Curtin Family Restaurants - Shared Bites

THE GREAT RESTROOM DEBATE: We got this...

5/18/2016

If you haven’t already noticed, public restrooms and gender identity has been a big topic of conversation lately. Should one use the restroom designated to the gender they were born with or the gender they identify with? Instead of debating who’s right and who’s wrong, can’t we just come up with a solution that makes everyone comfortable? As one of our patrons recently pointed out, we already have.
For anyone who has been to The Steer in the last 5 years, you know that this isn’t an issue here. About 6 years ago, when we made some changes to the restaurant; adding an open kitchen concept, re-locating the staircase to the upstairs banquet room, expanding the bar space, to name a few…We also decided to go with a gender neutral, or a universal restroom space. Our reasoning was simple, by knocking down the wall between the Men’s and Ladies’ rooms and making it a large general space, we could accommodate many more patrons at once. No more long lines to use the one or two stalls in each room: How great is that?! When ya gotta go-you can go!
We went with a large open sink area. Once you turn the corner to get to the restrooms, you are met with a wide-open area and 4 full sized doors. When locked, an “occupied” sign slides into place on the outside of the door (much like and airplane’s restroom.) Also you will notice that inside each door is a stall-sized room (one of these is extra large to make it handicap accessible as well as family friendly). Each has its own toilet and sink. They actually are not stalls at all, but are individual restrooms!
And of course, let’s not forget the sneaky two-way mirror that hangs above the sink in the general space outside the restrooms. Yep, we can see you adjusting your lipstick. We can also keep an eye on the general goings on and spot any non-kosher activity pronto.
So there you have it. Gender identity and public restroom issue solved. You’re welcome!
To be perfectly honest, the current debate never even occurred to us when we made the changes, but knowing we can accommodate ALL of our customers and give them a comfortable and safe space to, um, do their business is a wonderful bonus.
So Target, Walmart, and all other big businesses take note- if an independently owned family restaurant can create a safe general public restroom for ALL of its customers, you can too.

A LITTLE MOTHER'S DAY ADVICE

5/5/2016

Ah Mother’s Day…. The second Sunday every May dedicated to celebrating and honoring mothers. What to get for the woman who gave you life and raised you, or the woman you chose to be the mother of your precious offspring… Can we take a moment and talk about what NOT to give the mother in your life?
As a mother myself, I am urging you all to step away from that vacuum cleaner you may be considering. Put down that set of gardening tools! Stop writing your IOU Coupon “Good for one sensual massage” (for your baby mama I’m assuming, not your own mother. Otherwise you have bigger problems that I’m not getting into here). Believe me, any gift that promotes house work, yard work, and chores of any kind, or anything that has to do with your own personal satisfaction or needs is not the way to go.
Also, please note, unless you are an all star in the kitchen and plan on cleaning up that mess you will make by whipping up a gourmet meal, I urge you-don’t do it! No one wants a gift they have to clean up after.
It’s time to treat mom. Let her relax, eat, drink, and linger. I’m talking Mother’s Day Brunch, and we have got you covered here at The Steer. Our Mother’s Day Buffet is a perfect way to treat mom and thank her for all she does. We have a special menu planned for the day and can’t wait to help you pamper the person who you couldn’t find anything without!

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Mother’s Day Brunch
11am-3pm
Adults $24 Under 12 $14 under 3 Free
Call 838-0478 for reservations

Prime Rib & Turkey Carving Station
Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce
French Toast Station
Ham & Cheese Quiche
Scrambled Eggs
Fruit, vegetable and cheese crudités, Deviled eggs,
Spinach Artichoke Dip, Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon & Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Assorted Bagels with Spreads
Roasted Vegetable Salad
Oven Roasted Potatoes
California Toast
Caesar Salad
Gazpacho

Desserts
Crème Brûlèe
Chocolate Pretzel Pie
Rum Cake Parfait
Assorted Cookies
Vegan Cheesecake

GOING GREEN

3/13/2016

Corned Beef and Cabbage Special Entrée at The Steer

St. Patrick’s day is almost upon us. Time to dust off those fancy green pants, break out that “Kiss me I’m Irish” sweatshirt, paint a shamrock on your face and hit the town!
At this time of the year we are all feeling the luck of the Irish. Traditionally, it’s a time for Irish American’s to celebrate their heritage with parades, corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and of course beer! But St. Paddy’s day isn’t just for those with Irish lineage. Whatever your heritage may be, you are encouraged and welcome to participate and become Irish for a day. (or a whole week as it usually turns out to be) Buffalo is one city that really knows how to celebrate this occasion as well. The week was officially kicked off this past weekend with The Shamrock Run and concludes next weekend not just one St. Paddy’s day parade, but two. Let the Paddywhackery begin!
On the food end of this holiday, there’s nothing more Irish-American than Corned Beef and Cabbage. This all in one pot meal was created in the states by Irish immigrants- the corned beef being a cheaper substitute for the more costly pork or lamb used in stews back home in Ireland. Cabbage was also a less expensive alternative to potatoes. Add a root vegetable, such as carrots- throw it all in one pot and voilà dinner is served!
Looking for some exceptional Corned Beef? For those of you who look forward to this Irish-American classic, you will be pleased with The Steer’s and the Lake Effect’s version. We take local beef brisket and let it marinate it in our house made brine for a full week. Then the brined and boiled brisket is beer braised to seal in the flavors and create a tender and juicy piece of corned beef.
Between both Curtin Family Restaurants you have many options to enjoy this Irish American Classic this week. First off, at The Steer, you can order it as an entrée off this week’s Special’s Menu-served the tried and true way: Our Corned beef and Cabbage entrée features thick cut tender slabs of corned beef, with steamed cabbage and carrots, baby red potatoes, our own fresh rye bread, and parsley coulis.
Looking for something a little less traditional and more creative? Try the Wood-Fired Ruben Pizza Special: House made flatbread pizza featuring thinly shaved corned beef with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island Dressing all cooked in our wood-fried brick oven until crispy crust perfection.
Do you enjoy a plant-based diet and looking for some Vegan Irish fare? As many of you have come to know, you will not be left out at The Steer. We have created a Vegan Ruben just for you: House made brined and baked Seitan thinly sliced with vegan Thousand Island Dressing, Sauerkraut, and a schmear of Dijon on our own fresh griddled rye bread (vgn/df). Served with fresh cut French fries.
At both the Lake Effect Diner and The Steer you can also indulge in a Ruben Sandwich. This is a regular item over at The Diner, but for this week it will be featured across the lot at The Steer. For this popular sandwich our corned beef is thinly sliced, topped with sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing served on griddled house made rye bread and accompanied by a side of fresh cut fries.
Back by popular demand on the Special’s Menu at The Diner is the Ruben Burger. (Yes, we’re aware-we may have gone a little Ruben crazy this year, but it’s sooooo good!) This unique burger starts with our own Black Angus 1/2lb burger. This mouthwatering piece of meat is topped with our sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. Served, of course, with fresh cut fries.
So we obviously have plenty of corned beef items to suit anyone craving, but maybe it’s not your thing and you are looking for other Emerald Isle inspired options. Never fear, there’s more. At the Lake Effect Diner, there is the Guinness Fish And Chips Special: Crispy Guinness-battered haddock fingers served with fried potato wedges, house grilled vegetables, and coleslaw.
At The Steer there are two soups to choose from: A rich Cheddar Cheese and Stout is one, and a creamy Vegan Potato Leek (vgn/df) is the other. Both are served in a cup or bowl serving size. They are the perfect warm up for the lingering chill in the air.
So don’t delay, come on in and enjoy one of these fantastic Celtic Inspired Specials before they make their Irish Goodbye at the end of the week.

BEYOND KRAFT

2/25/2016

Griddled Mac and Cheese at Lake Effect Diner

One can say Macaroni and Cheese has become as American as Apple Pie. Since the Kraft Company started boxing their instant version in 1937, you would be hard pressed not to find a box in every food pantry across the country. Sure, it’s Mom's go-to meal for kids everywhere, but let’s be honest, adults seem to love it just as much. Just boil those noodles, add milk and butter to that orange powdered “cheese” and Voilà! Dinner is served.
Let’s be honest though, as convenient and cheap as the instant version is, there is no substitute for the real deal. The decedent kind that is made with real cheese and real love.
Of course, Americans didn’t invent tossing noodles with cheese. Its ultimate origins are most likely from ancient Italy. Not a stretch, considering we are talking about pasta and cheese. But how did we get to our American creamy and cheddary casserole versions of today?
The most famous story of how macaroni and cheese made it state wide is that Thomas Jefferson stumbled upon versions of this comfort food after spending time in Italy. He even brought a pasta machine back stateside with him. His daughter Mary Randolph started out making the dish with Parmesan, like the Italians, but later she started using cheddar. Butter was also added to the creamy mix. Randolph included her Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe in her cookbook, The Virginia Housewife, in 1824 and the rest, as they say, is history. Macaroni and Cheese took off in popularity since it was an affordable and easy way to feed a hungry household.
Once Mac and Cheese became a staple on the common man’s table, the upper crust lost interest in this basic dish-for a while. Thankfully, in today’s society, Mac and Cheese is a dish that is universally enjoyed. From the high brow: Shaved truffles, artisan cheeses, lobster, and other exotic ingredients, to the most tried and true simple versions of just cheddar and butter sauce- you can find something to tempt you no matter what your hankering.
For those seeking this comforting concoction at Lake Effect you can choose from 2 types of sides of Mac and Cheese, either our Regular version or Griddled (fried) on the flat top. Both are made with our own homemade aged cheese sauce. The griddled version is tossed onto the hot flat top and fried until the cheese develops a golden crust. (Yes, you heard me: Golden. Fried. Cheese.) The Mac and Cheese is so popular at the diner, it will occasionally shown up in creative ways on the Specials Menu. Ham and Mac and Cheese Wrap anyone?
Across the way at The Steer, we also serve the same macaroni and house made aged cheddar sauce as a side as well. For me, a side of Mac and Cheese almost becomes a condiment: Add it to your burger. Top your steak or sandwich with it. Yum.
At The Steer, Venture over to the entrée section of the menu and be tempted by the Lobster Mac and Cheese: Succulent charbroiled lobster tail atop a large bowl of this already satisfying dish.
Vegan? No problem. We got this. Check out the Vegan Mac and Cheese entrée: gluten free pasta with “cheesy-less” creamy cashew sauce. (vgn/gf/df)
So next time you are in the mood for some soul satisfying macaroni and cheesy goodness, step outside the boxed version. We have a few options to enjoy over at The Steer Restaurant And Saloon and Lake Effect Diner.

GAME ON AT THE STEER

2/4/2016

It’s time for Super Bowl 50: The Denver Broncos against the Carolina Panthers. Don't let the lack of roman numerals fool you, the Super Bowl is really here. Want to enjoy the game in a stress free and lively environment? Join us to watch the game on Sunday. Our staff will be at your service and there is plenty of available viewing.
If that doesn’t sound enticing enough- there will also be a FREE BUFFET available during Half-Time. That’s right, I said FREE. We will be serving something for everyone from our carnivorous customers to our herbivores. Fresh Hot Richard’s Deep Dish Lasagna, Vegan Lasagna, Buffalo Style Chicken Wings with House-made Blue Cheese Dressing, and Vegan Buffalo Style Fried Tempeh Wings with our own Hemp Ranch will be available.
So let’s recap people-Super Bowl 50, this Sunday, February 7th, game time is 6:30pm. Whether you’re in it for the football, the commercials, or you're even just a Cold Play fan, invite your friends and family to The Steer to watch, celebrate, and enjoy our Half-Time Complimentary Buffet. See you Sunday night!

A BIT OF CHANGE BLOWS THROUGH LAKE EFFECT

1/29/2016

VLT Sandwich on multi grain toast (Pictured with a cup of soup)

At first glance, even to our daily customers, the menu at Lake Effect Diner may not seem any different. Look a bit closer though, and you will notice a few new menu items have made their way in.
Part of the excitement and fun of being in the food business is experimenting with new recipes, ideas, and flavors; either coming up with something completely new or even an innovative twist on an old favorite. These culinary creations, if deemed tasty enough, may snag a place on our Weekly Specials Menu. Menu Specials give us an opportunity to offer something new and make our customer’s visit a bit more varied. Sometimes though, there are occasions when a new item is so well received and in such high demand that it merits becoming a permanent menu item.
Recently at the Lake Effect Diner it was decided that it was time to decide which Weekly Special Items should become permanent players on our menu according to customer response and satisfaction.
So let’s start with the New Vegan options:
Being a diner, Lake Effect takes soul satisfying comfort food very seriously, but let’s be honest, most traditional diner menu options are not vegan friendly. So we wondered: How would a few plant-based options at The Diner be received? We started with putting our Veggs Benedict on as a Weekend Special: Dairy-free Hollandaise, tofu scramble, house-made apple wood smoked seitan bacon, and grilled tomato over our toasted baguette. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Each weekend, this dish would sell out, making this item a no brainer to add to the permanent menu. Taking into consideration the demand for vegan options, we are also proud to introduce the VLT Sandwich: Our own apple wood smoked seitan bacon with lettuce, tomato, and house-made Vegenaise on your choice of toasted bread. Seitan Bacon is also now available as a side to any meal.
Under our updated menu’s Breakfast listing, you may notice a new-clearly non-vegetarian- item: Chipped Beef On Toast. This is a little throw back comfort meal from days gone by: House cured dried beef shavings and peas (don’t hate on the peas people!) on golden griddled slices of house-made baguette, topped with creamy white Béchamel sauce.
Thirsty? Lets talk beverages-hot and cold. A few months ago we invested in a kick-ass cappuccino machine in order to up the ante on our coffee game. Well, we are happy to report- it’s here to stay and officially part of our actual menu. We now can offer our customers the option of not only our own Lake Effect Regular and Decaf Coffee, but also Espresso, Cappuccino, and Lattes are an option.
In our on going effort to use as many local products as possible, we are now proud servers of Johnnie Ryan Soda, both fountain and bottled. This brand of pop is made in Niagara Falls New York, and uses natural ingredients (which we are huge fans of!).
For our patrons 21 and over we are now offering Coney Island Hard Root Beer. Made in Brooklyn, NY it’s not quite a “local” find- but believe us, good things come out of Brooklyn. With hints of vanilla, licorice, and birch, this root beer will be having you dream of summer days on the Lake.
Finally, on the sweeter side, Lake Effect would like to introduce the Chocolate Pretzel Torte: Pretzel crusted chocolate ganache pie. The perfect combination of a sweet and salty treat for dessert.
So if you haven’t been by in a while, or even if you are a daily visitor, stop on into Lake Effect Diner and check it all out!

JOIN OUR FAMILY: Job Openings At The Steer

1/9/2016

Jump on the line!

2016 is finally here and things are really heating up at The Steer. In the past few recent years we have made many improvements to our inside dining spaces, added updates to the kitchen and equipment, revamped our menu to focus on delivering high quality offerings for meat lovers and vegans alike, and dedicated ourselves to creating weekly specials to tempt our diners.
We are looking forward to spending this new year fine tuning our gastropub fare and treating our patrons to some delicious and creative dishes focusing on our wood-fired foods, steaks, burgers, vegan offerings, and our ever changing weekly specials.
Business is booming, as they say, and we are looking to add a few new members to our Steer Employee Family. We are seeking new employees to fill all kitchen staff positions; Dishwashers, Sous-Chefs, and Line Cooks are needed.
In regards to potential Sous-Chef and Line Cooks- We are seeking individuals with two years experience on the line, that possess a passion for food and culinary prowess to join our innovative team.
Other qualities we are looking for include: Creativity and strong work ethic. Someone who is trustworthy, responsible, and dedicated to turning out a great meal every time they’re on the line. Also, to be able to work effectively under pressure, identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently, as well as being able to delegate and perform tasks simultaneously.
For the position of Dishwashers- previous experience is helpful, but not necessary. A strong work ethic and reliability are of course a must.
Interested? Apply online at www.curtinrestaurants.com/employment.html. We are looking forward to finding candidates who want to work in a creative, challenging, and nurturing atmosphere, who would like to have their ideas heard and help shape the culinary creations put out by our kitchen- a Sous-Chef, Line Cook, or Dishwasher who would like to become a part of our family here at The Steer. We offer a supportive work environment and a competitive salary with benefits- and of course all positions on our team provides the opportunity for upward mobility- So sharpen your knives and bring your A game, our kitchen awaits you!

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS....

12/24/2015

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Tucker and Erin Curtin

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through The Steer
The bartenders were mixing and shaking up some good cheer.
The ornaments were hung from the ceiling with care,
Although, if we had sprung for a tree- they surely would have gone there.
The patrons were seated, all cozy in their chairs,
Awaiting their meals the cooks were making with care….

Christmas Eve is finally here. This week is always one of non-stop celebration at The Steer. The weather outside may be mild, but the atmosphere inside is always festive and bright. The peak of Christmas week is always the annual Curtin Family Restaurant Holiday Staff Party.
Just this past Tuesday night all the ghosts of Christmas past and present came together at The Steer Restaurant And Saloon to kick back and kick up their heels together.
The Steer Holiday Party is a favorite night for owners Tucker and Erin to get together with and thank their “Steer Family”- the hard working employees and loyal patrons alike by celebrating with food and good cheer. Seeing past employees from The Diner, The Steer, and Dug’s Dive come back and reunite for the night, having new employees bond with their co-workers and get to know each other better, and of course, spending time with the loyal patrons who have been customers for years is always the highlight of this occasion.
So from our family to yours we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season! We are looking forward to seeing what wonderful things 2016 will bring, and we can’t wait to see you throughout the new year!!!

Just a reminder- The Steer will be open regular hours today-Christmas Eve (11am-4am) Hours Christmas Day are 8pm-4am.
The Lake Effect Diner will be closed today until reopening December 26th for regular Saturday hours (7am-midnight).

FLAPJACKS & FRENCH TOAST

12/18/2015

Strawberry Chocolate Pancakes

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is here. The only thing missing this December in the Queen City is a blanket of powdery white snow for all the young and the young at heart to frolic in.
Since no one in Buffalo is dashing through any snow, and it’s not exactly beginning to look a lot like Christmas… come on and pop into The Lake Effect Diner and order up some sweetly dusted edible white peaks. There is just something so festive about a stack of scratch made fluffy Pancakes or French Toast with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Add a pad of real maple butter, fresh whipped cream and a drizzle, or drowning (no judgment.) of maple syrup- it’s a meal even an elf would be pleased with.
On their own, the French toast and Pancakes at the Diner are plates of pure culinary comfort. The insanely light and airy pancakes are made from the Lake Effect’s own secret recipe and griddled to a golden brown upon order. Likewise, the French Toast is also made fresh to order. The bread used is our own homemade baguette, which is soaked in our own egg mixture and fried up on the flat top until crisp and gold on the outside and spongy and soft the inside. Of course, the maple syrup served with both of these breakfast options is pure and local.
But why not kick it up a notch? Chose from one of the delectable options and turn up the wow factor on your meal. The Lake Effect offers 5 sweet upgrades for both Pancake and French Toast orders: Blueberry, Strawberry Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon, Double Chocolate Chip, and Banana and Candied Pistachio. There is even something to make even little ones smile- The Mickey Mouse Pancake has been a favorite of our youngest customers for many years.
At The Lake Effect Diner it's breakfast all day long- so instead of shoveling a few feet of snow, come on in grab a fork and shovel something sweet and savory into your belly!

PARTY ON

12/6/2015

Let us entertain for you...

‘Tis the season. The party season that is. It’s time for non-stop winter cheer, shopping, decorating, cooking, and of course: Parties.
A good gathering can definitely be the highlight of this snowy season, but who’s hosting? Of course, there are those Martha Stewarts out there who revel in all the preparation that goes into entertaining friends and family: Cleaning the house from top to bottom, decorating every square inch with sparkles and lights, whipping up an assortment of appetizers, slaving over a main course, baking up the perfect dessert, and setting up a make shift bar and tending it all night….
Personally, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
Here’s an idea: Why not be a guest at your own party? Enjoy yourself for a change. At The Steer Restaurant and Saloon hosting any shindig is a breeze and we strive to make it so for you. Breakfast, lunch, or diner functions are available. Imagine it: no set up, no clean up, no serving your guests- just pick out the type of event you would like to host and choose what you would like to serve off our Banquet Menu. Anything from an intimate gathering, a larger soriée, or a cocktail party- let the staff at The Steer do it all for you!
Want privacy and space? Rent out our Banquet Room, located upstairs. The room features access to the roof top patio (seasonal), a private bar, a center food display area, tables to be arranged to your liking, as well as private restrooms just for you and your guests.
Looking for something more casual? How about a buffet presented at The Steer’s main bar? Stay in the mix of it all and enjoy the fun bar crowd vibe while we serve up some great food of your choosing for you and your guests to enjoy.
Maybe an intimate lunch or dinner party in our main dining room is more your speed. We can accommodate groups of almost any size in our large, yet cozy dining space. Pre-select your courses you would like to serve and let our wait staff spoil you.
So don't wait for cabin fever to set in- give us a jingle at The Steer and let us get you and your friends out of the house and into the party mode!