What's Happening in Buffalo, NY…

New restaurants are opening in unlikely buildings on Ellicott Street in Buffalo's downtown.

According to a May 29 news article, plans are in the works for another eatery, this one focused on tacos. According to the article, Richard Hamilton, who gained his culinary expertise in Europe, plans to open a restaurant with a taco theme. He wants approval from Buffalo's Planning Board to remodel a warehouse into a restaurant, complete with a deck and possibly a patio on the roof. The building Hamilton wants to convert is an L-shaped structure comprising 2,900 square feet.

The new restaurant will be called the Deep South Taco Cucina Mexicana, and would serve a limited menu, featuring nine different types of tacos, plus a few specialty items. Hamilton describes it as an “authentic taqueria” based on his use of traditional techniques and ingredients. The Cucina is not a typical Mexican restaurant, because it will not serve items like burritos or quesadillas. The bar will also have a good selection.

Hamilton also plans to put a deck in front of the space, and perhaps add a second-floor patio. In total, the bar and restaurant could seat 69 inside, with another 65-70 on the deck, and 40 more on the patio. Hamilton hopes to open late in July.

Hamilton could work with a banner printing company to create a colorful streamer to celebrate the opening.