Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 24th 2007, 11:51am By Christa Glennie Seychew

I stopped for lunch at the new crepe shop the other day, a place we told readers about a few weeks ago. Counter service and casual seating make it easy to pop in and out. This is fast food for those that favor flavor over drive-thru convenience. The fantastic patio has seen some subtle changes, though it isn't even close to the transformation I've been told to expect. It's current state doesn't make dining on fresh crepes alfresco any less delightful.

While waiting for my lunch date I tried one of Steel Crazy Cafe's fresh juices. I chose the “To Your Health” which was made of oranges, apples, carrots, fresh ginger and honey. It was delicious and refreshing. Other versions include the “Roycroft” (grapefruit, oranges and mango) and the “Tropical Twist”, made with coconut milk, bananas and mango. They also have smoothies in strawberry or raspberry.

The menu focuses on crepes, but there are other options that we'll get to in a minute. I was there for lunch, and though the dessert crepes were immediately tempting, I had to step up for a savory bite first. I ordered the “Allen Street” (pictured above and only $6.95), comprised of fresh mozz, diced tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil and shavings of Asiago. The crepe was warm, the interior cool (I would have preferred it to be warm), but with the classic Italian flavor profile, it would have had to work hard to be a failure. It was so nice to have something made of fresh, cold Italian ingredients that wasn't doused with cheap balsamic vinegar. It was large but very light, a perfect portion for lunch.

My companion (lovely Lacy from Diggin' It) enjoyed a Moulin Rouge ($7.95). It included fresh, crisp green apples, brie, walnuts, powdered sugar and a side of maple syrup. It was also quite large as the crepes used for all of the dishes at Steel Crazy Cafe are prepared in a 12” pan. The hefty slices of apple made it slightly difficult to eat with the plastic flatware provided. It proved to be more of a dessert, albeit a yummy one. I would suggest to any of you ordering lunch that you skip the powdered sugar and syrup, add some roast beef, and ask them to heat it up a bit.

The dessert offerings are lengthy- nine in total. I had the “Funky Pirate” ($6.95), which was so scrumptious that I managed to find room to eat every last bite. The sweet bananas, ice cream, almonds and gentle caramel sauce were enveloped in the thin, sweet skin of the crepe. It was truly delicious, and it isn't a stretch to imagine that the rest of the combinations are equally good.

If you like to keep it simple, order “The Horn”, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar ($3.95) or filled with ooey-gooey Nutella ($4.95). The “Mississippi” features strawberries, ice cream, whipped cream and powdered sugar ($6.95), while the Jamaican is stuffed with bananas, ice cream, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and powdered sugar ($6.95). It's not mentioned on the menu, but our waitress let us know that half portions are available for approximately $2.75.

Wraps and sandwiches basically work on a DIY basis, with breads, proteins, veg and condiments being offered up in any combination you like. Ham, turkey or roast beef can be paired with lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts, bacon or swiss for $6.95.

Those seeking breakfast have Bagel Jay's bagels to choose from, or, for a really decadent start to the day, you can go with the “Sugar Shack” crepe. Vying for the title “Breakfast of Champions”, the Sugar Shack is composed of scrambled eggs, ham and maple syrup ($6.95).

It is important to note that any ingredients you choose can be warmed if you request so upon ordering.

I really like the Steel Crazy Cafe, and from the throng of gatherers crowded outside during the Allentown Art Festival, I imagine that a lot of other folks do too. It's a good sign for the future of Mr. Hogle's second crepe restaurant, La Crazy Crepe, soon to be open in the building across the courtyard. It will stand somewhere between casual and fine dining, offering fondues, a good wine list and warm, savory crepes made with components like wild mushroom and lobster.

Until then, I will happily “make do” with a “fast” lunch a the Steel Crazy Cafe.

Steel Crazy Cafe, 191 Allen, 14201, 885.6125, call for hours