshi! Popular since the 1920s, this marriage of cuisines features dozens of iconic dishes, which might be the best way to describe Orso Nero’s special spin on arancini, developed just for Taste guests. Find Orso Nero Pizza on Facebook and Instagram.
Chef Mike Andrzejewski
Seabar’s Famous Beef on Weck Roll
2008, 2009, 2010 James Beard Semi-finalist; Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
This iconic dish has been served at the Taste of the NFL, the James Beard House, and dozens of other significant events since it was first invented by Chef Mike Andrzejewski. Though Chef Mike A has relocated to run the kitchen at Roka Hula, a hot fusion restaurant in Florida, he’ll join us on Saturday for the chance to spend a little time with the thing he loves with all his heart—the people of Buffalo. Follow Mike A on Facebook and Instagram.
11:30AM - 1:30PM
The Bloom and Rose Latke with House-Smoked Pastrami and Cheesy Mornay Sauce
The Bloom and Rose will unleash its ultra-crispy, super-delicious crispy latkes topped with smoky housemade pastrami and smothered in mornay sauce. Don’t sleep in and miss the self-described “Jew-ish Deli” that’s bringing classic NYC vibes to Buffalo with its “vaguely traditional, weirdly delicious” cuisine. Learn more at thebloomandrose.com.
3 - 5PM
Black Iron Bystro Crispy Golden Polenta with Whipped Feta and Za’atar Tomato Jam
(v + gf)
Buffalo Spree Best of WNY winner
Located in Kenmore, Black Iron Bystro is a chic, fixed-price, hyper-seasonal restaurant offering a whole new menu each week. Paired with cocktails and wine, this all-in-for-one-price dining experience is unlike anything else in the area. Chef and owner Bryan Mecozzi brings his big-hearted approach to the Rockstar Taste with this big-flavored dish. Learn more at blackironbystro.com.
EXPERIENCE THE NEW GENESEE BEER
GARDEN!
Join us for a beachy escape In Niagara Square!
Enjoy the best vibes with two of Buffalo’s top DJs spinning tunes all weekend long.
Rick James Dance Party on Saturday at 1pm
MOUTH-WATERING TERING REFRESHMENT MOUTH-WATERING WATERING REFRESHMENT MOUTH-WATERING REFRESHMENT
AVAILABLE NOW
EXCLUSIVE!
The ONLY place in Buffalo to get your hands on the exclusive Dry-Hopped Alora Cream Ale is at the Taste of Buffalo Huron Street Beer Tent.
SPOTLIGHT
Make sure to visit our sponsors! Here’s what they’re doing and where you can find them…
A. TOPS FRIENDLY MARKETS
Saver summer with Tops at the Taste of Buffalo! Located right in the heart of the Taste, at Niagara Square and Delaware Ave., you’re invited to stop by the Tops tent to satisfy your summertime cravings and spin the prize wheel for just $1. Food and prize wheel proceeds will benefit BestSelf Behavioral Health.
B. TOPS PHARMACY/TOPS BRANDS
FREE Samples
Come visit Tops inside Niagara Square! Stop by early when Tops Pharmacy associates will be available to discuss over the counter pharmacy options that will help you and your family build a better medicine cabinet. While there, you can also learn about all of the services available at your local Tops Pharmacy, as well as find information about in-store vaccinations. And be sure to come back later in the day, when our Tops Brands team will have FREE samples! You can also learn how to earn FREE money for your local school, through Tops in Education!
C. TUMS
Hungry for some fun? Stop by the Tums Insta-ready photo backdrop inside Niagara Square facing Court Street. Grab some quirky props, strike a pose, and share your delicious moment with us. Don’t forget to tag @TumsOfficial and @tasteofbuffalo and use #TasteofBuffaloTums for a chance to be featured! Let’s spice up your feed together!
D. ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Learn how to properly administer Hands-Only CPR. Moms with infants will find a respite tent with a private nursing area.
E. T HE COMMUNITY TABLE TENT PRESENTED BY GORDON FOOD SERVICE
Stop by the Community Table Tent presented by Gordon Food Service, sponsored by Buffalo Spree, located in Niagara Square. Come in, sit down and relax. Enjoy your meal and strike up a conversation with your neighbors. You might just make a new friend. Hosted by the International Institute of Buffalo. Learn about all the wonderful work they’re doing in our city.
F. CRACKER JACK, LAY’S STAX, NERDS AND PEBBLES CEREAL
FREE Samples
Walk inside Niagara Square and get a FREE sample of Cracker Jack, Lay’s Stax, NERDS and Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles, while they last. Then have some fun and dive into coloring our giant cartoon mural!
G. BUFFALO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION (BAF)
Kids and adults can pop inside the BAF tent to take part in a coloring activity, a mosaic activity, story time and listen to fascinating discussions about our city’s iconic buildings. BAF is a passionate organization dedicated to enriching our community through architecture and design. They celebrate Buffalo’s rich architectural heritage and engage the public with programs that inspire and educate.
SPOTLIGHT
H. ZESPRI SUNGOLD KIWI
Powered by our purpose and charged by nature, we’re a fruit on a mission! We want to help consumers around the world live healthier, tastier lives. Our sweet and juicy kiwifruit is grown for taste by our passionate growers. Zespri Kiwifruit is 100% grower owned by past and current growers and we only do kiwifruit. Stop at our tent and try one today!
I. VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen invites you to check out our vehicle lineup in Niagara Square. Tour your favorite vehicle with a Product Specialist and get a complimentary gift* while supplies last.*See onsite VW staff for details
J. NFTA-METRO
Stop by and see us. Spin the Wheel of Prizes and learn about our public transit system and job opportunities. Just look for the big Metro bus in Niagara Square.
K. NYS TROOPERS
Visit the New York State Police at Court St. in Niagara Square. Ask questions of Troopers that are specially trained as Child Seat Technicians. Experience the Seatbelt Convincer for any persons over the age of 16 and in good physical health - a simulated crash demonstrates the positive effect that a safety belt can have on an occupant during a slow speed collision.
L. I LOVE NY
Take a trip through New York State in an I LOVE NY immersive getaway pod. Experience the great outdoors with virtual reality, discover the best of art & culture on a giant coloring wall, strike a pose in a hot air balloon, and more! Spin the prize wheel, and don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic I LOVE NY sculpture.
M. CHECKERS FRY LOVE EXPRESS
The Checkers/Rally’s Fry Love Express will be serving-up our Famous Fries! Be sure to stop by and get a FREE sample!
N. FIRST STUDENT
The First Student tent on the outer ring of Niagara Square is the only place to get a FREE tray to carry all your delicious food and beverages. Stop by and let the kids climb aboard our full-size school bus. Talk with First Student recruiters and pick up some cool swag.
O. THE TRAVELING TIPSY TRAILER
The Traveling Tipsy Trailer has refreshing Champagne and Wine Slush Pouches to enjoy! Our adult pouches are easy to carry with one finger, allowing you to be able to eat your heart out and stay cool while you do! Stop by! We’re on the outer ring of Niagara Square facing City Hall.
P. VISIT SAVANNAH
Hey Buffalo, the Surprisingly Savannah Mobile Tour is here! Experience Savannah’s charm with live music and free samples of delicious pralines and honey and more - come see us!
SPOTLIGHT
Q. THE SLUSH BUS BY MERRITT WINERY
It’s always a party with The Slush Bus! Our mobile food truck rolled into the Taste of Buffalo on Delaware and Mohawk to bring you our famous wine slush. Stop by to enjoy a glass of our refreshing & citrusy Sangria, or sweet & fruity XTC.
R. HARTMAN’S DISTILLING CO.
At Hartman’s Distilling Company, we’re turning back the clock to an age when summer days were long, sunsets were never long enough, and family and friends gathered on the porch, and it was all that we seemed to need. That’s why we’re here, doing what we do. Because we believe memories are best reclaimed in the presence of fine spirits and that nothing compels you to revel in community and togetherness like a fine spirit or a craft cocktail in good company. Stop by and get yourself a Hartman’s Seltzer or Loganberry Vodka cocktail.
✦ NEW YORK PORK PRODUCERS
New York Pork Producers has partnered with Taste restaurants again this year. As part of this exciting partnership, attendees will easily identify menu items featuring delicious pork products by the New York Pork Producers logo prominently displayed next to each dish.
✦ BATAVIA DOWNS
Be sure to check out the two giant digital screens at the festival to get the schedule and see the exciting summer entertainment line-up coming to Batavia Downs!
✦ CHEF’S
Meet Paisano from Chef’s roaming the festival to greet you! From Buffalo’s iconic Italian restaurant and one of the founding restaurants of the Taste of Buffalo, Chef’s!
✦ NEW ERA CAP
Stop into the New Era Cap flagship store at 160 Delaware and pick up some new merch on Saturday.
✦ Salsa in the Park’s dancers will spice up the inside of Niagara Square on Saturday from 12:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. Join in or just watch, but don’t miss it!
✦ Randy Golda, the Motivation King, is a rising influencer in our community with a treasure trove of motivational content and inspiration. Randy’s uplifting messages, reach hearts and minds far and wide. Stop by and chat with him inside Niagara Square, Saturday from 5:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
✦ Rick James Dance Party hosted by Stone City Affair featuring Rick James’s Stone City Band at the Genesee Beer Garden inside Niagara Square at 1pm. Behind every rock star, there is a great band. Formed in 1970 by The King of Punk Funk, Rick James, The Stone City Band served as Rick’s exclusive recording and touring band from the beginning to the height of his career. They are considered by many of their peers as being one of the greatest live-performing Funk/Rock Bands ever to hit a stage! An adrenaline rush of pure unabashed raw energy. Stone City Affair is ready to “Fire Up That Funk” Saturday night at Electric City, but first they’re stopping by the Taste to sign some autographs and give away some tickets to their show.
✦ Catch live local music, DJ P-Nasty and DJ Darkmatter, and enjoy a variety of performances throughout the festival both Saturday and Sunday.
INSIDE NIAGARA SQUARE ENTERTAINMENT
Dive into coloring our giant cartoon mural!
Get FREE samples of Cracker Jack, Lay’s Stax, NERDS and Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles, while they last from the sampling tent in Niagara Square.
Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Buffalo Architecture Foundation presents: Color, Create, and Learn! Pop into the Buffalo Architecture Foundation tent to take part in a coloring activity featuring Buffalo’s iconic buildings, create a paper mosaic tile and participate in story time.
Children may not be left unattended. Parents must accompany children at all times.
Food and Beverage tickets are also available at the festival ticket tents in sheets of 10 for $6.00, cash. Mastercard and Visa accepted.
Get your FREE tray from the First Student tent, in Niagara Square next to City Hall. While they last.
RECIPIENTS
Taste of Buffalo, Inc. in its continuing commitment to Western New York, is proud to offer a scholarship program for college-bound students in the eight counties of Western New York. See TasteofBuffalo.com in February for 2025 scholarship information.
ABIGAIL FLICK
I am a senior at Maryvale High School graduating in June 2024. As president of my school’s NAF Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, I developed a passion for the hospitality industry. I will be attending Niagara University to obtain my bachelor’s degree in Event Planning/ Tourism Meeting Management. After college, I hope to work at a hotel or country club. I am extremely grateful to the Taste of Buffalo and the Scholarship Committee for selecting me to receive this scholarship to further my education.
SERENITY LAWRENCE
I am a 2023 graduate from Lancaster High School and Erie 1 Career and Technical Center where I participated in the two-year Culinary Arts program. My passion for cooking grew as I continued through the Culinary Arts program. I also participated in SkillsUSA where I was picked to go to Regional Competition my senior year and won 1st place in food Prep Assistant. It empowered me to be a career ready learner and take everything offered even if it’s just for the experience. I took a gap year to save for college and further prepare myself. I will be attending Niagara Falls Culinary Institute this fall to expand my cooking abilities and my dream of having my own restaurant in the future. I would like to thank the Taste of Buffalo and the Scholarship Committee for choosing me and giving me the opportunity to expand my education.
SHAIRA SCOTT
After I graduate from Emerson School of Hospitality in June 2024, I plan to major in Culinary Arts at Niagara County Community College in the fall of 2024. I’ve been on the honor roll and participate in track and cheerleading. My goal is to become a traveling chef and begin working on opening a vegan restaurant after I finish my degree. Thank you to the Taste of Buffalo and the Scholarship Committee for selecting me for this scholarship. I am appreciative that I have this scholarship to support my academic endeavors.
JUSTIN (JUICE) SAUNDERS /TASTE OF BUFFALO SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
I will be a 2024 graduate of Jamestown High School and Erie 2 Chautauqua Cattaraugus BOCES – Hewes Educational Center, Culinary Arts program. I am honored to be the recipient of the Tops Friendly Markets/Taste of Buffalo scholarship. My passion for culinary arts is deep rooted. I grew up in the food industry, working around and for my family-owned food truck and catering business, Big Pitts BBQ. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, from my mother teaching me in the kitchen to my father in business. It always caught my attention and had some type of mystique that drew me in. My dream and career goals are to follow in the footsteps of my father and own my own business in the field of culinary arts production and management. I grew up in a family of 7 children, where my siblings modeled and encouraged my good work ethic. It’s my turn to take my life to the next level, to make an impact on the culinary arts world, and to continue to be successful. In the fall, I will be attending Alfred State majoring in Culinary Arts: Baking, Production and Management. Thank you to the Taste of Buffalo, Tops, and the Scholarship Committee for selecting me to receive this scholarship.
TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!
The Taste of Buffalo wouldn’t be possible without help from thousands of volunteers.
We would like recognize these groups for their dedication and hard work:
Amherst High School Wrestling
Boy Scout Troop #431
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart Parent’s Guild
Buffalo Bartenders
Clarence Destination Imagination
Daemen University
Daemen University Leadership & Innovation
Student Association
Erie County Senior Services
FeedMore WNY
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo
Restore Sattler Broadway Theatre
Shea’s Spotlight Committee
The United Methodist Church of Orchard Park
UB Accounting Association