local digs

I wanted to post some links to articles about local wine lover's treasure troves:

http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/dining/story/453977.html

This is about (now over a year old but still relatively new) "The Wine Thief". I've only been their twice so far, both time with groups of girlfriends. I went in search of a more upscale experience than the local "here's your carafe of god knows what" at places like Staples of Allentown, Brick Bar, Frank's at the Bend, etc. My only complaint is that you can't be seated at a table unless you are eating until after ten, so you are stuck at the bar, which is small, brightly lit to the point where you can do surgery on it, and has too few stools. The staff is very knowledgeable, and my overall feeling was that it was low key but classy.

http://www.ultimaterestaurants.com/bacchus/

This upscale restaurant offers wine courses, and is in the heart of the Chippewa district. You can decide if those two factors are pluses or minuses.

http://www.justvino.net/

This hip little wine bar has a huge selection of wines, very knowledgeable staff, and one small problem: wobbly tables with very high stools. Women such as myself, who are over five foot one, can't cross their legs under the table without causing a near-catastrophe, and having to sit with your legs straight and dangling is very uncomfortable after a bit. But it's downtown, and that counts for quite a bit, and you can always sit at the bar or stand.

Other than those three, there may be some amazing places in the hinterlands of Williamsville, but I am unaware of them. Perhaps you can email me with your own experiences and ideas--other cities welcome, too.