The PhatScene: Cafe Allegro

By Gary Pufpaff

This month’s edition of the "phatscene" finds me making my way back into the old neighborhood and working my way down Hertel Avenue to the Café Allegro, and what a treat awaited me there! The exact address is 1374 Hertel Avenue and they are located between Saranac & North Park. If you live in the North Buffalo area and haven’t taken the opportunity to check this joint out since they opened in March of 2002, you are doing yourself a disservice. If you are looking for the perfect place to kick back and relax and enjoy not only some good old friendly hospitality but some exceptional art and music, don’t just sit there… make the trip to North Buffalo and I guarantee you will not be disappointed! Café Allegro calls itself the "up-beat place to meet," North Buffalo’s own Espresso Bar featuring gourmet coffees & teas… homemade pastries and a lite fare menu of homemade soups & made-to-order salads and sandwiches that will curl your toes (I think that’s a good thing!?!).

The treat that I alluded to earlier was not only was I about to enjoy yet another encounter with the always lovely Marian, my phatscene partner in gluttony, but we were joined by one of my favorite "locals" Dave Ricci! It’s unusual enough to have someone sit in with us on our phatscenes, but to be joined by the likes of one of S&L Magazine’s premiere columnists and local funnymen (I know Dave from his stand-up days); well the pleasure was all mine. He is also the guy that turned us on to this treasure. When you can tempt my tummy and make me laugh, well it just doesn’t get any better than that!

After some personal howdy doos, we were introduced to the proprietors of the establishment… Marie & Brian Buchanon and their lovely daughter Pamela who got us started with some delightful cups of tea, from an overwhelming assortment! I actually enjoyed a Green Apple Blossom Tea, Dave went with a British Breakfast Tea and Marian settled on a Vanilla Almond Tea. It was the perfect way to start our sampling.

We were seated at one of the many convenient tables that dot the friendly environ of the Café Allegro and soon were slurping up some soup du jour. This was no ordinary soup, homemade goes without saying, but it has to be tasted to be believed, and this Spinach/Cheese Tortellini concoction was just that! At Dave’s suggestion we tried a Breakfast "Anytime" Sandwich and I am sure that will be among what I return for. Served on either a toasted bagel or roll, these are real egg sandwiches… definitely not your egg McMuffin! We enjoyed the Egg, Cheese and Bacon and I was impressed. Next came a sampling of a couple of their salads. We opted for a couple of their chicken salads, Tossed, Chef and Antipasto salads are also available on their menu. The first salad we tried was the Chicken-Walnut Salad… tossed salad topped with marinated boneless chicken breast garnished with cran-raisins and walnuts. The second was the Chicken-Mandarin Salad-the same bowl-o-greens (like the clippings from an overgrown field, full of color), you know the ones they say are more healthy. I just say they are more delicious…again topped with a marinated boneless chicken breast, but this time garnished with mandarin oranges and almond slivers. They have a variety of dressings available including Balsamic Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese, French and Ranch but we chose a tasty Sweet & Sour Vinaigrette. Adorning the walls of this very inviting establishment are a variety of artwork from local artists and live music on the weekends. Perhaps it is Marie’s background as a music educator or just the families desire to create an environment to nurture buffalo’s own, but Café Allegro is always in search of artists and musicians to showcase their work. If you are interested please contact Marie at 716-874-3321 or online at cafeallegro@aol.com.

Our food fest was not over yet. We were just about to sip their "Signature Espresso Drink…Allegra" (billed as a desert in a cup, which it certainly is!), when one of their delicious sandwiches was presented to us for our sampling. We opted for a Salami Sandwich with Provolone Cheese and a Roasted Peppers and Artichoke Spread, though a variety of meats, cheeses and spreads are available. It was right about then that Marian commented that it was like being at a relatives home! Dave, who is a regular at the joint, talked glowingly about how "neighborhoody" the place is and how it kind of pulls the community together. Heck, we actually got involved in some stimulating conversation with another local as I found out… Rose Ragusa. I thought she worked there at first as she was suggesting some fare and helping to clean our table. I soon found out that she is a local artist who has a couple beautiful pieces hanging in the place and lives in the neighborhood and makes it kind of her home away from home.

We topped off our trip with what Marian referred to as a "desert lover’s fantasy" as we were offered a variety of their homemade deserts to sample. First I tried the Carrot Cake (chunky delicious), then the Cheesecake (very good), followed by the Chocolate Cake (with a hint of espresso flavor that Marian said "was to die for"), then cookies (an iced sugar type-thick and lite and full of flavor) and then a Peanut Butter Cookie, that to put it simply, was tremendous.

In the summer of 2003, Café Allegro will be pleased to announce the grand opening of their outdoor patio. You’ll be able to enjoy savory coffees in a comfortable yet elegant outdoor atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a quick cup of espresso or tea, a delicious sandwich or pastry or just a comfortable place to hang out and enjoy some local talent, you will not be disappointed with a trip to Café Allegro. They are open Monday thru Thursday from 7:30 am to 10 pm, Friday 7:30 am to 11 pm, Saturday 8 am to 11 pm and Sunday 8 am to 10 pm. The phood and phamily is phantastic, and it is without hesitation that Marian and I offer the Café Allegro our highest recommendation of two thumbs up! If you would like to suggest an establishment for our phatscene phood reviews, please contact us through the paper or online at gpufpaff@adelphia.net . As always thank you for your valued readership and a special thanks to Dave Ricci as our guest reviewer. CHOW.

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