Meeting #14: Beyond Book Club Buffalo
November 10, 2022 – November 13, 2022

Three words describe BBCBUFF: Books, Bills and Buffalo Wings

Thursday (Allentown)
BBC Buffalo began with a full plate as the Book Club descended on Gabriel’s Gate to sample that local delicacy known as Buffalo Wings. After several dozen crispy, spicy, and heavenly wings (score 9.1/10) and several “sodas” to wash them down, the lads turned in an early night to prepare for a half day of work on Friday.

Friday (Canal Side and Chippewa)
After supporting the American economy for 4 full hours of work, the Book Club took its talents to Buffalo’s* gift to the world, Hofbrauhaus. At lunch, we had delicious German platters and refreshing beverages, but most importantly, we debated the merits of Matt Haig’s novel Midnight Library. Like the plates of schnitzel, some found it palatable, while others weren’t in the mood. Overall, the Book Club found this book slightly below the average (rating TBD).

After lunch, we meandered past the sweet smell of Lucky Charms from the General Mills factory, and sought refuge from the rain in a frozen paradise, Buffalo Riverworks. There, we witnessed the greatness that is amateur hockey. Some won money, some lost money but fun was had by all as we rooted on some future NHL stars. Next we enjoyed a massive (like, massive) dinner on Chippewa St and then found ourselves seated by a lovely fireplace in an Irish pub. We quickly made friends** playing a simple game(s) of fingers. The night closed out at a live band karaoke bar, where we learned a lot more than we bargained for from a stone cold Steve Austin look alike as he sang, “my own worst enemy.”

Saturday (Elmwood Village)
Saturday began like a typical Book Club Saturday with some members running miles through the local tundra, others playing simulator golf, and others sleeping in (we will not name names here… you can guess who did what). After these morning activities, we gathered for brunch on Elmwood Ave and then walked through the beautiful Fredrick Law Olmsted designed park system, surrounded by Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes. It’s beautiful. Don’t take our word for it, go see for yourself. We made our way to a soccer field in Delaware Park to play a very one sided game of kickball. While we were cold, wet, and muddy we all had a great time and warm hearts***. After a great pitching performance by Max, we made our way back to the hotel to shower and mentally prepare for the true test of the weekend: the wing tour.

The wing tour began at Coles on Elmwood Ave (this is Eric’s favorite bar on the planet). We ordered 90 wings (extra crispy, hot – do it) and then began discussing James McBride’s Deacon King Kong. This book-wing combo was heavenly (wings: 8.6/10, book: TBD but it will be pretty high). We discussed McBride’s unique writing style, New York in the 60s, and the deep character development that made this book so great. After finishing the wings and discussion, we walked a whole 10 feet to the bar next door, Mr. Goodbar for our next stop on the wing tour. These wings are small, crispy, and not to be messed with (wings: 8.4/10 and James Dwyer’s favorite of the weekend – he was our wing eating champ, so listen to him). We played pool and then moved on to 3rd stop, Thirsty Buffalo. This bar was packed, so we didn’t stay long but just long enough to put down another 30 wings. At this point, we are hurting. Some threw in the towel, but most powered through like the blue collar workers that built Buffalo. We mustered up all the strength to make one final stop, Coulter Bay. At this point, the amount of sodium and butter consumed had dulled the taste of everything – so who knows how good these wings were. But we came, saw, and conquered. Nearly 200 wings consumed. It was time for bed.

Sunday (Orchard Park)
Sunday began at the crack of dawn, driven by the giddy excitement of the day’s plans and the unease simmering in the pits of our stomachs (picture a windy day on a boat on the cold waters of Lake Erie – that was how we felt and looked). But nothing could stop this train from circling the wagons for the Buffalo Bills. Mark picked us up in the DJ Shuttle and drove us the short 20 minutes to Hammers Lot in Orchard Park. Quick note about Hammer, he is a character – some things can not be written about Hammer (his name is Hammer, so… it makes sense). We proceeded to enjoy a Bills tailgate to its fullest under a snowy November sky. People threw balls, people rang bells with large mallets, people did other stuff – we all had a blast. Before we knew it, it was time for the game. We watched a great first half (we refuse to write about the second half). Fast forward 3 hours, we are enjoying a lovely warm meal at BBC guest Nate’s mom’s house. And with that, BBC 14 came to a close.

*This is not true
**People were annoyed by us, as per usual; we are not quiet in a large group – you will notice our presence
***This was by no means due to cinnamon flavored liquor that causes a ball of fire in your stomach