The former North End Trattoria on Hertel is getting a new leash on life as two new friends, formerly from the neighborhood, have returned to create a concept based on traditional family recipes, late night pizzas and a lively bar. It’s being considered a bar/restaurant that might resemble a big family reunion on any given night. Years ago, Scott Ross headed to Hamburg, while Lorie Pantano headed to Vegas. While they weren’t living in North Buffalo any longer, they still kept up with neighborhood happenings through family and friends. Eventually the two connected and realized that they both had aspirations to open an establishment that would draw upon creature comforts – comfort food and comfortable lounging.
As the owners wait for the liquor license to come through, the task at hand is to prepare the establishment for business. While many of the major amenities are already furnished, such as the brick oven pizza and the kitchen, friends and family are busy decking the place out as a social hangout for what appears to be a huge contingent of supporters. The scene on the inside resembles a veritable beehive of activity. It was hard to get a gauge of who was who with all of the excitement… last time I spoke to Scott he was hoping that tonight would be the big opening night. Oh what a night…
As much as the late night half-price pizzas will surely be a winner with customers, Scott told me that it’s Lorie’s mother’s sauce recipe that people are already talking about. If anyone is familiar with the old Mister Tony’s – that was Lorie’s mom who cooked up a storm for over 20 years, and recipes as well as inspiration will be drawn from that era. “I can’t believe how many people want to help get this restaurant off the ground,” Scott told me. “We know all of the business owners in the neighborhood, as well as the bartenders, families… there’s a renewed enthusiasm for Hertel and North Buffalo. I am so happy to be back here working on such a fun project. We’re opening up the second floor for more customer space – the additional room in back will be called the Buffalo Room, filled will all sorts of historic photos of the city. It will be right next to the VIP room… a small dining lounge with pillows where people can relax and get comfortable. This place has a lot of personality – it’s going to be a real neighborhood restaurant.”
Uncorked will be open for lunch and dinner. Patio will also reopen.
Uncorked
1458 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216
716-259-8319