First Annual North Tonawanda Fall Festival

On Saturday, Hilary and I attended the First Annual North Tonawanda Fall Festival, sponsored by the NT Youth and Recreation Department and the Christian Academy of Western New York. Especially for its first year, this festival was fun, well-attended and smoothly organized. It took up the entire front lawn of the Gersh Academy on Payne Avenue. There were a lot activities available for all ages.

Throughout the festival, there were arts & crafts booths, a basket raffle, and book fair. For kids, there were bounce houses, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and simple games. There were also community-oriented events available, like an NT firefighter open house, flu shots, and an Interchurch Food Pantry drive for coats and nonperishables.

Food booths featured seasonal foods like hot cocoa, cider, pulled pork, and chili.

Book fair, held inside the gym

Bounce houses for kids!

Pulled pork and "frenchy fries" smelled delicious

Lots of crafters with homemade items, like these jams

Fall-themed craft booths

A "pumpkin patch" for the kids

Raffle theme baskets

The Suzuki Strings Fiddle Club contributed the soundtrack

Small Business Spotlight: Yummy Thai

When Yummy Thai opened on Webster Street in 2010, I was skeptical. Would a Thai restaurant flourish in such a historically white-bread community like NT? I'm glad to say I was proven wrong.

The dining room is simply decorated, but a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere. Yummy Thai's menu is varied, with over 60 items to chose from. Every dish I've tried there has been delicious, with a complex and fresh flavor profile.

Most dishes include flavors like coconut, basil, chili sauce, peanut, and lemongrass, and can be prepared with your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The items on the menu are all described in detail, so even if you're new to Thai food, you can find something that appeals to you. Not all Thai food is spicy, but be sure to tell them if you can't handle the heat!

Credit: yummythairestaurant.com

Dinner entrees with rice range from $11-20. Their lunch specials (before 2:30 pm) are a great deal at $7-9, which includes soup, rice, and a spring roll. Thai Iced Tea is a must-try.

If you'd like to try Yummy Thai, WNY Local Restaurant Week from October 15-21 is a great time - they'll offer a full dinner (appetizer/drink, dinner, and dessert) for one for $20.12, and dinner for two at $30.12.

Info:
Yummy Thai
Dine-in, takeout and delivery
92 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
(716) 694-1763
www.yummythairestaurant.com

Hot scoop! Construction at the old Nestor's site

Many of us have spent late nights at Nestor's Texas Red Hots with friends, downing coffee and diner-style breakfasts. The last few years weren't good to the landmark restaurant - they shortened their hours, and both the interior and exterior had seen better days. Sadly, Nestor's closed late last year, and the building has sat vacant since.

This blogger was walking through downtown NT yesterday when she spotted heavy development on the site of the old restaurant! It appears they're gutting and reconstructing the entire first floor.

Working hard on the storefront

The construction workers were hard at work, but I managed to nab one just long enough to ask what the plans are for this building. He told me it's slated to become Webster's Bistro & Bar, a French-style bistro.

Ooh la la! How exciting! I hope it has outdoor seating. I look forward to drinking un café there once it opens.