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Warm
and delicious: by Joshua Maloni,
Chris Michel and Jill Endres The saying, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,” was not meant for local restaurateurs. In fact, it seems as though Western New York eateries thrive in the summer sun. The high point of the culinary season is Fourth of July weekend. For better or worse, Independence Day has become synonymous with family picnics, food off the grill and baby-back ribs. If we’ve gotten the sentiment wrong, at least we get the cooking right. Celebrate good eats this weekend by treating yourself to a meal at one of these hot locales. Casa Antica – 490 Center St., Lewiston
When restaurateurs can pair an outdoor, relaxing patio with great food and friendly service, patrons have someplace special to visit. At Casa Antica, the outdoor seating for 30 or so is the perfect place to have a “Hollywood moment.” Nestled under the shade of a tent, seated on the corner of North Fifth and Center streets, visitors can “be seen” as they sit and watch Lewiston on display, with walkers and drivers passing by the white picket fence on their way to Artpark, or down to the waterfront. While eaters are gazing away or longingly daydreaming, phrases like “I love the bread and dip” and “Great salad; great calamari” can be heard in the background. All the while, the Soldano family is busy in the kitchen preparing what owner Angela calls “absolutely awesome” – an array of Italian pasta dishes and seafood specialties, all served with complimentary bread, pizza and dipping sauces. “We try to make the restaurant feel like you’re sitting in someone’s house and eating the food,” she said. “The food is made with love.” As for the outdoor ambiance, what Angela describes as a “European feel,” she says it’s the perfect place to stop by after a concert or special event. “(It’s not just) another bar,” she said, noting the eatery’s originality and wide selection of home-cooked meals. – JM
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