Santora's Pizza - Amherst, NY

Back in the early 80s, I spent 6 months living in Buffalo, NY, while completing my final internships at a local hospital and PT Private Practice. Everyone in the area has their favorite and personal choice for wonderful wings and pizza. My own personal favorite was Santora's Pizza. The pizza wasn't exceptional, it was good, and tasty enough... i'd have two slices of pepperoni pizza and 20 pieces of medium wings... oh my... I can still savor the taste and the flavor as I type this!

The original location I remember seems to have gone with the wind, it's a real shame, imo, but the name and restaurants live on. For those 6 months I lived there in the area, I ate at Santora's a minimum of 3x/a week and never got tired of it. Great memories and really awesome wings.

Pat Mitchell's Ice Cream - Endicott

I attended SUNY Binghamton (we called it Harpur College) back in the day during the 70s. One of the great local favorite places I'd travel to was Pat Mitchell's Ice Cream in Endicott, NY. Back then it was a small place, quaint and delivered us great ice cream flavors. Thinking of Pat Mitchell's always brings a pleasant smile and many memories of an easier life and youth.

Here is a link to a great story written about Pat Mitchell's and how it has evolved into its current operation. ARTICLE on Pat Mitchell's.

They are located here these days: 231 Vestal Avenue Endicott, NY 13760 (607) 785-3080

I hope you try it out and enjoy it as much as I did. My favorite flavor was always chocolate chip, pure vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate... greatness, truly!

Sesame Seed Crust Pizza, Anyone?? Pietro's is THE ONE!

Another gem on Long Island, Pietro's Pizza, is located on East Meadow Avenue, in East Meadow. The pizza here is different, not as cheesy as some, not as saucy as others. But it IS great! Like eggplant? My son ONLY eats eggplant here, and ON the pizza. The highlight here is the sesame seeded crust. Pietro's has been a winner here in this area for over 30 years. I've been going here since 1987 and they have never let me down. Great pizza, good prices, a great place to eat. Yummmmm....

Pietro's Website

Veniero's - America's Oldest Italian Pastry Shop

Man, Veniero's is an all-time favorite for things like Sicilian cheesecake, and Cannoli. I often have a craving for their sandwich cookies dipped in chocolate. This original location is on 11th street, just off first avenue. It's a cool place to go and enjoy some beverages and dessert. It has a different feel than Ivy's bakery which I have written about. Veniero's is noisy and quite bright, Ivy's more mellow and elegantly understated.

Veniero's has been successful for over 100 years, and quality is the reason. The pastries here are always wonderful, delicious and consistent. On the East side, it's a tough place to beat.

342 E 11th St. That's where you want to go for authentic and delicious cannoli and italian cheesecakes. The strawberry shortcake is pretty amazing, too. I think i'm getting a crave on, just thinking about Veniero's. Here is the Link to their webpage: Veniero's Bakery

One of the Best Places for Steak - Ben & Jack's

Ben and Jack's is one of my favorite steak places. I know the "common" thought is that Peter Luger's is "the" place to go, but I disagree. This place was set up and run by former Luger employees, and they've done a GREAT job of creating a classy establishment with great service and delicious food and steaks done the Right Way.

Ben and Jack's has expanded to two locations in Manhattan, but the one I go to is the original location on 219 E. 44th Street. Parking can be found there, and it is convenient to get to. This is where Cory and I go when we get a craving for amazing bacon, and really great steaks. I honestly don't think anyone would be disappointed making the trip here. Reservations are highly recommended. 212-682-5678

Great Steaks Here!

Ivy Bakery on Houston Street... Yum!!

After picking up Cory following his dance class one night, we drove down Houston Street and I spotted a bakery that was open after 9pm! I had to stop in and Man, was I glad I did. I'm always on a quest to find delicious baked goods, and Ivy Bakery really made an impact on me. It's a small place with a lounge like atmosphere where we can sit, chat and enjoy a beverage and some sweet and fresh baked goods. The owner and operator is very sweet and accommodating and offers a lot of information about her products.
I wanted to post up a pic of my favorite Pecan Pie from her, but the pie rarely lasts long enough for me to photograph it, lol. We ordered one for thanksgiving this year and it was a huge hit.

Ivy Bakery is located on the Village-SoHo border at 138 W. Houston St., near MacDougal Street, and she makes a lot of custom pies/cakes and cookies, too. She has an extensive menu and also has blackboard specials! Check them out, I am sure you would find a new spot to fill your craving for baked goods.

Ivy Bakery

Tim Tebow - Winner... NY Jets Losers

Lots of folks talking on the radio about Tim Tebow and his lack of playing time on the Jets. I watched this guy play a lot. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a leader and can be an effective catalyst for a team. I respect him for being a Winner and for being a competitor and for being a human with sincere beliefs. I look foward to the end of his time with the Jets and for an opportunity to play and represent another team.