Sweet Treats

With winter already showing its self already here in Buffalo, sweets are still in demand.

Nicholas Ramirez, Assistant General Manager 

and Crystal Frye, Assistant Chef

Sweetshops here are very versatile, selling everything from vegan treats to soups.

With the exception of places like The Cheesecake Factory, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, most dessert shops in Buffalo are locally owned.

This means for the most part: lower prices, local treats (such as sponge candy) and the ability to order your desserts directly from the person who makes them.

Locally owned dessert bakery and gelateria Dolci on Elmwood has a variety of treats for vegans, which is a great advantage over competitors.

Dolci has been open by the new owners David Simpson and Richard Bucculeau for 6 years now after the original owner, Mary Dolci owned it for 25 years. 

“The owners are Buffalo natives and they had a passion and idea to open a bakery and gelateria,” said Nicholas Ramirez, assistant general manager.

Not only does Dolci sell wonderful treats, they also have a full café, which includes espresso and latte beverages, homemade soups, sandwiches and salads, breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal, and more.

Their website gives a detailed menu including pictures and prices.

The most popular items are a tossup between their gelato, vegan cupcakes or their Cassata cupcakes.

Their coffee, which is only $1, is their cheapest item, but if you are craving something sweet, their vegan cupcakes are only $2.50.

Dolci's sweet treats which 
includes tarts, cakes and cupcakes

On top of their cheap prices, Dolci also gives 10-20% for students.

Gelateria Luca, who has only been open for 2 months, opened up on Elmwood because it is a nice and popular place to be.

Gelateria Luca is also a great, cheap local restaurant with their owner being completely hands on.

Many of their sweets are Italian sweets with rare treats like rum raisins on their carrot cakes.

The great serving sizes are probably the reason why gelatos are their most popular treat!

“Our gelato and cannoli are popular and cookies are only a dollar,” said Josephine Letizia, owner of Gelateria Luca.

So, if you are ever looking for a late night snack, Gelateria Luca is open most nights until 10pm.

In 1945, Aléthea’s opened in honor of Dean Tassy’s great grandmother, Aléthea.

She was known for her homemade confections in Konzani, Greece and in her honor, they decided to open up a chocolate shop.

“She made confections, not chocolate but out pastries are in her honor and we developed the recipes ourselves,” said Dean Tassy, the owner of Aléthea’s.

Their most popular candy is sponge candy, which is a popular Buffalo treat.

Aléthea’s not only has an active retail store but their online store is very interactive.

On their website, customers are able to choose their candies and have it shipped to their home.

Aléthea’s is a chocolate lover’s heaven and a homesick Buffalo native’s best friend.

Just remember, in Buffalo sweet treats are popular all year around but they are even sweeter when the prices are cheaper.