Buffalo’s Restaurant Secrets Are Out

There's a mural on the side of a building on Mainstreet that says, "Keep Buffalo a Secret." If that's really the goal, we're not doing a very good job, as many of the Queen City's best-kept restaurant secrets have been shared on the small screen. That's not a bad thing. Let's get the word out.

Over the past few years, The Food Network has been in town to film at several restaurants (they number in the double digits) for their series, 'Restaurant Impossible.' If you haven't watched the show before, it's all about the show's host, Robert Irvine, helping to rescue restaurants struggling or grappling with, sometimes, numerous and unexpected obstacles. The latest showcase for 'Restaurant Impossible' is Casa Di Francesca's in South Buffalo, which was on The Food Network last night and this morning.

It's no secret that Buffalo has an enviable food scene. A few years ago, USA Today did a piece on cities with the most underrated food scenes, and of course, Buffalo was named. From our synonymous wings to beef on weck, and even our pizza (there's nothing like Buffalo pizza), it's a foodie haven.

By the way, if you're in Mexican food and haven't checked out Las Puertas yet, you really need to (385 Rhode Island Street). It's not Mexican food in the way you might imagine. It's traditional Mexican cuisine, and their menu changes all the time because all the ingredients are local, seasonal and fresh. It's different from just about anything you've had before but in an excellent way.

Even better, now that the weather is breaking, it'll be nice to get out and enjoy all the great food, with a view of the water. There are tons of great places to lounge the day away over food and drinks...or just drinks, to each their own. The bottom line is the secrets out. And that's a good thing.