Cafe Veloce
Italian Food, Italian Bikes!
I first read about Cafe Veloce in an issue the Vintage
Motorcycle Enthusiasts
newsletter, so I hopped on my trusted steed and rode to the Eastside.
 Walk in the door of Cafe Veloce and a helmet
headed mannequin greets you with a number plate that reads "Please wait to be
seated." It's all about motorcycles, racing and Italy from there on!
Cafe Veloce is packed full of Italian motorcycle racing memorabilia
including nine classic bikes which are propped up around the room. I took my lunch next to
the Blue Ducati. The walls are decorated with color and black & white sport photos,
and a display case holds scale models of euro scooters.
 The menu tells the story of open road racing
in Italy at it's peak during the 50s. After a fatal accident in 1957 when a driver killed
himself, co-pilot and 20 spectators during a race the Italian government ended racing in
Italy as they knew it then. Slowly but surely the government and fans are beginning to
resurrect the sport again.
The anti pasta rivals Bills on Capitol Hill for being a good,
"nothin too fancy to wreck it", anti pasto. Their pizza's are small portions,
mine was so tasty I ate the whole thing, twice as much as my cardiologist would have
preferred. The menu features over 20 pasta's so there's something for everybody.
The culture that Cafe Veloce offers the Eastside is a
breath of fresh air. Few places here give you a homey feeling while sharing a bit of
history with all who enter. The sound system also blends modern pop with jazz and of
course, Italian music.
If you're a motorcycle fan, we know of no other collection of
Italian racers like this. Motorcyclists and members of the Vintage Motorcycle Club
are extended a 10% discount on your purchase.
TM/Spring 99
- Where: Cafe Veloce 12414 120th Avenue NE,
Kirkland
- Owner: Liz Calouri (425)814-2972
This story was reprinted from our sister publication - www.seattledining.com
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