Category Archives: Eats & Drinks

Leave the money. Take the cannoli.

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This time of year makes me so very happy. Not only do I get a hall pass from Karen to say things like “Che se dice?” and “Mia famiglia!” in my loud, overly exaggerated Cake Boss Italian accent, I get to repeatedly wander down to Hertel Avenue to cruise the Italian Fest for cannoli upon cannoli.

Sure, other offerings of the fest greatly appeal to me. Campi’s Pizza. Mozzerella Stuffed Meatballs from Salvatore’s. Steak and dandelions from Lombardo’s. But if I only had $4 in my pocket, my lone purchase would be “un cannolo.”

So because EVERYONE loves them, I’ve taken the liberty to give you everything you need to know about the cannoli offering this year – from price, to location, to the most important taste factor. But let me point out that only ricotta filled cannoli are under consideration. Any substitute for that is un-Italian and just plain wrong.

Here’s the cannoli vendor lineup, in no particular order.

Tombaks

Tombak’s: The bakery got its start in the Broadway Market and now serves the local farmer’s market scene. One location near Commonwealth boasts six varieties and the least expensive cannoli on the street at $2.50. Slightly thin filling but very tasty! 

Angelos

Angelo’s: Very sweet filling. They also made the daring move from chocolate chips to rainbow sprinkles to serve as the garnish to the tube ends. $3.50 each or buy six get one free. Three locations throughout the thoroughfare, I bought from the one in front of Daddio’s Pizza.

RomanosRomano’s: Filled directly from the pastry bag right in front of me, this $3.50 cannoli was as fresh as they come. It also had great texture and consistency, something I found to be inconsistent across the vendors.Two shops between Crestwood and Lovering, I chose the one in front of Top Shelf Music. Also serving up the buy six get one free deal.

Ginos

Gino’s: Priced at a whopping $4, I was expecting a foot long and got a cocktail wienie. In trying to be fair and objective, I just can’t see how this one could command the fest’s highest price. The pastry shell may have been undercooked and overall the cannoli was just rather bland. One location at Virgil Ave.

Muscarellas

Muscarella’s: Not to be confused with Muscoreil’s in Tonawanda. Their Italian confection had somewhat of a frozen yogurt texture to it, but I was happy to see chocolate chips right in the filling. Green sprinkles gave it some flair. $3.50 in front of Caruso’s Italian Imports. Buy six get one free available too.

Romeos

Romeo & Juliet’s: Kitty-corner to their actual restaurant at Hertel and Crestwood, their $3.50 cannoli probably has the most distinct, amaretto, flavor of them all. A thinner filling as well, but the real story here is the amaretto.

And my winner is…

cannoli contestants

ROMANO’S!

Romano’s provided just a perfect amount of crunch in a delicious shell, a desirable consistency, and overall great flavor. And to top it off, the baker’s Italian accent was as authentic as the cannoli too. Buon appetito!

Shopping, Rocking & Strolling

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Some people come to shop.

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Some come to rock.

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Some come to stroll.

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No matter what you choose, Hertel Avenue’s ‘Shop, Rock & Stroll‘ event is the perfect excuse to explore the neighborhood, discover some new boutiques and stop for a bite to eat or drink in one of Buffalo’s hippest ‘hoods.  If you missed Friday’s event, you’ll have your chance again on Friday, August 30th.

9 reasons why Lexington Co-op should open a second location on Hertel Avenue

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The Buffalo News article from June 16 raised my eyebrows with curiosity and optimism.  Where’s the next stop for the Lexington Co-op?  Could it be Hertel? I don’t see why not.  Here’s my 9 reasons why they should open a second shop on Hertel:

Lexington Co-op

1.  It’s still in the city. The Co-op has thrived for over 40 years and rapidly grown in popularity since moving to Elmwood in 2005.  Translation: City = success.  If they’re looking for like-minded city folk, Hertel is where you find us.  After 5 seconds of research, East Aurora was the only other co-op in the County that I could find.  Heading north seems like a logical move.  Hertel is right on the doorstep of Kenmore, Tonawanda & Amherst too so you have a critical mass of potential customers.

Lunetta's

2.  We’ve got JUST the place for you.  The Co-op needs a little room to stretch its’ legs.  Boy do we have the perfect location for you. The old Lunetta’s restaurant has been gone for some time and the location is begging for a new owner.  It comes with plenty ‘o parking (or go bigger store, less parking) and a shop like the co-op could help become an anchor tenant to that small section of Hertel that still hasn’t found its groove.  It’s a match made in heaven.

3.  No direct competition.  Dash’s is the only market on Hertel and considering they do not sell organic products, a CO-op could CO-exist.  While Wegmans (on Amherst St.) has an organic section and produce, it does not offer the same intimate shopping experience as the co-op.

4.  We’re farmers market-less. Hertel is currently lacking that connection with local farmers.  We’re starving for fresh, local and organic produce.  Do you hear me?  STARVING!  The co-op can fill that gap.

5.  Erin Reedy thinks it’s a good idea.  Who’s Erin Reedy?  She’s on the Board for the Social Media Club of Buffalo and is a passionate North Buffalo resident, that’s who!  “I think Hertel Avenue has one of the widest varieties of ethnic cuisine in the city and think the Lexington co-op would be a perfect addition to the growing population of residents seeking variety and healthy options.”

6.  Follow the leader.  Everybody’s doing it.  I know, I know. “If your friend told you to go streaking through the quad and into the gymnasium, would you do that too?” But let’s be honest here, the trend of Elmwood businesses opening additional locations on Hertel seems to be the thing to do and guess what – it’s working! Village Beer Merchant, room, CRAVing, Spot, etc.  The co-op needs to be next on that list.

Scones7.  Scones.  I’m addicted to baked goods.  Like addicted to the point of having dreams of opening my own bakery someday.  I seek out the best of the best when it comes to sugary sweets.  The co-op’s baking up some SERIOUS scones.  I need them in a much closer proximity to me than they currently are.

8.  Walk this way.  Hertel is walkable. Walkable is green.  Green is healthy.  Healthy is the co-op. THEREFORE Hertel is the co-op.  That’s got 11th grade math logic written all over it.

9.  Because I said so?  Can that be a reason?  Sure…it’s my blog.  BECAUSE I SAID SO.Lexington Co-op

The Anatomy of “The Mike”

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I’m all about the a.m. eats.  On the weekends, I like to opt for something hearty to kick-start my day right into AWESOME. On the home-cookin’ menu that usually translates into omelets, French toast or the occasional banana pancake (who doesn’t love a Jack Johnson reference early in the morning?).  On the other hand if I wake up and decide it’s WAY too early to even consider putting effort into feeding myself, then it’s off to Spot Coffee on Hertel Avenue for one thing and one greasy thing only – The Mike.

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Let me break it down for ya.

The Bread – while you probably have little to no desire to make decisions in the morning, this one is important.  What kind of carb-tastic bread are you going with to sop up all that creamy, eggy, cheesy goodness?  The everything bagel. That’s the answer.

The Egg – Packed with protein and pan-fried to perfection (that’s a lot of p’s)

The Cheese – Is it provolone? Is it American? Is it something really cool that I don’t even know about?  It doesn’t matter.  It’s cheese and it’s melty.  (Oh wait, it’s provolone – they just told me)

The Smear – (a.k.a. the cream cheese (and maybe a little mayo added but that’s only speculation)) Quite possibly THE most important layer on the entire leaning tower of Mike-ness.  This is what separates this breakfast nosh from the drive-thru down the street.

The Meat – This is optional but if you’re looking to pork this sandwich up, bacon, ham or sausage are the choices.

The Heat – Frank’s. Obviously.

Champions? Nah. Breakfast of Hertel-ans.

BuffaLOVERS Unite!

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Buf-fa-LOVE [buhf-uh-luhv]

Noun

  1. A profoundly passionate affection for the City of Buffalo.
  2. A feeling of warm and personal attachment for the people, places, traditions, culture and history of Buffalo.
  3. A Western New York city toward which love is felt; beloved city.

Ex) Thousands proudly show off their BuffaLOVE by wearing t-shirts branded with a buffalo and heart logo.

Origin

Circa 2008. 42.8864° N, 78.8786° W. American English, Buffalo Slang. Early appearances of the word BuffaLOVE came on facebook posts and twitter hashtags, and of course, on clothing, turning the theme into an apparel sensation. Regretfully my research couldn’t trace ownership of the word to any individual or group.  My tip of the hat to the creative mind or minds behind it. It’s a pure and relevant way to convey the meaning of our local pride and state of mind.  A beer on me should our paths ever cross.

BuffaLOVE

BuffaLOVE has widely become part of many people’s vernacular, but now that I’ve formally documented the definition of the word it’s time we celebrate it and its meaning with a festival. It’s Buffalo, what else would we do? On May 31st, BuffaLOVERS will get an opportunity to break bread (and tacos) at the Buffalo Zoo as it hosts the BuffaLoveFest; a collection of all things Buffalo.

This inaugural festival came about through a good friend of mine, Tom Muraca, who concocted the idea during one of his many inspirational daydreams.  Through his involvement with the ProZoo board, the idea quickly turned into reality, as the zoo was not only a great venue, but they were eager to partner on the initiative. The BuffaLoveFest will feature everything from Buffalo music on two separate stages to a celebrity dunk tank!

Buffalovefest

I’d be remiss for writing this blog without planning to attend. I’m thrilled we have yet another reason for the masses to herd to North Buffalo. I expect to overindulge in food truck food and locally brewed beer (don’t worry, it’s a short walk home to Hertel), scream many incorrect answers to Buffalo Trivia questions, and just bask in the goodness that is a Buffalo festival.

So logistics. May 31st. Party starts at 5:30 p.m. and for those who wisely buy in advance, tickets are only $20 as opposed to $30 at the door. If you’re into adult beverages, NOTE, you will also receive two free drinks with your ticket purchase. HEYO!

Visit BuffaLoveFest.com for more info and to purchase tickets. See ya there!