caffe forte and crazy burger

north park has its share of unique and independent coffee shops, including lestat's and cafe calabria. several new starbucks also opened in the past few months, with one in the renovated north park theater. caffe forte, which recently opened at 3139 University Ave, a few blocks east of the galleries on Ray Street, is a great addition to the north park cafe scene.

we stopped in for lunch around noon today on this record-breaking hot day, with the temperature over 100. the air conditioned interior was a welcome change from the intense heat. caffe forte has a wide deli sandwich selection, and they sell deli meats by the pound. my italian hero was stacked full of delicious ham and genoa salami, and came with some tasty dressing on a few leaves of lettuce with pine nuts. we really enjoyed our meal. the resturant is connected to the art produce gallery next door, so you can check out some local art after your coffee or lunch. it's really encouraging to see the cafe scene thriving in north park as part of the neighborhood's turnaround.

tioli's crazy burger, located at 4201 30th Street, was our dinner pick tonight and we again enjoyed excellent, inexpensive burgers. The burgers are really juicy and the fries are addictive. tioli's was an italian restaurant until several months ago, but the change appears to be successful.

i'm looking forward to hitting these and other cafes and restaurants when i bike through north park on my way to and from downtown, but for now it'll have to be by car - it's too hot to bike.