We went to see the restoration but stayed for the bubbly. Beer is my usual choice at Buffalo’s Lafayette Hotel Tap Room, but now that it’s swanky I inquired about bubbly by the glass. “No sir, but here’s a list of bottles”. My eyes went straight to Mumm Napa at $25 ““ for a bottle. “We’ll have that please”. Came in nice flutes. Swanky. FYI this bubbly sells for $26 at the LCBO, and bar drinks in the US are inclusive of tax ““ so $25 doesn’t become much higher when you go to pay.
The Layfayette was designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first woman member of the American Institute of Architects. Named in honour of Lafayette’s visit in 1825 it sits on what was Buffalo’s grandest, park-like space until planners decided it would be better used as thoroughfare. But what a delight to see a grand old hotel brought back to life. Some details are a bit kitschy like but there is lots of stunning deco and earlier architectural details. Strolling the lounges and lobby you will certainly feel the grandness of the place. Especially with a glass of the~ aforementioned wine in hand ““ it’s legal. Drinking is always fun in America.
P.S. It’s been a while, so look for my revised Buffalo Guide sometime this Spring.
LAFAYETTE HOTEL, Lafayette Square, Downtown Buffalo
www.hotellafayette.com
