Roasted Pepper

By Gary Pufpaff

If you are looking for the "in-between" and "out of the ordinary" then we found it at The Roasted Pepper in Kenmore! The exact address is 2815 Delaware Avenue right there on the corner of Euclid. It’s well worth the trip, if in fact it is out of the way…and one you will want to take over and over. Marian and I met at the Roasted Pepper for lunch and from the name of the place, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect?!? I soon found out I was not to be disappointed.

After a moment or two of introduction with one the joints proprietors, Carmello Collano, we made our way to one of their sturdy "trading spaces" inspired tables, a bonus for me as those of you familiar with the phatscene are well aware. No squeezing into booths at this place. The whole environ was pleasant and inviting with a rather unusual use of color that proved relaxing and stimulating. I called it "modern deli" and turned my attention to the huge chalkboard above the counter and the variety of offerings available for dine-in and take out. The only way you would have ever known you were in Kenmore Dorothy…?!?… was by the names of some of the sandwiches. The Crosby Field, Tremont, Ken West Quesadilla, Victoria and the list goes on. (Did you get the whole "wizard of oz" reference there???)

The menu includes hot dishes as well as gourmet sandwiches, all of which are served up on their fresh Foccacia bread from Luigi’s. Our food fest started with one of their daily specials…a spicy sampling of Stuffed Hot Banana Peppers; they were delish and had quite a kick to them! We were soon offered a sampling of their gourmet sandwiches. The first one I grabbed for was the "Euclid"…smoked turkey, white cheddar, baby greens and cranberry mayo…I loved the cheddar and turkey thing happening in my mouth…OOO LA-LA! Marian reached for the "Colvin" …sliced Cuban pork, baby greens, roasted red peppers, swiss cheese and garlic lime mayo…not too shabby huh! Marian claimed it was her "fav!" I enjoyed it as well though nothing says lovin’ quite like the "Deerhurst"…roast beef, marinated portabello, red onion, provolone cheese and horseradish mayo. What a flavor sensation! The lovin’ thing is strictly a pallet thing, I’m quite sure I wouldn’t want to have an encounter of the closest kind immediately after the marinated mushroom…provolone…horseradish mayo thing?!? These are just a trivial sampling of the 18 or so gourmet sandwiches available on the menu, each more mouth-watering than the next. All of which are served up at the reasonable rate of just $5.95 a sandwich.

The "hot dishes" section of the menu offers 16 or so delights that include Sausage and Eggplant Parmesan, Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, Jamaican Beef in Puff Pastry and Meatloaf Stacker, just to name a few. With names like these, you had to expect a guy like co-proprietor Shane Tedesco had his finger in the pie, so to speak. Here is a guy I’ve known for years, who not only knows how to…but likes to eat as well. It’s as much about the flavor at the Roasted Pepper as it is the presentation…from their colorful stoneware to the portions, it gives a whole new meaning to the term "funhouse" if you know what I mean?!?

Our first sampling of the hot dishes was the "Vegetable Lasagna"…served up with red peppers, spinach, asparagus, carrots and basil pesto…it was magnifique! This from a guy who that whole vegetarian thing is lost on…I mean look at me…carnivore all the way! As I scraped the lasagna down to the plate, the server brought out a plate full of Chicken Marsala, the scent of which had me reaching for my napkin to contain the drool from the corners of my mouth. Forget about conversation when the phood is this good. Chicken with pasta, green beans and mushrooms…forgetta bot it! None of the aforte mentioned taste treats costs more than $6.95…I know it’s a bargain. Soup, salad, delightful desserts and exciting new recipes are being made daily. Of course they deliver and cater and can be contacted at (716) 873-0966 or by fax at (716) 873-0965.

It is without hesitation that Marian and I offer the Roasted Pepper our heartiest endorsement of two thumbs up! The Phood is Phantastic and you’ll become a repeat customer just like Marian and I. Take a chance, make the trip, you’ll be glad you did (While you are at it, check out the enticing coupon available right here in this damn fine magazine). As always, thank you for your valued readership and don’t hesitate to contact me online at puff@97rock.com or at the magazine with your suggestions or recommendations for future phatscenes – CIAO!

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