Food News You Can Use

Once again, chef Kuniyuki Sato has proven it’s never too late to reinvent one’s menu concept. Kuni’s (226 Lexington Avenue, 881-3800 / www.kunisbuffalo.com) is finally open as a full-service restaurant encompassing tables, an elegant hand-carved walnut bar, and a vibrant sushi counter where patrons can observe the chef demonstrate his skills.

Opus (photo by Rose Mattrey)

The menu is an ode to traditional Japanese dishes and Kuni’s culinary creations. Sashimi and nigiri are available a la carte ($1.25-$2.50) in addition to an array of sushi rolls ($3-$6) and chef’s choice combinations ($11-$21). House specialties include shrimp or pork shumai ($5), tofu gyoza ($6), Cajun tetaki-style tuna finished with a citrus soy sauce ($9), and soba noodle salad—green tea-infused buckwheat noodles adorned with sweetened tofu, fresh wakame, and a soy-based dressing ($6). To name a few…

If you’re not in the mood for seafood, sample the sesame steak salad ($8), vegetable tempura ($6), or Kuni’s fried chicken ($6). Full bar service is coming soon, and meanwhile patrons are welcome to dine at the bar. For restaurant hours and menu details, visit www.kunisbuffalo.com.

If you’re searching for a novel lounge that provides global beats, sophisticated cocktails, and European flare, head to Opus (252 Delaware Avenue, 381-8106). The cosmopolitan venue is finally open to city dwellers seeking martinis with a twist, champagne cocktails, world music, house, and acid jazz, and a chic atmosphere.

Opus’ champagne bar features mixed drinks, specialty martinis, and international wine list, and champagne by the split or full bottle, ranging from Dom Perignon to Veuve Cliquot to Tattinger. Rouge-colored walls, rich oil paintings, Persian rugs, plush couches, and hanging lanterns give the venue a French-Moroccan flare. If you’re seeking bottle service, reserve a table in the main lounge or VIP room. Opus will be open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Downtown Buffalo and Allentown are about to meet Merge (439 Delaware Avenue, www.mergebuffalo.com). Founded by a group of 20- to 30-somethings seeking social enlightenment, Merge is designed to appeal to creative individuals in search of great eats, entertainment, and good company. The outcome: A cosmopolitan café des artistes encompassing a coffee bar and community tables surrounded by bookshelves, cards, art supplies, and board games. In addition to offering mind-engaging activities, Merge will host open mic sessions, movie nights, art classes, and creative writing courses. Special events and class listings will be posted on a monthly calendar.

Merge will be open weekdays, weeknights, and weekends for lunch and dinner.

Although they’re waiting on their liquor license, they plan on serving beer and wines that hail from local vineyards. Executive chef Ambrosia Borowski, a graduate of the Chicago Culinary Institute, has devised a menu to accommodate all eating habits, from omnivores to picky palates to vegetarians. Serving up comfort foods like mac and cheese, fried ravioli, ratatouille, wraps, and calzones, she will also focus on cooking vegan and gluten-free fare. Merge is scheduled to open in early January. For opening day info and calendar listings, visit www.mergebuffalo.com.

HOLIDAY ALTERNATIVES

If you want to avoid cooking a giant feast this Christmas Eve or evade kooky relatives on Christmas Day, check out these alternatives:

If you’re in the mood for Asian-fusion fare, Papaya (118 West Chippewa Street, 856-2444) is serving their regular dinner menu until 11pm on Christmas Eve. They’re also kicking off the holiday with live jazz (6-10pm), two-for-one martinis, and half-priced sushi (5-11pm). The bar will remain open all night. Wasabi (100 Plaza Drive, Williamsville, 689-5888, and 752 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, 887-8388) will serve sushi and Japanese fare during their regular business hours, both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Elmwood location is still waiting on its liquor license but offers a variety of soft drinks and teas.

Moving toward the Boulevard, Saigon Bangkok (512 Niagara Falls Boulevard, 837-2115) will remain open on Christmas Eve until 10pm and Red Pepper (3910 Maple Road, Amherst, 831-3878) will maintain regular business hours (11am-10pm) both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you crave Cantonese, May Jen (47 Kenmore Avenue, Amherst, 832-5162) will serve dinner on Christmas Eve until 10pm. If you’re in the market for Szechwan-style, venture across the border to Ming Teh (126 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Fort Erie, 905-871-7971). Ming Teh has regular dinner hours on Christmas Eve and is open Christmas Day, 5-10 pm.

If you really want to splurge on Christmas Eve, book a reservation at the Buffalo Chophouse (282 Franklin Street, 842-6900 / www.buffalochophouse.com). The Chophouse will also be open on Christmas Day, 2-9 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended. Rue Franklin (341 Franklin Street, 852-4416) is still taking reservations for Christmas Eve (5:30-9pm). Shanghai Red’s (2 Templeton Terrace, 852-7337) is now accepting reservations for Christmas Eve dinner (4:30-8pm) and a Christmas Day buffet (noon-5pm). Siena (4516 Main Street, Snyder, 839-3108) will also remain open on Christmas Eve (4-8 pm).

If you want a less formal atmosphere, Gabriel’s Gate (145 Allen Street, 886.0602) will serve appetizers and entrees from their regular menu on Christmas Eve until 10pm. Cole’s (1104 Elmwood Avenue, 886-1449) will serve their regular dinner menu along with Christmas Eve specials (11pm-4am). The kitchen will be closed on Christmas Day but the bar will open at 7pm. Elmwood Restaurant & Lounge (522 Elmwood Avenue, 882-5881) is featuring Christmas Eve specials for $13.95 and stays open until 3am. The Steer (3151 Main Street, 838-0478) will serve dinner on Christmas Day until 11pm and remain open until 4am. Their kitchen will be closed Christmas Day, but the bar opens at 8pm.

Delaware and Chippewa’s newest lounge, Opus (252 Delaware Avenue, 381-8106) is holding late-night hours on Christmas Eve. Stop by for a happy hour martini or come after dinner for a champagne cocktail. The Snooty Fox Lounge (445 Delaware Avenue, 843-3699) will host its annual Christmas night party on Thursday, December 25 (when else?), beginning at 9 pm.

If you’re looking for live music on Christmas Day, head to Nietzsche’s (248 Allen Street, 886-8539) and hear Tina Crapsi perform (9pm).

If you feel particularly lazy on Christmas Eve, perhaps you’re a candidate for pizza delivery: Manhattan Pizza & Pasta (245 Delaware Avenue, 842-1986) will stay open for pickup and delivery until midnight! Just Pizza (Elmwood and Summer location, 883-5650) will deliver until 11pm and La Nova (371 West Ferry Street, 881-3355) will remain open for pickup and delivery until 10pm.

Bocce Club Pizzeria (4174 Bailey Avenue, 833-1344) will remain open and deliver until 7pm and Picasso’s (6812 Transit Road, Williamsville, 631-0222) will deliver until 8pm. Amherst Pizza & Ale House (55 Crosspoint Parkway, Getzville, 625-7100) will remain open for dinner and deliver until 4pm. Their bar will reopen on Christmas Day at 9pm. Last but not least, Brennan’s Bowery Bar (4401 Transit Road, 633-9630) will open at 8pm on Christmas Day.