Rebecca Weger

Last Brunch at ABC Cafe

A sad day today, as we had what will probably be our last brunch at ABC Cafe. This all-vegetarian restaurant has graced Ithaca for almost 30 years, and I’m really going to miss it.

We made the ardous hike up Buffalo Street this morning for a final farewell brunch.  ABC officially closes next Sunday, and we’re assuming its going to be crowded.  This morning was slow and leisurely, with good company from a friend we don’t see often.  While I could never eat that beautiful plate full of gluten, Joseph enjoyed his french toast.  I equally enjoyed my last guacamole cheddar omlette – although the photo didn’t do it justice.

Afterwards, we managed our way up the rest of the hill to Collegetown and I chased breakfast with a fabulous “Comfort” smoothie from Green Cafe – fresh oranges, orange juice, banana, mango and peach.  We would for sure go there more often if it were more convenient.  Hello?  Why can’t you be my back-up lunch option?  I still miss Smoothie Hut and that’s been a couple of years now.

I’m going to miss ABC, the food, the ambience, the rotating art shows, the Sunday morning live music, and a sense of community continuity.  It had that funky, homegrown quality that seems like it ought to be everywhere in this town – but isn’t. We went there a few times early in our relationship, holding hands over coffee.  Watched some great neighborhood kids dancing to morning fiddle music, waited half an hour for a table, and admired the tattoos on the servers.  Thanks for the good times, and here’s to hoping that some other great neighborhood restaurants are on the horizon, cause the bleed is starting to hurt.