The Finch Papers, by: Tennyson Finch

An Honest Witness to the food of the Western New York Table.

I am Tennyson Finch. I am a hunter and writer of those rare, perfect moments around food —the kind that are gone in a flash but stay with you forever.

Beyond the "Local Favorite"

Our region of the New York and of the United States is a notable area of deep pride. We know that a perfect Buffalo wing is a work of art, and we are fiercely loyal to the flavors we grew up with. But while those childhood memories are the foundation of our taste, I hope to report on ways to make sure they aren’t the end of the journey.

My mission is to honor our local heritage while giving you the "insider" knowledge to recognize world-class cooking. I look for the kitchens—from the Genesee Valley to the Niagara Frontier—that respect our traditions but aren't afraid to aim for a superior, gourmet standard.

Expertise You Won’t Find in a Poll

I never follow popular votes or the "best of" lists in local magazines, and neither should you.  Food can never be a popularity contest. I provide a private look at what makes a meal exceptional, helping all of us as we become experts on.  I will invite others in the community to join me in scoring local food scenes:

• The Vibe & The Feeling: I look at how the room, the lights, and the service tell a story before you even take a bite.
• The Art on the Plate: I look at how a dish is built—how it looks to the eye and how the textures work together.
• The "True" Flavor: I distinguish between food that is just "comfortable" and food that is truly "masterful."

And Further…Your Kitchen, Shared with the World

Expertise isn't just found in restaurants; it’s found in our homes. Because the heart of Western New York is built on family secrets, I am capturing and publishing recipes from our readers. I want to share the best of our local kitchens with foodies across the globe, proving that the flavors of our region belong on the world stage.

I am not here to talk down to the table. I am here to pull up a chair and find the extraordinary in our own backyard. I remain an anonymous witness to the art of the meal—searching for the next great story told through salt, smoke, and fire.

The table is set. Let us begin.