Fall may be in the air but there’s still time for one last summer hurrah… The Boys of Summer are giving a free live performance this Wednesday on the scenic outdoor patio behind Creekside Banquet Hall (2669 Union Rd @ the corner of William St, Cheektowaga, NY  14227, September 23rd, 6-10 pm).

The concert will coincide with an old-school Car Cruise from 5-10 p.m. so be prepared to see a lot of social activity throughout the evening. Don’t forget to bring your appetite as you’ll be able to purchase plenty of favorites from the grill like burgers, sausages, & hot dogs and enjoy wine, beer, & cocktails from a full (cash) bar.

 If you’re in Toronto during the film festival and want experience nightlife in the Queen City  ‘celebrity-style,‘ head to Yorkville… 

  Dimmi’s Trattoria & Bar (140 Cumberland Ave., Toronto, ON, 416.975.110) has the ultimate people watching patio that’s jammed with tiny tables that are so close together you can bump elbows with patrons sitting next to you. However, the service is thorough and the menu features rustic Italian fare that complements the wine list. I’d recommend splitting the Calzone’s, thin-crust pizzas, & pasta courses as portions are fairly hearty. It’s a bit pricey but worth the splurge (and the tight dining quarters).

If you’re looking for other recommendations in Yorkville, two locals who know a thing or two about hob-knobbing in Toronto devised the following list… Hemingways, which is next door to Dimmi’s has a happening upstairs patio scene and good bar food. For the ultimate view, head to The Park Hyatt Hotel Rooftop Lounge.   If you appreciate Japanese cuisine, Ki has a sophisticated menu (including sushi & sashimi) and a Nobu-esque bar scene. For a romantic setting, Sotto Sotto is rumored to be one of the best trattorias in town to propose to someone. If you don’t mind a little pretension,  Ristorante Spuntini is ‘the place to be and be seen’ as well as  The Four Seasons Hotel Bar & Restaurant where Matt Damon was being hounded by paparazzi & stargazers last Saturday.

Stay tuned for more updates on nightlife in the Queen City…

Kuni’s will be temporarily closed Monday, September 14th-Wednesday, September 23rd.

The Japanese restaurant/sushi bar will re-open on Thursday, September 24th!  (Kuni’s, 226 Lexington Avenue, Buffalo, 716.881.3800, www.kunisbuffalo.com).

If you missed out on the delectable benefits of participating in Western New York’s Local Restaurant Week last March, the epicurean event is returning in time for Fall! (Local Restaurant Week, September 21st-28th, 2009, Downtown Buffalo & Surrounding Suburbs).

Restaurants will once again devise $20.09 fixed-price menus (excluding tax & gratuity) that will showcase their chefs’ culinary skills and satiate patrons.

According to Vincent McConeghy, Community Manager @ LocalFoodService.com, “the month of September can be notoriously slow for the restaurant industry. Holding Restaurant Week during fall harvest will hopefully inspire the community to support local agriculturists & independent operators at a time when business is greatly appreciated.”

Indeed, last March’s Restaurant Week proved to be extremely successful. An even grandeur list of restaurants will partake in the week-long affair and there will be a regional feel, thanks to wineries & breweries that have agreed to join in on the festivities.

Be sure to check out WNY Restaurant Week’s Website for updates as new venues & menus will be posted daily (WNY Restaurant Week, September 21-28, 2009, http://westernnewyork.localrestaurantweek.com/home.cfm).

If you’ve ever dined on authentic fish n’ chips in the UK or New England check out downtown’s Buffalo newest take-out establishment; ‘Captain Jack’s Fish n’ Chips’ (1066 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222, 716.881.3474).

Captain Jack’s menu mainly comprises seafood omitting a grilled Chicken & Spinach sandwich, Portabella sandwich, and Veggie Burger. Fish fry’s and Fish n’ Chips are served daily in addition to seafood starters and entrees. Prices range from $3.99 for Fish Tacos to $9.99 for the Cajun Blackened Tuna steak dinner.

Some of Captain Jack’s specialties include spicy ‘Buffalo’ Calamari, Crab Cakes served w/ cajun tartar sauce, BBQ Shrimp skewers, Shrimp ’scampi’ Ravioli, and a Coconut-crusted Shrimp entree. Side dishes range from vegetarian coleslaw and hush puppies to macaroni salad, sweet potato fries, and ‘chips,’ which can be seasoned w/ salt & malt vinegar or dipped in CJ’s homemade mustard tartar sauce.

If you’re curious about the epicurean history of ‘Fish n’ Chips,’ the recipe originated in the United Kingdom and is categorized as take-away food in England. It’s traditionally made with haddock fillets, cod, or flounder and served with deep-fried chipped (slab-cut) potatoes .

Captain Jack’s Fish n’ Chips is open Monday-Thursday (11am-9pm), Friday & Saturday (11am-11pm), and closed Sunday. A website is not yet available…

If you support the farm-to-table movement, you’ll appreciate Farmers & Artisans; a year-round farmers market that’s about to open in Williamsville (Farmers & Artisans, 78 East Spring Street, Wmsvl, N.Y. 14221, 716.633.2830).

The market will encompass an array of goods from beef & poultry provided by local farms to seasonal produce, eggs, dairy, cheeses, homemade preserves, and fresh baked breads from The Artful Table.

Other perks inside the market will include maple products, honey, fruit butters, jams, juices, sauces, and gourmet pizzas from the in-house bakery.

Stay tuned for updates on Farmers & Artisans and opening date info…