 Cafe
Veloce
-
- Where: Cafe Veloce 12514 120th Avenue NE,
Kirkland
- Owner: Liz
Calouri (425)814-2972
Racing Italian
I read about Cafe Veloce in my Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts
newsletter so I hopped on the Honda 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 50's. 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 Bill's on Capitol Hill for being a good,
"nothin' too fancy to wreck it," antipasta. Their pizzas 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 pastas, so there's something for everyone.
 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.
 
Tom Mehren/May 1999 |
