Hail Caesar, Et tu Brodo?
Ah Caesar, I hail thee.
It’s true; I do appreciate a good Caesar salad. So yesterday, while I was running errands on Elmwood Avenue, I ducked into Brodo for my favorite Caesar salad and a flight of soups.
Once seated, I ordered a nice glass of MacMurray Pinot Noir ($8). Along with the wine, my server, Dan, brought fresh Italian bread and a ramekin of Brodo’s famed herb filled dipping oil. A delight in itself, it’s a great way to get your appetite ready for what is to follow.
The word “brodo” is Italian for broth, which is the base for the fresh, housemade soups at Brodo. Each day the soup offerings change, but their signature soup is available every day, and for good reason. This flavorful broth based soup is filled with a generous portion of Italian sausage, pasta and diced tomatoes. Each day there are four or more soups to choose from, but for me, the way to go is the flight of three soups which provides just the right amount of each soup to satisfy your curiosity and your appetite($6). On this occasion, I chose to enjoy the Tomato with Basil Pesto, the Creamy Broccoli, and, of course, “Brodo”, the house soup. With this selection I experienced the richness of the tomato soup and the creaminess of the broccoli soup; both a contrast to the light broth of the house soup. It was a delectable mix of flavors and textures.
Next to arrive was the Caesar salad in all its glory ($7); a bowl piled high with crisp, fresh romaine lettuce and house made croutons, perfectly dressed with a creamy, garlic and lemon dressing, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and, much to my liking, a flurry of freshly ground black pepper. Dan and I joked about how that gave him a good upper body workout! If you prefer a hardier salad you may order your Caesar with grilled chicken for $9.50 or with shrimp for $12.
In addition to the soups and salads, Brodo offers appetizers, sandwiches, focaccia and entrees after 5 PM. Desserts change daily. If you are pressed for time, you can call ahead for take out for either lunch or dinner.
Before I left I ordered a sandwich to take to a friend who could not meet me for lunch: Breaded eggplant with mozzarella and marinara sauce. The tender eggplant was topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served on crunchy grilled Italian bread. This sandwich came with a side of pasta salad ($8.50), both of which were very well received.
Brodo
765 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo 14222
716.881.1117
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Comment Options
Martin
mmmmmmmmmmm...looks yummy
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ArtGypsy
This is one of our favorite places. Sometimes just a cup of soup and the spinach artichoke dip in its little crock. Sometimes a full meal. The salad with warm goat cheese..heaven. And it is a comfy, friendly place with great street watching. We often run into friends there. We were given the wrong entree once, long ago,. It was quickly replaced and we were treated to a free dessert to ease the pain. Love Brodo.
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sayvanderlay
What am I doing wrong? When some of us are working, others are running errands, and sipping wine. : )
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RisingDamp666
Sorry you're feeling left out, sayvanderlay, but maybe you can find a creative way to do both. I recommend a crisp Gruner veltliner to sip while working. That floral, apple-y nose and light minerally finish goes perfectly with operating heavy machinery or just relaxing over a mortgage office closing. For afters, enjoy a delicious bar of Divinia Chocolate or nibble some Galia melon wrapped with Lardo. that's better, isn't it?
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christinarose54
One of my favorite places for lunch or dinner. Yummy sandwiches and of course, excellent dipping oil! Great food, great atmosphere and great prices!
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buffaloed
All I have to say is a large Dominic's Brodo- to go! Throw in some bread and its my favorite lunch.
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leadi
After reading this story yesturday and after a cold day at Chestnut ridge sledding, we decided to make dinner of Brodo's soups. We grabbed some of the house "Dominic's Brodo" and some of the white bean with ham both of which are out of this world! We also grabbed a loaf of bread from Dolci and also cut up a few chunks of gryuere and chedder to munch with our soup. Perfect cold winter night dinner.
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mercury
While I am in agreement that the soups are delicious and the restaurant's ambience is refreshing, Brodo is a bit on the pricey side for dinners. I would stick to lunches here.
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viking
Just tried Brodo today for the first time, we were clued by BR and whole heartedly agree on it's great rating. Our waiter (who effectively put up with my harassment) and support staff were excellent. My only complaint -- bigger tables are needed, too much good food too little space for it.
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