At more than 175 years old, Rochester has quite an array of historical architecture, some of which has been maintained or restored, and unfortunately a lot of which is vacant or in disrepair. Two years ago, the Hose 22 firehouse on Stutson Street in Charlotte was one such building. Built in 1916, one year before the arrival of the Stutson Street Bridge, the firehouse was once the crown jewel of the neighborhood.

But by 2007 the firehouse had stood virtually empty for 45 years, until local contractor Craig Ristuccia decided to restore the structure, and re-envision it as a restaurant. Over the past two years, Ristuccia has - using historical photos of the building to guide his restorations - replaced every window and door, added tin ceilings, a slate roof, copper gutters, fire poles, and even meticulously recreated the wrought iron balcony that once adorned the front of the structure.

The newly opened Hose 22 Firehouse Grill, named for the hose company that resided in the firehouse until 1962, is an American-style grill with a firehouse theme. The menu is broken into five sections, "1st Alarm" through "5th Alarm," and includes appetizers, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees. The firehouse theme doesn't end there: diners can order items prepared by former Jimmy Mac's chef Josh Maier like the "back draft chicken sandwich," "rescue Reuben," or "brush fire pasta"; the signature item is the "engine house ribs."

"We wanted to gear it toward firefighters and their families," says Michelle Putnam, director of operations. "We really want to be a part of that community and give back to them. The Charlotte Fire Department has already been so supportive of us."

While Putnam notes that Hose 22 doesn't have a liquor license due to its proximity to Lakeside Presbyterian Church - businesses within 200 feet of any place of worship are forbidden to sell liquor - the restaurant does offer 22 beers on tap, 50 bottled beers, its own house brew called 22 Amber (from Custom Brewcrafters), and an extensive wine list.

Hose 22 Firehouse Grill is located at 56 Stutson St in Charlotte. Hours are Tuesday-Wednesday 4-10 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. For more information, visit hose22.com.

Chocolate and Vines

Chocolate and Vines celebrated its grand opening last Friday, November 6. The new establishment focuses on pairing wines and micro-brews with cheeses, truffles, mousses, and other desserts.

Owners Danielle Lewis and Michael Goldberg moved from Brooklyn to Rochester last year specifically to open a pairing establishment, something that has proved popular in Manhattan. They immediately fell in love with the Neighborhood of the Arts and a Victorian house built in 1907 on University Avenue, where Chocolate and Vines now resides.

"We liked the cozy feel of opening it in a house," says Lewis. "It's like we are welcoming people into our home for a relaxing evening of wine, cheese, chocolate, and conversation."

Chocolate and Vines is located at 757 University Ave. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday noon-11 p.m. For more information, call 340-6362.

Kitchen Keg/Abbott's Downtown

The Kitchen Keg restaurant, featuring an Abbott's Frozen Custard inside, opened its doors just three months ago, and since then, owner Eric Taylor has been experimenting with the menu, hours, and services in an attempt to please his customers. He just started offering dinner hours last week, began a new $5 "grab and go" special for lunchtime diners, and still offers the popular $2.50 breakfast special, and the ability to have Abbott's with your meal or for dessert after.

"In this day and age, specifically in the current state of our economy, there is no reason that anyone needs to spend a lot of money to have quality food in a comfortable setting," says Taylor. "These are recipes that have been in my family for 50 years; we are offering them in a clean, friendly atmosphere and that's what needs to be done today to survive."

The Kitchen Keg/Abbott's Frozen Custard is located at 72 St. Paul St. in the Warner Building. For more information, visit abbottscustard.com/AbbottsDowntown.htm.

Dark Horse Coffee grand opening

Dark Horse Coffee, which opened its doors in May, just held its grand opening October 13. The Maplewood-area coffeehouse offers a wide array of coffees and teas, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, salads, and more. It also offers free wi-fi and an open mic every Friday night.

"People have commented that it doesn't seem like it belongs here, because it has a Park Ave feel," says owner Bonnie Haley. "But we deserve that kind of nice place in Maplewood, too."

Dark Horse Coffee is located at 1182 Dewey Ave. Hours are Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, visit darkhorsecoffee.net.

Gate House adds brunch

The Gate House is now serving brunch Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sundays 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The new brunch menu features items like huevos rancheros, wood-fired breakfast pizza, and grilled Nutella pound cake. The Gate House is located at 274 N. Goodman St., in Village Gate. For more information, visit thegatehousecafe.com.

Closings

Coppergrass Bistro in Pittsford Plaza has permanently closed its doors for undisclosed reasons. According to Dennis Wilmot, vice president of leasing and retail development for the Wilmorite Management Group, which owns Pittsford Plaza, owner Mike Linehan plans to partner with Black & Blue owner Charlie Fitzsimmons to replace Coppergrass Bistro with an entirely new concept. No details regarding the new establishment are available yet, look for an announcement within the next couple of months.

JC's Backyard BBQ in Penfield has closed indefinitely. Attempts to reach the owner have been unsuccessful, but the website and phone have been disconnected and the restaurant has been dark since early October.

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