Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 10th 2005, 9:32pm By buffalorising

Tucked into Buffalo's Central Public Library is a new downtown eatery appropriately titled Fables Caf". Taking take the metaphor a step further, its menu is organized into five clever chapters: A Thirst for Knowledge (teas and coffees), Morning Editions (breakfast), Farmer's Almanac (salads and light sandwiches), Novels (sandwiches), and Happy Endings (desserts).

Jason Davidson, one of the caf"'s three owners, spent five years in New Orleans honing his restaurant and cooking skills. The other owners, Mark Slagle, who oversees the kitchen, and Geno Principe, met when Mark and Jason worked at the Mansion on Delaware Avenue, another of Principe's endeavors. Their exposure to regional cuisine as well as their collective expertise in offering quality restaurant experiences has clearly influenced all aspects of Fables starting with the menuUan eclectic mix of Southern cuisine, Americana, and whimsy. The eclecticism isn't just limited to the menu, however. Fables Caf" offers a "3-minute Chair Massage and Sandwich Combo"for weary travelers and businesspeople. Dramatic floral arrangements from Sage on Allen Street are featured. And this summer, a "gelato girl"will sell Italian ice from a cart outside.

Recently, I had a chance to try lunch at Fables with a friend. Our first hint that this was going to be a great experience was Miles Davis playing as we walked through the door. All of the food at Fables is made from scratch and the ingredients are ordered from local vendors and purveyors. Our options consisted of a dizzying array of high-end teas, sandwiches, and soups. My lunch companion was blown away by the Ham & Scalloped Potato Po Boy. I chose the milder Balsamic Infused Portabella. Both were sublime. I also sampled a cup of Potato Chipotle Lime SoupUa truly inspired concoction.

Fables Caf" is a great new choice for the downtown lunch crowd. Its addition to the Central Public Library is the first major improvement to the library since 1964. Other enhancements include a redesigned library entrance, automated checkout scanner, and a gift store called Novel Ideas. Go check it out!

Fables Caf" | Central Public Library 1 Lafayette Square | 716.858.7127 | www.fablescafe.com hours: Mon - Sat 8:30am - 4pm