La Fiesta Cantina opens its doors on Allen; new dishes at Mister Sizzle’s, Nil

Margaritas, music and molcajetes are returning to Allentown at La Fiesta Cantina, a new(ish) Mexican restaurant located in the former Don Tequila space.

La Fiesta Cantina is more of a rebrand of Don Tequila than a new restaurant. Jose Castaneda owned Don Tequila for the past five years and closed his doors in September after dealing with several burglaries. However, because he still had three years left on his lease and was in the process of renovating his other Mexican restaurants across the state, he chose to renovate Don Tequila and reopen under a new name.

“Reopening was a big investment,” Castaneda said. “We’re going to give Allen Street another chance.”

At La Fiesta Cantina, opened a few weeks ago at 73 Allen St., the menu is recognizable and still as extensive as Don Tequila’s, with a few additions. Lunch specials, such as huevos rancheros ($15), where crispy corn tortillas are topped with beans, chorizo, eggs, avocado, ranchero sauce and queso, are back. You can always expect sizzling fajitas, tacos, nachos, seafood, salads, fried ice cream, vegan/vegetarian options, and a selection of non-Mexican dishes like mozzarella sticks and wings.

What’s new? Beef birria. This is a traditional Mexican dish of slow-cooked beef with vegetables and spices in a flavorful stew. The broth is then strained to make a dip called Consommé. Fiesta Cantina has a new section on its menu dedicated to birria, which can be ordered in a burrito, taco, chimichanga and quesadilla, or layered on nachos and fries.

Castaneda owns 15 restaurants throughout New York, including Aguacates on Elmwood Avenue and Margaritas in Depew. He plans to open another Aguacates location in late May at 3540 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, formerly Buffalo Wild Wings.

Forty Thieves Kitchen and Bar (727 Elmwood Ave.) reopened May 13 after a temporary closure following the death of owner Tommy Cowan. “The Forty family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support as we have lost one of our greatest,” Forty Thieves wrote on Instagram. “Stop and share happy memories and enjoy a drink and food like Tommy would have wanted.” Forty Thieves and Doc Sullivan’s, another restaurant owned by Cowan, closed their doors last week following his death. Doc Sullivan’s (474 ​​Abbott Road) remains closed.

Guercio & Sons (250 Grant St.), a neighborhood grocery and deli on the West Side known for its thick, inexpensive sandwiches, will close its doors May 22 through June 3 for renovations.

Liberty Dog (1 Naval Park Cove) reopened for the season on May 10. Liberty Hound’s partially covered patio juts out into the Buffalo River and overlooks the waterfront, canalfront, and looming ships of the Naval Park. It’s a popular seafood spot, where fish fries are served daily and nachos are topped with ahi tuna.

Although May weather can be iffy, most terraces have reopened for warm, clear days. Hofbrauhaus Buffalo (190 Scott Street), opens its outdoor beer garden for the season on May 16. Chocolaterie du Plateaulocated in the Wurlitzer Building (908 Niagara Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda), has reopened its patio and added new seating.

Mr. Sizzle (346 Connecticut St.), recently unveiled new menu items, including a “boss hog” cheeseburger and fried bologna sandwich and a hot honey “mac n chz” with house cheese sauce, hot honey and crispy bacon.

the Nile, a South Sudanese restaurant located in the Downtown Bazaar (617 Main St.), has started selling chicken shawarma. It is served with salad, bread and fries.

Little Thais The objectively adorable Thai chor muang dumplings are back on the menu. Sometimes shaped and colored like purple flowers, other times sculpted to look like chicks, the dumplings are always colorful (and photogenic). They are stuffed with chicken and peanuts and served with coconut milk and fresh vegetables. Mangoes are also back on the menu at Tiny Thai, chopped and served with sticky rice and coconut sauce.

Lime house (5 Lake St., Hamburg) is now serving Crispy Coconut Chicken Ramen, with its house-made crispy chicken, pork-miso broth, hard-boiled egg, vegetables and fish cake.

Local coffee chain Winter recently collaborated with Hartman’s Distilling Co. on a new coffee liqueur made from Overwinter’s “easy-drinking” roasted coffee beans. It is sold at major local liquor stores such as Premier and also at Hartman’s. “It’s good. It’s light. It’s sweet. It’s fun. It’s great in an espresso martini,” Justin Hartman, co-founder and co-owner of Hartman’s Distilling Co. said on social media .

Outdoor live music is returning to the Richardson Hotel (444 Forest Ave.). Spritz at sunset takes place from 6pm to 8pm on Thursdays (weather permitting) outside the Cucina Restaurant on the South Lawn Terrace. Guests can sit at one of the tables and chairs set up near the group or bring blankets and chairs to sit on the lawn. Order snacks and drinks, such as pizza, pasta, a burger or small plates, from the indoor bar, which staff will deliver outside.

Graylynn Gin Bar & Bistro (537 Main St.) is hosting a collective cocktail party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 19, featuring several local bartenders from restaurants including General Riley House, High Violet, Lloyd Taco Factory, Mes Que, Inizio and the Little Club prepare original cocktails. cocktails using Botanivore gin from sponsor St. George Spirits. Tickets are $50 and include cocktail samples, demonstrations from each of the bartenders, hors d’oeuvres, a discounted cash bar and raffle entry.