End of a Ming dynasty 

It's always hard to see a good restaurant go, especially when it's in an incredible location. And so we're sad to report that a "For Rent" sign has appeared in the doorway of Ming's II (1132 Monroe Ave).

There's a reason that Ming's was consistently cited by Rochesterians as one of the best noodles places around (Ming's is regularly voted Best Asian restaurant by Best of Rochester readers). The Kung Pao chicken was a personal favorite, with a spicy combination of chicken, peanuts, and crisp vegetables, and the hot pepper beef always satisfied. The noodles were especially loved, with eight choices of noodles and 12 entree selections - the variety made the already vast menu seem positively endless.

The number for Ming's II is currently disconnected. It is separately operated from the original Ming's(1038 S Clinton Ave, 244-0920), and a quick call to that restaurant reveals that it is still open, with no plans to close. Noodles lovers will have to trek a few extra blocks to satisfy their cravings, but thankfully the original Ming's is still there to feed our hunger.

March of the Penguin

The Penguin Diner (785 E Main St, 442-4172) has been a staple for years, with a location convenient to downtown, and close to the Auditorium Theatre. Now the restaurant has a new owner, and a new name.

While the canopy on the eatery still references its former avian namesake, a large sign in the window reveals the new name: Jim's Restaurant Too, a spin-off of the original Jim's Restaurant (233 N Winton Rd North, 288-0520).

The new owner declined to comment, but if the recommendations heard about the original Jim's are true, chances are there will be plenty to look forward to in this new location. Jim's has diner fare down pat, as well as one of the better fish fries in town. Jim's Restaurant Too is open Monday-Friday 5 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sticky Lips gets frisky

Last week Sticky Lips BBQ (625 Culver Rd, 288-1910) unveiled a spicy new specials menu under the theme "BBQ Burlesque." Owner Howard Nielsen was inspired by the recent burlesque show at the George Eastman House, and he and head chef Mike Balch came up with the idea to pair Balch's new specials with retro snapshots of some bodacious broads. Willy Nilly Wednesdays feature crab cakes and jambalaya; Titillation Thursdays include BBQ baked ziti and Thai pork tenderloin; Fetish Fridays include the requisite fish fry and several rib specials; and so on. Sticky Lips is open Monday-Tuesday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 1-9 p.m.

Muddy Waters open house

A few months ago this column broke the news about Muddy Waters Coffee House (752 S Goodman St, 730-7949) opening in the space behind the Cinema Theater. The shop has been open for about a month now, and to celebrate the owners are hosting an open house on Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. The event allows patrons to try samples of baked goods from Scarpulla's and Georgie's bakeries, meet the artists whose works are displayed in the shop, and take free sips of Muddy Waters' free trade/organic coffees. Muddy Waters is open Monday-Thursday 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 6:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Read's freaky new flavor

Read's Ice Cream (3130 E Henrietta Rd, 334-5520) has announced its newest homemade flavor: "picnic supreme" features vanilla ice cream swirled with mustard, ketchup, and relish, and then covered with flies and ants. The flavor will be available only on Tuesday, April 1. Did we mention the date? It's Tuesday, April 1. Enjoy! Read's is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Do you have a restaurant tip for our Chow Hound? Send it to eric@rochester-citynews.com or call 244-3329 x.25.