We often use the metaphor of an explosion as the impetus for big changes occurring in our lives, whether it refers to a relationship, a career opportunity, or just a bunch of little things that have built up and make us want to clear our personal cache and hit the restart button. And then sometimes […]
Chow Hound
Posted inCulture
Another spin on Orbs
When we first took a look at Orbs Restaurant & Bar (758 South Avenue) back in 2014, the menu was heavy on the meatballs and not much else. A lot can happen in three years. The menu has evolved from small spheres of meat to an ode to fresh ingredients and farm-to-table fare, with the […]
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Passions for coffee and beer collide at Fifth Frame
In bowling, the fifth frame is commonly referred to as the beer frame; whoever has the lowest score buys the next round. When Jon Mervine, Wade Reed, and Jarred Foster were looking for a name for a new venture combining their passions for coffee and beer, the name Fifth Frame Brewing Co. seemed like a […]
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A long time coming, Bitter Honey opens on Railroad Street
Zack Mikida’s enthusiasm is contagious. On the day we sat down to talk, everyone who walked into Bitter Honey (127 Railroad Street), Mikida’s new venture with SCN Hospitality (The Revelry, Branca), whether it was an employee or a customer, was greeted with a high five or a hug. Bitter Honey has been a long time […]
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The Spirit Room revels in Rochester lore
Rochester has an intriguing spooky side. You’ve probably heard the stories about the Lady in White, the haunted stacks of the Rundel Memorial Library, or the Fox Sisters. The partners behind The Spirit Room (139 State Street) are interested in the spiritual side of Rochester lore and have created a space downtown that celebrates it. […]
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Roll with it
My first question to John Syouthoum, the owner of Roll’n Yen Thai Fried Ice Cream (656 South Avenue), is “Why is it called ‘fried ice cream’ when it’s not fried?” The house-made ice cream is spread out on a flat surface and then scraped into rolls and placed in a cup — there isn’t a […]
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Mexico comes to Corn Hill
No matter where the owners of Paola’s Burrito Place end up, the Rochester public seems to find them. The family’s new venture, Mi Barrio Burrito Place (319 Exchange Boulevard), opened in June of this year. “It’s a different location with a different name, but the same owners and the same great food,” says Jesus Enriquez, […]
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Finding a coastal tavern on University Ave
Trey Yager, owner and executive chef at the new Seven Seas Tavern (58 University Avenue), grew up on the coast of Florida and made his mark there in the restaurant and seafood industry. “I’ve made my whole career in seafood,” he says. Yager relocated to Rochester, and opened Havana Cabana five years ago, which he […]
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A hideaway no longer
There is a new entrance to Hogan’s Hideaway (197 Park Avenue) closer to the thoroughfare on Park Avenue. It’s just one of many changes that new owners Max Gordon, Maurice Kusminsky, and Drew Nye have made to once again make Hogan’s a destination on Park. The owners will hold a grand re-opening on Thursday, June […]
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Relish opens in former Open Face location
The space that houses Relish (651 South Avenue) is hardly recognizable from its former iteration, Open Face Sandwich Eatery. Owner Stephen Rees has brightened up the place with white walls and light accents and had recently finished painting the ceiling when we recently sat down to talk. “At this current juncture, it’s just me making […]
Posted inCulture
The Tip Jar
Once springtime hits, the Chow Hound tip jar overfloweth, so it’s time to make some room in there for the rest of the season. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take mom for Mother’s Day or just want to fill up the weekend calendar, we’ve got you covered. New York Wine and Culinary Center’s Upstairs […]
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New East End whiskey bar offers late night kitchen
Doc Holliday, a well-known member of Wyatt Earp’s posse, was a notorious gambler. In a way, it’s a fitting name: Jon Wegman and Chris and Greg Joy are rolling their own dice on a new East End venture, Doc Holliday’s American Whiskey Bar and Grill (7 Lawrence Street). Greg and Chris Joy have been in […]
