Buffalo is a culinary goldmine. Unfortunately, it is an under-recognized foodie destination. Events like Nickel City Chef (and the Nickel City Chef book & DVD) as well as some well-deserved press promise to change this in the foreseeable future.

Buffalo Bites Food Tours got the nod from Great American Bites columnist Larry Olmsted in The ultimate urban food tours in delicious destinations, a Special for USA TODAY on February 23, 2016. Scroll to photos 23-26 in the Gallery for Buffalo Bites.

Buffalo Bites offers 3-hour guided walking Food Tours in both Elmwood Village and East Aurora featuring samples from local eateries as well as an opportunity to explore architecture, history and culture. The Elmwood Village tour includes chicken wings at Cole’s, sponge candy at Watson’s and samples at Ashker’s Juice Bar. In East Aurora, guests stroll from the Roycroft Inn to the Elm Street Bakery and Firefly Cupcakes. The tours cost $49 for adults and $30 for children.

The USA Today article is Elmwood Village-centric, and predictably features wings (at Cole's) and sponge candy makes a cameo at Watson's. Less predictably, diners at the Lexington Coop are shown. 

Buffalo Bites Tours ranked right up there with similar foodie options in New Orleans, San Francisco, Montreal, Milwaukee and Santa Fe.

Buffalo is already a garden tourism destination. Hats off to Visit Buffalo Niagara for helping get out the word about our amazing restaurants, chefs and cuisine. Let's get on beyond wings to become a culinary tourism destination!