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 April 2005 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Neighborhoods Dining Along Elmwood By Kevin Carey One of the best things about moving back into the city is rediscovering some great neighborhoods like the ever thriving Elmwood Village. This area is the busiest commercial district in the city. It has survived for some time, in part, because of its proximity to several colleges including Buffalo State, Medaille, and Canisius, but also due to a large contingency of urban loyalists. Elmwood Avenue is a main artery into the heart of Buffalo and is host to the most walkable neighborhood in the city. As a result, it has become one of the top shopping and dining areas as well. There is a full range of dining opportunities to satisfy all types of epicurean suitors — all worthy of the creative spirit that defines Elmwood. I love to start a day of shopping at the farmers’ market on Saturdays during the summer months. Then I move on to one of the many fine coffee shops, like Spot Coffee or Café Aroma, or my particular favorite, Solid Grounds — all featuring frothy lattes, satisfying comestibles and sweet treats. Or for a quirkier start to your day, perhaps Off the Wall would be more to your liking. This is a full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The decor is nostalgic and the vintage toys and memorabilia are all for sale. It certainly makes for a fun walk down memory lane, and the food is very good. For the casual meal at any time of the day or night, and for the comfort of familiarity and tradition, there is always the Towne Restaurant at the corner of Allen and Elmwood. I’ve spent plenty of post-concert hours with friends at the Towne. There are so many choices. There are also great deli’s like Ex-Cel near North Street or the Globe Market across from Spot Coffee. These all provide carry-out favorites from homemade salads and sandwiches on wonderful fresh baked breads and rolls to sauces, spreads and condiments for sale from around the world — and even fresh produce. Try and escape without starting your shopping spree right there. Of course, shopping is not only recommended but required in order to walk off some of that delicious food. Elmwood is such a great place to shop, with a plethora of small independent businesses selling everything from clothing to art. After a long day of carrying shopping bags and strolling up and down the strip, you’ll be ready for dinner. The choices for an evening meal are numerous and eclectic, from the more casual emporiums like Bullfeathers or Cole’s to the white tablecloth venues like Toro or Tappas or the newly reopened Nectar for martini’s before supper. There are also, of course, the ethnic eateries to consider — a bit of Mexican at Cozumel Grill, the fresh Thai flavors of Saigon Café, or the exotic aromas and savories at India Gate. I am so looking forward to my daughter coming home for spring break. I know we’ll spend hours, if not days, enjoying all Elmwood has to offer. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |