JoJo’s bill of fare can be approached “tapas-style” as it’s filled with flavorful small plates that are perfect for sharing ($5-$12). Entrees range from $12-$18 and vary from Braised Short Ribs to Crispy Grilled (half) Chicken, Pastas with house-made sauces, and Wood Fired Pizzas.

Almost every item on the menu pairs well with JoJo’s selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Wine connoiseurs may want to begin with the Artisan cheese flight ($18) and Charcuterie board ($14), which come with gourmet sides like crisp flat bread, Mediterranean olives, caper berries, cornichons, and sweet & spicy mustard. Cheeses & Cured Meats can also be ordered individually ($4/item) and a mixed olive tray is also available for olive lovers ($5). If you want to add greens to your meat & cheese starters, try the BLT salad.

Almost every bistro has a signature burger including JoJo although their version is somewhat unique as it constitutes a trio of mini cheeseburgers (Bison, Beef, & Lamb) served on warm brioche buns. If you’re looking for light bistro fare, the Beet salad is a lovely starter, thanks to the chef’s use of seasonal (red & gold) beets accompanied by arugula and Goat cheese creme fraiche. 

A few recipes still need tweaking like the BLT salad (hint: riper beefsteak tomatoes & more Bibb lettuce) and the cornmeal-dusted Calamari (perhaps a tangy tomato dipping sauce or sweet chili sauce will do the trick). However, the wood-oven roasted Pablano Pepper is surprisingly pleasing to the palate, complements of the sweet sausage & aged cheddar stuffing and warm tomato coulis. 

The Baked “Open Faced Sandwich” of Asparagus, Goat cheese, & Proscuitto is also well prepared as are the Duck spring rolls accompanied by a sweet ginger demi glace. And if you’re a fan of flat bread pizzas, JoJo’s Wood-Fired pizzas are surprisingly filling. Sauce lovers will appreciate the house-made marinara on the Margherita and may want to request an extra side to dip their crusts in.

JoJo Bistro is now open for lunch (Mon-Fri) & Dinner (Mon-Sun). Seating options range from a lengthy bar with built in handbag hooks to high table tops, spacious booths, and formal dining room tables. Walk-ins are welcome.

Photo taken by Rose Mattrey

Just Vino (846 Main Street, Buffalo, 725-0166) will finally open its doors on November 1st! The cozy neighborhood enoteca will give curious connoisseurs a chance to round out their palates by sampling Old & New World wines faring from Australia, Europe, and the America’s. The well-rounded list (divided by winery, region, year, and cost) will rotate monthly depending on which new labels the owners acquire during their tasting travels. Epicureans will be pleased to find tapas-style snacks like artisan cheese platters, imported meats (i.e. Chorizo & Jamon), breads, spreads, and olives to accompany wine by the glass or bottle.