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).

Photo taken by Rose Mattrey

 If you’re a fan of Wasabi and live in the Southtowns, the Japanese restaurant just opened a third location in Hamburg (complete with full table service, beer & wine, and a sushi bar).

The menu still holds a strong emphasis on Sashimi and Maki with new additions like a summery Sunflower Roll. Starters include Edamame beans seasoned with sea salt, Shrimp Shumai (i.e. dumplings), and Crispy Calamri. Hot entrees from the kitchen vary from Udon & Soba noodles with vegetables to Teriyaki Chicken, Grilled Salmon, and Beef Negimaki served with Miso soup or Green salad. Takeout is available (Wasabi Japanese Restaurant, 3701 McKinley  Pkwy, Hamburg, 716-828-1881, www.wasabius.com).

This month, Buffalo’s theatre district welcomes Encore (492 Pearl Street, Buffalo, 931.5001). The two-tiered supper club is situated in a NYC-style brownstone possessing charming elements like exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, subtle lighting, and four working fireplaces. Downstairs encompasses a full-length bar, candlelit tables, cozy private booths, and a spacious back patio that will host a happening bar scene with live music during the summer. A lofty upstairs reveals a more formal dining atmosphere where patrons can linger over dinner. Founded by a trio of Buffalo-born gentleman, they recruited Executive Chef Christopher Daigler from Oliver’s acclaimed kitchen and devised three menus to accommodate diverse cravings. There’s no shortage of edible options. The Bar menu serves casual-chic fare like French onion soup, caeser salad adorned with grilled shrimp, angus beef burgers, and house-made parmesean frites with truffle aioli. The Dinner menu offers a broad range of appetizers & entrees incorporating American Bistro, French, and Italian cooking. Kid-friendly meals like tomato soup served with grilled cheese bites and chicken fingers are also available for patrons who want to treat their children to dinner before the theatre. The last menu is strictly sushi and will be prepared by Omakase Get, former chef/owner of Pangea. Reservations for large dinner parties are strongly recommended.