Potpourri for a Thursday

Potpourri for a Wednesday

Koban’s 2.0 is worth a visit

Last Friday, Beth and I visited Koban’s 2.0 for dinner. Glen and Tracy Garrow have reopened the venerable Niagara Street establishment and are building out their staff and trying to honor the legacy built by Marsha, the previous owner, who retired about 5 years ago.

Tracy greeted us from a table near the door and was prepared to turn us away because we didn’t have reservations, which are required on Friday only. (Call (716)-236-7007 or visit https://kobans20.com/reservations-2/ to avoid that problem.) Glen appeared and advised her it was OK, he could fit us in. He warned us to be patient because of the newness of the operation but our wait was not bad.

We shared pierogies, a fish fry and key lime pie. It is our habit to share because portions are usually so big we often end up with lunch the next day. The fish was great, a big slab of beer-better haddock. The slaw was ample, with a perfect vinegar base. The pierogi appetizer was deep fried and a bit of an undersized portion, definitely different the Marsha’s which were the best in Niagara Falls. (Or at least better than Polish Nook and Gadawski’s, I am looking for suggestions for where else to try)

Cold weather biking

A few weeks ago I biked early to put out some rental bikes for Marc Moscato of Buffalo Bike Tours. It was 39 degrees at our house. I wore a wool hat under my helmet but made the rookie winter mistake of forgetting gloves.

Along the bike path, the grass had a bit of frost. Marc’s tagline is “Ride Before it Snows”. When I first saw it, I said “What’s that mean? I ride when it snows. 12 months of the year."

I still feel that way. This will be my 3rd season. Long underwear, neoprene handlebar mitts, warm hat, down jacket and a buff.

Seriously though, I could do a whole Short Take on Buffalo Bike Tours making a foray into Niagara Falls and succeeding. Plans are to do more next season. Here’s to Marc for taking the risk of purchasing a fleet of bikes, setting up storage and proving concept in Year 1.

I led a few tours this season and also helped him by putting away bikes on many nights all summer long. Here’s a link to his Website.

About the birds

A few weeks ago I saw people with high-end binoculars on Goat Island, staring at the treetops near Three Sisters.

The Fall warbler migration is underway. I didn’t have binoculars but they said they saw several warblers including Cape May and Blackburnian as well as a golden-crowned kinglet.

Fall warblers are like gulls, sometimes hard to differentiate. One bird that is easier to see and a sure sign of the coming of winter is the dark-eyed junco. Vertical tail stripes flash white as they flit way.

When does the frost come

This morning we had a bit on the front lawn but somehow my vegetable garden is still surviving. The fennel got out of control this season, so did the weeds but my tomato plants thrived even as they struggled with Canada Thistle.

As I started to tame things to plant garlic, I realized I have two healthy Roma plants extending a full 2-feet past their cages, supported by weeds and filled with tomatoes.

Somehow I remember a similar tale of an Amish gardening technique. Maybe later I will pick the green tomatoes and stop trusting my luck.