The East and Alexander area has typically been more of
nighttime destination than a place to stop for coffee or to grab a quick lunch
during the workweek. But the recent opening of Pop Roc, a cereal and coffee bar
on East Avenue, and the soon-to-be-open Locals Only (311 Alexander Street) will
hopefully breathe new life to the area before the sun goes down.
General
Manager Sapphire Courchaine, Head Chef Adam Pastecki, and Bar Manager Keanan
O’Brien have been working for the past year to create an all-in-one stop for
those that live and work in the area. Locals Only will
house a coffee and juice bar, full kitchen, and cocktail bar and offer patrons
the opportunity to grab-and-go or sit down and eat. “It’s going to be a quick
service concept,” says Pastecki, “there’s a lot of
foot traffic in this neighborhood and for people that don’t want to sit and
hang out they can just grab something and get out of here.”
The
emphasis, as the name of the business clearly states, is to celebrate all
things local. “Local farmers, local distilleries, local roasters, we’re trying
to get all that good energy from New York together,” Courchaine
says.
The business
is backed by owners Louie Maier and
Gaetano Abbate, who have pretty much given their management team free rein of
the concept and execution, as long as they create a beautiful space. The design
is modern and minimalist, and they have worked with the UUU Art Collective to
commission a mural by local artist Muhammad Zaman.
Courchaine has worked the coffee scene in Rochester for
several years with stints at Joe Bean and Boxcar, and says her goal is to give
the customer a unique coffee experience. “I want it to be more
culinary-inspired, different syrups and flavors and sauces,” she says. They’ll
source their beans from multiple roasters from New York State and rotate on a
monthly basis, opening with New York City-based roaster
City of Saints.
The food
program headed by Pastecki will feature breakfast,
lunch, brunch, and a small plate dinner service. Counter service will be
available Monday through Friday, with table service available on Friday and
Saturday evenings. While their menu is still in development, Pastecki’s core concept is keeping the ingredients seasonal
with many vegan and vegetarian options available. For brunch, look for a
chicken and waffle special, along with steak and eggs. The bar has 12 taps, and
not just for beer — they’ll offer a few cocktails on tap as well.
Locals Only (311 Alexander Street) is slated to
open in June. They will be open Monday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through
Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to midnight; and
Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find them at localsonly311.com
or on Facebook.
Quick bites
The Cub Room (739 South Clinton Avenue) and Iron Smoke Distillery
have teamed up to host 80s Whiskey Brunch on Sunday, June 3, from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Cub Room. Music from the era of Aqua Net and tasty guitar
licks will be performed by Tommy Brunett & The Whiskey Soaked Scoundrels. Eighties attire encouraged,
but not required. Call 363-5694 to make a reservation.
The
Rochester Historical Society will host its second History Happy Hour lecture
series at Nox: Craft Cocktails & Comfort Food
(302 North Goodman Street, Village Gate) on Friday, June 8, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Members of the Rochester Historical Society will be talking about The Erie
Canal and the Making of Rochester. There is no cover charge and there will be
food and drink specials all night long with all proceeds going to the Rochester
Historical Society. 471-8803.
Casa Larga (2287 Turk Hill Road) will host a Farmer’s Market
Quick Pickles class on Sunday, June 10, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Maggie Klee,
owner of Real Delicious Kitchen, will teach participants new knife skills and
how to make your own quick pickles. All supplies are provided and you’ll leave
with two jars of pickles and a recipe packet. Tickets are $40 and can be
purchased at casalarga.com.
Rohrbach Buffalo Road Brewpub (3895 Buffalo Road) will host
a Take Me Out to the Ball Game-themed food and beer pairing dinner on
Tuesday, June 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 and include a guided tour of
the brewery and a five-course dinner. All reservations must be made by June 5
and entrée choice is made at the time of reservation. Visit
rohrbachs.com/events or call 594-9800 to book your reservation.
Openings
The Beer Hall Grill & Taps has replaced Stoneyard American Beer Hall & Grill at 1517 Empire
Boulevard.
Mario’s will be reopening in the former Bazil Restaurant at
1384 Empire Boulevard. Named Mario’s Homemade Pasta Kitchen, the restaurant’s
new focus includes fresh, handmade pasta and is slated to open in June. Look
for updates at mariospasta.com.
Closings
Orbs Restaurant and Bar (758
South Avenue) has closed. The Old Stone Tavern will be moving into the space at
an undisclosed date.
Chow Hound is a food and restaurant news column. Do
you have a tip? Send it to food@rochester-citynews.com.
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 5, 2018.
