The Lodge - Buffalo

Scallops

I am originally from Buffalo and rarely visit. When I do, I like to visit the "newest" restaurants. The restaurant scene has been picking up in the past few years and venturing over to the more "modern" side of things. Lovely.

I asked my friend Sean where to go for dinner and he recommended The Lodge. I was like hmmm...it's a restaurant...on Chippewa. My memories of Chippewa st are a drunken blur so I couldn't fathom a high-end restaurant on this street but when I googled it and saw the pictures of the interior, I decided to take my mom for dinner.

We went on a Sunday evening and while it wasn't crowded, it wasn't "dead" either. I was immediately taken aback by the decor. This $#&T exists in Buffalo??? what?? How the hell did another Yelper say this reminded him of a mall restaurant?! Uhhh...buddy I don't know what malls you frequent but if you're talking about comparing this place to Jack Astor's, you MUST be reviewing the wrong restaurant.

I digress. We ordered the scallops to start and both had the chicken for our main courses. The scallops were so well plated (see photos) and the chicken was extremely tasty. For it to be that tender, I thought they must have cooked it sous vide but I was like how in the world would chefs in Buffalo even know what that is?! Honestly, I have eaten at various chefs tables at many 3-star Michelin restaurants and they plate pretty similarly. I was impressed.

The hostess Sarah was wonderful. She randomly offered us a tour of the restaurant when we told her it was our first time there and literally we saw every inch of this place. Gorg. She informed us that the buildout was a cool $2mil. Swanky. Service ON PAR. Food, lovely. Definitely a must-go.