The Best Hot Chocolate in Town

TASTE

While you may have a hard time getting through the line because of Taste’s popularity and lack of competition in East Aurora (Starbucks recently closed their location) the wait is worth it at this locally owned and operated shop. An order of hot chocolate is served in a glass beer mug with whipped topping by a friendly staff making Taste one of our recommended stops for a fresh glass of hot chocolate to warm you up this winter.

SPOT

While everyone knows SPOT as the place to go for coffee, SPOT is becoming a popular place for lunch as well.  They also offer one kicking cup of hot chocolate fittingly topped with an abundance of whipped cream and cinnamon topping, the perfect remedy for to warm up on a cold afternoon. The rich combination of Ghirardella Chocolate, steamed milk and whipped cream is top of the line. Add to it a cookie of choice and you have the perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s day. Other treats include specialty coffee, upscale beverages, fresh baked goods and friendly, neighborhood-like environment.

PANERA

PANERA has made a splash entrance into WNY and has been expanding with new stores on Main Street in Williamsville, Transit and Losson in Depew and more planned. Their unique approach to delightful deserts and lunch has attracted a cult like lunch following. Their hot chocolate is no different, bringing a tasty sweet treat. Recommended with a cinnamon roll. 

Editor's Note

Buffalo has gotten a bad rap when it comes to weather, especially winter. We all know that our region, on a typical winter enjoys our fair share of snow, like any city in the Northeast. But, for  a number of reasons Buffalo has gotten the reputation of being one of the snow capitals of the country. On page 22 we (with the help of a number of data miners including buffaloresearch.com) debunk some of the myths about our region’s weather and yet our cover story celebrates the region’s assets when it comes to things to enjoy in the winter, namely skiing. It’s an interesting dichotomy. On one hand we despise the label of our city being a snow capital and on the other hand we have assets that help us enjoy the colder months. There is one camp that tries to educate the country that Buffalo really isn’t the snow capital the country thinks it is. On the other hand ski resorts and winter sports lovers try to convince locals to get out and embrace the cold and enjoy winter activities. In our cover story and throughout this issue you will find that tension existing, it’s something that Buffalonians live with.

     Also in this issue we introduce THRiVE! For A Cause a new initiative adopting a worthy cause and an affiliated non-profit. Then we educate readers, support local business and raise awareness and money for a hard working non-profit. This issue we     selected Hearts for the Homeless, a ministry based in Buffalo’s Riverside District on Buffalo’s West Side. In this new section you can explore the issue of poverty and homelessness and then get involved by participating in our 30 Day Challenge. The challenge will take place the month of March and you can stay in touch, participate and win cool prizes by liking us on Facebook and or by subscribing to our daily email for the 30 Days. Your participation can and will make a difference.

     Thanks again for reading and as always feel free to send your comments and opinions to kyle@thrivebuffalo.org.

Thanks,

Kyle Patterson, Publisher and Editor                            

Buffalo Jills Win

Despite the Bills lackluster 2nd half of the season performance, the Buffalo Jills according to a voting poll conducted by the New England Sports Networks readers are the top cheerleaders in the league. The matchup went like this: Each cheerleading squad was paired with another teams. Voters then sent in their votes leading to a final showdown between Buffalo and Dallas with Buffalo despite the two superbowl loses to the Cowboys were able to overcome the odds and win their first cheerleading championship in Jills history.

M&T Campaign Highlights Local Successes

M&T Bank, one of WNY's biggest corporate philanthropists with a huge imprint in our communty continues their campaign for a brighter Western New York. Their commercial aired during the Superbowl highlighting the many aspects that the WNY headquartered bank is a part of. Great job....http://weallsucceed.com