If you romanticize about living the lifestyle of an expatriate, here’s a place where fine dining converges with the fine arts: French bistro Tabree and neighboring maison d’art Benjaman’s Art Gallery have formed an alliance that allows restaurant patrons to peruse the gallery’s impressive collection of artwork. (423 Elmwood Avenue, 844-8477). Whether you’re waiting to be seated or have a lapse between courses, bring a glass of wine over to the gallery for a tour or an artistic shopping venture.

If you really want to paint the town red, dress up in your finest attire and “Paint the Town” at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society on Friday, September 26, 5:30-9pm. Fifty original paintings of Buffalo scenes by local artists will be displayed and auctioned, while guests sample cuisine from Oliver’s. Call Mary Louise Stanley at 873-9644 x.316 for more information.

Tired of dining out? Enroll in cooking classes at L’Atelier Culinary in Clarence. The fall schedule is still in the works but courses on pairing techniques, recipe preparation, and herbal infusion will be offered (6010 Goodrich Road, 741-1322). Rumor has it that L’Atelier’s proprietress plans on opening a weekend-hours-only wine bar in Crossroads Books next door. The menu will feature wine paired with small plates and cheese flights.

Falafel Bar’s new Allen Street location is finally open. The eatery serves a variety of lamb, chicken, and beef prepared with Mediterranean ingredients and there are plenty of vegetarian options to choose from (62 Allen Street, 882-2680).

It looks like The Place on Lexington will finally open its doors to eagerly awaiting patrons on Tuesday, August 26, 4-11pm (229 Lexington Avenue, 886-9180). After closing for three years, the owner, Kenny Moriarty, and his family have renovated the restaurant, which originally opened in 1941. The dinner menu is still in the works but nothing much has changed: The Place will continue to serve reasonably priced standards like corned beef and cabbage. Five homemade soups will be made daily in addition to hearty appetizers and entrees. If you favor surf and turf, you’ll appreciate new additions to the menu like barbecue shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, and steak salad. Draft beers will range from Blue Moon to Murphy’s Stout to Shock Top.

Lastly, Thirsty Buffalo is still undergoing a major renovation in Jimmy Mac’s old location (549 Elmwood Avenue). The three locals opening the joint know a thing or two about Buffalo’s hunger for sports. Bills and Sabres fans will be thrilled to know that flat-screen TVs will be anchored throughout the main bar area. A full dinner menu will be served in addition to lunch fare and late-night appetizers. Diners will still be able to enjoy salads, burgers, and wraps on the indoor patio. Restaurant-goers seeking a little privacy can reserve tables in the back dining room, accentuated with a fireplace and a comfortable couch to lounge on. Stay tuned as the opening date has yet to be determined…

—judy sperry