Chef Jeffry Harris, left, stands with employee Chris Chapin at La Gourmet Empanadas, a restaurant that opened in April at 74 Herkimer St. at West Ferry Avenue. The building underwent an extensive renovation, featuring new windows and fresh paint leading into the restaurant area. Built in 1908 for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows fraternal organization, the 10,000-square-foot building later became a banquet hall, according to preservationready.org. Future plans include expansion of the kitchen and additional seating. Harris earned his culinary degree in Hawaii and owned a restaurant in Michigan before coming to Buffalo. By Jeffrey Mayne
