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 deals. Jerry Manley, the chef and owner of Flour City Diner, isn't immune to the economic woes, and since his restaurant is located in the same building as The Renaissance, an apartment complex, he created his own "recession meal deals." So for more than a month now, on Tuesdays through Fridays, Flour City has been offering an $8.95 special meal of the evening ranging from pasta dinners, pork, turkey, and fish. And while they were designed with Renaissance residents in mind, the upshot is that everyone in Rochester can partake in the specials.

A recent visit found much to rave about. Since Flour City moved from its downtown location more than a year ago, I wondered if the personality of the new space could match its whimsical website. Indeed, the interior gets props, and Manley credits his wife, Kim, with the atmosphere. Art by local artist Mark Groaning appears on the walls, and the tables have a delightful fringe, which pops against the sunny walls.

I visited on a Friday, so the fish special was up for a tasting. Many times when I think of meal "deals," I think of barely there, I-know-I-am-going-home-hungry plates. No need to worry here, as FCD still has "diner" in its name, and remains a place where a hungry person can get her fill. A portion of fried fish dominated the plate, crispy crust surrounding tender fish, and while it wasn't my preferred type of coating - I prefer beer-battered, this was breaded - I still thoroughly enjoyed the preparation. What I really loved, however, was the abstract combination of sides - a little creamy mac & cheese, tart coleslaw with Granny Smith apples, and a large broccoli spear - and I could easily envision a vegetarian plate being popular with these sides. As a bonus, if you take advantage of the recession deal, white or red house wine is only $3 a glass.

Flour City Diner is located at 2500 East Avenue. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 5-10 p.m., with breakfast/brunch served Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information call 586-7730 or visit flourcitydiner.com.

Small World after all

Another bakery has opened in the South Wedge, aiming to provide artisan, organic goodies. And this one comes with a unique storefront. Economically using the front part of The Mez on Gregory Street, Small World Bakery is bare bones, with metal shelving and dim light. It is, however, filled with the same organic goodies you might be used to seeing at local markets like the Long Season Farmer's Market or Abundance Co-Op, where some of the eight owner-bakers have sold their wares.

The Mez and Small World Bakery are also partnering for a Saturday brunch, which runs 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Look for an opportunity to try out the baked goods, along with items like blueberry buckwheat pancakes and various combinations of omelets.

The Mez and Small World Bakery are located at 389 Gregory Street. Hours for Small World Bakery are Tuesday-Friday noon-6 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information contact The Mez at 281-7367 or via houseofhamez.com.

Seneca wine event

If you're like me, you're more than ready for spring. And what better way to usher it in than to cruise the "tropics"? The Seneca Lake Wine Trail holds events year round, and this one happens to coincide with the celebration of a long, long winter that is just about over. Come Friday-Sunday, March 27-29, you can celebrate all things tropical at most of the 30-plus wineries along the trail, like drinking sundowners at Margaritaville, or hanging with your favorite pirate crew. Tasty tropical-inspired treats will also be available - think coconut pineapple squares or pineapple salsa - and you can even venture into uncharted territory and enjoy wine with.....hot dogs? Tickets cost $30 per person. Call 877-536-2717 or visit senecalakewine.com for more information.

Closings

The fine art of dining, with its view of the sculpture court, is on hiatus. Cutler's, the upscale eatery inside the Memorial Art Gallery, closed in February. According to Patti Giordano, marketing and communications manager at the MAG, the Cutler's owners have left the gallery to focus their energies on their other local favorite, Hawthorne's Restaurant. The gallery website teases that a new upscale dining experience is on the way, but the MAG is not quite ready to make an announcement yet.

When the Corn Hill location of Rich Port Bakery closed last year, we could at least visit the Public Market location for our Hispanic sweet fixes. Alas, now that location has also closed, with little information as to whether it is being relocated, or simply closed for good. Considering a recent announcement that the equipment was being sold at auction, we can unfortunately surmise this bakery will not return.

The MacGregor's empire is slowing shrinking after closures in the South Wedge more than a year ago, and more recently in Perinton. A surprising dinner inspection ultimately resulted in the restaurant closing down - permanently according to reports. At this time, the other four MacGregor's locations (Canandaigua, Gates, Henrietta, and Empire Boulevard) are still open, although quite a drive for the former Perinton clientele.