The long wait is over. After tracking the progress of a West Side restaurant for seven years, the Connecticut Street Sandwich Shop (CSSS) has finally opened (see back story). And believe it or not, it was worth the wait. It's hard to imagine that seven plus years of anticipation could live up to built expectations. As luck would have it (for anyone who loves food), CSSS has charged onto the scene as one of the best lunch spots in the region. From the thoughtful homemade food to the quaint eastern countryside motif, I'm enamored with just about everything about this little restaurant, right down to the music (Johnny Cash, Alison Krauss, José González).
I first noticed that the CSSS was open while biking on Friday night on my way to the Peace Bridge. On Saturday morning I called first to make sure that I had not been dreaming. After confirming that the place was indeed open, chef Martin Danilowicz and I met up to grab lunch. I was excited to see what had been created on the inside - up until that point the interior was a complete mystery. What we found was a bright, homey combination of vintage malt shop and rustic cafe. Tin ceiling with working fans, stained glass transom windows, a collection of retro robin's egg blue blenders, an antique scale, a functional wood cash register, inlaid wood flooring, white beadboard walls, Tiffany-style hanging lamps along with green poker pendant lights and chalkboard specials all added to the charming ambiance. There was even a killer custom wrought iron bench out on the sidewalk. Would the food be as good as the decor? I was crossing my fingers.
Yes. The food was brilliant. The homemade gazpacho was light and vibrant, with hand chopped vegetables and a real nice kick. It was then that I realized that we had struck gold. As we discussed the colorful presentation and the different flavors, we couldn't help but wonder what the next course had in store for us - the build-your-own carnitas (soft shell tacos). Just as we finished the gazpacho, the carnitas arrived. I filled the first small grilled shell with a combination of egg and cheddar cheese, guacamole, tomato and onion, lettuce, sour cream and roasted chili salsa. Then I squeezed a lime slice on top, drizzled some Cholula hot sauce on it and took a bite. It was one of the best tacos that I had ever put in my mouth. While I ate, Martin was busy creating his own roasted pork taco. After eating his first taco, he exclaimed that he was going to be a regular, and since we both live just down the street, I chimed in that I would be happy to join him anytime. As a matter of fact, I can't wait for Tuesday to head back for the Community Garden Salad (I love that name), a portabella hoagie, the homemade cole slaw, or the egg salad with green olives. Meat lovers might enjoy a chorizo burger, a crazy dog with smoky bacon cheddar potato salad or a BBQ grilled chicken sandwich. CSSS also specializes in old fashioned milkshakes served up in malt glasses with whipped cream and a cherry on top (see menu). They even gave banana boats!
I am already hooked on CSSS, and I've only been there once. Not only is the atmosphere great, and the food terrific, there's something else... something even better - owners Chris D'Andrea and Mark Supples have created something that transcends food and ambiance. They have brought something to a neighborhood that every neighborhood should have. Just as Grant Street has Sweet_ness 7 and Amherst Street now has the Black Rock Kitchen and Bar... and Lexington Avenue has The Place, and Rhode Island has Left Bank... and Virginia Street has Betty's, and Bryant Street has Trattoria Aroma... Connecticut Street now has an anchor restaurant that will make its mark on the neighborhood. CSSS will hopefully be around for generations, because this neighborhood deserves this type of place. I know that I'll be supporting it.
*The only thing that I can think of that would improve the restaurant would be to invest in more tableware instead of using the disposable plastic containers that came with just about everything. Learn more about Connecticut Street.
Connecticut Street Sandwich Shop
402 Connecticut Street
Buffalo NY14213
716-882-2777 (CSSS)
View image
I first noticed that the CSSS was open while biking on Friday night on my way to the Peace Bridge. On Saturday morning I called first to make sure that I had not been dreaming. After confirming that the place was indeed open, chef Martin Danilowicz and I met up to grab lunch. I was excited to see what had been created on the inside - up until that point the interior was a complete mystery. What we found was a bright, homey combination of vintage malt shop and rustic cafe. Tin ceiling with working fans, stained glass transom windows, a collection of retro robin's egg blue blenders, an antique scale, a functional wood cash register, inlaid wood flooring, white beadboard walls, Tiffany-style hanging lamps along with green poker pendant lights and chalkboard specials all added to the charming ambiance. There was even a killer custom wrought iron bench out on the sidewalk. Would the food be as good as the decor? I was crossing my fingers.
Yes. The food was brilliant. The homemade gazpacho was light and vibrant, with hand chopped vegetables and a real nice kick. It was then that I realized that we had struck gold. As we discussed the colorful presentation and the different flavors, we couldn't help but wonder what the next course had in store for us - the build-your-own carnitas (soft shell tacos). Just as we finished the gazpacho, the carnitas arrived. I filled the first small grilled shell with a combination of egg and cheddar cheese, guacamole, tomato and onion, lettuce, sour cream and roasted chili salsa. Then I squeezed a lime slice on top, drizzled some Cholula hot sauce on it and took a bite. It was one of the best tacos that I had ever put in my mouth. While I ate, Martin was busy creating his own roasted pork taco. After eating his first taco, he exclaimed that he was going to be a regular, and since we both live just down the street, I chimed in that I would be happy to join him anytime. As a matter of fact, I can't wait for Tuesday to head back for the Community Garden Salad (I love that name), a portabella hoagie, the homemade cole slaw, or the egg salad with green olives. Meat lovers might enjoy a chorizo burger, a crazy dog with smoky bacon cheddar potato salad or a BBQ grilled chicken sandwich. CSSS also specializes in old fashioned milkshakes served up in malt glasses with whipped cream and a cherry on top (see menu). They even gave banana boats!
I am already hooked on CSSS, and I've only been there once. Not only is the atmosphere great, and the food terrific, there's something else... something even better - owners Chris D'Andrea and Mark Supples have created something that transcends food and ambiance. They have brought something to a neighborhood that every neighborhood should have. Just as Grant Street has Sweet_ness 7 and Amherst Street now has the Black Rock Kitchen and Bar... and Lexington Avenue has The Place, and Rhode Island has Left Bank... and Virginia Street has Betty's, and Bryant Street has Trattoria Aroma... Connecticut Street now has an anchor restaurant that will make its mark on the neighborhood. CSSS will hopefully be around for generations, because this neighborhood deserves this type of place. I know that I'll be supporting it.
*The only thing that I can think of that would improve the restaurant would be to invest in more tableware instead of using the disposable plastic containers that came with just about everything. Learn more about Connecticut Street.
Connecticut Street Sandwich Shop
402 Connecticut Street
Buffalo NY14213
716-882-2777 (CSSS)
Very cool-CT Street should be a great little corridor soon.
I agree with the note at the bottom in regards to using more tableware. I was just in San Fran, and it always boggles my mind how progressive that city is environmentally. Almost no eatery has disposable utensils and, if they are, they go directly into a recycle bin. I hope we head in that same direction.