Buffalo may be no Quahog, but when it comes to clams, we've got Steve 'The Clam Guy' Meli. And Steve is back with a vengeance. He had a good run at Merlin's (please replace the awning - it's been like four years)... that's where he made his mark. Then he took off to Hertel for a short stint. Now? He's back on Elmwood in the sweetest diggs he could have ever dreamed of. He landed on the Cecelia's patio - right where Coffee & burned down. Hey, they said that they were going to build on that property some day... and if that means a new home for Steve's Clams, then so be it.
Actually, I just happened to be walking by earlier today when I noticed the cutest little seaside shack built onto the back of the patio. It looked like something that you would find on the shores of Cape Hatteras. I actually did a double take... where did that come from? Then I ran into Steve, who was busy preparing his clams for the afternoon lunch crowd. "I've been looking for a permanent home on Elmwood for years," he confided to me. "When I was growing up there were clam stands all up and down Niagara Street. It's a dying trade... the Italians moved away from the West Side. I've been carrying on the legacy for 28 seasons. This is a dream come true for me."
Built by the Amish community, the quaint clam stand is something to behold. The inside looks like the galley of a boat. Steve never had it so good. Remember the conditions that he used to work under at Merlin's... yikes! If you're a believer that all things happen for a reason, or all good things come to those who wait, then Steve certainly had this coming to him. He couldn't have teamed up with a better operator either. Cecelia's already has a kickin' patio scene, which makes this perfect for clam standing. Oh, and don't forget about the oysters, crab legs, corn on the cob, prawns, mussels, crawfish, lobster dainties, seafood salads and cocktails, and the casinos. Combine that with the Cecelia's drink selections and you're good to go.
Cecelia's Ristorante and Martini Bar
716 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 883-8066
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Actually, I just happened to be walking by earlier today when I noticed the cutest little seaside shack built onto the back of the patio. It looked like something that you would find on the shores of Cape Hatteras. I actually did a double take... where did that come from? Then I ran into Steve, who was busy preparing his clams for the afternoon lunch crowd. "I've been looking for a permanent home on Elmwood for years," he confided to me. "When I was growing up there were clam stands all up and down Niagara Street. It's a dying trade... the Italians moved away from the West Side. I've been carrying on the legacy for 28 seasons. This is a dream come true for me."
Built by the Amish community, the quaint clam stand is something to behold. The inside looks like the galley of a boat. Steve never had it so good. Remember the conditions that he used to work under at Merlin's... yikes! If you're a believer that all things happen for a reason, or all good things come to those who wait, then Steve certainly had this coming to him. He couldn't have teamed up with a better operator either. Cecelia's already has a kickin' patio scene, which makes this perfect for clam standing. Oh, and don't forget about the oysters, crab legs, corn on the cob, prawns, mussels, crawfish, lobster dainties, seafood salads and cocktails, and the casinos. Combine that with the Cecelia's drink selections and you're good to go.
Cecelia's Ristorante and Martini Bar
716 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 883-8066
One small step for Elmwood... One huge step up for Steve! See you soon buddy!