In this special episode, Brian recaps Bottles & Bites at Statler Buffalo (Nov 13). He, Jesse, and Scott hit GA this year—easy entry, stellar venue, and a strong mix of food, beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Pre-game was at Southern Tier Buffalo (Mediterranean Burger + Ghost Note IPL = clutch).

Highlights

Beer stops & standouts:

• Mystic Hills & Schulz Bräu to start
• Hofbräuhaus Munich Oktoberfest (most-poured of the night)
• Big Ditch Kringle Juice IPA (keg kicked—drinking great)
• Resurgence Holiday Ale & Sipmo as the roaming pour

Food bites (from memory… because they went fast):

• Chef’s stuffed shells; meatballs
• Beef on weck; open-face Reubens
• Hofbräuhaus pretzels with beer cheese (until the cheese ran out)
• Hanson's sausage
• A surprise drunken pineapple upside-down cornbread that slapped

Venue vibes:

Statler remains an all-timer—opulent main hall, helpful mezzanine seating, live music, satellite bars. (Also wild personal note: same room as Brian’s high-school prom.)

Room for Improvement

• For a 2.5-hour GA window (6–8:30pm), several food vendors began packing up 8:10–8:15; by 8:30 many were gone. That’s tough for attendees.
• More visible rinse/water stations would help, especially with beer → cocktails → wine hopping.

Tips for Next Year

• Consider VIP if you want the widest food selection before lines/stock dip.
• Hit beer first, then food—then loop back for a dessert splash.
• If Statler opens the mezzanine, grab a perch early.

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• Hotline: 716-486-BEER — What was your Bottles & Bites favorite?

Closing

Thanks to everyone who said hi and to the folks who came because of Brian’s recs—means the world. Back next Tuesday with a beer-focused episode. Cheers!

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