Steel Crazy, offering customers a selection of goods crafted from steel as well as the opportunity to order custom work, opened earlier this year on the corner of Elmwood and Allen. Owned and operated by Ed Hogle of Atlas Steel and EB Iron Art, it inhabits the storefront formerly occupied by Eminent Design. Hogle and his business have been a link in the chain of Allentown's recent resurgence, and he's about to add another (or two).
Hogle is developing two new businesses in the Allentown area. The first exists in the back half of Steel Crazy, utilizing much of the space that was once home to Cybele's first incarnation. It will operate on a casual basis, without waitresses or liquor, guests order at the counter and can take their meal to go, or dine in the shop at the little bar that lines the display windows (perfect for people watching). Known by the name of “Steel Crazy Cafe”, guests will be offered a selection of light fare. The quality coffees and fresh fruit smoothies will certainly add to the heart of the breakfast and lunch menu, which is the crepe.
Hogle's Crazy Cafe will offer a wide selection of crepes, both savory and sweet, each sizable and delicious. If you've only experienced crepes in the form of a thin pancake covered with artificially flavored syrup at a breakfast chain, you have no idea what you've been missing. Creperies are prevalent and extremely popular in major cities throughout Canada and the US. Hogle, being from Montreal and having spent a number of years in Paris is confident that Buffalonians will be thrilled with the concept. So much so, that he's building a more sophisticated creperie next door.
The building located next door to Steel Crazy on Allen has stood empty for a long time. It previously operated as a clothing store called Drool, and before that as the Topic (one--if not the first--espresso bar in Buffalo- we miss you Bob and Amanda). Hogle has not only taken up the lease, but has completely gutted the inside to make room for Le Crazy Crepe. Le Crazy Crepe is slated to open in September, but in the interim, we'll see major changes taking place in the large patio that bridges the lot between the two properties. It is a fantastic location, long in need of an overhaul, and that's exactly what Hogle intends to do with the introduction of a mezzanine, stage, bar, and other architectural enhancements.
Le Crazy Crepe will also offer a “crepecentric” menu (mmm...lobster crepes), fondue, wine, beer and cocktails as well as table side service. There will be a good selection of vegetarian items, and Hogle's extreme dislike for anything greasy or fried will be reflected in the menu as well. Plans for the interior of this long neglected space are pretty spectacular, but we'll save the details on that project until the renovations have moved forward a little more and we can offer you pictures.
Hogle's love for crepes and French food in general is obviously a major factor in his decision to open both of these establishments. The crepe recipe that will be used by both restaurants includes a unique technique developed by a famous chef from “Old Montreal”. In fact, Hogle paid for the privilege to not only learn from the master himself, but to have his chef, Chrissy LaBerta, train there as well.
When I asked Hogle about how he sees his business being in an area that is so full of restaurants, he had this to say, “There are 5,200 people that live in the Allentown area alone. Most of them get around on foot, some of them don't even own a car. There is plenty of room for everyone (meaning businesses).”
Steel Crazy Cafe, 191 Allen, 885.0206