Restaurant Articles
Mmmmm, nachos. So simple, so divine - and surprisingly easy to screw up. If the chips are stale, the cheese isn't melted (or real), and the ingredients bland, it can be a really disappointing appetizer. But done right and paired with an appropriately cold and refreshing beverage, it can make
Guides
When thinking about cheesecake, visions of the famous New York style of the dessert dance into my head. Thick, luxurious slices with some type of fruit topping - ruby red cherries, or perhaps flavorful blueberries. While I wanted to sample some classically styled cheesecakes, I also wanted to
Restaurant Articles
The Park Ave area should gear up for some Louisiana soul, hopefully in time to warm up the winter. French Quarter Cafe, which has been open on Arnett Boulevard for just over a year, will be taking over the former Martini Grille location on South Goodman Street. Nick Brown, who
Restaurant Articles
I love diners. In fact, I tend to gravitate toward them, mostly because I love the eat-whatever-you're-in-the-mood-for vibe. So it was only natural that I had to check out Mike's New York Diner, which opened late June in the old Mykonos place on Winton Road. Father and son owners Mike
Restaurant Articles
So, you got the notice in the mail: time for jury duty. Most people try to think of a way to get out of performing their civic duty, but I actually looked forward to it. Not only was it a chance to say thank-you for allowing my vote to count
Restaurant Articles
A new pizza place has opened on Monroe Ave. Big deal, right? It is a big deal if you have an appetite on a budget, as Big Deal Pizzeria & Grill gives you an opportunity to satisfy both. Kevin Wratni opened his business next to Mark's Texas Hots on June
Restaurant Articles
Pier 45 is a welcome addition to the Charlotte waterfront, smartly utilizing the sadly misused Port of Rochester. This new hotspot opened in late May, and when we visited recently the restaurant was not only busy, but seemed to have its act together. From the friendly and courteous valet
Restaurant Articles
Cupcakes are one of those treats that are beloved at any age. As a kid, the sugary mess of heavily dyed frosting was key for me; I rarely cared about how the cupcake itself tasted. As an adult, however, I find myself intrigued by inspired combinations. I recently picked up
Nightlife Articles
Acme: home of good pizza and awesome cajun tater tots. Oh, and an amazing array of microbrews to which bartender Don Bush would love to introduce you. In fact, one of his favorite shifts is Sunday night, where microbrews are on special. Name your favorite beer, and Bush is sure
Restaurant Articles
Diners often equate to a home away from home for many diners. Friendly greetings, solid food, and lively characters that remind you of family -that's what you'll find at the relatively new Bigg Mouth Diner, which opened in February. Tucked away in an industrial area on West Avenue,
Nightlife Articles
The Park Bench was a Park Avenue fixture for more than 20 years. Formerly tucked behind Pontillo's pizzeria in the current location of Dragonfly, this little spot was a home away from home for many a bar-goer, and there was a sense of sadness when the lease wasn't renewed last
Restaurant Articles
Since Max of Eastman Place opened in 2002, chef/owner Tony Gullace has been a defining force in the local restaurant scene. Consistently expanding and developing the Max brand, Gullace has a drive and dedication that does not go unnoticed. With a bevy of changes in the offing for the various
Guides
It's officially grilling season, that time of year when we can envision burgers dripping with greasy fat, chicken sizzling in the heat, and meaty steaks cooked to a perfect medium. If that's on your mind, the next thought should be sauces. There's something miraculous about sauces - what they can
Restaurant Articles
On the corner of Clifford and Goodman you'll find a restaurant we just had to seek out. Papa Van's Eatery is located across from Al Green's Tavern, in a section of Rochester worlds away from Park Avenue. Truth is, I'm not sure Park Avenue could handle this kind of food.
Restaurant Articles
Another Italian restaurant has appeared on the Rochester pasta scene, this time across from Ridgemont Plaza in Greece. When it comes to me and Italian food, the secret is in the sauce. And while the sauce was mild for my taste at Bella Pasta Café, those who fondly remember
Restaurant Articles
For more than 15 years, Read's Ice Cream on East Henrietta Road has offered a special April 1 treat for those brave enough to taste the unusual. Last year Chow Hound gave a brief mention of the shop's "Picnic Supreme" flavor, which featured an array of condiments like
Restaurant Articles
It seems that recession talk has been going on forever, and there's no end in sight. Many restaurateurs know that dining out is often one of the first luxuries to go when wallets tighten up, so an increasingly popular option is to entice customers with lower prices, and special meal
Restaurant Articles
Imagination and creativity help in the hardscrabble restaurant industry, and Melon Bean Eatery - which opened on Buffalo Road in late January - taps both with a special marketing target not usually seen in coffee shops: kids. Owner Andrea Hughes is proud of the fact that this isn't "your Park
Restaurant Articles
Johnny's Irish Pub has long been known as one of Rochester's best places to grab a pint. Here, Guinness is perfectly poured, more than capable of quenching your thirst. (And my favorite - Smithwick - is actually on tap!) Upon walking in, you feel at ease. The bar is small
Restaurant Articles
Last week, Max of Eastman Place quietly introduced a new economically minded lunch special that was so well received, it has been extended through Friday, February 13. In response to the grim economic news that seemingly keeps getting worse by the day, the richly appointed restaurant overlooking Miller Square is