I discovered Guercio's about a year ago. The place is fantastic and, as much as I love Wegmans, the produce is so fresh and very inexpensive. They have a wonderful deli too. I only wished that the evening hours were a little longer, even if one night per week.
Caramici’s on Hertel makes more than one type of cannoli filling and it's one of my new favorites. If you don't have to worry about anyone being allergic to nuts, try the almond filling! It's incredible!! It still has the wonderful sweet ricotta cheese base, plus an added kick of almond goodness. You can't go wrong with it.
I've been going to Guercio's for over 54 years (even as an infant) and they have everything, even specialty hot sauces at lower prices than the larger chains - the best part is, I like to make my own cannoli, but will not go through the ordeal my mom and Aunt Angie did in making their own shells (I had the distinct pleasure of pushing the wooden dowel out of each one as a kid). So, I buy pre-made shells (I know - TRAVESTY!) However, many chain stores have them on the shelves for god knows how long and some are stale - Guercio's are ALWAYS fresh. So, whether you want them pre-made or plan to stuff them yourself - Guercio's is the place to be - AND - the place to see!
I don't know what all the hoopla is about Guercio's. Maybe if you're a little older, and still remember Grant Street before it became a slum, it's more appealing. True, their selection is pretty good for a market their size in Buffalo, but the place is not much to look at or visually appealing in any way, in my opinion. Every time I try to buy something in there, they always seem to be 5 minutes away from closing time--and the people working there aren't afraid to tell me they want to leave at closing time sharp. Then on my way to my car, someone usually asks me for my spare change, and then I end up at Wegmans anyway. It's just my own personal experience, but I've been let down bu this supposedly great mkt too many times.
3381...your comments about the appearance of Gurecios are silly! The market is truely representative of an uban green grocer with deli. The selection and quality of their goods are awesome. As to the hours...most retailers have specific hours...if you can't get there until it's just about closing time...call ahead...they will put your deli order together for pick up leaving you enough time to select your produce and dry goods.
Mmm, almond filling sounds delicious, Gioia.
MRogers, I'm not one to judge your use of store-bought shells as I've never even attempted that level of cannoli making. :)
troy, I'm sorry that you haven't had the same positive experiences at Guercio's that I have. I agree with you and Vylit that longer hours would make it easier for those who work 9-5 but I guess they'll modify their hours if the level of business calls for it. While no one can or should deny that Grant St. has seen better days, there are some really great community activists working to revitalize the area-- MAP and PUSH are right across the street, for example. I hope they treat themselves to cannoli from time to time, as they're good people doing good work.
IMADIVA, I've seen people picking up orders from the deli counter when I've been there before but it never dawned on me that I could order ahead. That's a great tip, thanks.
Hmmm.... calling ahead for cannoli could get dangerous. :)
IMADIVA, I have two words for you: DEAN & DELUCA. Here's another good one: Balducci's.
Fun story to read. Great information presented enthusiasticlly without going overboard with the praise and hype.
I'm a die hard Guercio's fan, here are a couple of the posts we've had on the site for those looking for a little more info.
http://www.buffalorising.com/story/fresh_from_grant_street http://www.buffalorising.com/story/20_guercios http://www.buffalorising.com/story/guercio_sons
Also, just a note, not only does Guercio's supply almost every restaurant in the city by delivering goods like produce and specialty items, they will also deliver to your home for a very small fee!
Next time you visit Guercio's check out the wall in the back where Grace fills and takes the restaurant orders. Every time I'm there ( at least once every week) everyone bends over backwards to accommodate myself and every customer I witness being serviced. Other than the excellent products and selection their attention and personal service keeps me going back.
Guercio's reminds me of old school Italian grocery shopping. Yes the neighborhood has changed, but that, at least, has stayed the same. However, about cannoli . . . I consider myself somewhat of an expert as having cannoli from most of the bakeries in and around Buffalo and I gotta say that Caramici's on Hertel is the best so far. Not only does she offer traditional, almond and custard varieties, she also has chocolate chocolate chip and has even created a Tiramisu cannoli. I'm not kidding!!!! Anyway, she's up to any cannoli challenge!
Sofia, thanks for the info! Tiramisu cannoli sounds like it would rank high on my scientifically-based rating scale. ;)
girl16, glad it was a fun read. Reading about cannoli should always be fun, right?
troy, Guercio's provides quality goods at realistic pricing. The chain markets you mention are over-priced due to their aesthetics. Guercio's is also open most of the day on Saturdays and that's when I go and experience the hustle and bustle of true neighborhood shopping for qualty merchandise. The others you mention are chains and attract the snooty. Thank the powers that be for true Buffalo born and bred businesses like Guercio's.
MRodgers, Zabar's and Balducci's still operate their original "specialty food shops" in NYC. You consider them to be "chains" because they have expanded to more than just their original location, and fill orders online. If Guercio's opened another location in Buffalo, would you value the one on Grant Street any less? The markets that I mentioned, enjoy high demand for their quality products, and for good reason. I didn't mean to suggest that Buffalo is not lucky to have Guercio's. It is. And you should be thanking the powers that be for it. And, for the record, I don't think many would consider me "snooty" though I am attracted by the markets I mentioned. Not everyone who shops at expensive specialty stores is snooty. Let's be fair.
Christa,
The next time you are on Hertel stop by Romeo and Juliet's and try the cannoli. I am interested in you opinion of theirs. I have never had better. Enjoy!
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