When I pulled into the parking lot of El Pilon Criollo, I knew that it was a special place. Even if the food was bad (and it isn’t), I was excited to write about the background of owner Zury Brown and the restaurant she and her family created. The free standing building that houses El […]
Dining Review
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Veramente bello
Even on a Wednesday night, the parking lot at Branca is packed. Waiting for my friend to arrive, I watch the lot’s traffic from my car — for every car that pulls out, another zips in. By the time my friend and I go inside, it’s 7:45 p.m. The hostess apologetically says there are no […]
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Eats with the Hatter
Quaint is probably the first word that comes to mind when trying to describe The Mad Hatter Tea Room. A relatively small house converted into a restaurant, there is plenty of charm, with old hardwood floors and friendly service that does well even in the cramped quarters. And that doesn’t just mean the dining area; […]
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Island spice and rice
During our seemingly endless winter, I looked forward to some Jamaican food to nourish my soul and brighten my spirits. Natural Vibes Jerk Hut II, which opened in 2012, is an offshoot of the original Natural Vibes, now at 975 Chili Avenue in Rochester’s 19th Ward. This one, in Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood, serves up authentic […]
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DINING REVIEW: Ox and Stone
Ox and Stone is a great example of a restaurant that works well within the space that it occupies. The beautiful brick mansion features a neutral colored main dining room with dramatic, rolling arched ceilings and a feel that strikes that balance between relaxed and refined. Ambiance isn’t the main driver for why I decide […]
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DINING REVIEW: On a Roll
Let’s get something out of the way: Part of the appeal of Orbs Restaurant & Bar is that you can make a lot of testicle jokes. “Mmmm! I cannot wait to grab some balls!” Orbs is in on the fun. Meatball sandwiches are called “Balls and Buns,” a meatball sampler is “Bits and Pieces,” and […]
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DINING REVIEW: Bad Apples Bistro
I’d say Bad Apples Bistro is worth the drive to Spencerport, even on these frigid winter days. And that’s saying something considering most people barely want to leave their driveways right now. The apple-themed, green-colored environment welcomed my dining party from the cold into a 50-seat dining area that felt cozy and pleasant. Executive chef […]
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DINING REVIEW: Warmth and Waffles
If you’ve never been to The Arnett Café my guess is that, on your first visit, you’d find it familiar and welcoming. Sunshine floods the front dining room through its storefront windows. The staff welcomes you with megawatt smiles. And the menu has lots of comfort foods: burgers and fries, grilled cheese, and pancakes. Many […]
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DINING REVIEW: Fireside Grill and Sports Bar
I heard about Fireside Grill and Sports Bar when one of my day-job colleagues mentioned that it was his go-to local spot for sports bar fare — with a bit of a twist. What got me to make the drive to Henrietta was his description of Chef Martin Paxton’s passion and how he strived to […]
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DINING REVIEW: City Grill
I can’t help but think of big, brash song standards when I think of City Grill. I can hear Frank Sinatra, fedora hat cocked just so, belting out an upbeat tune. City Grill, which describes itself as a contemporary American restaurant, strikes me as having a Rat-Pack-takes-Vegas sort of style. The menu is expansive, with […]
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DINING REVIEW: Balsam Bagels
How are the bagels at Balsam Bagels? They are good — and not just by Rochester standards but by NYC-bagel-capital-of-the-world standards. If Balsam Bagels served its coffee in Greek-styled paper cups, it might be hard to remember which city you were standing in. Balsam’s bagels are dense, tanned circles with a glossy, almost shiny, exterior; […]
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Havana Cabana
My experience at Havana Cabana — a restaurant serving a twist on Island Cuisine in a warm, inviting environment — has to be broken into two separate experiences to accurately describe how different they were. On the first visit, the whole night was colored by the unfortunate timing of the meal and some technical issues […]
