Ever since Prospero opened back in January (see post) I have become a big fan of the place. The atmosphere of the restaurant closely mirrors that of the neighborhood - classic and Bohemian style thrown together to create a setting where a pair of jeans and a button down are as readily accepted as a tux. My favorite offering is the eggplant parm, though the 'create your own' pasta dish is a close second. Over and beyond anything else, I find that the restaurant caters to people who are looking for quality service, excellent food and affordable prices.

Until now I had only been spreading the good word of prospero to friends - it wasn't until the owners came up with some special deals that I felt it was time to share. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night, Prospero's offers two Italian entrees and a bottle of wine for $38. For an upscale Italian restaurant, that's a great deal. It seems that the neighborhood agrees, because the marketing effort has already drawn a ton of new customers to try the food. It's a fare deal, and one that customers appreciate and remember. It also solves the problem of being overloaded on the weekends because customers that might normally opt to have dinner on the weekend may choose an off night instead. These types of deals also free up more seating on the weekends for the smaller restaurants.

In fact, the Tuesday and Wednesday specials have been so successful that there is now a Three for Thursday deal, also intended to draw people off the beaten path. For $20 customers can order three Italian appetizers with two premium drinks or glasses of wine. I don't know about you, but I've ordered a couple of appetizers and drinks around the city and this is the best deal that I've seen for the quality of food served. It's always nice to get a good deal especially when a restaurant appears to be hitting its strides while the offers are on the table. One last thing to remember when visiting Prospero's is to ask for the bread. It's served with the most delicious olive butter! I'm not sure if it comes with all of the specials (that could break the bank), but it doesn't hurt to try.

Prospero is located at 350 Pennsylvania St. Buffalo, NY 14201 | 716-931-5450 | Just behind Kleinhans Music Hall