Tag: beef on weck

New Yorkers love their food

Andrew was remarking the other days about different foods that are unique to Buffalo.  My mouth started to water and I thought perhaps yours might start watering, too.

1.  WINGS.  Couldn’t start this list without that one.  They were invented at The Anchor Bar, but everyone has their own local favorite.  We love Pasquale’s and those from The Bar-Bill Tavern, in East Aurora.

2.  Beef on Weck.

3.  Mighty Taco.

4.  Sahlen’s hot dogs.  They are amazing and you can buy them in the grocery store.  Awesome.

5.  Ted’s Hot Dogs.  See above–Ted’s is a chain of hot dog stands and they serve Sahlen’s.  Even our hotel serves Sahlen’s on their hot dog night.  Really, hot dogs in general are all over the place.  Some call them “red hots” and there are chains and stands all over.  I don’t get it.

6.  Pizza.  Just like hot dogs–everywhere.  Unlike Ohio or Chicago, there isn’t a distinct “style” around here–no exceptionally thin or thick crusts or weird toppings.  People just really like their pizza.  We love Pasquale’s, (see Wings) hands down.

7.  Ice Cream.  It’s everywhere, and I mean, EVERYWHERE.  Andrew once told me he saw something on TV about how there are more ice cream shops/stores/stands in the Northeast than in the South (where it’s actually hot).  It’s so true.  New Englanders and Northeasterners love their ice cream!  (I realize ice cream is not unique to Buffalo, but it’s still EVERYWHERE.  I’m in heaven.)

8.  Sponge Candy.  It’s a little weird, but people here love it.  It’s kind of like a chocolate truffle, and on the inside is an airy, toffee-like flavored candy that dissolves almost immediately in your mouth.

9.  Schwabl’s.  They’ve been open forever and it has that ‘old-fashioned’ feel.  They’re famous for their beef on weck, but I didn’t think it was that special.  Apparently they serve Hungarian Goulash on Saturdays, so we’ll have to make sure to try that next.

…and the one thing we CAN’T find much of around here:  ETHNIC FOOD.  There are some places, and we’ve tried a couple different Thai establishments, but there just isn’t the variety that you can find in other places.  Sure, closer to Buffalo there are more choices, but trying to find ethnic food closer in East Aurora is pretty much impossible.  And no, I don’t count Chinese take-out as ‘ethnic.’

 

my first beef on weck

I tried my first “beef on weck” tonight at, appropriately, the restaurant touted as the inventor of the famous Buffalo sandwich.

Andrew and I have been meaning to go to Schwabl’s since we first saw it after we got here.  You can read all about it here, but basically it’s an old, well-known hole-in-the-wall place that is known for its roast beef and seafood.  Surprisingly, neither Andrew nor his parents had ever been, so the four of us met there tonight.

One of the drinks they’re known for is called the “Ebenezer Punch,” which is a mixture of Southern Comfort, orange and lemon juices, lemon lime soda, and is only served during the summer.  Andrew got one and it was tasty but tart.

We all ordered the infamous “beef on weck,” which is essentially sliced roast beef served on a kimmelweck bun.  Kimmelweck buns are large hamburger buns covered in salt.  You can find beef on weck sandwiches all over the place, but apparently Schwabl’s is known for starting them, so I figured it would be a good place to give it a try.

Andrew and his mom got fries on the side, as well as their vinegar coleslaw.  You can see some of Andrew’s punch in the top left corner.

The place is small; it might only have ten or so tables with a bar.  Seating is limited, so it’s not uncommon to have a wait at prime dinner times.  We showed up after 7 p.m. and had to wait just a few minutes for some people to leave a table in the front.

The walls are covered in framed newspaper articles and plaques announcing “Voted Best Beef on Weck” from just about every local publication.  What I liked the most was the customer service and homey atmosphere.  Every waitress was 50+ and wore white uniform dresses, similar to a 50’s diner, but with less kitsch.  The gentlemen servers and bartenders wore shirts, ties and white aprons.  Everyone was more than polite and our waitress offered not once, but twice, to bring us samples of some of the sides we were debating about.

Sorry folks, had to use the flash for mine.  Andrew’s dad and I opted for the german potato salad instead of fries and I didn’t regret it.  Look at all the salt on the bun!  Traditionally, you’re supposed to put horseradish on your sandwich.  Horseradish jars sit on Buffalo dining establishment tables just like ketchup and mustard do everywhere else.  I love horseradish, but man does it have a kick sometimes!

I don’t know that any of us thought it was the best beef on weck we’d ever had (it was for me since it was my first), but it’s definitely the kind of place you bring your out-of-town guests, or go to when you want that small, cozy, welcoming atmosphere.  Or Hungarian goulash.  Apparently they serve it on Saturdays, and only on Saturdays, for lunch and dinner.  We’ll be back then.