585 magazine Jan-Feb 2022

WEDDINGS DIALED IN

GROW + EXPLORE

Upstate honeymoon spots p. 20

DO LIST What to do in the (585) p. 17

2023 JAN • FEB

MARRIAGE

BY THE MILE p. 36

$3.95

WEDDINGS

Daring wedding fashion p. 12

January February 2023 585mag.com

TASTE

Toast your big day with some bubbly p. 70

DETHRONING THE DIAMOND p. 46

FIVE SINGERS and a LIVE JAZZ BAND take the stage at Geva Theatre for

Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz Directed & choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page Co-production with Barrington Stage and Westport Country Playhouse

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A toe-tapping tribute to the original folk hero

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS

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Permission to party.......54

Features

When it comes to weddings, how young is too young?

26 Weddings

Time out........................56

Learn how some local couples tied the knot and meet the professionals who help big wedding dreams come true. Stories by Chloe Adour, Daniel Curry, Nancy Hale, Betsy Harris, Jen Kamish, and Jinelle Vaiana

12

22

How to know if your little one is ready for special events

59

WEDDINGS DIALED IN Daring wedding fashion p. 12

GROW + EXPLORE

DO LIST What to do in the (585) p. 17

Upstate honeymoon spots p. 20

MARRIAGE

BY THE MILE p. 36

Dialed in

Grow + Explore

Taste

8

16

59

Around town

By Jinelle Vaiana

Love is the flower that blooms on and on

10

By Mary Ethel Rockcastle

By Caitlin Kenyon

Love every(body)

Dress your best

18

12

By Chloe Adour

By Christine Green

Toast local with the love of your life

Dress code

20

By Sarah Killip

22

Desires and dreams

By Carolyn Sperry

Southern comfort

By Ashley Mason

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

DETHRONING THE DIAMOND p. 46

ON THE COVER

Photo by Michael Hanlon Design by Josh Flanigan

In every issue

From Peru with love

7

By Naz Banu

Deadlines, Hello (585)

68

78

By Gio Battaglia

All the ways to sparkle

Photos from (585)’s November/December happy hour and the Landmark Society’s annual Cocktails & Carburetors

Plus, our hand-selected (585) dining guide featuring rotating recommendations

80

A piece of cake

70

By Cat Archer

Seen

The dress

By Taylor Terrance

2

TASTE

Toast your big day with some bubbly p. 70

COMING UP THU

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Contributors Publisher & Editor Jane Milliman Creative Director

Josh Flanigan

Managing Editor Christine Green

Sarah Killip is a freelance

Naz Banu is a software

Ashley Mason is a nerd for

Gio Battaglia is a senior

Mary Ethel Rockcastle is a reformed horse girl who has never kept a secret her entire life.

engineer by day and a food appreciator by night (and day). Follow her on IG at @tablefornaz.

Production Manager Caroline Kunze Graphic Designer Cathy Monrad Staff Photographers Tomas Flint, Michael Hanlon Contributing Photographer

Sarah Killip

Contributing Writers

Chloe Adour, Cat Archer, Naz Banu, Gio Battaglia, Daniel Curry, Nancy O’Donnell Hale, Betsy Harris, Jen Kamish, Caitlin Kenyon, Sarah Killip, Ashley Mason, Mary Ethel Rockcastle, Carolyn Sperry, Taylor Terrance, Jinelle Vaiana

Contributing Illustrator

Cat Archer is a career bartender, feature event producer for Rochester Cocktail Revival, and manager at Radio Social. She enjoys gardening and crafting new cocktails.

Lissa Mathis

Proofreader Phyllis Mangefrida

at SUNY Brockport (’22) studying journalism and broadcasting. Born and raised in Webster, he is a freelance writer who specializes in pop culture and lifestyle storytelling.

Nancy O’Donnell Hale

is curious about just about anything. She teaches college composition and writes whenever possible.

Betsy Harris is a born-andbred 585-er and loves all things local. You can follow all of her adventures on Instagram at @betsysayshey.

Jennifer Kamish is an

Editorial Interns Chloe Adour, Daniel Curry,

Hanna Smith Vice President of Sales Caroline Kunze Sales and Marketing Michaela Neer

educator, writer, and travel enthusiast with passions for social activism, coffee, and cats. Contact her at jennifer. kamish@gmail.com or follow her on IG (jensayshi123).

writer and photographer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and broadcasting and a master’s certificate in creative writing. Find her on IG at @sarah.killip. food, wine, and travel. She enjoys discovering new bottles of bubbly. See more of her work at ashleymason.blog.

Carolyn Sperry is a wife, mother, and freelance writer who is looking for a beeking mentor. She lives in Geneva.

Taylor Terrance is a 2013 graduate of Second City Chicago’s Comedy Writing Program. She was a performer in 2019’s “Listen To Your Mother” and was a 2020– 2022 coach and producer.

Jinelle Vaiana is a freelance writer and copy editor, and a self-proclaimed “word nerd.” She’s been writing for local publications for more than ten years, and she’s also a nonprofit board member and talent acquisition professional. Reach her at jvaiana@585mag.com.

Caitlin Kenyon is the marketing director and co-store manager of Under the Arbor in Fairport.

What we do: FIRE & FLAME DIALED IN Fashion to light up the holidays p. 10

GROW

Gifting the perfect wine p. 16

EXPLORE High-temp arts and crafts p. 18

TASTE

Set your cocktails ablaze p. 70

BUFFALO - ITHACA - ROCHESTER - SYRACUSE

The Bulletin of the American Iris Society

Winter 2021

LOCAL ARTISTS SET THE ROC ON FIRE p. 23 BOURBON EPIPHANIES p. 34

Site assessment for busy people Healthy, vegetarian stuffed peppers Plant-based strategies for supporting pollinators FREE

Volume Twenty-seven, Issue Two March-April 2021

UPSTATE GARDENERS’ JOURNAL - 1501 EAST AVENUE - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14610

Volume 102, No. 1

Newsstand price $9.95 USD

www.irises.org

(585) magazine Upstate (585) Kids Gardeners’ Journal

(585) Hot Off the Press Custom Publishing Happy Hours

Daniel Curry is a writer

and recent graduate of SUNY Brockport with a degree in journalism.

He currently works for Buffalo Spree magazine and was an intern at (585) magazine.

Chloe Adour is a journalism

student at Rochester Institute of Technology. She loves connecting and growing with the Rochester community as she expands her writing skills.

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS To order or renew a subscription online, visit 585mag.com and select the “Subscribe” tab.

For personal service, call 413-0040. All major credit cards are accepted. New subscriptions will begin with the next scheduled issue.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please send all address changes, whether temporary or permanent, with effective date(s) to 585subscriptions@585mag.com, or call 413-0040. Address changes will take effect with the next scheduled issue.

FEEDBACK We’d love to hear what you think! Send us an email at jmilliman@585mag.com or mail us at Letters to the Editor, 585 Magazine, 1501 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610.

DEADLINES FOR LISTINGS Calendar listing deadlines for our upcoming issues are as follows: For March/April 2023 issue: Jan. 15 For May/June 2023 issue: Mar. 15 For July/August 2023 issue: May 15

Hello (585) In general, I’m tired of thinking, talking, and writing about the pandemic—but as terrible as it was (is), there are a few good things that have come out of it. I think a lot of people’s work/life balance is better and certainly working from home full or part time has been a boon to many. If you have a cold and want to wear a mask to the grocery store, no one is going to look at you funny. And, as is pointed out later in this issue, weddings have changed dramatically. I have the impression that in times of yore, courthouse weddings, small, home-based nuptials, and elopement were commonplace, but it seems that more recently big, expensive weddings have become, well, expected. But no more. As traditional event spaces booked up with the surge in delayed ceremony and reception sites, brides, grooms, and their families started getting creative.

In this issue we highlight quite a few weddings that were shaped in some way by the weird past few years. Our writers have done an amazing job finding and profiling all sorts of brides, grooms, and wedding professionals, including my favorite feature, a story about our very own Tomas Flint, whose passion for photographing weddings knows no bounds (some photographers would rather take mug shots than do weddings, or so I have heard).

Ultimately, sometimes constraints can prompt the most innovative solutions. We have plenty of examples here, and I hope you enjoy reading all about them.

For September/October 2023 issue: Jul. 15 ADVERTISING If you’d like to learn about advertising in an upcoming issue of (585), you can view our advertising rate card and mechanical requirements at 585mag.com—or call 413-0040.

ON THE WEB Visit 585mag.com to take a tour of the current issue, get exclusive webextra content, check online calendar listings, and review our dining guide.

FIND US ON

LEASE RECYCLE THIS P MAGAZINE ... OR PASS IT ON! PRINTED BY

My husband Paul and I recently celebrated twenty-five years of marriage. Working on this issue made me think about our wedding. I had it easy as I pretty much left all the planning to my mother. As a young archaeologist trying to make it through graduate school on the other side of the country, it just felt easier to let someone else do the hard work. My mom has impeccable taste, so our wedding turned out exactly as I had hoped it would—beautiful, fun, and completely unforgettable. Too bad the photos don’t quite reflect all that.You see, I insisted that we didn’t need to hire a professional photographer. We could put that money toward the mariachi band, the cake, and the food, I reasoned. So we had a friend take photos.

Bad idea.

Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t awful. They just looked like a bunch of unprofessional snapshots with poor lighting. Another friend shot our video. They lost the tape, and we never caught even a glimpse of the footage. As I looked through the hundreds of photos for this issue, I felt sad that I didn’t have the same sort of lovely, professional photos that these couples had. I wish Mike Hanlon or Tom Flint could have been around in 1997, so they could have shot our wedding!

But then I decided that I could either sit in my regret or do something about it. This spring we’ll celebrate our silver anniversary in Naxos, Greece, where we will pay a professional photographer to take our photos. When we reach our fiftieth anniversary, we’ll be so happy we made the investment.

I hope you enjoy our wedding issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.Vive l’amour!

(585) January/February 2023. Published six times a year. Published bimonthly. Copyright ©2023 by JFM Publishing, LLC 1501 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610. Telephone (585) 413-0040. Fax (585) 413-0296. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any text or graphics without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Send change of address to JFM Publishing, LLC, 1501 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610. Domestic subscription rates: $12/one year, $18/two years. Single issue: $3.95 U.S. Newsstand distribution is handled by Wolfe News Service, Inc. (585) assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts. A self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany all such submissions for possible return.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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Dialed in Around town | What2Where

Around town

By Quajay Donnell

Well-Being Passport Finger Lakes Visitors Connection is providing visitors to Ontario County with a unique experience through its newly launched FLX Well-Being Passport to help both visitors and locals discover ways to enjoy the Finger Lakes physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

“Ontario County’s abundance of parks, trails, spas, agricultural experiences, and activities in, on, and around our famous

Finger Lakes just beg to be shared,” says Valerie Knoblauch, president of Finger Lakes Visitors Connection.

The Well-Being Passport is a free program that includes a collection of curated attractions, retailers, and experiences that offer healthy activities, deals, and discounts with the added bonus of earning prizes along the way. From jogging to kayaking to yoga and more, users can choose their own path

to healthy living in an easy, mobile-friendly way.

The Well-Being Passport is a mobile exclusive with no apps to download, delivered via text and email. Simply present to a staff member when visiting participating business to redeem available discounts. For more information, see visitfingerlakes. com/well-being-passport.

The Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s thirty-second annual Members Exhibition returns to the gallery space on East Avenue and runs through February 11, 2023. Displayed works are from members, and all exhibited pieces are eligible for numerous awards, including City Newspaper Critic’s Pick, George Eastman Museum Award, Student Choice Award, Members Choice Award, and more. During the run of the exhibition, RoCo will offer additional programming, including The Days the Artists Spoke, a series of short, back-to8

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

back artist talks. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the participating artists. The talks will take place on January 14 and February 11. New this year is Welcome II and will be held on January 26, bringing together a diverse group of creatives to help build a more supportive and sustainable art community. The event highlights a range of artists from dancers to photographers to musicians and focuses on those who recently moved here or have returned to Rochester.

For more information, visit rochestercontemporary.org.

Photos provided

Members Exhibition

Dialed in | Around town A look behind the scenes

Joan Lyons at MAG

Rochester Museum and Science Center offers visitors a rare look behind the scenes on select Thursdays during themed tours of the collection vaults.

Like many museums, the majority of the 1.2 million objects in its collection are not on public display.

According to the RMSC, there are a lot of unique, interesting, and what they would call just plain odd objects within the vaults, and this is a chance to get a look at some of them. Tours are led by one of their expert collections staff members and include a brief and guided walk through a public exhibit, a circuit through one of their eight collection vaults, and a final Q&A session with staff. The tours are intended for an adult audience, eighteen and older, because of subject matter. For more information and dates, please visit rmsc.org/events/behind-the-scenes-tours.

Joan Lyons has been extending the limits of photography, printmaking, and artists’ books for over six decades.

From the start of her career, she has been a fearless innovator in a wide range of historical and contemporary image-making processes. In addition to her work in photography, Lyons is the founding director of Rochester’s Visual Studies Workshop Press, which she led from 1972 to 2004. She was responsible for the production and publication of 450 titles as well as over thirty editions of her own artist books.

Photography’s dominant role in visual culture over the past century has made it an ideal means through which to reinforce entrenched traditions and beliefs, all of which Lyons has interrogated through her art. In the 1960s through the 1980s, she focused on a feminist inquiry into the deeply

personal and particular as subjects for her art, and she continues to investigate the power and conventions of photography and image making.

This exhibition is the first museum retrospective dedicated to the artist in her hometown of Rochester.

It features a broad and representative selection of Lyons’ work from all six decades of her career. The exhibition will begin in the Memorial Art Gallery’s introductory Forman Gallery, which welcomes all visitors to MAG, and will extend into spaces throughout the American galleries. The exhibition will run from February 25 through October 15, 2023. For more information visit mag.rochester.edu.

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585mag.com | January/February 2023

9

Dialed in | What2Where

Dress your best

Advice to help you prep for your wedding

By Caitlin Kenyon

Popular dress styles Ball gown: This style is as full as you can get with a wedding gown. Typically, it is very nicely fitted on the top with a full skirt that blossoms out above the hips. These dresses are usually as full as they are due to a large amount of crinoline underneath the gown.

A-Line: An A-line dress is a nearly identical cut to a ball gown but without all of the volume. Some A-lines can be loose, or they can be slightly fuller (typically done with layers of tulle). The big marker is that it is lacking the crinoline skirt that would poof out a ballgown.

Mermaid: This is a very fitted dress with a defined cut at the knee where it flares out; great for showing off all of your curves!

Trumpet: The trumpet style is toned down version of a mermaid gown. The skirt flares out right below the hips. It still has a sexy fitted effect without all of the volume on the bottom like a mermaid dress.

Sheath: A sheath style has slim silhouette that drops straight to the floor from the hips.

Shopping timeline Bridal: Start shopping twelve months before the wedding and make sure to order by the end of the eleventh month.

Dresses take about five to six months to be made (this will vary from store to store depending on the designer), and alterations typically take three to four months. From the start of production to your final fitting it takes roughly ten months.

Bridesmaids: It is never too early to start looking at bridesmaid fabrics and colors; I suggest that brides start doing this right after you have chosen your wedding gown. Bridesmaid dresses take three to four months to be made and 10

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

often don’t need longer than a month for alterations. To be on the safe side, it’s best to place a bridesmaid order six to seven months before your wedding. To make this process even smoother, you can always call your local bridal shop that carries bridesmaid attire and ask to have a consultation to go through color swatches, fabrics, and styles, so you know exactly what you are looking for when you bring your attendants in.

M o t h ers: Moms often leave their outfit to the last minute, but they should start shopping the same time br idesmaids do.

While some gowns can be available in a matter of weeks, if you are having one made for you it can take about three to four months. You will also need a month for alterations. To help moms jump-start this journey, I encourage brides to figure out their parameters (color, styles, level of glam, etc.) for mother’s wear as early as possible. Most moms won’t start shopping until they get the go-ahead from the bride, so even if you are open to them wearing whatever style and color makes them comfortable, it is good to encourage them to start shopping about nine months before your wedding.

Flower girls: Flower girl attire is one of the last things you typically must worry about. Since children grow so rapidly, many designers constantly have hanging stock and encourage you to order about three months before the wedding so that the fit is as close as possible to the size the child will be on the wedding day. If you are planning to have something custom made, this will require you to order five to six months before the wedding and might involve some collaboration with the designer or consultant to figure out what the right sizing would be in case of a mini growth spurt.

Sheath

Trumpet Illustrations by Lissa Mathis

Many brides-to-be walk into dress boutiques knowing exactly what they want their dream dress to look like. But sometimes that confidence is a little bit misplaced. Many people don’t know the difference between a mermaid gown and trumpet gown. And what exactly does A-line mean? When does one even start looking for their dress or the bridesmaids’ dresses?

Here’s some advice to help you look your best on your big day.

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www.ClarkMeadows.com 585mag.com | January/February 2023

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Dialed in | What2Where

Dress code Fearless wedding fashion

By Christine Green; photos by Michael Hanlon

We’ve all seen the classic wedding cake topper: a lovely little bride all in white (modest, of course) next to her tuxedoed groom. Simple, classic, and stylish. There is, of course, nothing wrong with the classics, but the modern wedding couple has so many new choices when it comes to what they wear on the big day. Want a little color like a pink bedecked princess?

Sure, go for it! Want to walk down that aisle in a dramatic black gown like a fairytale queen? No one will dare hold you back. Heck, show a little leg, too, if you are into it.

No need to be prim and proper if you’re feeling a bit spicy. Even suits and tuxedos are no longer expected to be a simple black rental. This isn’t prom, so consider splurging on a colorful satin jacket liner and a patterned tie to go with a personally tailored suit.

There really are infinite choices when it comes to wedding attire these days. Color is absolutely in, and daring designs are definitely de rigueur. On these pages you’ll find new and stunning fashions from local boutiques that will have you wanting to say “yes” to that dress.

MODELS: Chloe Adour, Marie Boutin, Haleigh Cole, Daniel Curry, Abriona Jenkins, Sydni P., and Jimmy V. (Sydni & Jimmy courtesy of the Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency.)

Gowns were provided by Bridal

by J (Marie Boutin), Joeval’s Bridal (Abriona Jenkins), Stellas Bridal (Haleigh Cole), and Under the Arbor Bridal (Chloe Adour and Sydni P.).

Menswears supplied by Adrian Jules (Jimmy V.) and One Custom Clothier (Daniel Curry).

Special thanks to the George Eastman Museum.

Chloe is in a gown by Madison James, a veil by Giselle Bridal Veils, and earrings by Marionat Bridal; Daniel models a suit by One Custom Clothier.

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

Dialed in | What2Where

Jimmy shows off a suit by Adrian Jules.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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Dialed in | What2Where

Abriona’s dress is L’Amour

by Calla Blanche, and her jewelry is Giavan Swarovski crystal; Marie wears “Demi” by Randy Fenoli and shoes by Viaggio Shoes.

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

Dialed in | What2Where Sydni’s dress is by Madison James, her veil is by Maritza’s Bridal Veils, and her earrings are Design by Conception

Haleigh wears a pink dress by Yumi Katsura.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

15

Grow + Explore Small business | Travel | History

Love is the flower that blooms on and on

Deaney Bautista plants the seeds that make her paper flower business bloom

By Mary Ethel Rockcastle

The “Nutrella” flower wall

The wedding industry has undeniably diverged from the days of old—prepandemic. The change could stem from any of a multitude of factors, be it the widespread communal anguish of canceling your dream wedding or the freedom that came with an ultra-private ceremony without the pressure of pleasing everyone. These days, classic wedding traditions have been cast aside to make room for new ideas to bloom.

Deaney Bautista has flourished in this changing industry by using her cuttingedge taste, study of industrial design, and the experience she gathered at her own wedding as building blocks for her small business. When Bautista was searching for a way to customize her wedding, she stumbled upon an idea that spoke to her.

“I was about to get married, and I am the 16

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

Above: the “Dahlia” flower wall; bottom: the “Jessica”

type of girl who [doesn’t] like fresh flowers; they die, things like that. And then, coincidentally, I saw an article with a bouquet of paper flowers [made from] book paper.

There’s something in me that clicked. Like, that’s beautiful! I really like the sculptural look of it, that’s the first thing that I thought of. The second thing is that given my background I can totally make that.”

After an abrupt transplant from North Carolina to Rochester in the beginning of 2021, Philippines native Bautista needed to think on her feet as a businesswoman just as she had learned to do as a pandemic bride. She recalls starting her business in North Carolina with PDF templates that patrons could buy online and use to create their own paper flowers at home. She used her own wedding as a portfolio to show potential customers her skill and attention

to detail. Her business, Deaney Weaney Blooms, quickly began taking on a life of its own as Bautista herself searched for more connection in isolation.

“When the pandemic started, I just felt I needed connection. After so many months I was just talking to my husband and my almost-one-year-old daughter, and I’d had enough,” she laughs.

“When I had an opportunity to set up a flower wall at a wedding, I was able to talk to the mother of the bride, and I loved it. So, I started offering the flower walls.

Prior to that I’d already set up a number of them, but that was not the main thing; it was just a byproduct of the templates. But then after I’d set up my first one, I [knew I] really wanted to do this.”

Bautista described painstakingly building a permanent flower wall installation in a

Grow + Explore | Business

The Do List | Jan/Feb

Photos provided by Deaney Bautista

Except where noted, all events take place in area code (585).

local boutique in North Carolina at thirty-six weeks pregnant and actively experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, but the installation made the discomfort fade away. After this experience she pivoted her business to focus on large-scale floral wall installations for weddings instead of the DIY templates. Bautista found her new clients by marketing on wedding service websites like WeddingWire and The Knot and displaying her floral walls at local wedding trade shows. But just as she renewed her contracts for these locally based marketing platforms, her husband announced that they would be moving to Rochester.

“I started marketing the flower walls, and then when we moved here [to] Rochester. I realized that there’s a very good creative market here, and the small business community is so supportive.

So, I started joining [artisan] markets, and that’s when I developed the other products.”

After arriving in Rochester Bautista was determined to make Deaney Weaney Blooms flourish in her new climate. She began posting in Facebook groups and sharing photos of her work on social media. As of publication, her Instagram account, @deaneyweaneyblooms, has 128,000 followers. Deaney Weaney Blooms was able to grow in Rochester with no paid marketing, and Bautista found that the market here was even more suited to her goal of focusing more on flower wall installation and less on DIY templates.

When asked what potential clients are looking for when they come to Deaney Weaney Blooms, Bautista explains that her paper flower displays are not a substitute for fresh flowers but an entirely different animal. Every element in a Deaney Weaney Blooms installation is lovingly crafted to perfectly compliment the vision in a way that nature cannot execute, whether it be playing with the scale of the flowers or offering custom colors. She includes her customers in every step of the process to confirm that they are all on the same page and makes their wildest dreams come true.

“My main thrust of 2022 was to plant my seed here in Rochester, to meet people. So, I decided ‘Hey I want to do markets.’”

Artisan markets became a way to experiment with new ideas and techniques. She found the spark to branch out into laser cutting acrylic earrings, small scale sculpture for the home, and dainty paper flower bookmarks. While this dalliance allows her skills to flourish, she maintains that the heartbeat of her business is the flower walls.

Upon meeting Bautista, you might first assume that she is shy or reserved: a self-described introvert who works on delicate paper flowers with a feminine sensibility. To speak to Bautista about herself and her business is to discover that she is more akin to a bear or a panther. She takes every single opportunity and sinks her claws into it to pull herself up further. She used her own paper flower wedding decor as ammunition to start her business. She installed her first flower wall while very pregnant and pushing aside contractions. She refused to put her business on the back burner when she relocated to Rochester after building it up in the very different business climate of North Carolina. If you give her an inch, she will grab and pull to give herself a mile.

When asked where she hoped to see her business in the next few year she told me that she’d love to hire an employee or two and perhaps move her workplace out of her home. It’s this duality between the fierce and gentle that defines Deaney Weaney Blooms as a force to be reckoned with. A paper flower appears fragile and ephemeral, but it is resilient, firmly placed, and will last the test of time.

You can find more about Deaney Weaney Blooms at dwblooms.com.

Have an event of your own to publicize? You can add it to our online calendar at 585mag.com. You may also email details Many of the great options in our to cgreen@585mag.com. calendar are offered at no cost.

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(585) Happy Hour

Rochester Wedding Bridal Show

ONGOING

JAN 10

The city of Rochester has two ice skating locations including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park and Genesee Valley Park Indoor Ice Arena. The ice rink at MLK Memorial Park will be open until March 11 and Genesee Valley Park until April 8.

Times vary at each location Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square 353 Court St., Genesee Valley Park, 131 Elmwood Ave. 428-5990 (cityofrochester.gov)

Join (585) magazine for a celebration of our January/February issue.

Mingle with (585) staff, enjoy drink specials and appetizers, and get your free copy of the issue to take home.

5:30 p.m.

Old Farm Cafe 3450 Winton Pl. Suite 6 667-0954 (585mag.com )

Winter Skating in the City

JAN 1

Poets Pen

It is the “Battle of the Artists: Spoken Word Edition.” Local Performers will participate in a spoken word battle. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester.

Also Feb 1. UUU Gallery 153 State St. 563-6000 (uuuartcollective.com)

JAN 4

Blue Envy at Record Archive

Records Archive is hosting its first show of the year and Blue Envy’s last show until the spring.

Blue Ivy is a Rochesterbased alternative rock band inspired by blues, progressive rock, and classic bands like Led Zeppelin and the Who. 6:00–8:30 p.m.

33 1/3 Rockwood St. 244-1210 (recordarchive.com)

JAN 7

Coffee and Crystals

while discussing a new metaphysical topic every week. Meetings are every Saturday.

3–4 p.m.

Mystic Moon Crystals 5 Chappel St., Mount Morris 658-1274 (mysticmooncrystals. business.site)

(585) Happy Hour!

JAN 11

Cooking up a story

Temple Bar & Grille 109 East Ave. 232-6000 (templebarandgrille.com)

JAN 15

Rochester Wedding Bridal Show

The Rochester Wedding Bridal Show will be at the RIT Inn and Conference Center. Wedding planning can be overwhelming and bridal shows are a great way to get organized.

12 p.m.–3 p.m.

RIT Inn & Conference Center 5257 West Henrietta Rd. 268-6385 (rochesterwedding.com)

The Rochester Public Library is helping writers add some spice to thier fiction with this workshop. Learn how to craft dynamic stories by treating is as if you were making a meal. The series starts on January 11 and continues every Wednesday until Febuary 1. Classes are virtual.

Must register in advance.

Through Feb. 11 6:30 p.m–8 p.m.

Online via the Rochester Public Library 428–7300 (calendar.libraryweb.org)

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a vibrant celebration of jazz pioneer Fats Waller’s extraordinary career. Jeffrey L. Page brings a radical new approach to the show which reveals the masks Fats Waller and his musicians assumed while performing for white audiences.

JAN 12

JAN 20

Juliana Plays Mendelssohn

JAN 17

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Through Feb. 12, Geva Theatre 75 Woodbury Blvd.

232-4382 (gevatheatre.org)

Gershwin, Berlin & Friends

Beloved Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra concertmaster and violinist Juliana Athayde takes center stage alongside music director Andreas Delf to perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto as well as other classical works.

7:30 p.m.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre 26 Gibbs St. 454-2100 (rpo.org )

This “toe-tapping” musical show spotlights the music of great early twentieth century composers including George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Isham Jones.

8 p.m.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre 26 Gibbs St. 454-2100 (rpo.org)

JAN 14

Celebrate the year of the rabbit with the Strong Museum of Play. Create a lantern and take home a red envelope, or hóngbao, to give a New Year gift to a loved one.

Annual Onesie Bar Crawl

This is the comfiest party of the year. Get your best onesie on and join hundreds of Rochesterians at Temple Bar & Grill for a bar crawl.

4–11:59 p.m.

JAN 22

Lunar New Year Celebration

11 a.m.–3 p.m.

1 Manhattan Square Dr. 263-2700 (museumofplay.org)

585mag.com | January/February 2023

17

Grow + Explore | Small business

Love every(body)

Boudoir photo shoots empowering women

By Chloe Adour

Tabitha Vander Weel

Maren Welch

The word boudoir is a French term referring to a woman’s private dressing room.

Historically, boudoirs were decorated with lush fabrics like silks and satin. Women used these spaces for dressing, relaxing, and entertaining. Today the word boudoir is often used in reference to a photo shoot emphasizing romantic, sexy, and intimate poses. Boudoir photographers bring these elements into their studio, allowing clients a safe and empowering way to embrace the seductive and alluring aspects of themselves.

Natalie Sinisgalli Photography (NSP) is a Rochester studio that specializes in boudoir photo sessions. Sinisgalli, a Rochester native, received her degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in imaging and photographic technology. She started NSP soon after graduation in 2007. Sinsigalli’s team includes five passionate photographers: Anna Maxwell, Nina Piccini, 18

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

Angelina Lemcke

CoCo Boardman, Alyssa Marzolf DeWitt, and Molly Hannon. The studio also takes engagement, wedding, maternity, and family shoots. Sinisgalli enjoys telling beautiful stories of love and family through her photos.

Sinisgalli’s passion for boudoir photography came from her love for connecting with people and making women feel empowered and safe through her sessions.

“I love meeting people; I love knowing people and understanding them,” she says. Individuals who choose to do boudoir photo shoots often give their albums to their significant other as a gift on Valentine’s Day, after an engagement, or on their wedding day. Others simply do it for themselves.

Erin Waller has had several boudoir shoots with NSP. She describes her experience as “empowering, inspirational, and fun.”

Waller is a Rochester native who originally

had the idea to do a boudoir album for a past significant other as a gift for Valentine’s Day. In 2015 she discussed doing the shoot with one of Sinisgalli’s employees, Whitney Warne, and from that phone call on, she says, she felt like a goddess. Warne walked Waller through the entire process.

“I felt like a goddess from the moment I called the studio and talked to Whitney to the day that my album was delivered. I cannot express enough how empowering the experience was, because I saw myself in a way I never really had before,” says Waller.

When Waller walked into the studio, Sinisgalli greeted her with a warm hug.

She knew she was in a welcoming environment. The package included two hours with Sinisgalli, but there is also a makeup and hair designer on set to help clients prepare. Some prefer a natural look while others want to have a full glam face.

Sinisgalli and the client discuss outfits, and

Grow | Small business

FEB 3

FEB 14

FEB 18

Owl Moon

Beetlejuice

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball

JAN 28

Alcina at Eastman Opera Theatre

Alcina is an eighteenth century tale of love, deception, and disguise.

Join the Eastman Opera Theatre for this Italiansung production directed

by James Kenon Mitchell and conducted by Timothy Long. Music by George Fridric Handel; Libretto

by Antonio Fanzaglia.

Through February 5 Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre 26 Gibbs St., 274-3000 (esm.rochester.edu)

JAN 29

Drag Me to Brunch

Darienne Lake, Aggy Dune, Ambrosia Salad, and Mrs. Kasha Davis all perform at the Drag Me to Brunch show at CRISP Rochester.

Enjoy brunch while dazzling queens perform.

10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

CRISP Rochester 819 S. Clinton Ave. 978-7237 (Crisprochester.com)

FEB 3

Representation Matters

Photos by NSP

Erin Waller

they determine what attire to wear. Comfort is the core of boudoir and not every woman brings lingerie. Some women wear dresses or oversized tee shirts.

“Natalie directed me through everything. She told me how to hold my shoulders and face. She would even make me laugh. I felt so comfortable through the entire process,” says Waller.

After the shoot, Sinisgalli welcomes the client back into the studio to go over the photos. A big screen television displays the images while music plays in the background. “I finally saw the way other people saw me, and I have never felt more special,” says Waller.

Sinisgalli’s passion project, “Real Women of Rochester,” highlights the stories of local Rochester women who have been through traumatic experiences. The idea was a spark in the middle of the night—Sinisgalli would use her platform to give a woman a safe space to express their life stories with other women in the community.

Sinisgalli gives participating women a boudoir photo shoot and then interviews them about their lives. She shares these raw and empowering stories on her blog. This passion project brings women together and allows them to connect and heal their past traumas together.

Sinisgalli loves taking care of her community, and she has a passion for making women feel loved and comfortable in their skin.

Bringing self-love out of her clients and seeing their reactions to their boudoir photos make her job all worthwhile. Learn more at nspstudio.com.

For Black History Month, students from the Eastman School of Music will perform music by BIPOC composers.

The ensembles are drawn from all facets of Eastman’s disciplines. The Brockport concert will feature a woodwind quintet, a brass quintet, and a string quartet.

7:30 p.m.

Tower Fine Arts Center at SUNY Brockport, 180 Holley St. 395-2787 (brockportarts. universitytickets.com)

Owl Moon

Join the Genesee Country Village and Museum on a night-time excursion of owl watching. Experience the night woods and learn all about owl habitats and their way of life. After the hike, enjoy a cozy fire. Wild Wings will bring owls to the event for participants to meet.

This event will take place in snow or rain. Dress for cold weather and walking.

Also on Febuary 4, 10, and 11.

1410 Flint Hill Rd. 538-6822 (gcv.org)

FEB 9

Rooted in Rochester: A Celebration of Black Composers

Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik makes a guest appearance in the Philharmonics series to

conduct this celebration of the rich history of black Rochesterians.

Kearstin Piper Brown and Thomas Warfield join the RPO for this program.

7:30 p.m.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre 26 Gibbs St. 454-2100 (rpo.org)

FEB 10

Marcia Resnick: As It Is Or Could Be

Photographer Marcia Resnick earned recognition as part of the legendary New York art scene of the 1970s and 1980s with portraits of major cultural figures such as JeanMichel Basquiat, John Belushi, and Susan Sontag.

This exhibition brings her photographs from this period together for the first time. Through June 2023.

George Eastman Museum 900 East Ave. 327-4800 (eastman.org)

FEB 10

Dutch Connection at the George Eastman Museum

This colorful annual exhibit in George Eastman’s historic mansion will feature thousands of flowering bulbs including tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis, freesias, and more.

Through Feb. 26 George Eastman Museum 900 East Ave. 327-4800 (eastman.org)

FEB 12

Winter Waterfowl and Other Possibilites

Join the Rochester Birding Association for some amazing bird watching.

See long-tailed ducks, mergansers, scaup, and many more local waterfowl.

9 a.m.

Monroe County Parking Lot 5000 Culver Rd. info@rochesterbirding.org (rochesterbirding.org)

FEB 14 Beetlejuice

Tim Burton’s Broadway hit Beetlejuice is coming to Rochester. See the spooky story of Lydia Deetz, a “strange and unusual” teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.

Through Feb. 19 885 East Main St., 222-5000 (rbtl.org)

FEB 17

Andreas On Broadway

Broadway comes to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre as music director Andreas Delfs leads the RPO down the Great White Way. Featuring classic and popular Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes from some of the most well-known productions ever to hit the stage.

8 p.m.

Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre 26 Gibbs St., 454-2100 (rpo.org)

FEB 18

Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball

This will be an exciting evening benefiting the RGMC with food, drink, a live DJ, performances by the RGMC, local drag queens, and a silent auction.

6 p.m.

ROAR Nightclub 621 Culver Rd. 423-0650 (thergmc.org)

Impractical Jokers: The DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE Tour

Brian Quinn (Q), James Murray (Murr) and Sal Vulcano are the creators, executive producers, and stars of truTV’s hit series Impractical Jokers. The troupe is going to perform their hit comedy act of embarrassing one another.

Must be 21+ to attend.

5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Del Lago 1133 NY-414, Waterloo (315) 946-1777 (dellagoresort.com/events)

Murder Mystery Dinner and Show

A good old-fashioned whodunit! Join the Adventure Club on its next expedition. Delve into the secrets of the sunken ships rumored to lie on the bottom of Lake Ontario with a notable cast of characters. The deep, dark mysteries that lie below deck hold a remarkable pirate treasure and possibly a murder mystery.

Navigate the twists and turns of this plot with the help of a lovable Skipper and his trusty first mate.

7 p.m.

Avon Inn 55 East Main Street., Avon 266-8181 (avoninnny.com)

585mag.com | January/February 2023

19

Grow + Explore | Travel

Toast local with the love of your life Upstate New York’s best honeymoon spots

By Sarah Killip

Niagara Falls

20

Skaneatles Lake

You’re married! Congratulations! Now what?

I agree with you—Italy, Australia, and Hawaii are all extraordinary honeymoon destinations. Travel far away, enjoy grand experiences, and see places you never have before. Go big or go home, right?

Wrong. There are many beautiful, charming, local destinations for you and your partner to indulge in while you celebrate the knot you just tied. Whether you want a quiet, down-to-earth cabin or a lavish trip with fancy dining and spa amenities, upstate New York has got you covered.

Even if you’re not honeymooning, these spots are perfect for a romantic getaway anytime of the year.

There are numerous dining options by the falls and the Niagara Wine Trail is just minutes away. Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery and the Winery at Marjim Manor are two of the many wineries close by.

Ditch the poncho for a cozy robe and a bottle of wine and end your evening at one of Niagara’s romantic hotels. The Giacomo features special packages such as the Honeymoon Package, the Sweetheart Package, and A Night of Romance Package that offer extras like chocolates, champagne, and rose petals that will make your evening that much more special.

With endless activities and beautiful scenery all year round, Niagara Falls makes for the perfect getaway.

Niagara Falls Newlyweds have been celebrating at Niagara Falls for more than 200 years (literally—Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother honeymooned here in 1804); why stop now? This iconic location is part of the oldest state park in the United States. Of course, the falls are still the main attraction; couples can “explore the roar” while riding the Maid of the Mist or get up close and personal by venturing through the Cave of the Winds, which is open year-round. Just grab a poncho and your partner’s hand, and you’ll be all set.

Skaneateles Lake If you’re into boating, swimming, or just being by the water, the crystal-clear bluegreen hue of this lake is perfect for you and your water bug. It’s really one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the area, and when it comes to renting a place to stay, the options are just as stunning.

Airbnb is a great place to browse through the endless lake houses and cottages available for rent. I was able to stay at one for a few days last summer, and it truly was everything I could have hoped for. Some renters offer kayaks or paddle boards

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

included with their property, but places such as Skaneateles Lake Boat Rental and Skaneateles Marina can provide you with whatever water toys you might need.You can even rent your own pontoon boat for a week and take it back to your rented cottage. How cool is that?

The town of Skaneateles is quaint, charming, and lined with local shops and restaurants perfect for an evening out.

Anyela’s Vineyard is located on the west side of the lake and offers tastings and all kinds of wine and spirits—you know, the necessities. It’s a beautiful location to spend the afternoon, that is, if you can pull yourself away from the water.

The Quiet Place With more than twenty cabins and cottages spread out among the Finger Lakes Wine Region, the Quiet Place has all the charm you and your partner are looking for. There are properties suited for two, four, or six guests, each one secluded enough for visitors to enjoy the space in private. Husband and wife duo Mark and Catie Tortarella took over ownership of the Quiet Place in 2021 and have been providing serene getaways since.

“Our cabins provide much needed respite for our guests to relax and reconnect. And the fact that nearly all our

Photos provided; photo of Skaneateles Lake by Sarah Killip

Grow + Explore | Travel

Bloomfield Cabin at the Quiet Place

Trout Run Cabinb at the Quiet Place

Sagamore Resort

properties have hot tubs helps too,” Catie says. “Each property is located on our privately owned land and within a tento-fifteen-minute drive to the picturesque town of Naples.”

The Quiet Place began in 2000 with just one small cabin, the Bloomfield Cabin, and it’s a must see. This cabin is rustic yet modern, with log-stacked walls surrounding a sleek, relaxing tub, a brick fireplace contrasting a newly renovated and spacious kitchen with white backsplash and black iron touches, and an outdoor firepit surrounded by luminous pines. Only twenty minutes from Bristol Mountain, it’s the perfect location for a ski getaway, close enough to home but still tucked away. It’s also located right by the Canandaigua Wine trail, Canandaigua Lake—which offers paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, SCUBA, and lunch and dinner cruises—and a plethora of cafés and restaurants for any and every kind of dining experience.

“The Bloomfield Cabin, central to Naples and Canandaigua, has an added bonus of being close to some of the best craft breweries in upstate New York: Other Half, Irish Mafia, and Noble Shepherd,” she says.

Trout Run Cabin in Naples is just as eye-catching. This cabin is strictly rus-

tic with wood walls, floors, ceilings, and beams. Its stone fireplace and forest décor really make it feel like a cozy mountain escape. Not only is there a hydrotherapy “champagne” tub, there’s a jetted hot tub located on the deck as well. Situated on more than twenty acres with hiking trails, this cabin shouldn’t be passed up.

“There are so many great places in the Finger Lakes, but Naples is a hidden gem that we recommend to all of our guests looking for local eateries, breweries, and wineries,” Catie says. “Some of our favorites include Roots Cafe, Neopolitan Pizzeria, Arbor Hill, Hazlitt Winery, Old Town Cafe, Caruso’s Café, Hollerhorn Distillery, and Naples Brewing Company ... so, honestly, anywhere in Naples!”

Specific addresses to the cabins are not provided until guests have booked and paid in full. Catie and Mark can be contacted at 657-4643 or stay@thequietplace.com. More information is available at thequietplace.com.

the First House (featuring an expansive porch and patio), or the “castle” with six bedrooms. Each location offers stunning lake views.

Perfect for any nature lover, this escape is located in the midst of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The resort offers hiking trails, boat tours, a zero-edge pool, tennis courts, an eighteen-hole golf course with a practice range, professional instruction, a pro shop, and a spa with facial and body treatments as well as head-to-toe massage options. What more could you ask for? Oh, dining. Don’t worry, you won’t go hungry while staying at the Sagamore. With eight sessional restaurants on property, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of “home” to find a good meal.

The Sagamore Resort is located at 110 Sagamore Road. in Bolton Landing. The resort can be reached at (518) 644-9400 or via email at reserve@thesagamore. com. More specific contact and amenity information can be found online at opalcollection.com/sagamore.

The opportunities in this region are endless, affordable, and can be suited to perfectly match your desires. And if you and your partner are locals at heart, there’s no better place to celebrate love than in the area you call home.

The Sagamore Resort Looking for something of a little different speed? The Sagamore Resort in Lake George features upscale amenities with a rich heritage. Stay in a classic hotel room or suite, different-sized lodge-styled housing, two or four-bedroom condos,

585mag.com | January/February 2023

21

Grow + Explore | History

Desires and dreams

A look back at weddings of the 1800s

By Carolyn Sperry

Consuming Desires: The Great American Wedding exhibit at the Genesee Country Village & Museum

Last year, the Genesee Country Village & Museum hosted an exhibit called Consuming Desires: The Great American Wedding in its John L. Wehle Gallery. In case you didn’t catch this fascinating collection of antique clothing and accessories before the pieces returned to other cities, we captured photos of some of the locally significant pieces and asked GCV&M curator Brandon Brooks to tell us more about them.

Brooks explains that the items in this collection were brought together to tell the story of changes to the American wedding during the nineteenth century. Over that century, weddings evolved from small ceremonies at home with a few family members in attendance to large, public spectacles with sometimes hundreds of guests. In these photos, we can see fashion evolving for both women and men as values and priorities changed.

When Anna Jones Hoppin married Eli22

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

sha Dyer in 1833, she and the bridesmaids wore white dresses with veils. The custom of dressing bridesmaids like the bride is an old one, Brooks explains, stemming from the fear that evil spirits might come and curse or kidnap the bride. Bridesmaids acted as decoys to confuse the spirits. “You are surrounding the bride in a shoal of lookalikes.” Hoppin and Dyer were married in Providence, Rhode Island. “Her grandfather and uncle were past governors of Rhode Island, so he’s marrying into a political family,” Brooks explains.

Dyer himself would become Rhode Island governor later in his life. After the wedding, the couple traveled to Niagara Falls for their “wedding tour,” or honeymoon.

“They stayed at the crème de la crème of accommodations, called the Cataract House.” The Cataract House was a very special hotel. Not only was it the largest and finest hotel on the American side of

Niagara Falls—at various times hosting Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, King Edward VII, and King George V—it was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad. “The owners and operators were abolitionists,” Brooks says, “and around eighty percent of the hotel staff was African American.” These staff members helped enslaved people self-emancipate and cross the border into Canada. The Cataract House burned down in 1945, but today visitors can check out the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center to learn more about its history.

The dress Mary Lillian Brown wore when she married Homer Hall in 1886 was sold with a box of faux orange blossoms to be worn as accessories. The couple were married at her parents’ home in Scottsville.

Brown was from a wealthy family, while Hall was middle class. This was not necessarily a romantic connection, Brooks

Photos by Sarah Killip; Post Office wedding photo provided by GCV&M

Grow + Explore | History

explains. It may instead have represented the need for Ms. Brown to settle down, as she was in her late twenties. Her dress is white duchess satin—it looks off-white to us, but it was originally white. White dresses were a bit of an extravagance at the time, Brooks says. The technology to get fabric white was not like what we have today, “so getting it white in the first place was expensive,” he notes. White gowns were impractical, and—then as now—the potential for reuse was low. Many nineteenth-century brides were married in whatever their best dress was rather than buying a special gown. Dark colors and patterns were common. “A lot of women had their good old black silk gown that was good for church, for weddings, christenings, [and] funerals, and you could wear that,” Brooks says. White wedding dresses became more popular after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s wedding in 1840.

While Victoria didn’t invent the white wedding dress, the press went wild for her wedding and elaborate lace-trimmed white gown. This began to represent a type of wedding ideal in the public imagination.

Queen Victoria also made fashionable the use of orange blossoms and myrtle as wedding flowers.

A collection of trousseau items speaks to the subordinate legal status of women in the 1800s. The laws of the day dictated that when a woman married and moved from her father’s house to her husband’s, her possessions became her husband’s. From a very young age, women built out collections of not only clothing but household furnishings. “You’re building this trousseau your whole childhood, only for it to become your husband’s property,” says Brooks. If he were an alcoholic or a gambler, he could

fritter away all your belongings. During the 1800s, various laws were enacted on the state level across the country to address this unfairness and grant women the right to own and control their own property.

Fashion for grooms changed dramatically over the nineteenth century. In 1800 men wore frills and colored waistcoats; by the end of the century “it’s just a sea of black, white, and gray,” Brooks says. By 1900 practicality won out over flair, and men could buy one suit that would work for most occasions.

Some fascinating tin souvenirs were donated by the descendants of the Thompson family, who owned and lived at Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua. Many of us are familiar with the lists of “traditional” wedding gifts. At times in the past, people embraced this wholeheartedly. The tenth wedding anniversary is the tin anniversary, and in this display are some anniversary gifts that were given to the couple by guests at their anniversary party: a tin headpiece, a tin wagon, a tin pair of shoes, a tin cradle, a tin fan. These items weren’t actually used; they were merely whimsical decorations and a festive way to celebrate a popular couple at a party where the invitations were trimmed with—you guessed it—tin.

Two ensembles made in the late 1990s by a group of Indigenous American craftspeople represent late-nineteenth-century Haudenosaunee wedding finery. In that era, traditional matrimonial beliefs were blended with some Western marriage practices. These garments are both covered in Tuscororan beadwork. Hummingbirds represent the balance of good and evil, and strawberries symbolize one of nature’s first springtime gifts. “We know that the

groom was Mohawk, because his gustoweh has three eagle feathers coming out of the top,” Brooks says. A ceremonial wampum would have been held by the bride and groom while they exchanged their promises to each other.

While this exhibit has ended, check for news about upcoming exhibits relevant to our area at gcv.org.

A GCV&M wedding The GCV&M hosts elegant and unique weddings for today’s brides and grooms.

“What’s really special is that you can combine the nineteenth-century village experience with a twenty-first-century wedding experience,” says Paige Engard, director of communications. A variety of venues and some very unique photography locations are available for weddings, parties, and elopements. More information is available at gcv.org.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

23

Music • Dance • Ensembles • Expressive Arts

Join our community of enthusiastic learners.

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You ARE Hochstein.

All ages & abilities.

Tuition assistance available.

The Hochstein School • hochstein.org • 585.454.4596

New Year, New Start.

Considering a move?

Let me help you!

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Direct: 585-503-9032

Susan.Ververs@HUNTrealestate.com SusanVervers.HUNTrealestate.com

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

WEDDINGS

Ah, love. When it brings you, a friend, or a family member to the altar, you know it’s time to party.

And where is there a better place to party than in the (585)? In this issue we learn how several local couples tied the knot and about the professionals who help big wedding dreams come true.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

25

BRIDAL BODY ART MEHNDI HENNA DESIGNS FOR LOCAL BRIDES

By Daniel Curry

on traditional Indian and Arabic patterns while also incorporating the latest design trends. (585) asked Bhamare about her work as a henna artist and why it has a culturally special place in weddings.

What is the historical and cultural context of henna art?

The art of henna has been practiced in Pakistan, India, Africa, and the Middle East for more than 5,000 years. It was originally used for its natural cooling properties for people living in hot desert climates. A paste would be made, in which the palms of hands and soles of feet would soak.

Henna symbolizes good health and prosperity in marriage, and in some cultures, the darker the henna stain, the deeper the love between two individuals. Wedding tradition calls for a mehndi ceremony to be held the night before the wedding as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey to marriage.

Why do you think people like to have henna at their weddings?

I believe that during the preparation for the wedding, the bride can get exhausted.

So, the henna ceremony is a chance for the bride to relax. When I am done with a client and see the happiness on the bride’s face, that is the essence of henna.

What types of special art or symbols do you use for weddings?

For weddings, I mostly do whatever the bride wishes. Commonly used symbols are portraits of the bride and groom, lotus flowers, paisley designs, and mandala flowers. Each has its own special meaning.

Paisley designs symbolize luck and fertility, and floral motifs symbolize pure happiness and joy.

Henna body art, also known as mehndi, has a 5,000-year-old history. For brides preparing for their big day, mehndi holds important cultural, social, and personal meaning.

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

Bharati Bhamare is a local henna artist whose detailed work has attracted Rochester brides for more than eight years. A graduate of the world-famous Ash Kumar Academy, she bases her intricate designs

What do you recommend for brides who want to have henna for their wedding?

First, brides should select a henna artist who uses natural henna, bonus points if they prepare it themselves. Next, I ask all my brides to do all their skincare activities forty-eight hours beforehand, so the exfoliation does not impact the henna color penetration. Finally, the henna should be applied at least two to three days before their wedding day. Henna takes at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours to truly come to its full color.

To contact Bhamare and learn more about henna visit hennabybharati.com.

GALLERY OF LOVE

TWO COUPLES CELEBRATE THEIR WEDDINGS AT ROCHESTER’S MEMORIAL ART GALLERY Opposite page photo provided by Bharati Bhamare; photos of the Stern & Cotroneo wedding by CoCo Boardmanof NSP Studios; photos of the Klinkbeil wedding by Alexandra Elise Photography

By Daniel Curry and Chloe Adour

Klinkbeil wedding

Stephanie and Kris Klinkbeil Stephanie and Kris Klinkbeil wanted a unique and interesting place to spend their special day and celebrate with friends and family. They designed their day to center around the Neighborhood of the Arts and knew that the perfect spot for their reception would be the University of Rocester’s Memorial Art Gallery. After a church ceremony, the party braved the Rochester cold and headed to the MAG to celebrate the new union.

“We had around 200 guests for cocktails in the Vanden Brul Pavilion followed by dinner and dancing in the ballroom,” Stepanie says.

The Klinkbeils took full advantage of the MAG’s beautiful campus. They hired local design and floral companies to help furnish and decorate the space and turn the already picturesque area into their perfect venue.

The couple was married in December 2021 and embraced the season with fur, velvet, and other dramatic winter details.

“Revival Rentals created a vintageinspired lounge and bar area, while Petunia Rose [tableware] and Pistil & Pollen [flow-

Stern-Cotroneo wedding

ers] created a timeless tablescape to fit our ‘modern traditional’ vision,” Stephanie says.

“It was a perfect night filled with family, friends, and moments we’ll not soon forget.”

Ten-piece band Silver Arrow helped the crowd dance the night away. The Sunday after the wedding the Klinkbeils escaped to Mirabeau in Skaneateles for a threeday “mini-moon.”They waited until April 2022 to celebrate their official honeymoon in Italy, where they explored Rome and the Amalfi Coast.

Max Stern and Matthew Cotroneo Max Stern and Matthew Cotroneo were married on May 28, 2022. The couple met several years ago through mutual friends.

Their first date was dinner at Lento in Village Gate. Little did they know that just four years later they would be married right across the street at the MAG. The couple chose the MAG because Stern’s grandfather, Gary Stern, used to take him and his sister when he was younger. Today the museum holds a special place in his heart

A religious element in the wedding was important to Cotroneo’s father, so they decided on traditional Jewish ceremony.

They had a chuppah (a small collapsible tent) as well as a Hebrew marriage contract called a ketubah. The couple also incorporated the ceremony of the breaking of the glass under the chuppah. This tradition symbolizes the trials and tribulations that are a part of marriage as well as the promise that they will stand by each other during life’s toughest moments. A less traditional, but definitely on-trend, aspect of their wedding was the includion of their beloved pet. Lucky, a schnauzer-yorkie mix, was the ring bearer.

The reception décor was based on blue and white Chinoiserie porcelain. It was “Very Martha Stewart and Hamptons chic,” says Stern. Everything from the table centerpieces to the invitations incorporated this elegant theme. Stern chose this “timeless” style so that he could look back at his wedding day and still be happy with how it looked.

Stern and Cotroneo celebrated their honeymoon in Cortina, Italy.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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SPLITTING UP THE FUN WHY HAVE ONE WEDDING WHEN YOU CAN HAVE TWO?

By Daniel Curry

One of the most stressful parts of a wedding can be figuring out the size of the event and who makes it on the guest list.

Cara Wood Harris and Toby Harris worked out a solution that was perfect for them: two wedding celebrations.

“We decided to have two smaller gatherings instead of one huge one to allow us better time to connect with our friends and family and celebrate our love in a way that felt more us,” Cara says.

The couple had their initial ceremony in July 2022. They enjoyed a beautiful day with close family members at Cara’s family 28

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

home on Seneca Lake. The couple’s families helped them self-cater, and Cara and her mother made the wedding cake. They said their vows and enjoyed the rest of their night surrounded by family.

In October, they held their secondary celebration, a huge gathering of friends and family, and as Cara called it “a labor of love.” All of the decorations were handmade, and months went into creating their perfect reception.

The result was a magical day that included a bread-and-butter bar and a visit from a poutine food truck. Once again, they

had a ceremony and read their vows. They finished the night dancing surrounded by family and friends.

“During this ceremony we both talked about the special cosmic magic that allowed us both to be there, making these promises to one another—and we sealed it all with a pinky swear. After a visit from the poutine truck, we danced the night away,” says Cara.

The couple continued their marriage journey with a “mini-moon” to the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Texas.

TYING THE KNOT

ANCIENT TRADITIONS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN THIS NATURE-BASED WEDDING Opposite page photos by Cara Livermore from Shutter & Ceremony; this page photos by Gillian Walker Photography

By Chloe Adour

Melody and Zach Osgood tied the knot (literally) on May 1, 2021. The phrase “tying the knot” refers to the traditional Celtic wedding ceremony handfasting, and as long-time members of the Pagan community they knew that this would be an important aspect of their big day.

Before they started a romantic relationship, Melody and Zachonly knew of each other in passing. But in February of 2021 Melody saw a Facebook post by friend and Pagan high priestess Rauncie Reynolds.

In the post, Reynolds mentioned that her friend Zach Osgood was quite the catch. As Melody read on, she noticed that Reynolds described a man that had very similar relationship expectations to her own “Our interests aligned, our ideas about relationships, our desire for a family” all matched to a tee, remembers Melody.

Melody was unsure if she should respond to the social media post, but eventually her heart urged her to simply write “interested.”

The rest is history.

The couple got married on Beltane, the Pagan May Day holiday welcoming the spring. It is also the celebration of the great wedding of the Goddess and God. This is a centuries-old tradition, and Melody thought it was the perfect day for their wedding at Letchworth State Park. Reynolds was their officiant.

A ceremony of handfasting includes an

introduction by the officiant, a declaration of intent, and then the hand binding ceremony. The couple chose several colors for the cords used during the handfasting.

These colors represented various values, such as love, trust, and companionship. A pendant then sealed the binding, and the couple chose the tree of life to symbolize their growing family, as Melody was expecting their first child.

After the hand binding ceremony, the couple and guests danced around a maypole.

Guests held the end of different colored ribbons and danced around the pole until only a small section of ribbon remained. “Zach and I, as representations of the God and the Goddess, finished the ends of the ribbons as they got too small for everyone and tied a knot at the bottom,” says Melody.

The couple ended the night with toasts, barbeque, and their first dance as Mr. and Ms. Osgood.

Timeless vows The Osgoods shared the meaning of their handfasting colors with us: “Black, symbolic of water, that your union may flow and fill you to your depths.

“Brown, symbolic of the Earth, that your union may be dependable and grounded in reality.

“Red, symbolic of fire, that your union may be passionate.

“Orange, symbolic of warmth, that your union may be cheerful.

“Yellow, symbolic of the sun, that your union may be warm.

“Green, symbolic of charity, growth, and generosity, that you may share of yourselves freely, that your union may be fruitful and your happiness abundant.

“Blue, symbolic of fidelity, calm, and confidence, that you may be steadfast, your union unbroken. That you may be at peace and believe in each other.

“Light blue and dark blue, symbolic of trust, truthfulness, study, and learning, that you may always honor your vows and always learn from each other.

“White, symbolic of air, that your union may be filled with spirit.

“Silver, symbolic of clouds, that your union may weather every storm of life and find the silver lining in every situation and symbolic of wisdom, that your union may be filled with wise choices.

“Gold, symbolic of wealth, that your union may be a treasure of happiness and a joy to you always.

“Purple, symbolic of royalty, that your union may be worthy of respect and loyalty and symbolic of mystery and romance, that you may always have more to discover about each other.

“Pink, symbolic of love, that your union may be filled with love eternal.”

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR CIRCUS-THEMED WEDDING TAKES THE CAKE

Like a true pair of love birds, Emily Lipski and Shaun McCurdy met while flying through the sky.Well, not with feathers and wings but while doing aerial acrobatics at Aerial Arts of Rochester, a circus arts training center. The high-flying couple started dating in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown was a true test of love

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for many couples, but the time alone only brought Lipski and McCurdy closer.

“We knew we could make a life together since we isolated so well together during the pandemic,” says Lipski.

The couple got married on September 3, 2022, at ARTISANworks, a not-for-profit vart and event space in the heart of Roch-

ester. ARTISANworks transformed the venue into a vintage circus party. The color palette incorporated black, burgundy, red, blush, and gold with bright greenery. They were married under a bespoke circus tent and then performed their high-flying and acrobatic first dance for their guests during cocktail hour.

Photos by Erich Camping

By Chloe Adour

“We got married under a gorgeous, handmade circus tent made by my sister and maid of honor, and my mother made all our decor.

They both work professionally in prop and stage design, and they brought our cirque dream to life,” says Lipski. “We wanted it to

feel like a party!”

They had a fun-filled reception with DJ Jay from Spectrum Sounds. The couple even included a full-size circus rig for their acrobatic friends to perform on while everyone danced.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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IN THE MOUTH OF THE LION TOMAS FLINT DISCUSSES HIS NICHE IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND OFFERS ADVICE TO THE NEWLY ENGAGED

By Jinelle Vaiana

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Photos by Tomas Flint

585mag.com | January/February 2023

33

After photographing weddings for eighteen years, Tomas Flint is convinced they are the great equalizer.

“My job as a photographer is to see people for exactly who they are. And weddings are an amazing way to experience people because there is no hierarchy,” he says. “People come together to the same place to experience the same emotions.”

The Utica native and current resident of Irondequoit is also a staff photographer for (585) magazine.

Flint has photographed some big names during his career, from former New York Yankee Mariano Rivera to Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard.

“Ron Howard was just as nervous and excited about his son getting married as any other dad would be. He’s experiencing the same stuff. And I love that about weddings!” says Flint, whose portfolio also includes portrait, concert, sports, and editorial work.

Turning a passion into a career Tomas Flint was running a computer networking and IT outsourcing company on Park Avenue when he realized his true calling.

Turning Stone Casino, a client of the company in the early 2000s, needed someone to manage its website—and take pho34

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

tographs for it. Flint, who had always taken photos with a film camera as a hobby, had the confidence to take on the job. He bought a digital camera and got started.

“Suddenly, I was being creative on top of managing a client, and it was perfect. Right in that instance was when I said, ‘This feels right to me,’” he explains.

Flint and his partner sold the IT business, which left him with some funds to pursue his passion. In the meantime, he returned to tending bars, as he had for years. “I started telling people at the bars that I take pictures,” he says with a chuckle. “Kind of one of those ‘fake it ’til you make it’ things.”

His love for photography goes back to his childhood home, where his father, a doctor, took up photography as a hobby.

Flint had always played around with his father’s equipment, and his father taught him what he knew. But it never occurred to the younger Flint to take on a career in photography until Turning Stone came knocking.

There was no formal education in the art form, just a “baptism by fire,” which Flint credits as his secret weapon.

“I didn’t have the education by which I could hyper-analyze myself and feel the pressure of having to follow this through,” says the photographer, who did receive a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology.

“But eighteen years of weddings—eighteen years in the mouth of the lion—I don’t think there’s any school that could prepare you for that.”

Finding a niche in the wedding space Once Flint decided on photography as a career, a friend of his began working weddings. Flint offered to help him out, and he immediately fell “head over heels.”

“I thought shooting weddings was the most challenging, rewarding thing you could possibly do. Go out there with real people on real days and take on 10,000 decisions in a single day—do it with class, grace, respect—and watch people’s history unfold, right in front of you,” says Flint with palpable passion.

“I thought, ‘I could definitely do this! But I really want to travel.’”

He started attending workshops all over the country, where he met peers who were involved in destination wedding photography. As a young man with a sense of wanderlust and no obligations tying him to any one place, there was major appeal in this subset of wedding photography.

And it stuck. For the next several years, Flint traveled the world and captured the happiest days of many people’s lives. He was doing work he knew was important.

He was fulfilled in many ways.

Photos by Tomas Flint

The experience also provided him with more credibility. It opened up additional opportunities for him, and he won awards for his work. Flint was named a Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine International Top 20 A-List Photographer.

After a handful of years traveling the world to photograph weddings, the industry began to shift. Technology was becoming more widely available, and resorts began hiring in-house photographers. At the same time, the work wasn’t always tangerine-hued sunsets for Flint.

“I didn’t really feel as excited about traveling. It’s not always as glamourous as it seems. You always have to be sure to have the appropriate permits, backups—what happens if something goes wrong? It was an emotionally taxing experience,” says Flint.

Once his son Maceo, now seven years old, was born, Flint had even more reason to keep his work local. He has continued his wedding photography business, but now focuses primarily on the Finger Lakes and Adirondack regions of New York.

Knowledge share As someone who has shot more than 250 weddings during his career, Flint has plenty of solid advice to lend readers who may be planning weddings of their own.

First, he says it’s important to align with vendors who are actually hearing and seeing you. Most couples shopping for wedding vendors are doing so for the first time. They could use guidance from experienced vendors who are willing to listen and acknowledge that no two couples are the same.

Vendors should inspire you and bring ideas to the table. It also makes sense to choose vendors who align with your virtues. You are entrusting them with one of the most important days of your life, after all.

Also, ask the questions to find out how well they act under pressure. Flint recommends keeping an eye out for someone who will do “extraordinary work when things don’t go as planned.” Essentially, what is their Plan B, Plan C, and so on?

Lastly, try to find vendors you click with.

“Find someone who you would want to invite as a guest to your wedding,” Flint recommends. “Someone you could see as a friend. … Ideally, you’d want to give them a hug after the wedding and say, ‘Man, I’m so glad you were here.’”

Raging fans Former professional ice hockey player Ryan Callahan and his wife Kyla clicked with Flint right away. By the time the cou-

ple met him, they had interviewed a few other photographers to take their engagement photos; most seemed uninterested during their meeting or just pushed a book of photos at them to thumb through.

But their meeting with Flint took place at Spot Coffee, and they spent three hours in conversation. The couple hired him for their engagement shoot, then their wedding, maternity shots, newborn photos, family photos, and later to photograph numerous events for their Ryan Callahan Foundation, which benefits pediatric cancer patients and their families.

“I learned having a soulful connection with your photographer, building trust, and establishing a relationship that would be meager to call a friendship, is the first step in choosing your photographer,” says Kyla Callahan.

“And Ryan and I always say our shoots with Tomas are like couples therapy, allowing us the time to reconnect as partners in our wild life.”

While most photographers aim for satisfied customers, Flint says his goal is to create ambassadors for his brand, ambassadors who are raging fans.

And with numerous clients like the Callahans, who have hired Flint to photograph nearly every major event in their lives, he seems to have done just that.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

35

MARRIAGE BY

Megan Henry Stuart arrives at the church in style

Planes. Trains. Automobiles. When traveling, most of us prioritize cost and convenience, favoring the cheapest and quickest route to our destination. Often, we set pomp and circumstance aside, viewing transportation as the simple means to an end.

But imagine a reality where travel is less about the end location and more about the journey it takes to get there.

Spencerport couple Rachel and Doug Parton did exactly that.

The duo—who will have been married for fifteen years next July—wed on a 155acre farm in Orleans County. The historic property, owned by the bride’s parents, was home to more than ten black draft horses 36

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

(Percherons) at the time. Ahead of the big day, father of the bride and apple farmer Roger Bannister built a custom wagon for Parton and her bridesmaids to arrive in, guided by horses Babette and Angel. “[The day] was incredibly special, because my dad made the wagon and the horses [had been] such a fun part of my childhood,” says Parton. “It was a really cool experience.”

And for horse-loving couples who don’t have access to a hooved mammal of their own? Local equine center Heberle Stables is happy to offer up a chariot.

Chief financial officer and senior instructor Heather Heberle has been working at the family-owned facility for the past for-

ty-three years alongside her husband, Bill Heberle (stables president), and the couple’s children. Heberle Stables offers guests a wide array of services, including access to riding lessons, clinics, boarding, and even an annual summer camp.

For weddings, the management at Heberle Stables helps couples show up to their big day in style via a traditional horsedrawn carriage, a private sleigh, or even by way of the stable’s white decorated horse, who is known for his key role in Hindu wedding ceremonies, where he provides a ride for the groom.

And, while horse-drawn entrances and exits are certainly a perk of working with Heberle Stables, the celebration doesn’t

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end there.

“Not only do we get involved with weddings, but we have participated in many proposals as well,” says Heather Heberle.

“Sometimes it’s a sleigh ride in the winter where we pull over, stop, and make it happen.”

“We also have a big fire pit, so guests who come in to ride carriages can bring beverages or hot dogs and turn the experience into a longer event,” she adds.

For those seeking a loftier wedding experience (pun fully intended), local hot air balloon expert Carroll Teitsworth has it

covered. Teitsworth is the owner of Liberty Balloon Company (established in 1977) and a former US Navy pilot. Teitsworth runs the popular business alongside sons Lance and Lee. “There are lots of ways to incorporate a hot air balloon into your wedding,” says Teitsworth, “but sometimes things get complicated because of weather.”

“Typically, the morning [around sunrise] and the evening [around sunset] are the best times to fly, because wind conditions are most likely to be stable and calm [during those hours], both on the surface and

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

aloft,” he adds.

Location is crucial, too. Teitsworth asserts that Liberty Balloon Company’s most effective launch site is in the gorge between Upper and Middle Falls at Letchworth State Park, an area surrounded by tall trees.

Given these constraints, successful hot air balloon wedding rides are often a combination of careful planning and meteorological luck.

“One time, I did a tethered balloon wedding outside of Erie, Pennsylvania. The wedding couple and the officiant held the ceremony in the air, but we had them tied close enough to the ground that the guests could hear the vows being read. The groom took things a step further by setting up a cannon on the ground. He waved [his hand] over the side of the basket, and it went off.”

“We’ve had other ceremonies in front of the balloon,” says Teitsworth, “and then afterward, the couple made a grand exit.”

Well-known as they are, Liberty Balloon Company is not the only aerial business in town.

High Hopes Balloon Company is a Penfield-based establishment that has provided balloon rides to the Rochester and Finger Lakes communities since 1978. Pilot Greg Lavidas runs the operation and received his ballooning credentials more than forty years ago, before he learned to drive a car.

“We can’t inflate the balloon if winds are more than eight to ten miles per hour,” says Lavidas, noting that while pilots can maneuver up and down, moving right or left in a hot air balloon is much trickier.

“So, if you want us to fly a bride over to the church and drop her off, that’s probably not going to happen. A hay field or a large yard is much more plausible.”

“We’ve been involved in lots of proposals, too,” adds Lavidas, “and in all instances, [the person being proposed to] has said ‘yes’!”

Couples seeking a more traditional but still unique wedding ride may want to consider a timeless option—the classic car.

George Conboy, chairman at Brighton Securities, spends his free time collecting antique automobiles. While not a commercial wedding service provider, the long-time car hobbyist is well-reputed in the Rochester community for his vintage vehicles, and he has supplied many area brides with lavish rides.

Conboy shares some tips he has learned from his time spent driving brides and other wedding party members: “(1) If you’re worried about the state of your hair, avoid a convertible. (2) If you have the option to go with a two-door car or a four-door, always pick the four-door.

(3) Always start the day with a full tank of gas. (4) Have fun!”

Whatever your preferred mode of transportation on the road to marriage, we hope you arrive in style.

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585mag.com | January/February 2023

39

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED POSEY LETTERPRESS SPECIALIZES IN BESPOKE WEDDING INVITATIONS

By Nancy O’Donnell Hale

Madelyn Posey of Posey Letterpress

Madelyn Posey’s dream of a expanding her letterpress business is manifesting right before her eyes, and her dream weighs a few tons.

“I used to be a knitter; now I’m addicted to very heavy machinery.”

Her road to letterpress printing was a winding one. The Webster native studied nursing at SUNY Brockport and for a time worked as a traveling nurse. She discovered letterpress in Pasadena, California.

“It was very lonely. I didn’t know anybody,” says Posey. The isolation led her to take a class at Pasadena Armory Art Center. “I loved the smell of the ink, the process of setting type on antique machines.

I loved that I could make something and take it home the same day, unlike pottery.”

Back in Rochester, she worked as an ICU nurse and met Tony Zanni, owner of Type High Letterpress, in 2013.

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

“I told him, ‘I want to be your intern, put away type,’” Posey says. “We became fast friends.” The year was also momentous for Posey when she met and fell in love with Jennifer Posey, owner of Hedonist Artisan Chocolates in the South Wedge. On Valentine’s Day 2015, Madelyn’s future wife invited her to the office above the chocolate shop on South Avenue for a spaghetti and meatball dinner. Behind the table was a nineteenth-century table-top Old Style Golding Pearl No. 3 printing press she had purchased from Zanni.

“Jennie said she could see how letterpress printing would go with chocolate,” says Posey.

She was thinking of box inserts, tags, and stationery.

“When I saw [the press], I thought you gotta be kidding me. By then Jennie was selling thousands of boxes of chocolates,

and the printer is powered by foot pedal.

I’d have buns of steel after the first thousand!”

The couple married. In 2015, they opened Little Button Craft in the South Wedge, a curated gift shop that features a large selection of yarn for knitters. She also began “dabbling” in wedding invitations.

They later sold the shop. The couple’s first son, Charlie Parker, was born, followed by second son, Miles Porter.

Meanwhile, Posey continued working as an ICU nurse at Highland Hospital, only leaving the job in 2020. As printer and packaging designer for the chocolate shop, she turned to Flower City Arts Center, where she could rent a printing press for Hedonist jobs. Soon she was enraptured by a handsome Vandercook No. 4.

“It’s a hand cranked, flatbed printing press, nicknamed ‘The Machine,”’ says

Photo of Posey on opposite page by Katie Greenberg; save the date photo by Madelyn Posey This page: Type High Letter Press photos by Sarah Zanni, Paul Wood, and Matt Calabrese; Flower City Letters photos provided by Elaina DeBoard

Tony Zanni of Type High Letterpress and invitations by Type High Letterpress

Posey. “I would print thousands as fast as I could while I had a babysitter at home.”

By 2017 Posey Letterpress was born, and now Posey ran her bespoke print and design shop in the office above the chocolate shop. Yet another letterpress printer joined the family when one Christmas, Jennifer gifted her with her very own twentiethcentury Vandercook No. 4 Proof Press.The press had been saved from a salvage yard by Zanni, who is now restoring it.

“This one is completely automatic,” says Posey. “It’s like driving a stick shift car, which I do know how to drive. I took a class, and it was totally terrifying. It’s fast and efficient, and it could take your arm off. It was practice, practice, practice.”

Now Posey was up to printing 10,000 box inserts, maps, and specialized custom tags for business clients.

The couple began looking for a space of

Invitations by Flower City Letters

their own and wondered about a mysterious building on Mt. Hope Avenue with “a random food truck, with the name “Muchees on its side, that never went anywhere.”

“We put out feelers for the owner and in every city document there were different names and addresses,” Posey says. Suddenly last December there was a “For Sale” sign, and by February 2022, the building was theirs.

“I think of myself as The Girl Printer, and while there was a comeback in the nineties when women began to print wedding invitations and stationery, it’s still a very male-dominated field,” she says.

Posey joined the Ladies of Letterpress, an international trade organization for letterpress printers and print enthusiasts. The organization describes its mission to “promote the art of letterpress printing and

encourage the voice and vision of women printers…to maintain the cultural legacy of fine press printing while advancing it as a living, contemporary art form.”

One year the couple drove all the way to a letterpress conference in Idaho, and Posey says she discovered that “old time male printers were teaching new printers, the majority of them women.”

“We’re taking it back, and we’re taking it over,” says Posey.

Her printing press addiction continues to grow.

“Because I can’t help myself, I bought a 1,000 pound New Style 8x12 Chandler & Price printing press from a guy in Maryland in 2021.”

Another lucky opportunity for Posey was reading an industry newsletter this summer that listed a 1946 Heidelberg Windmill looking for a new home.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

41

Against the grain Printing the old-fashioned way

Love letters Elaina DeBoard describes her carefully crafted calligraphy as “a love letter to whoever.” Along with wedding invitations or holiday greeting cards for local businesses, she also uses her skill for proposal letters, custom wedding vows, and family trees.

After earning her MA from Emerson College, she returned to Rochester in 2013 and took a job as an administrative assistant.

Later she worked as a marketing specialist in social media and design. Two years later she discovered calligraphy.

“It was easy and inexpensive. I could start out small for under $30,” DeBoard says.

Her boyfriend, now husband, John Hawver, gave her an old calligraphy book, and it turned out to be a guide to her favorite style.

“I fell in love with Spenserian penmanship that was popular in the 1900s,” says DeBoard.

Over time, DeBoard took book design classes and discovered more calligraphy styles at the Flower City Arts Center or in online classes. As her number of pens, tips and inks increased, she learned to use just the right “combo of paper and pen tip” and how to test paper to avoid letters “feathering or bleeding.”

Her earliest calligraphy jobs were for family and friends. Four years ago, she built a website and watched her business grow.

“I put a lot of time into social media and started to get referrals from clients. I think I was the right age [to start] because all my friends were getting married,” says DeBoard.

Her “traditional” clients’ requests vary from wedding invitation sets to “spot calligraphy” in which a couple’s names are written in script and then digitized on standard printed invitations.

“Digitized calligraphy is not very common though,” DeBoard says. “[Couples] want a personal touch, a special font that is unique.”

“The pandemic made people want smaller and more intimate weddings, and calligraphy is a luxury item,” says DeBoard. Now as cancelled weddings are rescheduled, business is good.

Four months ago, she quit her full-time job, and she now works from her Highland Park neighborhood home selling both locally and on Etsy.

She also added to her catalog engraving metal and glass (“perfume bottles are the most popular objects”) using a handheld drill.

Each of DeBoard’s projects are created through the quiet, careful movement of pen and ink with the additional ingredient of love as her website attests: “My work enthusiastically celebrates and supports love of all kinds and strives to be inclusive 42

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

in every way, whether it be race, creed, sexuality, gender—all are welcome and embraced…love is love is love is love.”

Learn more at flowercityletters.com.

Taking it back In 2001 a friend introduced Tony Zanni to Mike Kopicki, “an eccentric old man,” who had filled his Webster barn with letterpress equipment just because he could.

“I fell in love with the press, the type cuts, the dingbats,” says Zanni.

When Kopicki let him use the press, Zanni began his own hunt for more, no matter where it took him.

Zanni graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in graphic design in 2007, and two years later he and a business partner opened Dock 2 Letter Press in Webster.

“I used old-school movable type, but I was limited to typefaces created in the shop,” Zanni says. “I tracked a big collection, and now I had five different presses and 700 pieces of type.”

A few years later the building Dock 2 rented was sold, and Zanni had to put everything in storage. By 2013, Zanni had bought his partner out and opened Type High Letterpress in Rochester’s Hungerford Building.

Zanni has advanced far beyond the small printing press he once kept in his apartment, adding a 1,500-pound Vandercook Proof Press and a hefty Windmill Heidelberg that weighs in at 2,880 pounds to his collection.

His business produces an array of designs and custom print ephemera using handset type—invitations and bellybands, coasters, business stationery, greeting cards, and posters.

“For weddings, I usually use super thick paper that costs a million dollars,” says Zanni, laughing.

His work can be seen around town in art shows, including the annual Corn Hill and Clothesline Art Festivals. He’s worked with the Historical Society of Rochester in creating several greeting cards of Rochester’s historic landscapes and famous figures.

Along with his custom work, Zanni also offers workshops that “take it back to the early 1900s.” In the workshops, press newbies learn a little history; print their own work from his stash of wood type and dingbats; and experiment with paper, ink colors, and layouts while learning the proper way to set, proof, and lock up type for printing on his Vandercook Proof Press. He also continues to expand the ranks of letterpress as an adjunct professor at RIT, where he teaches “the black art of letterpress and typography.”

Learn more at typehigh.com.

“Kathryn in Niagara Falls had started Cataract Printing in the 1950s with her uncle, and she was retiring. She said I could have the printer for free; I just had to come and take it away.” Despite it being a hefty 3,000 pounds, she managed with help from professional welder Gregory Rice.

Before the grand opening of Posey Letterpress, scheduled for spring 2023, she’s busy creating wedding invitations, custom greeting cards, stationery, and winery dinner menus.

“I now own five antique printing presses, including a 4x6 Craftsman Tabletop Pilot Platen Press,” she says. “The Craftsman is just a tiny press that will be good for demonstrations, kid classes, and art fairs!”

Today Posey combines old and new technology. She creates her designs in Adobe Illustrator sends them to Boxcart Press in Syracuse, and which produces polymer, hard plastic plates that sit in a metal base. “It’s like type. Any font and size,” says Posey. “It’s New Age printing.”

Posey has created a wealth of motifs and styles, from a recent “clean and modern” one that held the skyline of Rochester in the background, and others that reflect sentiments more common to the nineteenth century, like a recent wedding project colored in Delft Blue Chinoiserie.

“The wedding invitation is the first glimpse families and friends will get to see what they can expect from the wedding,” says Posey. “Anyone can go online and buy wedding invitations, but they’re limited in color and font, and in a lot of ways [the process is] dumbed down. I offer a boutique, sit-down experience at a table once owned by my grandmother, and I create designs that represent individual styles. You can touch the paper, see the cool antique presses, and meet the printer.”

Posey’s letter press addiction shows no sign of ending for the simple reason that she just loves weddings. “It’s such a happy point in our lives.”

Posey Letterpress is currently located above Hedonist Artisan Chocolates at 674 South Avenue. In spring 2023, look for her at 348 Mount Hope Avenue. Find her on Instagram at @poseyletterpress.

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43

BRIDAL BLOSSOMS

WEDDING FLORISTS IN THE (585)

By Daniel Curry

Stacy K Floral

Whether it’s the bride’s bouquet, the groom’s boutonniere, or the centerpieces on the tables, flowers are one of the most beautiful and important parts of a wedding. We are the Flower City, so it’s only right that we give some spotlight to some of our favorite local wedding florists that we truly believe can make anyone’s vision come to life.

Stacy K Floral Female-owned and operated, Stacy K Floral has been serving the Rochester area for more than fifteen years. With a focus on sustainability and customer experience, Stacy K and her team enjoy bringing their 44

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

Rockcastle Florist

clients; visions to life.

“We are dedicated to impacting our community in a positive and lasting way through the art of floral design, exemplary customer service, and unique shopping experience,” a representative for Stacy K says.

The studio, located on 43 Russel Street in Rochester, is a state-of-the-art space that serves as an area to design floral arrangements for clients and host a wide array of classes and includes a substantial selection of carefully curated retail goods. Aside from weddings, Stacy K also does flowers for other events such as birthdays and anniversaries. stacykfloral.com

Rockcastle Florist Rockcastle Florist has been operating since 1951 and currently serves Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne Counties. With locations in Rochester and Canandaigua ,owners Keith and Wendy Rockcastle are devoted to making their clients’ dreams come true. Award-winning and beloved by the community, Rockcastle Florist is one of the biggest names in floral design and is unparalleled in their service. Aside from weddings, Rockcastle also does floral service for any other celebrations or events.

As well as operating two floral shops, they offer nationwide flower delivery service. rockcastleflorist.com

Opposite page photos provided. This page: Erin McDonald Co. photo by Kniley Photography, Bar Firore photo provided, and Kittleberger photo by Michelle McGrady Photography

Erin McDonald Co.

Bar Fiore

Kittleberger Florist and Gifts

Erin McDonald Co. Erin McDonald is a Rochester native who has had success designing events around the world. His clients have included former presidents and celebrities, and he is the former vice president of one of the biggest design firms in Chicago. In 2019 he returned to his hometown to open his own design company and has been helping his clients celebrate their special days ever since. erinmcdonaldco.com Bar Fiore A unique and innovative twist on wedding florals, Bar Fiore is Rochester’s origi-

nal flower trailer. It specializes in creating memorable flower bars both indoors and outdoors for the clients and have a focus on whimsical wildflower styles. Bar Fiore also takes extra care to model designs in environmentally friendly ways.

“We believe in sustainable floristry and strive to source local or seasonal blooms whenever possible,” says owner Jessie Weiss.

Bar Fiore’s renovated trailer makes a beautiful photo spot or wedding feature. The trailer is available for events across Western and Central New York. Weiss believes that she can spread joy one bouquet at a time. barfioreflowercity.com

Kittleberger Florist and Gifts Kittleberger Florist and Gifts has been a Rochester staple ever since it first opened in 1928, and nearly ninety-five years later it is still family owned and operated. They source the highest quality materials and employ a talented team of designers to create expertly crafted floral designs. They stress personalization and collaborate with the brides, grooms, and planners to help implement deeply personal pieces into the floral designs. Additionally, they have a full gift shop as well as a beautiful collection of plants and flowers. kittelbergerflorist. com 585mag.com | January/February 2023

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DETHRONING THE DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENGAGEMENT RING STONES POPULARITY ON THE RISE

By Daniel Curry

Diamonds have long served as the ruler of the engagement ring. However, as newlyweds are seeking more affordable, unique, and customizable options, alternative stones have seen an increase in popularity. (585) talked with Ashley Harman, a representative from Forsythe Jewelers in Pittsford, to get some insight into alternative stones and the many available options.

Why do you think more people are using stones other than natural diamonds?

Many younger couples are budget conscious and prefer to invest their money into a home, student loans, emergency funds, etc. and less so into their engagement ring. We’re also seeing an uptick in larger-sized center stones, which means more traditional diamonds would bring them far over their budget.

On the flip side, couples finding themselves in another marriage later in life have already done a traditional ring and want 46

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

their new engagement ring to reflect their current relationship and set it apart from their first marriage.

I also think social media has also given couples access to a slew of options that weren’t previously on anyone’s radar. I think seeing celebrities and influencers branching out into the alternative gemstone world is encouraging couples to think outside the box. Marketing absolutely influences trends, and social media is at the forefront of marketing and trendsetting.

Some people just like the way other gemstones look, it’s truly personal preference!

What are the pros of using alternative stones? What are the cons?

One of the biggest pros to using alternative stones is that it’s something completely different from the norm and ensures that the ring isn’t anything like anyone else’s.

We’re seeing a lot of couples having nontraditional weddings, and their engagement ring reflects their desire for doing things

their own way and for breaking with tradition. There’s more freedom to play with affordable colors, for standing out, and making a statement without breaking the bank.

Probably the biggest pro to alternative gems is the cost—many alternative gemstones are less expensive than traditional diamonds.

The biggest con to alternative gemstones comes down to value and durability. Diamonds are a nonrenewable resource and can be passed down from generation to generation along with their value. Diamonds are the hardest gemstone, absolutely the most well-equipped to withstand daily wear and tear. Alternative gemstones need to be monitored and taken care of in ways that diamonds just don’t need to be.

What are the most popular alternative stones that you see people using in their wedding rings?

In our store right now we’re seeing a

Photos provided by Forsythe Jewelers

lot of sapphires and moissanite. Once in a while, we’ll see something else but with far less frequency. For example, we’ve done morganite, aquamarine, emerald, blue topaz, ruby, and opal engagement rings.

What alternative stones would you recommend?

We, of course, always recommend stones that are more durable, so sapphires and rubies come highly recommended. Moissanite is ranked high on the scale as well.

Our answer also depends on the person wearing the ring—do they use their hands a lot, are they the type of person to be conscientious about their jewelry? Do they want to wear their ring all day every day and never take it off for any reason? Or do

they plan on wearing a wedding band most days and wearing the engagement ring for special occasions only? Someone that is more responsible with their jewelry and is okay with a protective setting around their gemstone, like a bezel, might be able to get away with a less durable stone, while someone that wants to wear their ring all the time and uses their hands a lot should consider a diamond, moissanite, sapphire, or rubies.

We use the Moh’s scale of hardness from 1-10 to describe hardness, specifically the ability of a gemstone to scratch another gemstone. It’s an ordinal scale so diamonds are a 10 on the scale, but are four times as hard as sapphire or ruby, which rank as a 9. Sapphire and rubies are twice as hard as

topaz, ranking an 8. Alternative gemstones need to be monitored and taken care of in ways that diamonds just don’t need. While we always recommend wearing your jewelry with care (not just because of the gemstone, but also to keep the mounting and structure of the ring in good shape) ,we recommend more frequent checks with alternative gemstones and usually would recommend taking it off for more activities than a diamond. There’s a reason why you tend to see more diamonds, sapphires, and rubies passed down from family to family—these are the most durable on the Moh’s scale and better withstand the test of time.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION WEDDING VENUES OF THE 585

By Betsy Harris

ARTISANworks

When it comes to planning and executing a wedding, the choices— food, attire, venue, and more—can seem endless. Couples want to share this momentous occasion with loved ones and are eager to offer a unique experience for their guests. But where does one go to create such an unforgettable day? Lucky as we are, the 585 region has many distinctive and stunning venues to choose from to create that perfect day full of impossible to forget memories.

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

ARTISANworks ARTISANworks on Blossom Road in Rochester is a renovated factory building filled with well over 500,000 works of art and something new to discover around every corner. In addition to being a gallery and an artist incubator, the imaginative and inspiration-seeking bride and groom can host the party of their lives surrounded by works of art. There are spaces abound that can accommodate the smallest of

wedding parties to as many as 700 guests. A list of preferred vendors is available on the website, and the venue works with inhouse Madeline’s Catering as well as several other local caterers to offer the food for your event. ARTISANworks has been a wedding venue for twenty years, and packages include a wedding coordinator for the day, tables and chairs, centerpieces customized to your colors, free admission for your guests, and more. There

Opposite page photo by Jessica Pawlukewicz; this page: photos by Emily Watkins Photography

Hillcrest Estate

are eight venue spaces to choose from with some dates available still in 2023.

It is currently booking into 2024. What makes ARTISANworks truly special is that through its events earnings, this selffunded not-for-profit purchases artwork above market value directly from local artists, ensuring they can continue their craft.

Visit their website at artisanworks.net.

Hillcrest Estate The Hillcrest Estate in York was built in 1899 and is a stately cobblestone home on 120 acres complete with a thirty-tworoom mansion, five fireplaces, a ballroom, and plenty of old-world charm. The home and accompanying grounds are perfect for any couple who dreams of the quintessential cozy, cottage-esque wedding. And if you’re a history buff, the location will add an extra enchantment to your special day knowing that the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Ethel Barrymore, and Mark Twain all

lodged at the Hillcrest Estate. The estate’s preferred vendors include the likes of Bradley James Designs florist, the Cake Place bakery, and Flower City Nuptials for officiants. For the 2023 wedding season, couples have the option of working directly with the Hillcrest Estate and the inhouse catering team from the Yard of Ale restaurant in Retsof or to use its long-standing catering partner Partyman Catering for food service.

The property also includes a reflecting pool, covered veranda, tiered terrace, and even a carriage ride loop sure to provide plenty of incredible photo opportunities. Visit thehillcrestestate.com for more information.

Kettle Ridge Farm Kettle Ridge Farm in Victor has been a wedding venue since 2015. As both an operational maple syrup and honeybee farm, Kettle Ridge offers a true immersive experience for couples who appreciate the natural world and want to incorporate it

as part of their special day. There are two options for couples, either a tented dinner for up to 225 guests or the ability to have their reception in a newly renovated barn for 130 guests. If you are looking for a truly customizable event perfectly tailored to you, Kettle Ridge is your venue. There is never more than one wedding booked each weekend, and, as Chris Hurley of Kettle Ridge shares, “You become family when you get married at Kettle Ridge, and our staff treats you as such. We pour our hearts and souls into each and every event we take on.” And Chris would know!

He and his wife were the very first couple to get married at the farm and knew ever since that such a magical place to vow your love for one another should absolutely be shared. There are a few available weekends left in 2023, but they are sure to book up soon.Visit kettleridgefarm.com for more information on how you can book your upcoming nuptials.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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Kettle Ridge Farm

The Wintergarden The Wintergarden by Monroe’s is for any true urban couple eager to be in the heart of the city no matter the season. The Wintergarden, located in the Legacy Tower, is an incredible glass-enclosed wedding and event venue in downtown Rochester with a seated reception capacity of up to 450 and cocktail style reception capacity up to 600.

Included with each and every one of the Wintergarden’s wedding packages is a bridal suite complete with stylist stations and a groom’s suite complete with barber chairs, so you can get ready with all the necessary accoutrement. Each package also includes a complimentary sparkling wine toast, signature cocktails, charger plates, floor length linens, cake cutting, and chivari chairs. As bride Emma Beisheim-Ryan gushed, “I am so excited to rave about this place and everyone who works there!

My husband and I held our wedding ceremony and reception at the Wintergarden in September of 2021, and it was nothing short of perfect.” The Wintergarden venue can accommodate every aspect of your wedding, from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. Boast50

The Wintergarden

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

ing one of the most unique locations for a ceremony, the foyer is an incredible columned black and white marbled space perfect for dramatic photos and an unforgettable wedding ceremony. With plenty of space for your guests to sit and watch you and your partner wed surrounded by glass windows and entryways to light your way and give you an all-encompassing view of our beloved Rochester.

The world will literally be at your feet with an incredible etched globe on the floor of the foyer, allowing you and your partner to glide over the planet together, arm in arm. With your wedding meal crafted by Monroe’s, an established restaurant rich with history in the Rochester area, you are sure to have a flawless day. Learn more at wintergardenbymonroes.com.

Whether you’re considering an inside or outside ceremony and reception, one wreathed in opulence or something simpler, our region has you covered. From exquisite interior spaces for any time of the year or a picturesque natural setting, you can find your perfect venue for your perfect day The Wintergarden right here in the 585.

FIND THE

Opposite page: Kettle Ridge photo by Michelle McGrady; Wintergarden photo by Stefan Ludwig; this page Alexandra Elise Photography and NSP Studio

PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY KIND OF VALENTINE

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585-434-4964

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

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permission to

Party When it comes to weddings, how young is too young?

Across the nation, parental guidance takes many different forms.

Walk into a toy store, and you’ll see packaging for games, puzzles, and other kid-friendly items replete with instructive phrases like “recommended for children eight and up.”

Restaurants employ a similar tact, papering their menus with agerelated directives. You want the dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets from the kids’ menu? Well, you better be less than nine years old!

Even the local amusement park posts cautionary signage beside 54

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

each ride, delineating requirements for age, height, or weight—and sometimes a combination thereof.

Considering these stated guidelines, one might assume that age expectations for common parenting situations would be selfevident. However, the reality is not so clearcut. For example, try asking a group of parents whether it is appropriate to bring a child to a wedding. You may find that the answers you receive are not what you were expecting.

And that’s exactly what we did.

Photo by John Schlia

BY JENNIFER KAMISH

Photos provided

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Victoria Reome—a resident of Caledonia—and the parent of an eleven-year-old boy, offers a congenial perspective on the subject.

“The choice [to allow or not allow children at a wedding] should be entirely up to the couple,” says Reome. “It’s their special day, so it should be their decision.”

Vicki Rocha—a Brighton mom to two teenagers—draws a slightly harder line.

“It depends on the time of day,” Rocha states. “I feel like it is more appropriate for a child to attend a daytime wedding as opposed to a formal night event.”

Rocha adds that her own children—Luz and Sophia—attended their first wedding at ages seven and eight, respectively. “[The wedding] was at The Rabbit Room in Honeoye Falls,” says Rocha. “Based on the location and it being an afternoon reception, we felt comfortable bringing the kids. If they were the rambunctious type, we might have waited until they were a little older.”

So, at what age does a child move into the category of adult? Both Reome and Rocha agree there is no specific transition number.

Rather, the answer depends on the behaviors and maturity of the individual.

Jaime Norton, licensed cosmetologist and owner of an onsite bridal styling business, has spent years building her client base in the Rochester area, amassing more than 1,300 followers on social media.

Norton—who is in the thick of her busiest bridal season ever (seventy-six weddings)—enjoys working ceremonies and receptions where children are involved.

“Kids are frequently present at the weddings I serve,” she says.

“Many are in the wedding party as flower girls. All the children I’ve styled have been well-behaved, and we rely on a timeline that works for that. Older clients come earlier in the morning, and then children come later so they don’t have to wait around while the other attendees get ready.”

“Many young girls prefer a princess updo along with an accessory and the most popular option tends to be the heart-shaped braid,” says Norton.

Now, what do Rochester-area establishments think?

The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa, located in Pittsford, is happy to accommodate youth of all ages.

A representative from the venue says, “It is very common for our couples to have children in attendance, and we do not require any additional fees for younger guests.”

ARTISANworks, a local art space, event venue, and not-forprofit, shares a similar kid-friendly sentiment, but requires attendees to adhere to a couple of rules. As stated on their website: “We require an additional event staff person for every ten children.

The couple also has the option of providing their own supervision for kids. Children always need to be supervised, and they will not be allowed to go anywhere in the building without an adult.”

Casa Larga Vineyards in Fairport frequently hosts weddings at Bella Vista, their connected facility for special events. This childfriendly venue offers kids’ meal options at a reduced cost. In addition to weddings, the Finger Lakes winery is home to an annual and kid-friendly holiday craft marketplace as well as the highly attended Purple Foot Festival, which draws kids of all ages for grape-stomping fun.

And these three aren’t the only local wedding venues opening their doors to Rochester’s youth. Many others offer at least one child-friendly package or option for events.

At the end of day, the rules around wedding etiquette are unwritten ones. Sure, the important decisions should be made with consideration to the soon-to-be married couple and the service providers—but, ultimately, it’s about doing what’s best for your family and keeping the peace during what is likely an overwhelming day for everyone involved.

After all, in a perfect world, kids need their parents’ permission to party.

Children enjoy being a part of wedding where they have a special role in someone's big day.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Time out How to know if your little one is ready for special events

BY DANIEL CURRY

B

eing able to bring your kids along with you to events can be one of the most fun and exciting parts of being a parent.

But when is the right age to start letting your little one tag along? While there isn’t a definitive rulebook to follow, we’ve included some suggestions to help ensure that your entire family enjoys your time out.

Live Performances

Musicals, plays, concerts, and any other type of live performances can be great events for kids to experience and enjoy. They’re a good way to introduce your kids to large crowds, loud noises, and live music. However, each of these events has its own etiquette and set of rules.

Jessica Ripple, director of marketing at the Rochester Broadway Theatre League, says the decision should come from a few factors.

“The decision should come down to both the interest and appropriateness of the content of the show for the child, as well as the ability for the child to remain engaged in the show and to sit through the performance in a manner that is not distracting to those around them,” says Ripple.

Additionally, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra offers multiple concerts series that are designed specifically for younger audiences. Barbara Brown of the RPO says that these special shows allow kids and their parents to better enjoy the experience.

“Concerts geared toward young audiences are designed as such— shorter total length, shorter pieces, and planned interaction to get the wiggles out,” says Brown. “Summer concerts are also a great option for young audience members as they’re able to be outside in a less-structured environment—we often see kids dancing at our summer concerts, which brings a smile to everyone’s face!”

Movies Theaters

One of my earliest childhood memories was my parents taking me out of the movie theater because I got scared of the Heffalump from Winnie the Pooh and started screaming and crying. After that, they waited a year or two to bring me back to a movie, and I had a blast when they did.

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If your kids are sensitive to loud noises or the dark, it might be best to wait before bringing them to the movies. Also, some theaters offer matinees with the lights on and the sound turned down, so anyone with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the movie theater experience.

Museums

Museums are a fantastic place to bring kids of all ages to help expand their interests and stir their creativity. Places like the Strong and the Rochester Museum and Science Center have interactive exhibits and are oriented to kids (and adults) of all ages.

Other institutions such as the University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery or the George Eastman Museum have their obvious values but aren’t able to encourage the same kid-oriented interactivity as other museums. However, they often host family days that offer special events and exhibits just for kids. For example, the Eastman Museum hosts the Dutch Connection flower show, which features multiple events and exhibits just for kids. The MAG hosts its Creative Kids’ workshops every week, as well as creation days where kids can come and make art at the MAG.

Sporting Events

Knowing situations in which your kids are comfortable has been the theme so far, and the same goes for sporting events. Big crowds and loud noises are found at all types of games. If you are unsure of how your kid would react or want to introduce them to sporting events, it’s suggested to take them to a smaller and less intense game.

Such as an afternoon Red Wings game or even a local college game.

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Taste

Fine fare | Table for Naz | Critical drinking

Southern comfort

The South Wedge’s Crisp is a love letter to Texas cooking

By Ashley Mason; photos by Tomas Flint

Chicken and churros 585mag.com | January/February 2023

59

Taste | Fine fare

Triple B: Billionaire bacon, biscuits, butter

Avocado Toast Turn’t Up

The Daily Board

Crisp 819 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester crisprochester.com 978-7237 It all started at roller derby tryouts. Valerie was already on the team, and Wendi had her heart set on being a Dallas Derby Devil. Fast forward twenty years, the Loyets are now married and a bit more buttoned up. They have two daughters, Clover and Raven; a house; and a business. But they’re still all-in on taking risks together.

Calculated risks, that is.

You see, Valerie is a full-time actuary.

Her job brought the family to Rochester 60

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Better Than BLT

in 2018 from Dallas. So when Wendi, the creative one in the relationship, wanted to retire from her marketing career and open a restaurant, they had to make the numbers work. “[Valerie] brings an acute sense of finance to the business,” says Wendi. “I’m very lucky because she can tell me no. A lot of restauranteurs don’t have that.”

They opened Crisp last year and plan to be around for the long haul. “We’re never going back to Texas,” says Wendi. She loves that we’re a “big small city” and the restaurant scene is exploding. “I’m excited to be a part of that,” she adds.

The establishment sits on the corner of

Meigs Street and South Clinton Avenue in the South Wedge. Big windows in the front create a sort of fishbowl vibe. On busy Monday afternoons, like the day I came by, the space is packed with ladies lunching, couples enjoying a meal together, and large groups just catching up.

It’s refreshing to see a place so full of life, especially during the week.

The restaurant’s name has a double meaning. “I like crispy food,” laughs Wendi. Her fondness for fried chicken and biscuits comes from her grandmother, who taught her to cook. “I was always at her side.”

But Crisp also refers to a keen attention to detail. Wendi loves throwing dinner parties

Taste | Fine fare

Valerie and Wendi Loyet

Texas Breakfast: Breaded and fried Angus steak, two eggs, gravy, and buttermilk biscuits

and was attracted to creating a space where people could feel comfortable dressed in either sweats or taffeta.

Its Texas-inspired menu has become quite the destination for brunch on Sundays and Mondays. And it’s not the pinkies-up stuff you might find at other spots. They’re doing buttermilk fried chicken and churros ($21), breakfast nachos with spicy chorizo ($16), and a gravy-drenched take on eggs benedict ($14).

The restaurant’s executive chef Jimmy Ton, who worked in restaurants on the West Coast, incorporates his flare with chilaquiles ($16), breakfast burritos ($15), and an ahi tartare ($14) that some have said is

the best they’ve ever had.

It was their Tex-Mex sensibility that first caught my attention and made my mouth water waiting to get a reservation. Like Wendi, I, too, love stick-to-your-ribs fried food—and all the better if it’s covered in gravy. Yet, it was the special touches that made my meal memorable.

I came in with a case of the Mondays, and I was delighted to find a cinnamon maple cappuccino ($7) on the menu. The slightly-sweet, frothed drink reminded me of a beverage I might sip during the holidays: warming and cozy, like shearling-lined slippers or a cashmere sweater. Foamy milk stuck to my lip, and it made me smile.

Another standout was the Triple B ($10), which stands for the holy trinity at this place: bacon, biscuits, and butter. I could write a review on these three elements alone, but I’ll keep it brief. Their thick-cut “Billionaire Bacon” is a little crispy, yet still flexible, the way I like it. Each perfect strip is candied and dotted with pepper flakes, creating an addictive sweet-spicy-salty combination. You can order it for brunch or dinner, which feels so right.

The two house-made buttermilk biscuits are the ultra-crumbly variety, suggesting copious amounts of butter are used to make them. They’re the perfect vehicle for whipped butter. I’m pretty sure even shoe leather would taste delicious slathered in this salty-sweet stuff.

I could have stopped there and been happy, but there were still entrees to sample.

Chicken-fried steak has always been a favorite to order when I’m visiting family in Arizona, and Crisp’s version, the Texas Breakfast ($24), is an especially good one.

The Angus steak is tenderized to perfection, then battered, fried, and smothered in white gravy. When I cut into it with a butter knife—an excellent sign—its deliciously crunchy shell collapsed with a touch.

Along with the heaping amount of beef comes home fries, two eggs, and (another) biscuit. The portion was so generous that I needed my dining companion’s help to finish it.

I’m also looking forward to seeing how the Loyets throw a party. Besides being a great spot to grab a meal, the restaurant boasts a forty-five-seat event space in the back. Right now, they keep it simple with long wooden tables and family or buffetstyle fare. They’ve hosted wedding rehearsal dinners, and they’re looking to grow.

One of those ways is engaging the community. After receiving an anonymous homophobic letter in June, people in the area flooded in to support them. “If I could send him a thank you note, I would,” Wendi says.

Since then they hosted a big party at the restaurant during Pride along with many karaoke nights. The owners are proud to be a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community—and anyone needing a place to unwind.

The couple is eager to set down roots here, and they see the restaurant as part of that. Over Thanksgiving, they threw a party for their thirty employees. Wendi and Valerie cooked for them, and it was a fun time. “Most of our staff feel like this is their home,” Wendi says. “We try to take good care of them when they need us.”

While opening a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic is a risk, for the Loyets, it’s about something more. “We want to build a family here,” Wendi says.

585mag.com | January/February 2023

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Taste | Table for Naz

From Peru with love

Peru’s iconic rotisserie chicken finds its way to Rochester

By Naz Banu; photos by Tomas Flint

Machu Bowl

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

Taste | Table for Naz

Chik’n nuggets and aji verde sauce

Just Chik’n 376 Jefferson Rd., Rochester justchiknroc.com 360-2285 Imagine going on vacation in a country whose cuisine inspires you so much that you can’t stop thinking about it—to the point where you decide to open a restaurant that features your favorite part of it!

That’s how Just Chik’n came into existence in Rochester. The owners went to Peru on a family vacation and fell in love with pollo a la brasa—Peruvian rotisserie chicken.

The original pollo a la brasa was invented by a Swiss immigrant in Peru. It was seasoned simply with just salt. The modern version is seasoned with many more spices, including aji panca (mild pepper paste) and soy sauce.

At Just Chik’n, the rotisserie chicken is marinated in a (classified) blend of spices and sauces for at least twenty-four hours and then cooked slowly in a rotisserie oven.You can order a half chicken by itself or a whole chicken with several sides for a family meal. The chicken skin is my favorite part; it is savory, salty, and satisfying. The meat is juicy from the long marination and slow cook.

Just Chik’n also makes two classic Peruvian sauces, aji verde and aji amarillo. Aji verde is traditionally made with jalapenos,

Alfajores cookies

cilantro, mayonnaise, and garlic. Just Chik’n keeps their aji verde mild and very bright.

Their aji amarillo is a creamy sauce with a little tang that is universal hit. Personally, I suggest getting both to alternate dipping your chicken into! The mild take on aji verde makes both sauces a great choice for all palates.

An unusual side dish here is the arroz chaufa, literally translated to “Chinese rice.” (While you are trying to distract yourself from Rochester’s neverending winter, I suggest reading about Chinese immigrants in Peru and how an entirely new cuisine was born out of it called Chifa cuisine.) The version at Just Chik’n is vegetarian and subtly flavored—an excellent bite to combine with the well-seasoned pollo a la brasa. In fact, they have a dish called the Macchu Bowl that does just that: arroz chaufa topped with pulled rotisserie chicken, turtle beans, and salsa criolla.

Drizzle some aji verde on top for a punch of brightness. Chipotle burrito bowl what?

What if you associate with people who don’t enjoy juicy and satisfying rotisserie chicken? While I hope they don’t exist, Just Chik’n has another side of the menu dedicated to one of my go-to food groups— fried chicken. The fried chicken is available with regular and spicy breading. You can choose from chicken nuggets, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders.

The chicken nuggets will destroy all other

Deluxe Chik’n sandwich

nuggets for you. Delectable and succulent chunks of all white meat chicken fried to perfection.What is not to love? Just Chik’n offers several familiar sauce options outside of the aji verde and aji amarillo, including buffalo, honey mustard, ranch, etc. I recommend dipping the crispy nuggets in aji verde as the citrusy notes are a natural match.

Just Chik’n also offers wraps with the juicy fried chicken or the flavorful (pulled) rotisserie chicken. Yes, they do offer meal-sized salads with the same protein choices as well.

Vegetarians, there are a few options here for you. The Veggie Machu bowl, Veggie Machu wrap, and all the sides (french fries, chili lime yuca fries, chili lime sweet potato fries, side salad, arroz chaufa) are vegetarian.

Last but not least, do not leave without trying the alfajore cookie. It is made in many different ways in South America. Just Chik’n has these specially made at a local bakery. The cookie is buttery and melts in your mouth. The filling is similar to dulce de leche with toasted caramel-y, brownsugar-like goodness. The cookies are then dusted liberally with powdered sugar.

Pro tip:Take a box home and dip the alfajores in coffee for the perfect snack.

It is January. It is cold. The snow is relentless. Order a whole delicious rotisserie chicken and a box of alfajores for your family... of one. You deserve it. Who is going to know?

585mag.com | January/February 2023

63

Taste

Dining Guide ASIAN

Henrietta, College Town, Pittsford, Irondequoit, and Victor. A sub brand, Taichi Iron BBQ Grill & Bar, is now open at 98 Greece Ridge Rd. L&D: Daily    $$

1802 Penfield Rd., Penfield, 385-2808, hongwahrestaurant.com

Thai by Night

Hong Wah Restaurant

Quality Chinese fare at a very nice price. Menu is extensive and tailored to the American palate.

Honored for being one of America’s healthiest in the Top 100 Chinese Restaurant Dining guide. L&D: Daily     G $

John Guattery returns to his native Canandaigua after cooking in kitchens all over the States to open an authentic Thai restaurant with traditional dishes like pad see ew and gai yang. Pair your meal with options of local wine and beer L: T–Th; D: T–Sa     $

Juicy Seafood 3020 Winton Rd. S., Rochester, 622-9468, facebook.com/JuicySeafoodRochester

Thai Mii Up

Beloved for its “boils,” which come in a bag with two potatoes and a half ear of corn, this reasonably priced seafood establishment introduces Viet-Cajun cuisine to Rochester. Choose from an extensive menu consisting of boiled or fried options, then further customize your meal by making it a combo and deciding on your choice of seasoning and level of spice. L&D: Daily     $$

This Thai/Laotian restaurant opened in 2016 and has a hot reputation for authentic cuisine, friendly service, and—as is evidenced by the saucy name—a lively sense of humor. “Mii” is Laotian for noodles, and the ones here are house made. L&D: Tu–Su    G $

Fish Face 400 Bakers Park, Rochester, 544-6677 isquaresushi.com

Located within The Market at I-Square, Fish Face focuses on fresh, made-to-order sushi combined with a casual and convenient counter service concept.

The menu also features handcrafted ramen broths, dumplings, bao buns, tempura, and bubble teas.

L&D: Tu–Su $

Furoshiki

1780 E. Ridge Rd., Irondequoit, 491-6331; at Eagle Vale Golf Course, 4400 Nine Mile Point Rd., Fairport; and at Del Lago Resort, 1133 State Rte. 414, Waterloo; facebook.com/Thai.mii.up

Han Noodle Bar

687 Monroe Ave., Rochester, with a new location coming soon to 600 Monroe Ave., 242-7333, hannoodlebar.com

Many restaurants claim to have the most authentic Chinese cuisine or the best Asian fusion dishes, but few can back these claims up as well as Han Noodle Bar. Try one of thestar noodle dishes or steamed pork buns and thai fusion dishes. Only open for take-out. L&D: Daily I    $

Seasons’ Noodle

50 Chestnut St., C201, Rochester, 445-8048

Located in the lobby of the Columbus Building, Seasons’ Noodle offers fresh, authentic Chinese food made from scratch. Dishes consist of noodles, protein, veggies, and sauce, with vegan noodles available upon request. L&D: Daily   $

682 Park Ave. Rochester, 771-0499, parkavenoodles.com

Shema Sushi

Named after a special cloth used by the Japenese to wrap lunches and gifts of food, Furoshiki hopes to bring a similarly beautiful yet casual feel to its ramen.

This Pan-Asian noodle bar offers a wide variety of dishes—with ramen at the center of them all—along with cocktails. L&D: Daily  I   $$

277 Alexander St., Rochester, 325-6555

Fine dining columnist Ashley Mason describes Shema Sushi as a “calming sanctuary tucked away in the East End” with “elegantly executed Japanese dishes.” Shema serves traditional sushi rolls and Japanese entrees created by trained sushi artist, Young Choi, who combines years of experience and knowledge into his beautifully created original dishes. L&D: M–Sa    $$$

Khong Thai Cuisine

Sweet Basil

260 Winton Rd. N., Rochester 434-2238, khongthaicuisine.com

Sak Southi, co-owner of Sak’s Thai Cuisine in Fairport, has opened a fast-casual eatery. Noodle dishes include pad thai and udon noodle, and there is a variety of soups and entrées such as pad peow wan, pad phet, and choo chee pla. L&D: W–M     G $$

Poke Sushi 682 South Ave., Rochester, 270-8890, pokesushiroc.com Chef Adam Hamilton presents diners with Japanese fusion in the South Wedge. Try the extensive menu of chef specialty rolls like the Johnny Cashew or the Pablo Escobar. There are also traditional dishes like tempura and ramen, and, of course, poke bowls. D: M–Tu and Th–F. L: Tu–Sa, Closed Su$$ Osaka Sushi

3240 Chili Ave., Rochester; 3685 W. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, 571-4889, osakasushi.com

Hibachi, teriyaki, and sushi, oh my! All-you-can-eat is the way to go. Dine in or take out (no, there isn’t an all-you-can-carry option) and check out the new Henrietta location. L&D: Daily  I    $

Taichi Bubble Tea 1367 Mt. Hope Ave., Rochester 448-0220, taichibubbletea.com

Taichi strives to provide delicious bubble tea, poke bowls, and ramen to its customers. The clean and contemporary interior is a great place to catch up with friends and family. Taichi has locations in

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123 S. Main St., Canandaigua 412-6261, thaibynightny.com

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

2 E. Main St., Victor, 869-5009, (blenny-finch-awtc.squarespace.com)

(585)’s Naz Banu writes that every dish she has tried at Sweet Basil is “both tasy and true to its roots.” Sweet Basil Cafe offers Cambodian, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes and does justice to each region’s diverse cusine. L&D: Tu–Sa    $ Tsingtao House

2831 W. Henrietta Rd., 272-8008, tsingtaohouserochester.com

There’s the Chinese food people living in America grew up with, and then there’s the real kind. Tsingtao House is squarely the latter. This immigrant-family–owned kitchen doesn’t compromise its menu to Western tastes, and we’re all the richer for it. Shredded jellyfish and ox tongue are among the more exotic fare, but don’t underestimate the addictive power of the simple braised fish and brown sauce.

L&D: M–Sa      $$

White Swans Asia Caffe

798 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester, 270-4431

Known for putting a modern twist on traditional dishes, this restaurant serves reasonably priced, delicious, and authentic Asian cuisine. The menu features classic Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes and is a great place for takeout or casual dining. L&D: Daily     $$

BARBECUE

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que 99 Court St., 325-7090, dinosaurbarbeque.com

onsidered by many to be the gold standard in Rochester barbecue, this joint is almost always packed, especially when there’s a good band booked. An excellent choice for an inexpensive, downtown crowd pleaser. Leave yourself a little extra time for parking. L&D: Daily    I G $ Misson BBQ

100 Marketplace Dr., Rochester, 440-0915, mission-bbq.com

If old-fashioned barbeque is what you’re craving, look no further than Mission BBQ. The new restaurant features classics like pulled pork and spareribs as well as

The (585) Dining Guide is a rotating list of area restaurants independently selected by members of the editorial staff.

All phone numbers are in the (585) area code unless otherwise noted.

Is there a restaurant you think should be included in our Dining Guide, or do you have a correction?

Please e-mail us at info@585publishing. com or fax to 413-0296.

Listings in purple are new to the Dining Guide this issue.

Price symbols indicate how much diners can expect to spend for an entrée without tax or tip.

$ �����������������under $13 $$ ������������������$14 - $23 $$$ �������������� $24 and up  ����������������� Cash Only

 ���������������� Wheelchair Accessible

I..... Outdoor Seating Available Seasonally

 ������� Serves Alcohol  ������� Family-Friendly  ���������Makes special effort for vegetarians

....Parking Available G ��������������Gluten Free

Taste | Dining guide their “Darn Good” turkey sandwich. Their take-out game is on-point with “Pick-up Packs” available for the family or a party. Catering is also offered. L&D: Daily  $ Route 96 BBQ 6385 Rte. 96, Victor, 742-2026, route96bbq.com

Ribs, pork, and brisket slow-cooked daily with pure hickory ... what could be better? Choose to make it a sandwich or get a “tray,” which comes with a choice of side, pickles, and pork rinds. Enjoy a rustic, barnlike atmosphere while you dine. L&D: Tu–Sa     $$ The Saltbox Smokehouse 6152 Barclay Rd., Sodus, (315) 553-2663, thesaltboxsmokehouse.com

A relaxed, rustic environment pairs with meats that are smoked in-house and offered for eat-in or carry out from the deli. Specializing in bacon and offering more than fifteen varieties, this new smokehouse between Oswego and Rochester offers unique menu options that feature its own tasty cured meats. Be sure to try the chocolate chunk cookie with bacon bits. B&L: Tu–Sa; D: F–Sa    $

Smokin’ Hot Chicks BBQ

25 Parce Ave., Fairport, 210-3227, smokinhotchicksbbq.com

A welcome addition to the Village of Fairport, Smokin’ Hot Chicks began as a mobile business serving savory slow-cooked barbeque at events and festivals.

Equipped with a full tequila bar, dining room, private party room, and outdoor patio that features small musical groups and dining in warmer months. D: W– Sat I     G $$

Sticky Lips BBQ

830 Jefferson Rd., Henrietta, 288-1910, stickylipsbbq.com

World War II–themed pit barbecue restaurant. Texas and Memphis-style barbecue lead the menu with a nod to Carolina-style, although without the purist’s minced pork and vinegar sauce. Southern sides are available, as well as a smokehouse twist on the Rochester “plate.” Amid all this meat is a respectable vegetarian menu. L&D: Daily  I     $

Three-Legged Pig BBQ

3415 Rochester Rd., Lakeville, 346-0001, 3leggedpig.com

A small pit barbecue spot that gets the fundamentals right. St. Louis- and Carolina-style ribs and brisket are on the menu along with burgers, smoked chicken, and sausage. The food is value-priced and takeoutfriendly. L&D: Tu–Su    I  $

BISTRO

The Acorn Exchange 75 S. Clinton Ave., 270-8115, theacornexchange.com

Sandwiches, salads, pizzas, coffee, smoothies, and more; all handcrafted and delicious. Locally owned, the Acorn Exchange prides itself in high-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere. B&L: M–F  $

Bad Apples Bistro 42 Nichols St., Ste. 4, Spencerport, 352-2231, badapplesbistro.com

Spencerport residents have another reason not to drive to the city for dinner– and more people from the city are making the drive for a unique casual gourmet experience. The menu is seasonal so try the filet mignon, seared salmon, or the beet and apple salad before it’s too late. Of course there are more familiar items such as the kids four-oz. Steak filet or chicken fingers. L&D: Tu–F; D: Sa     G   $$

Bar Bantam

JoJo Bistro and Wine Bar—Webster

Housed in the lobby of the Metropolitan building, this restaurant serves as a quick and accommodating dining option perfect for busy people, whether it be breakfast in the morning or happy hour at night.

Selections include a wide variety of sandwiches and salads, as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. L: W–Fr; D: W–Sa      G $

JoJo’s Webster outpost provides upscale dining and quickly became a staple in the area. An extensive wine list pairs with wood-fired pizzas and an assortment of other classic American dishes to ensure everyone who enters leaves satisfied. D: Daily     I  $$

1 S. Clinton Ave., 454-1052, barbantam.com

Bistro 11

11 W. Main St., Victor, 924-3660, bistro11.net

Italian-style, casual dining in downtown Victor. The Mulcahy Sandwich is a vestige of the property’s previous life as McGhan’s Nearly Famous Pub. Good selection of local beer and wine. D: T–F

Bite Rochester

90 S. Clinton Ave., 504-4256, biteroc.com

Bite offers breakfast, lunch, “lite bites,” and an excellent selection of beverages. With a casual atmosphere and friendly staff, Bite Rochester lets you slow down while enjoying its handcrafted menu.

B&L: M–Tu B, L&D: W–F   $

Capri Wine Bar & Restaurant

130 East Ave., Rochester, 481-2139, caprieastave. com

This quaint restaurant in the Eastman neighborhood serves Italian and Mediterranean food. Their menu offers diverse options that present a new take on traditional meals. They have food selections for all audiences, including accommodations for vegetarians.

The extensive wine list is an additional reason to stop in and appreciate the charming ambiance. L&D: Tu– Sa I $$

Edibles

704 University Ave., Rochester (NOTA), 271-4910, ediblesrochester.com

With a painted tin ceiling and exposed brick walls, Edibles presents a rustic yet urban style. Its menu, suffused with Italian and Eastern European dishes as well as deconstructed American choices, invites repeat visits. Extensive and well-labeled vegetarian and gluten-free options. L&D: M–Sa; Closed: Su     G $$

Ember Woodfire Grill

21 Livonia Station, Livonia, 346-0222, emberwoodfiregrill.com

Tapas-style casual dining in an architectural award– winning renovated railroad station close to Conesus Lake. Menu is high-concept with eclectic international flavors portioned to be shared around the table.

Selections rotate seasonally. Lots of beers, wines, and creative cocktails to choose from. Kids’ menu with make-your-own-pizza nights Tuesdays and Wednesdays. D: M–Sa; Closed: Su  I     $$

42 E. Main St., Webster, 667-0707, restaurantjojo.com

Label Seven

50 State St., Pittsford, 267-7500, labelseven.com

Hip, cozy west-coast dining experience on the canal.

Bright red walls and antique furniture accent whitetablecloth dining. Menu choices are inspired by California casual cuisine and the Baja, its Mexican counterpart—except for the French Market Poutine, a concoction from across the other border, with beef brisket, chili, and cheddar curd. L&D: Tu–Sa     I  $$

Lucky’s

628 Winton Rd. N., Rochester, 270-4075, luckys628.com

The team behind local restaurants Good Luck and Cure has added a new joint to the empire. Step into the 1930s–’40s era—complete with a tin ceiling, oldtimey clocks, and vintage photos as you enjoy a diverse menu with everything from traditional pub food to pickled eggs. D: Tu–Su; L: F–Su; Br: Sa–Su     $$

Ludwig’s

25 Gibbs St., 454-4440, ludwigscenterstagecafe.com

Located across from the Eastman Theatre, Ludwig’s serves up a simple yet delicious sandwich menu with creative daily specials. Enjoy special menus for events such as Jazz Fest. L&D: W–F   $

Mendon 64

1369 Pittsford Mendon Rd., Mendon, 433-9464, mendon64.com

The restaurant formerly known as the Mendon House has found new life under the management team behind the Cottage Hotel and Penfield’s Pour House, but it’s a little more upscale. The dinner menu sports a wide array of seasonal choices; in the pub is a small but very unusual selection of simple, sturdy dishes, and there is live music most nights and a monthly rotating art exhibit. D: Tu–Sa  I    $$$

Murphy’s Law

370 East Ave., 232-7115, murphyslawrochesterny. com

A true Irish pub, Murphy’s Law offers a diverse menu that draws inspiration from Irish cuisine but isn’t defined by it. Instead, the pub defines itself by its cozy and welcoming atmosphere and tremendous variety of food and drinks. L&D: Daily  $$

New York Kitchen Café

EuroCafé

800 S. Main St., Canandaigua, 394-7070, nykitchen.com/restaurant

Traditional Polish cooking with a modern sensibility in downtown Geneseo. Dumplings, sausage, and soups that won’t weigh you down. Two first-generation Polish owners have brought over recipes that could be found today in the chic bistros of Warsaw.

The cakes are elaborate and made on premises. L&D: Tu–Sa   G  $

The dining room and wrap around deck above the New York Kitchen, also known as the NYK Café, is an American restaurant on Canandaigua Lake featuring the best of New York State ingredients and craft beverage. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, and don’t forget to visit their Tasting Room, featuring 100% wine, beer, cider, and distilled spirits from across the Empire State.

L&D: W–Su; Br: Su  I     $$

116 Main St., Geneseo, 447-9252, euro-cafe.us

JoJo Bistro and Wine Bar—Pittsford

60 N. Main St., Pittsford (Village of Pittsford), 385-3108, restaurantjojo.com

Though it’s in the quaint village of Pittsford, JoJo has all the pizzazz of a big city bistro, complete with an award-winning wine list and adventurous dinner menu. The chefs at JoJo experiment with wood-fired pizza; instead of pepperoni, you order soppressata.

Appetizers like the tuna tartar and foie gras draw diners from all over the area. D: Daily     $$

The Owl House

75 Marshall St., Rochester (Lower Monroe), 360-2920, owlhouserochester.com

The chefs begin with farm-to-table, local ingredients and produce creative dishes. A rotating grilled cheese special is reason enough to visit several times in one week, and desserts are refreshed daily as well (and generally vegan). Menu specials are posted on Facebook each morning, including original craft cocktails and drafts. D: Th–Su I    G $$

585mag.com | January/February 2023

65

Taste | Dining Guide Panzari’s Italian Bistro

321 Exchange Blvd., Rochester (Corn Hill), 546-7990, panzarisitalianbistro.com

This cozy bistro in the heart of Corn Hill Landing boasts an Italian menu that shines in every way it should, from pasta to antipasti. An open-air dining room allows patrons to observe the corner brick oven where pizzas are blistered to perfection. L: M–F; D: Daily  I     $$

The Peppered Pig

1759 Empire Blvd., Webster, 347-6479, thepigroc.com

French fare meets an accessible and elegant atmosphere in the latest addition to the local European restaurant scene. The menu boasts pork and duck from apps to entrées, as well as a specialized brunch menu. And of course, what French eatery would be complete without a well-considered wine list? L: Daily; D: M–Sa; Br: Sa–Su     $$

The Red Fern

283 Oxford St., Rochester (Park Avenue), 563-7633, redfernrochester.com

This charming restaurant serves an entirely vegan menu with many gluten-free options, including a healthy take on Rochester’s trademark “plate” and mac ‘n’ cheese nachos with the cheese made cashews.

Baked goods, which are available wholesale, can be found at eateries around the city (the creative donut flavors are especially popular). Catering is available.

L&D: Tu–Sa I    G $

REDD Rochester

24 Winthrop St., Rochester, 483-7333, reddrochester.com

REDD boasts a menu that packs a diverse punch with standout dishes such as the decadent Maine lobster risotto and multiple wood-fired pizzas. Years of international culinary experience from co-owner Richard Reddington make every item served worth trying. L: F–Sa; D: M–Sa      $$

Studio Lounge 7 Lawrence St., Rochester, 360-2633 (studiobarlounge.com)

Studio Lounge evokes a modern speakeasy vibe in an intimate setting, offering craft cocktails and seasonal menus of gourmet bar fare that use fresh, locally sourced ingredients. On Saturday nights the lounge transitions into an upbeat environment with EDM house music where guests are encouraged to dress their best for a night of dancing. D: W–Sa , L: Su   $$

Thistle 122 122 West Ave., Brockport, 431-3270 (thistle122.com)

Housed in Grinds 122 Cafe in Brockport, Thistle 122 is the brainchild of Chefs Ricardo and Rachel Pina.

With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, the menu is structured around available local, seasonal ingredients. Drinks are hand selected and carefully paired with the menu. D: W–Sa   $$

TRATA 145 Culver Rd., Rochester, 270-5460, tratarochester.com

The casual corporate cousin of Black and Blue, Village Bakery, and JoJo’s Wine Bar, TRATA is one of the main draws to the Culver Road Armory. The decor is slick and industrial with lots of exposed brick.

The menu is catnip for foodies. Ever feel like a duck quesadilla or a beer cocktail made with bacon? This is where you belong. D: W–Sa; Br: Su  I    G  $$

The Vesper 1 Capron St., Rochester (Downtown), 454-1996, rocthevesper.com

Cozy, upscale Park Avenue bistro with a fresh American classics menu that wanders into Italian territory.

(Don’t miss the arancini.) A few of the entrées are marked paleo-friendly for followers of the “caveman diet.” L&D: Daily     G $$

The Vesper’s name is in homage to a drink created

by James Bond, who, of course, had named that for a stunning woman. The place feels upscale and trendy, with a bar made of pallets and a limited but playful menu. For example, from the raw bar, order the Trust Fund: a Vesper Martini, two oysters, two shrimp, ceviche, half an ounce of caviar, and stuffed olives. D: M– Sa     G  $$

Roux

Viticulture

This French kitchen and nouveau cocktail bar artfully prepares classic French fare using local farm ingredients, and paired with an all-French wine list. Roux also boasts an absinthe fountain, Parisian decor, and a savvy bar staff. One of the best spots in the Park Ave cultural district to sit outside (or in a window booth, if it’s cold) and watch the world go by. Br: Sa–Su; D: W–Su  I   $$

Taste a well-curated selection of wines from France, Spain, and Italy all in one place. With its rotating selection of white, red, and rosé wines, Rochester’s newest wine bar is an ideal destination for cocktail hour or a girls’ night out. W–Sa I   $$

Roam Café 260 Park Ave., Rochester (East End), 360-4165, roamcafe.com

688 Park Ave., Rochester, 461-2960, rouxparkave. com

Six50

7217 Rte. 96, Victor, 398-8277, six-50.com

Six50 serves up a menu filled with twists on Italian classics like pizza and pasta, along with a healthy offering of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. Most ingredients in the scratch kitchen are sourced locally.

Menu highlights include the Butchers Pie, a rotating pizza-of-the-day, and mussels cevennes, which is served in chardonnay sauce with crusty peasant bread. L&D: Daily  I     G $$ Simply Crepes 7 Schoen Pl., 383-8310 101 S. Main St., Canandaigua 394-9090 1229 Bay Road, Webster simplycrepes.com

Homespun and handcrafted, the menu at Simply Crepes boasts progressively traditional food you crave

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and pushes the limit on what crepes can be. Serving specialty crepes and other breakfasts as well as items that will help satisfy your sweet tooth. L&D; W–M    $$

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217 Alexander St., Rochester, 576-6108, viticultureroc.com

Zambistro 408 Main St., Medina, 798-2433, zambistro.com

Comfort food favorites are rebuilt here for the demanding connoisseur’s palate. The sirloin’s dusted with espresso for both sizzle and buzz. The tuna comes in a tuxedo of prosciutto and potatoes. How could you possibly improve meatloaf? Wrap it in bacon. L&D: M–Sa  I     $$

CAJUN

The French Quarter Café 130 Spring St., Rochester, 987-6432, thefqc.com

A beautifully converted house plays host to Creole meals that wouldn’t be out of place on the dinner table of a Louisiana grandma. The crawfish and jambalaya set the stage, as does a Natchitoches meat pie—but you might want to try the Sicilian chicken, a favorite of Italian immigrants to New Orleans. D: M, W–Sa     $

DESSERT Cheesy Eddie’s

602 South Ave., Rochester (South Wedge), 473-1300, cheesyeddies.com

The family-run business has been producing some of Rochester’s finest cheesecake creations for weddings, dinner parties, and holiday gatherings. Cheesy Eddie’s fare can be found in dessert cases across the city, but the South Wedge location has tables inside for patrons who want to enjoy a pastry with their morning coffee. Closed: Su–M   $ Caramel Bakery and Bar 647 Park Ave., Rochester, 978-7898, caramelbakeryandbar.com

A dine-in bakery with a romantic and relaxed environment. Sit at the bar or in the cozy dining room and enjoy the mixture of creativity and taste that is offered. Suggested local beer and wine allow guests to complement their dessert or savory sharable. Featured as one of Nick’s Picks, each decadent dessert is served to please both the eye and the palate. D: W–Sa; Br: Su     G $$

Etna Pastry Shoppe 1913 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, 429-6369, etnapastryshop.com

Get a taste of European-quality pastries made with fresh, natural ingredients. This dessert shop offers a wide array of traditional Italian delights such as cannolis, sfogliatelle, and rum babas along with eclairs and wedding cakes. Open daily    $

Sweet Mist

3259 Winton Rd. S., Rochester, 413-3512, sweet-mist.com

Liquid nitrogen ice cream is the latest fun dessert craze to take the nation, and it has finally landed in Rochester. The menu features ample flavor options, ranging from traditional (salted caramel, french vanilla, pistachio) to completely inventive (saffron, chocolate-covered pretzels, Mountain Dew).     $

White Rabbit Dessert Experience

1635 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, 471-8512, sweetlifedessertexperience.com

With its stated philosophy “We passionately believe dessert shouldn’t just be found at the bottom of the menu,” White Rabbit Dessert Experience’s priorities are crystal clear. L&D: Daily   G

GERMAN Rheinblick German Restaurant

224 S. Main St., Canandaigua (Downtown Canandaigua), 905-0950, restaurant-rheinblick.com

Menu goes beyond usual brats and kraut into fare that could be found anywhere along the banks of the River Rhine. If you’re hungry, dig into the schweinshaxe, a towering roasted pork shank. You can also choose among ten different kinds of schnitzel. On the appetizer menu travelers will spot currywurst, the predominant street food of Berlin. The beer and wine list comes straight from the old country. L&D: W–M   I  $$

Swan Market

231 Parsels Ave., Rochester, 288-5320, swanmarket.com

Eating here is like stepping into a wayback machine; the eighty-year-old property looks like it hasn’t changed a bit. Lunch offerings are basic: schnitzel, roast pork, or sausage with traditional German sides. Communal seating is available among shelves of German grocery imports. Be sure to pick up something for home on the way out. L: W–Sa   $

Taste | Dining guide GREEK/MEDITERRANEAN Aladdin’s Natural Eatery

646 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 264-9000, and 8 Schoen Pl., Pittsford, 264-9000, myaladdins.com

The benefits of a Mediterranean diet are well known, and Aladdin’s markets its menu as healthy, all-natural, and inexpensive—and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Most items on the menu are under $10. L&D: Daily    $

Cedar Mediterranean Restaurant

746 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 442-7751, facebook.com/Cedar-Mediterranean-Restaurant

Looking for good value without sacrificing flavor or your health? Try this family-run joint where the pita bread—a fan favorite—is made to order. There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and you can eat in or take it to go. L&D: M–Sa     G $ La Bola 240 E. Main St., Rochester, 434-0044, avvinorochester.com/labola

Offering a delicious combination of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, La Bola’s unique and exciting menu features beautifully crafted small plates, hot pressed sandwiches, and other unique dishes.

Additionally, La Bola has an extensive wine list, delicious craft cocktails, and a rotating selection of craft beer.

L&D: M–F; D: Sa   $$

Levantine’s

750 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, 434-0441, levantinescafe.com

This Mediterranean spot offers Levant food in decent portions with standout items like falafel, kibbeh, and the chicken kabob wrap. Get it in-house or have it catered for a unique option at the next potluck. L&D: Tu–Su     $

Olive’s Greek Taverna and Restaurant

50 State St., Pittsford, 381-3990, olivespittsford.com

Straightforward family-owned Greek restaurant where the moussaka is made fresh daily, and the dolmades come to your table steaming. A few nods to the trendy include Cuban and Buffalo chicken gyros. Baklava and Yaya’s Chocolate Snowball await for dessert. L&D: M–Sa  I   $

Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine

719 Park Ave., Rochester, 473-5655, mysinbads.com

Sinbad’s is considered by many to be the best Mediterranean restaurant in town and has the awards to prove it. Owners Ziad and Imad Naoum have been bringing the tastes of Lebanon to Rochester since 1994.

Outdoor seating allows customers to dine on hummus and falafel while enjoying the sights and sounds of Park Avenue. Daily  G   I $ $

Voula’s Greek Sweets

Avvino

     $$

Chef Tim Caschette taps local farmers in order to craft a seasonal menu showcasing the region’s agricultural bounty. The menu is high-end New American with lots of international choices, but still approachable. The curious will appreciate curveballs like chicken-fried pork cheeks or pastrami pho. Attention to detail is this restaurant’s hallmark. Wine glasses are “primed”: A sample is swirled in the glass and discarded until there’s nothing to taste but the wine. D: Tu– Sa  I     G $$

Lento

The Cub Room

739 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester (South Wedge), 363-5694, thecubroomroc.com

Located in the 25Edge of the Wedge building, the Cub Room is a restaurant opened by a husband and wife team. The menu appeals to adventurous palates, with dishes like beet and gorgonzola ravioli, grilled octopus, and house-smoked pork cheeks. The dining room is an airy, loft-style space with a touch of preProhibition design. D: W–Sa; Br: Su     $$$

Cure

50 Public Market, Rochester, 563-7941, curebar.net

French-inspired cuisine near the Rochester Public Market featuring charcuterie and eclectic appetizers washed down with a respectable list of wines, beers, and craft cocktails. The house-made tonic is a must, and Thursdays are reserved for Menu du Voyageur, a prix fixe menu that investigates the cuisine of a particular region of France. Cure becomes Java’s at the Market on Saturday mornings. D: W–Su; Br: Su  I    $$

Good Luck

50 Anderson Ave., Rochester (NOTA), 340-6161, restaurantgoodluck.com

Hewn-wood tables, mismatched chairs, and bare lighting fixtures give this warehouse restaurant a rustic vibe. Farm-to-table menu features seasonal family-style dishes. The Inspired Table dining series gives guests a chance to see dinner courses prepared and learn about the food. Lively happy hour and bar scene enhanced by a creative craft cocktail selection.

D: W–Sa     $$$

The Erie Grill

41 N. Main St., Pittsford, 419-3032, eriegrill.com

Dishes like rabbit sausage and duck meatballs are meant to draw foodies to this upscale, “reinvented” restaurant in a Marriott hotel. Gourmet offerings extend into the breakfast and lunch menus. Cocktails are refreshing and inventive. B, L&D: Daily  I     $$$

439 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 242-0935, facebook.com/voulasgreeksweets

Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn

Leave busy Monroe Avenue and walk into what feels like someone’s country kitchen. Fresh baklava, kataifi, and other sticky, honey-drizzled Greek desserts line the display case, but first you need to have lunch. Spanakopita and other stuffed phyllo offerings share the menu with items like lagana bread and five Mediterranean spreads. Fresh soups and salads also available. L: Daily; D: Th    $

The definition of destination dining, Creekside opened in 2017 after many years of remodeling—the stone building had been all but destroyed in a fire more than a decade earlier. You can go high-end here or opt for pub fare, and it’s all tasty. Impressive views.

Rooms available. L&D: M–Sa; Br&D: Su      $$$

FINE DINING

1 Main St., Le Roy, 768-6007, farmerscreekside.com

Joey B’s

Atlas Eats Kitchen & Bake Shop

1325 Elmwood Ave., Rochester (Brighton), 377-9030, joeybsrestaurant.com

To place Atlas Eats in the fine dining section is almost to do it a disservice, because it’s not expensive, especially not for breakfast and lunch. But it is truly fine dining.

Dinners are prix fixe, there are only four seatings per weekend, and the globally inspired, sophisticated menu changes every two weeks. B&L: Th–Sa; D: F–Sa; Br: Su  I     $$

Regulars protested when their beloved date night go-to spot left Fairport for new digs closer to town, but the new Joey B’s is bigger, more accessible, and just as tasty. The old-school menu is loaded with favorites like shrimp scampi, grilled filet, and rack of lamb, but there’s more than a touch of French flair—try the duck breast a l’orange or escargot. The chicken French (while not so very French) is as good

2185 N. Clinton Ave., Rochester (Irondequoit), 544-1300, atlas-eats.com

as any and better than most. L: Tu–F; D: Tu–Su; Br: Su

2451 Monroe Ave., Rochester (Brighton), 270-5229, avvinorochester.com

274 N. Goodman St., Rochester (Village Gate), 271-3470, lentorestaurant.com

Lento has a three-tiered goal for its menu items: local, seasonal, and sustainable. Owner/chef Arthur Rogers, a 2015 James Beard Award nominee, works with more than twenty local farmers to supply the kitchen with fresh ingredients year-round, which means the menu constantly changes. The craft cocktails are also made from juices, homemade mixers, and seasonal fruit from local farms. On Thursdays, cocktails are just $5.

D: Tu–Sa  I   $$$

Max of Eastman Place

25 Gibbs St., Rochester (Downtown), 697-0491, maxrochester.net

The jewel in the crown of Max-branded Rochester restaurants, located near the Eastman School of Music. Start with handcut beef tartare or truffled crab melt and then move on to roasted lamb or a perfectly grilled, aged New York strip steak. Think Max’s before a night at the symphony or an upscale retreat from the bustle of the jazz festival. L: M–F; D: M–Sa     $$$

Phillips European

26 Corporate Woods, Rochester (Henrietta), 272-9910, phillipseuropean.com

Touted as European-style café dining, Phillips has a rich lunch and dinner selection ranging from pastas to daily homemade quiches and soups. The restaurant’s quiet atmosphere and lavish dessert fare make Phillips one of Henrietta’s best-kept secrets. Don’t forget the after-dinner drinks; Phillips stocks everything from cordials to coffee liqueurs. L&D: M–Sa     $$

The Rabbit Room Restaurant 61 N. Main St., Honeoye Falls, 582-1830, thelowermill.com

Excellent soups and sandwiches using local ingredients and set in the first floor of a nineteenth-century mill. Thursday night dinner features a $42 prix fixe tasting experience. Upstairs are a local artisan shop, gallery space, and studios for local artists. L: Th–Sa; L&D: Th  I     $$

The Revelry

1290 University Ave., Rochester (NOTA), 340-6454, therevelryroc.com

Since it opened in 2013, the Revelry has generated consistent buzz with its artisanal cocktails and Lowcountry cuisine. The Revelry team channels Southern hospitality and redefines comfort food with dishes like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese and biscuits, and “Chicken & Fixins” dinners on Wednesdays. D: W–Sa; Br: Su; Closed: M–Tu  I     $$$

Rooney’s Restaurant

90 Henrietta St., Rochester (Swillburg), 442-0444, rooneysrestaurant.com

The historical building and European influence surrounding Rooney’s Restaurant repeatedly places it at the top of romantic dinner destinations in the area.

Inside, the rich paneling, fireplace, and scarlet linens lend a Victorian charm. The staff is highly trained and professional, treating every guest like royalty. The house chefs assemble a new dinner menu each night, building specialty dishes from lamb, beef, duck, and seafood found at local markets each morning. D: M– Sa    $$$

Tapas 177

177 St. Paul St., Rochester (Downtown), 262-2090, tapas177.com

A swank downtown hangout with creative cocktails and a menu that melds together international cuisines.

Curry empanadas, Maui chicken and egg rolls, or a

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Taste | Extra

A piece of cake

Two Rochester bakeries stand out in the crowd

By Gio Battaglia

Maryam Salah of Nubian Desserts

Weddings. The theme, the venue, the music—all important elements when planning your special day. But where a couple’s personality can often shine through most is in the design of the wedding cake.

The old days of plain white wedding cakes are long gone, and many modern couples opt for new and vibrant bakery presentation for their big day. Some will do cupcakes or donut displays for easier handling while others will add statuettes of their family (especially furry ones!) on their desserts.

Two Rochester bakers have raised the wedding dessert bar to new heights. Both Maryam Salah and Morgan Wilson have one thing in common that makes them stand out—originality. Both women make made-to-order cakes and cupcakes but go one step further by taking the time to connect with their clients in order to make their wedding dessert dreams come true.

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Nubian Desserts Maryam Salah started Nubian Desserts in Rochester during quarantine. While she had more time on her hands, she wanted to share the passion she has for cooking and baking with people in the community.

She takes inspiration from British bakers and baking shows and focuses on her bespoke cupcakes in addition to her cakes.

Salah says the British origin of her cupcakes is what sets her apart from other bakeries in Rochester.

“Cupcakes are what put me on the map,” Salah says. “I noticed that this trend in the baking world wasn’t in Rochester. When you go to London, you see bespoke cupcakes. I wanted to bring that experience to Rochester, so other people could experience it.”

But Salah is versatile and can craft a traditional wedding cake, too. She enjoys using

floral designs in an array of fun colors and loves being able to bring classic characters and films to life for her clients. She takes inspiration from characters and stories like Alice in Wonderland, Pokémon, and Finding Nemo to name just a few.

Salah also says her selection of flavors are exclusive to her business and were created to set her apart from the traditional choices.

“High tea is a Biscoff sponge with Biscoff cookie butter and Biscoff butter cream,” Salah says.

“For the limited-edition menu, it changes, but right now there is a New York flavor with apple cider sponge, caramel filling, and salted caramel buttercream.”

When Salah was eight years old, she and her mother would travel to the Rochester Public Market, and it quickly became a tradition. When she started promoting Nubian Dessert, she wanted to be one of

Taste | Extra

Nubian Desserts photos by Jillian Siriphanthong of Jill Studio; Morgy Cakes photos by Morgy Wilson

Morgan Wilson of Morgy Cakes

those small businesses she remembered seeing as a child. But her time as a vendor taught her a lot more, too.

“My main focus for the public market was to grow and get my name out there,” Salah says. “But I ended up learning a lot from there. I learned a lot about running a business, and there are a lot of vendors that are there to support you. There was no competition. Being a vendor there was the best experience ever for me and my business,” Salah says.

She has not stopped at Rochester, however.

Salah says her services have traveled as far as Utica when a friend told a couple in the area about her fabulous cakes. Salah happily made the trip out to make their memorable day a little sweeter.

Nubian Dessert offers a full catering service including cakes and cupcakes. She is also available to deliver and help coordinate the set-up of the display. And you can always find her at the Rochester Public Market, of course.You can get in contact with Salah on Instagram at @nubian.dessert.

Morgy Cakes Morgy Cakes is a one woman show, too.

Morgan Wilson says that working alone aallows her to create a more intimate and stronger connection with her clients.

“I do it all,” Wilson says. “The communication, the planning, the shopping, the baking, the decorating, and the delivery.

It makes it more unique, because I know the ins and outs of everybody’s order, and I’m the one who’s doing it from start to finish.”

Wilson started her business while working her full-time job as an environmental health and safety technician for about six years. While there, she would bring in treats for her coworkers as well as making them for friends and family. She says she is inspired by videos she sees on Facebook and puts her own spin on what she views to make it her own. After deciding to tackle baking as a business, she was able to quit her job in mid-2021. She installed a commercial kitchen in her home and followed her passion for baking and serving the Rochester region.

Wilson’s flavors are unique and vary widely, and her most popular flavors include lemon blueberry, cookies and cream, and cinnamon spice. She also notes that one of

the projects she is most proud of is a very special wedding cake that included some furry friends.

“It had these clusters of flowers all over it, but behind the flowers, I incorporated the bride’s dogs,” Wilson says. “It just made the bride’s day, and they reached out to me to make their first anniversary cake.”

Social media has played a key role in Wilson’s success in the area. She started posting under the user @morgycakes to create a timeline of her desserts. Wilson says her page soon gathered unexpected traction and became an essential account in the baking community, amassing more than 21,000 followers and counting.

“I love experimenting with different techniques and color palettes, and I found that my page had become a source of inspiration to other bakers,” Wilson says.

“Once I started posting more cupcake decorating videos, I really saw an uptick in my following.”

Being the sole worker in her business, Wilson does not offer tastings of her cakes.

However, she says you can contact her through a form on her bakery’s website, morgycakes.com.

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Taste | Critical drinking

All the ways to sparkle

Serving bubbly at your wedding can elevate your big day

By Cat Archer; photo by Michael Hanlon

In an ever-expanding world of alcoholic beverages, many couples choose to customize their bar offerings on the big day. This can be a fun and indulgent way to commemorate your special bond, let everyone in on that inside joke, share something that you love with the people that you care about the most, or reignite a memory from the first date that started it all.

Nothing says “celebrate” like sparkling wine. This effervescent revelry in a bottle is the standard for special occasions around the world. Incredibly versatile, sparkling wine can be served as a simple Champagne toast to kick off a reception or as a dazzling cocktail to wow your guests.

If you are planning your own bubbles bar and don’t know where to start or how much to serve, wedding websites like the Knot offer practical calculators to help stay within your budget and determine how much to purchase for each guest. Your wedding planner should be able to offer advice and direct you toward resources as well.

The key to creating your bar is to know 70

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

your audience. Families may be seasoned cocktail aficionados or conservative drinkers, enjoying only a glass of wine with dinner. If sparkling wine is on the menu and your bridal party loves beer, opt for dry and lean beers like gose or sours, which are good beers for wine lovers. For those guests who don’t or can’t drink alcohol, keep them included with sparkling alternatives such as a mocktail, sparkling cider, or kombucha.

When it comes to choosing sparkling wine for your big day, don’t feel as if you are restricted to Champagne alone. Many sparkling wines are budget friendly as well as delicious. Choose a less expensive bubbly for cocktails and punches such as prosecco from Italy or cava from Spain. If your guests love bold flavors, try a sparkling red wine such as a dry Lambrusco later in the evening, while making sure to switch into your reception outfit first. Don’t forget to save a special bottle for you and your sweetie to savor in a quiet moment together.

A note on glassware: it’s ok to not use

flutes. Standard white wine glasses are preferred by champagne makers and some of the most highly regarded restaurants in the world. If you enjoy wine in a tumbler at home, stock them at your bar as they are versatile for different kinds of drinks.

Spend the extra money on a few more bottles of bubbly, instead.

Multiple stations during cocktail hour or in the reception areas are helpful to avoid crowds and lines and keep the dance floor open! Sparkling punch is ideal for a serveyourself bar and can be batched ahead of time and displayed in a large water pitcher.

Sparkling punches are also customizable for every season by swapping out ingredients and garnishes to match your taste and aesthetic. Be sure to make a sign so that everyone knows whether or not there is alcohol included in the beverage. Mimosas and Bellinis are must-have cocktails for brunch weddings. If your wedding is an upscale affair, have a Champagne tower set up near your bar as a show-stopping focal point.

What better way to show out-of-town

Taste | Drinking relatives what the Finger Lakes region has to offer than an exclusive wine tasting at your reception or cocktail hour? Many local wineries, sommeliers, or cocktail catering companies offer tastings to walk guests through different expressions of wine. If hiring someone to arrange the tasting is out of your budget or unavailable, create your tasting. Arrange wines in order from lightest to darkest, or driest to sweetest, place pairings next to or behind each wine, and be sure to have descriptions of each one. Since you will need someone to open bottles or keep an eye out for, god forbid, empty bottles, ask that amateur sommelier cousin to check in and share their knowledge and a few sips with guests. Although often associated with opulence, sparkling wine is famously delicious with salty and crunchy finger foods such as french fries. A popcorn cart with different toppings next to a wine bucket or passed hors d’oeuvres of caviar and potato chips make crowd-pleasing snacks before dinner.

Setting up a DIY bar can save money as you may not have to pay for a bartender’s wages and gratuity. Chill bubbly at least the night before and have buckets and extra ice ready to keep wine chilled.

Chilling wine ahead of time ensures that your bubbles will stay crisp even over ice at room temperature. Make sure you have staff regularly rotating for clean-up and have elegantly disguised trash and recycling cans available.

Hiring a professional bartender is recommended if your guests love cocktails. The classic champagne cocktail is approachable for beginners and amateurs or try the more advanced Seelbach cocktail and beloved French 75 cocktail for the brave. Many weddings now offer custom cocktails to represent different personalities, and a professional bartender can work with you to create something special.

Below are some recommended local sparkling wines to stock at the bar. Happy mixing!

Stocking the Bar • Weis Perle 2019 • Swedish Hill NV Blanc de Blancs • Glenora NV Sparkling Rose • Empire Estate NV Blanc de Blanc • Living Roots Session Sparkling White Special Moments • Dr. Konstantin Frank 2018 Blanc de Blanc • Dr. Konstantin Frank 2018 Blanc de Noirs • Hosmer Aureus Sparkling • Hermann J. Wiemer 2018 Brut Rose

1815 East Ave Rochester, NY RistoranteLucano.com 585-244-3460 Open Wednesday–Saturday 5:00 pm –’til close

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Reservations required

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HOT OFF THE PRESS

TUESDAY

January 10, 2023 5:30 - 7:30 3450 WINTON PLACE ROCHESTER, NY 14623

ENJOY complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink specials MINGLE with (585) staff, writers, and the fascinating people featured in the new issue.

PICK UP a free issue of the new (585).

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Taste | Dining guide watermelon shrimp are designed to surprise and delight.

“Tapas” dining is a small-plate tradition from Spain, so it’s best to come with a small group of friends and share several selections around the table. D: M–Sa I   $$

Tony D’s

288 Exchange Blvd., Rochester (Corn Hill Landing), 413-3640, tonydsroc.com

It’s back! Tony D’s will take your wood-fired oven and raise you a coal-fired oven. A cooking temperature near a thousand degrees means crispier surfaces and more tender centers, and this goes for the wings, the ribs, and the pizzas. The pizza crust is thin and topped with combinations of Italian traditional vegetables and cured meats. You can also design your own. L: Th & F; D: Tu– Su  I     $$

Native Eatery & Bar

180 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester, 351-6121, nativerochester.com

This local restaurant strives to “support our friends’ and neighbors’ small businesses” by locally sourcing their produce. Native’s upscale, wide-open space offers New-Age American cuisine and can’t-miss handcrafted cocktails for “social hour.” D: Tu–Sa  I    $$

The Yard of Ale

3226 Genesee St., Piffard (near Geneseo), 243-3380, theyardofale.com

Family-owned fine dining in an early-nineteenth-century Genesee Valley Canal inn. The menu is standard Italian-influenced Rochester fare, but the execution is top-notch and evening specials aim to impress. Adjacent tavern keeps wings and beer rolling late into the night. D: Tu–Su  I    G  $$

INDIAN

Amaya Indian Cuisine

1900 Clinton Ave. S., Rochester, 241-3223, amayaindiancuisine.com

Amaya offers a wide array of traditional fare sure to satisfy your naan and spice cravings. Save room for a serving of dosa—crepes made from rice and lentil batter served with coconut chutney and sambar. L&D: Tu–Su

Naan-Tastic 100 Marketplace Dr., Rochester, 434-1400, naan-tastic.com

A family-owned fast and casual, counter-style Indian restaurant, offering customizable menu options for endless possibilities. They offer bowls and rolls with a large variety of meats, sauces, toppings, and sides with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options to choose from.

Catering is also offered. L&D: Daily      G$

Thali of India

3259 Winton Rd. S., Henrietta, 427-8030, thaliofindiarochester.com

The best of the suburban lunch buffets. The dinner menu is as extensive as any Greek diner but focused on the regional specialities of India, Pakistan, and the global diaspora. Sixteen baltis—a dish popular in Great Britain—are served, as tradition demands, in a copper pail. Vegetarians will be happy with the dozens of choices. L&D: Daily      $$

ITALIAN Amore

1750 East Ave., Rochester (Brighton), 452-8780, wegmansamore.com

Wegmans Supermarket’s East Avenue entry into the Italian dining sector offers respectable pizza, pasta, antipasti, sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie. As with all Wegmans restaurants, this one might inspire you to visit the market next door to assemble ingredients to recreate your meal. L&D: M–Sa  I    G  $

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Benucci’s

3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester (Pittsford), 264-1300, Greece Ridge Center, Rochester, 227-3031, benuccis.com

A taste of old Sicily at Pittsford Plaza and now at the Mall at Greece Ridge. Nosh on bruschetta or traditional antipasti, or choose from dozens of wood-fired pizzas, pastas, paninis, or entrées that include Benucci’s own piece of Rochester’s gourmet meatball trend.

L&D: Daily  I     $$

Bocaccinis Italian Bistro & Bar

6720 Pittsford Palmyra Rd., Fairport, 421-8200, bocaccinis.com

This family-owned-and-operated Italian bistro features traditional and contemporary Italian dishes; brick oven pizzas, paninis, and wraps; and fresh salads. All items are made in-house and to order using fresh, local ingredients. In addition to in-house dining and take-out, they also offer catering and semiprivate dining for events. D: Daily; L: M–Sa  I     G $$

Branca

683 Pittsford-Victor Rd., Bushnell’s Basin, 310-7415, brancabasin.com

a menu of authentic Italian specialties, prepared primarily with locally sourced and organic ingredients. A short, well-curated list of inexpensive wines and draft beer complement the offerings. L&D: W– Sa   I    $$

Grappa

30 Celebration Dr., Rochester (College Town), 424-4404, grapparoc.com

“Italian Nouveau” means all the classics presented in a clean, fresh style that matches the décor, plus appealing extras like zesty parmesan wings, beet salad with pistachio-encrusted goat cheese, and the classic burger. It’s a hotel restaurant that doesn’t feel like one. D: Tu–Sa      $$

Joey’s Pasta House

1789 Penfield Rd., Penfield, 586-2426, joeyspastahouse.com

Traditional Italian pasta lovingly prepared in an elegant small-town setting. Something to suit any taste, from the tagliatelle bolognese to simple spaghetti and meatballs. Entrées include chicken, veal, and seafood served along with house pastas and sauces. D: M–Sa; L: Tu–F      $$

Branca’s hospitality is top-notch. It’s a place where people feel comfortable eating solo at the bar—and rarely leave before making a friend. The housecured charcuterie is exceptional, the burrata divine, and your four-year-old will actually eat the quattro formaggio pizza (though adults may prefer the tartufata). Perfect for date night, family dinner, lunch with a friend, or grabbing a drink after work. D: Daily   I    $$

La Luna

Branca Midtown

137 W. Commercial St., East Rochester, 385-8565, lemoncello137.com

280 E. Broad St., Rochester, 434-5243, brancamidtown.com

Branca began as a cozy Bushnell’s Basin bistro with a convivial bar, an authentic charcuterie hanging behind glass, and a colorful tiled wood oven shipped from Italy. Restaurateurs Josh and Jenna Miles have taken this formula downtown to capture the industrialist lunch crowd. This is the place to take out-of-town clients for lunch while bragging about Rochester’s amazing Italian scene. Cocktails have funny names and genius flavor combinations. Branca is a beachhead in our city’s downtown comeback. D: Tu–Sa; L: F     G $$$

Compané Trattoria

25 Parce Ave., Fairport, 364-0873, companetrattoria.com

Located in the newly renovated Cannery in Fairport, this modern Italian restaurant owned by chef Brendon Clar promises creative fare and a friendly atmosphere. The menu includes creative cocktails and twists on traditional Italian favorite dishes. D: Tu–Sa     $$

Fiamma Centro

4 Elton St., Rochester (NOTA), 471-8917, centro.fiammarochester.com

For years, chef Giuseppe Pachiullo ran Fiamma in a nondescript Gates plaza serving pizzas and pasta taken directly from his native Naples. Now, he raises the Old Country charm by bringing his certifiedauthentic approach to the Neighborhood of the Arts.

The dry ingredients come directly from southern Italy.

The fresh stuff is sourced locally. The oven is fired to 1,000 degrees, making pizza crust bubble up and char in under a minute. Fold the pizza up and eat it like a taco if you don’t want to look like a tourist. D: Tu–Su   I    $$$

Fiorella

5 Rochester Public Market, 434-5705, restaurantfiorella.com

In the clean lines of a contemporary space at the Rochester Public Market, Chef Gino Ruggiero offers

60 Browns Race, Rochester (High Falls), 232-5862, lalunahighfalls.com

Old World Italian dining overlooking the High Falls at Browns Race. Notables include Italian-style pulled pork for lunch and roasted beet salad and gnocchi bolognese for dinner. L: M–Th; D: Th–Sa  I    $$

Lemoncello Italian Restaurant & Bar

Aside from serving a wide range of authentic Italian dishes like caprese salad, calamari fritti, and homemade arancini, Lemoncello’s kitchen is lead by East Rochester native Nick LaPietra. Both the owners and chef have Italian heritage, ensuring the ambiance and menu are like stepping into Rome or Venice for a few hours. Live mood music most weekends. D: Daily  I     G $$$

Mama G’s Ristorante Italiano

2133 E. Henrietta Rd., Rochester, 358-0488, mammags.net

Do yourself a favor and let Mama G’s family cook for you. This family-owned and operated business serves homemade, authentic Italian cuisine. Their passion for food really shines in their dishes, especially because all of the ingredients are fresh. L&D: Tu–Su   $$ Nocino 818 Eastview Mall, Victor 433-2323, eatnocino.com Experience a little bit of Italy at the latest Eastview Mall eatery. The menu has a something for everyone. Pasta, pizza, and classics like veal and chicken picatta are only the tip of the iceberg. The extensive wine list and full bar means that there is a drink to pair with every dish. And don’t skip dessert since you’ll want to save room for cannoli or perhaps some tiramisu. L&D: Tu–Su   $ $

Pane Vino on the Avenue

3400 Monroe Ave., Pittsford, 586-7000, panevinorochester.com

The sister location to the original Pane Vino.

Upscale Italian with traditional favorites make for an outstanding menu. Two large banquet halls offer space for parties of 25–250. L: Tu–Sa; D: M-Sa     $$

Pane Vino on the River

175 N. Water St., Rochester (Downtown), 232-6090, panevinorochester.com

Posh Italian place with a view of the river and

Taste | Dining guide skyscrapers downtown. Wide variety of traditional pasta dishes along with steak, veal, pork chops, and seafood. D: W–Su     $$

Pasta Villa 1313 E. Ridge Rd., Rochester, 266-2676, thepastavilla.com

This small building may not look like much, but its size is nothing compared to the big flavors, large portions, and Italian flair that are found inside. The expansive menu offers a traditional Italian dish for everyone, while the sizeable portions will leave you with leftovers for days. L&D: M–Sa     $$

Polizzi’s 274 N. Goodman St., Rochester (Village Gate) 363-5100, polizzis.com

Casual fine dining of Mediterranean style, from Spain to Greece. Entrées include a Middle-Eastern moussaka, an Italian minulotti, and many others to provide a full survey of Mediterranean cooking. There is also an extensive bar food menu consisting of Mediterranean pizzas, soups, and many other options. D: M–Sa     G $$

Proietti’s 980 Ridge Rd. E., Webster, 872-2330, proiettis.com

Prioetti’s stated goal is to serve italian cuisine that rivals that of any big American city. The menu is a mix of traditional Rochester dishes and surprises, like chicken riggies, which hails from Utica. A fall favorite is homemade butternut squash ravioli with creamy marinara sauce. Don’t pass on the cannoli for dessert.

D: Tu–Su      $$

Rella 181 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 454-3510

There’s no website. There’s no Facebook page.

Theren’t aren’t even tables. But there are seats at the bar, fifteen to be exact, and there’s all kinds of cred– this is Mark Cupolo’s down-the-street sister restaurant to the beloved Rocco, “with a focus on fresh seafood and small plates.” Learn more on Instagram.

Call for reservations. D: M, W–Sa  $$

Ristorante Lucano 1815 East Ave., Rochester (Brightondale), 244-3460, ristorantelucano.com

The place to go for authentic Italian cuisine. Here, old country recipes have built a strong following for this family-owned restaurant.The menu features traditional southern Italian pasta dishes as well as grilled lamb, beef, and seafood. (585) writer Cat Archer describes it as “one of the warmest restaurants in Rochester.” At Ristorante Lucano, it’s about the experience just as much as the food. D: Tu–Sa     $$

Rocco 165 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 454-3510, roccorochester.com

From the signature bellini to the unparalleled butterscotch budino, Rocco delivers a front-to-back excellent and authentic Italian dining experience. Go with an open mind, order what your server suggests, and make a reservation a week in advance (the place is tiny). D: M–Sa; L: F  I    $$

Veneto Gourmet Pizza and Pasta—East End 318 East Ave., Rochester (East End), 454-5444, venetorestaurant.com

Veneto led the trend of wood fired pizzerias back in 2001 and is still a hot destination for thin crust pizzas with those crucial char marks on the bottom. Choose from six traditional varieties or build your own or opt for pasta, a salad, or a tempting daily special. L: W– Th; D: Tu–Su  I    $$

Veneto Gourmet Pizza and Pasta—Gates 1308 Buffalo Rd., Gates, 622-9000, venetorestaurant.com

The second location of this beloved pizzeria offers all the best one its first location oin the west side. The rustic charm and comforting environment welcomes all that enter their doors. Feel right at home in this Italian style establishment and enjoy all the same classic pizzas, pastas, and specials. L&D: W–Su  I    $$

Your Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch Destination.

Vern’s

690 Park Ave., Rochester, 340-6689, iloveverns.com

This über-modern take on classic Italian dining is anything but ordinary. The bar offers everything from classic and original alcoholic and nonalcoholic cocktails to locally sourced meals designed to be shared.

The cozy eatery on Park Avenue offers yet another unique dining experience to Rochestarians. D: Tu– Su; Br: Su      $$

MEXICAN Bitter Honey

127 Railroad St., Rochester (Marketview Heights), 270-4202, bitterhoneyroc.com

This Mexican joint adds heat to an already sizzling dining scene at the Rochester Public Market.

Co-owner Zack Mikida is passionate about the country, its food, and especially mezcal, as the bar menu illustrates. Fun tacos, the salsa flight, and superb cocktails are fan favorites. L: F; D: M–Sa; Br: Sa  I    $$

bluHorn Tequilaria

7 S. Main St., Pittsford, 880-6843

OUR HOURS Breakfast & Lunch: Tuesday–Saturday 7 to 3 Brunch: Sunday 7 to 3

1290 UNIVERSITY AVE. CALL 266-5000 SAWMILLROC.COM

This upscale tequilaria brings freshly squeezed margaritas, Mexican fare, and a small village atmosphere. The tequilaria offers a large, cozy outdoor space as well as indoor seating and to-go margaritas. D: M–Sa  I    $$

Don Pedro’s

384 East Ave., Rochester, 360-2227, donpedroroc.com

This Mexican soul food restaurant focuses on bringing a cultural experience to the table. Dishes such as the baby lobster tostadas and tacos de pato are made by a first-rate international chef with locally sourced foods. D: W–Sa $$

Dorado

690 Park Ave., Rochester (East End), 244-8560, doradoparkave.com

Dorado bills itself as “Latin fusion,” but the emphasis is on Mexico—with tacos, enchiladas, and burritos.

The molé sauce is made in-house. Hints of Cuba and Argentina can be found in the pork sandwich and steak chimmichurri. Sit outside for a view of Park Avenue’s busy sidewalks. L&D: Daily  I    $$

AWARDED OVERALL EXCELLENCE AS A TOP 100 CHINESE RESTAURANT IN THE U.S.A.!

Dine in / Take out.

585-385-2808 FAX 585-385-2833

Open 7 days

MON-THURS 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM FRI & SAT 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM SUNDAY 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM 1802 PENFIELD RD. Behind Dunkin Donuts

John’s Tex-Mex 426 South Ave., Rochester, 434-0026, johnstexmex.com.com

A cozy cantina in a vibrant downtown setting, John’s Tex-Mex is known for having the “best burrito in town” while providing a large selection of mouthwatering entrées with vegan and vegetarian options included.

Enjoy a generously portioned feast for a low price while basking in the sun. L&D: M–Sa  G   I  $ La Casa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina 93 Alexander St., Rochester (South Wedge), 730-5025, rochesterlacasa.com

With its unique indoor/outdoor patio bar, La Casa is a funky addition to the South Wedge neighborhood.

Huevos three different ways, including ranchero, are at the top of the menu. Other specialties are made fresh and are lighter than Mexican food often is. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. L&D: M–Sa  I     $

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Taste | Dining guide Lulu Taqueria

6 N. Main St., Fairport, 377-0410, luluroc.com

Mexican cantina situated on the edge of the Erie Canal. Features traditional dishes with some unusual offerings such as a smoked swordfish taco or cauliflower taco as a vegetarian option. Enjoy one of many imported wines while sitting on the patio. L&D: Tu– Sa  I    $

Mesquite Grill 910 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester 363-5826, mesquitemexgrill.com

This family-friendly, picturesque restaurant brings Mexican culture and cuisine to Rochester through authentic favorites such as carnitas, chiles poblanos, pollo asado, and many others. There is also a wide selection of dishes such as tacos, burritos, and quesedillas. L&D: Daily     $

Monte Alban

302 N. Goodman St., Rochester (Village Gate), 256-5980, salenas.com

Mexican staples are available at one of Village Gate’s original anchors, but the menu also goes off on flights of fancy like Dos Equis–braised chicken wings and poblano cream pork medallions. L&D: Tu–Sa; D: Su  I    G  $$

The Silver Iguana 663 Winton Rd. N., Rochester (Browncroft), 270-4723, silveriguanacantina.com

Mexican-inspired cantina with a modern atmosphere, specialzing in tacos and tequila. A range of meat and vegetarian options is available. The submarine cocktails add a unique flair with choices like the Dark and Stormy and the El Diablo. D: Daily; Brunch: Sa–Su I  G  $

845 E Ridge Rd., Irondequoit, 697-0615 2245 Empire Blvd., Webster, 787-4700 2160 Penfield Rd., Penfield, 586-4134, montealbangrill.com

REGIONAL

Named after the archaeological site in Oaxaca Mexico, Monte Alban continues to bring Mexican culture to Rochester. The experience and atmosphere at this restaurant is authentic and wide ranging. With its colorful atmosphere and true to culture menu, Monte Alban is the one-stop dining restaurant for your Mexican beverages, entreés, and desserts. L&D: Tu–Su $$

The nationwide restaurant chain has set up shop in Rochester, catering specially to gluten-free patrons.

The modern American menu is almost completely gluten-free or can be modified to be, with all staff trained for allergen awareness. L&D: Daily     G $$

Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Street Food 649 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 434-0026, nenosmexican.com

A delightful addition to Rochester’s Mexican cuisine scene (which (585)’s Nick Abreu says is in “a golden age of tacos”), Neno’s originally operated as a muchloved food truck until it opened its colorful, modest establishment. There is an emphasis on braised beef tacos, bursting with flavor and piled high with ingredients. L&D: Tu–Su   G $

Ox and Stone

282 Alexander St., Rochester (East End), 287-6933, oxandstone.com

Latin kitchen, cocktail parlor, and social house serving tapas, paella, and house-made tortillas in a fun and lively atmosphere. Live music, taco Tuesdays and tapas Wednesdays, late-night snacks, and rotating draft beers. D: M–Sa; L: F–M; Br: Sa–Su  I     $$ Old Pueblo Grill 55 Russell St., Rochester (Neighborhood of the Arts), 730-8057, oldpueblogrillroc.com

Southwest-inspired Latin cuisine specializing in tacos, tortas, and burritos. Features a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the Tucson area, where executive chef Joe Zolnierowski IV (of Nosh fame) spent two decades working in some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. L&D: M–Sa  I    $ Peach Blossom 9 E. Main St., Rochester, 287-6314

A tight-knit mother and son team brings a fresh perspective to Mexican cuisine in Rochester.

Specializing in handmade sopes, quesadillas, and mazas, everything is made to order at a low cost with a grab ‘n’ go. L: M–F, Closed: Sa–Su $

Rio Tomatlan

106 Bemis St., Canandaigua, 394-9380, riotomatlan.com

This regional favorite reopened in a new location after a fire destroyed the previous spot. Locally sourced tomatillos are used in many of the Pacific Coast– inspired entrées, along with delicious queso Oaxaca.

The tequila bar is the best in the region, with dozens of choices and three sampler flights. Open: L&D: Tu– Su      $$

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Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

110 Grill

780 Jefferson Rd., Henrietta, 340-6030, 110grill.com

Abundance Food Co-Op 571 South Ave., Rochester (South Wedge), 454-2667, abundance.coop

This grocery co-op features a deli serving up fresh sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads and a hot bar with eclectic international cuisine. Open Daily    $

BC’s Chicken Coop 159 W. Main St., Webster, 265-1185, bcschickencoop.us

Just chicken and ribs done right. BC’s Chicken Coop isn’t concerned with having the fastest service or the widest menu, only on doing what it does best.

Everything is made fresh daily, from the mashed potatoes to the “Coop Sauce” to the chicken, fried as you order it. L&D: Sa–Su; D: Tu–Fr     G $$

Birdhouse Brewing Company 8716 Main St., Honeoye, 229-1216, birdhousebrewing.beer

Founded by two best friends and renovated in 2018, Birdhouse Brewing is the smallest brewery in Ontario County. The unique selection of beers is brewed from a one-barrel brew system to create a constantly changing, small batch of beers. The menu features a curated list of homemade items carefully selected to accompany your favorite brew. L&D: W–Su    $$

Bodega 206 Park Ave., Rochester, 319-3473, bodegaonpark. com

Park Avenue now has a neighborhood bodega of its own. This cozy spot offers groceries, craft beer selections, and takeout by Rocco chef Mark Cupolo. Open daily.   $

Brody’s on the Bay

1400 Empire Blvd., Webster, 685-8016, brodysonthebay.com

Creative seafood options and woodfire pizza with a view of the bay is what Brody’s does best. The menu comes with gluten-free and family-friendly options. L: F–Su; D: Tu–Su     G $$

Broth 240 E. Main St., Rochester, 702-551-4548, brothonmain.com

Located in Sibley Square’s Mercantile on Main, mix protein, veggies, rice noodles, and broth to create the perfect pho bowl. L: M–F & Su; D: M–F    G $

Carnegie Cellars 247 N. Goodman St., Rochester, 206-8611, carnegiecellars.com

This wine bar and kitchen across from Village Gate serves wine, entrees, dessert, and even cappuccino in its relaxed dining room. Shared plates include an intriguing olive oil flight with bread as well other tapas items like mussels with tomato confit. D: W– Sa; L&D: Su $$

Carroll’s Bar & Restaurant 1768 E. Main St., Rochester, 434-3628

This Irish tavern opened in 1976 and is known to have the freshest Guinness in Rochester. A true AmericanIrish bar, it serves amazing corned beef and opens early on Sundays for football. D: Open Daily  $

The Charleston House 120 East Ave., Rochester, 355-4195, thecharlestonhouseontheeast.com

The South has made its way to downtown Rochester.

The Charleston House has created a variety of flavors based on classic southern destinations. It offers “southern fusion” cusine and the menu includes dishes such as Charleston wings and Louisiana clams. Enjoy their southern hospitality, a good drink, and a warm fire.

D: W–Sa   $$

Chortke House of Kebab 352 N. Goodman St., Rochester, 498-1216

A sleek modern design paired with very traditional cooking brings Rochesterians a rare look into Iranian dining. The husband-and-wife team will accommodate any dietary needs, including paleo and vegan. The spicy joojeh comes highly recommended.

L&D: Tu–Sa    G $

Cluck if You Buck Hot Chicken 10 Liftbridge Ln. W., Fairport, 419-5448 facebook.com/cluckif.youbuckhotchicken

What originally started as a Monday night pop-up in the Landing Bar and Grille in Fairport has now relocated within the village. Owner and chef Tarentonye Korokeyi brings the taste of Nashvillle hot chicken to Rochester and serves it with french fries, Cajun sweet corn, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or chili. It’s traditional Southern cooking right on the bank of the Erie Canal. See Facebook for hours. I   $

CRISP

819 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester, 978-7237, crisprochester.com

The modern restaurant serves comfort food with some Texas influence. The seasonal menu features low-and -slow St. Louis ribs and multiple vegan options such as a crispy vegan burrito. The craft cocktail menu is full of classics and new creations, and the extensive mocktail menu offers delicious nonalcoholic craft beverages. L&D: Th–Sa; Br&L: Sun–M $$

The Daily Refresher

293 Alexander St., Rochester (East End), 360-4627, thedailyrefresher.com

There’s Ernest Hemingway, bloody mary in hand, finishing up an extra about the Greco-Turkish War in 1921. It’s easy to imagine a young “Papa” among the subdued lighting and tufted antique chairs of this pub inspired by the Golden Age of Newspapers. Toasted sandwiches are named after famous broadsheets, and cocktails are what those fast-talking reporters tossed back between deadlines. D: Tu–Su  I     $$

Taste | Dining Guide Dogtown Hots

Happy Gut Sanctuary

Melo Coffee House & Kitchen

Dogtown dishes out a menu of international hot dog specials using indigenous main ingredients: Zweigle’s red and white hots and french rolls from local bakery Martusciello’s. Roam the culinary globe with menu fixers ranging from the Cincinnati Red Dog (chili cheese dog, real cheddar, and Dogtown’s meat sauce) to the Greek Stray (tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives, and pepperoncini topped with feta cheese). The menu also offers meatless options, a kids’ meal, and plates. Dog-loving guests from near and far donate photos of their pets to decorate the tiny dining room’s walls. L&D: M–Sa      $$

Find a variety of handcrafted tea-based kombucha at Happy Gut Sanctuary. The fresh flavors are blends of dried ingredients full of herbal benefits. Guest kombuchas are also regularly featured. L: Th–Sa; B: Sa   $

This sleek coffee shop is located in the Neighborhood of the Arts and filled with bright colors, natural lighting, and strategically placed table succulents.

Perfect for a study spot or date night. B, L&D: Daily I    $

Harvest

Magnolia’s Deli and Café

The people at Harvest believe that every meal must satisfy or it is a failure, and they show their passion for food with an ever-changing menu that is based on the fresh ingredients received daily from local farmers. The high-class restaurant received an Open Table’s 2022 Diners’ Choice award. L&D: M–Sa $$$

A cheery lunch spot with sandwiches named after neighborhood streets. “The Park Avenue,” for example, is turkey, hot corned beef, hot pastrami, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and russian dressing on rye bread.

Order hot tea and receive a brightly colored mini teapot and bottle of honey. L&D: M–Sa; Br: Su  I    $$

The Hideaway

Nerdvana

691 Monroe Ave., Rochester (Lower Monroe), 271-6620, dogtownhots.com

Favo Pizza

3400 Monroe Ave., Rochester, 310-7383, pizzeriafavo.com

Classic brick-oven pizza styled after the traditional pizzas of Naples and NYC. Choose from the extensive list of toppings and then enjoy your fresh order in ten short minutes. There is also a rotating menu of beer and wine as well as dreamy milkshakes and desserts.

Give the Nutella dessert pizza a try if you have room.

L&D: Daily   $$

Faircraft Brauhaus

25 Parce Ave., Fairport, 364-3005, faircraftbrauhaus.com

This German-influenced brewery has craft beer, music, and art right in the heart of Fairport.It specializes in lagers and ales but offers a wide variety so there is something for everyone. Oh, and it’s dog friendly! L: Sa–Su; D: W–Su      $$

F. L. X. Wienery at ROC Brewing Co. 56 S. Union St., Rochester, 794-9798, rocbrewingco.com

One of Rochester’s first craft breweries, ROC Brewing is a casual downtown hangout offering original craft beer brewed in-house just behind the tap room.

ROC serves pints, flights, and made-to-order food in partnership with famed chef Christopher Bates’s Dundee F. L. X Wienery, with options like loaded peanut butter Zweigles and vegetarian carrot dogs.

But don’t fill up on the wieners; be sure to save room for one of the team’s custom milkshakes. L: Tu–W; D: Tu–Su  I     G $

Flour City Bread

52 Rochester Public Market, Rochester, 975-9354 (text only), flourcitybread.com

This well-known artisan bakery offers fresh bread, pastries, and sandwiches in the heart of the Rochester Public Market. B&L: Tu–Sa  $

Gate House Café

274 N. Goodman St., Rochester (Village Gate Square), 473-2090, thegatehousecafe.com

The burgers rank among the best in the city; they’re named after local celebrities past and present, such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Lou Gramm, Garth Fagan, and Kristen Wiig. The pizzas are thin Neopolitan style, cooked in a wood fire oven. Dinner is informal, with apps that can be upsized to entrées.

L&D: Daily      $$

Genesee Brew House

25 Cataract St., Rochester (High Falls), 263-9200, geneseebeer.com/brew-house

Great views of the High Falls and downtown from a two-story pub and rooftop patio at the historic Genesee Brewing Company. Pub fare features a few German selections. The bavarian pretzels and sausage platter, served with mustard, pair well with Genesee’s beers. Hourly brewery tours and tasting room on-site.

L&D: Daily  I     $

1115 E. Main St., Door 6A, The Hungerford Building, happygutsanctuary@gmail.com

444 Main St., Medina 14103, 318-2110, harvestatbent.com

197 Park Ave., Rochester (Park Ave.), 434-0511, hoganshideaway.com

The Hideaway’s décor, which is sort of “farm implement chic,” is reflective of its farm-to-table menu. The food is solidly tasty, and the beverage menu is presented as a fun matrix (“gin” plus “classics” will lead you to “Negroni”). Notable items are smoky tomato bolognese, pork carnitas, and rotating seasonal salads. L&D: Daily      $$

696 University Ave., Rochester (NOTA), 445-8035, melocoffeeandkitchen.com

366 Park Ave., Rochester (Park Ave.), 271-7380, magnoliascafe.com

50 Adventure Pl., Rochester, 434-0256, nerdvanaroc.com

Food, beer, cocktails, and games. Nerdvana is the ultimate destination for foodies, board game fanatics, and video game nerds. Guests are able to play the latest four-player games, new and classic board games, and retro video games. With a scratch kitchen and a full bar with cocktails and coffee, Nerdvana is a gaming paradise. L&D: Daily Br: Sa–Su  $$

Next Door by Wegmans

Irondequoit Beer Company

3220 Monroe Ave., Rochester (Brighton), 249-4575, wegmansnextdoor.com

What was an age-old barn has been transformed to give Irondequoit its first brewery. Ten brewer-selected beers on tap combined with an even more extensive alcohol list and creative bar fixings to make this a new classic. L: Th–Su; D: W–Sa      $$

Next Door gives you a chance to try the finest fresh seasonal ingredients that Wegmans carries, prepared in a manner that’s delicious and healthy. Whenever possible, the cooks choose ingredients that are organic and from the region. Popular menu items include truffle mac ’n’ cheese, sushi rolls, and the Next Door Bolognese. L&D: M–Sa      $$

765 Titus Ave., Rochester, 544-3670, irondequoitbeercompany.com

JJ’s Pub

669 Winton Rd. N., Rochester, 270-5991, facebook.com/JJsPub669/

This Browncroft-area pub addition is the ideal spot for a night out with friends. Located in the old Mayfield’s on Winton Road, the pub offers frequent tastings and karaoke, as well as special guest singers.

L: Sa–Su; D: Daily      $$

Jetty at the Port

1000 N. River St., Rochester, 621-2000, jettyattheport.com

Overlooking the Genesee River and Lake Ontario with great waterfront views. An array of seafood is offered from clams casino to shrimp étouffé. Try a Seafood Boil Bucket, with more than a pound of steamed seafood and your choice of sauce. L: F–Sa; D: Tu–Sa; Br: Su  I     $

Nosh

47 Russell St. (NOTA), 445-8700, noshroc.com

Tucked down a side street off University, Nosh is a giant, airy place remodeled in the industrial-spacemeets-reclaimed-barn-wood genre. There’s nothing run-of-the-mill about the food here, though. The menu is eclectic and ambitious, and it totally works.

Craft cocktails, a good wine list, and tempting desserts round out the experience. D: Tu–Sa; Br: Su  I    G  $$$

New Ethic Pizzeria & Cafe

545 Titus Ave., Rochester, 623-8231, newethicpizza.com

A completely vegan pizzeria that offers buffalo chickpea pizza, eleven different wing sauces, and Beyond Burger plates. New Ethic is the first of its kind around Rochester. D: W–Sa     G $

Locals Only

New York Beer Project

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and coffee.

Features a wide selection of regional foods from Rochester to New York City. Signature cocktails are served all day long with prosecco on tap. Unique espresso drinks round out the menu and provide some flair for your meal. D: M–Sa; Br: Daily  I     $$

Not your typical neighborhood pub, NYBP offers an elegant experience in a grand location for an affordable night out. Enjoy new twists on bar classics while admiring the forty-six-foot-tall cathedral ceilings with chandeliers, just like a New York City beer hall. This location has much to explore and is accessible to all. D: M–Tu; L&D: W–Su; Br: Sa–Su  I     G $$

Lock Stock

Okay Beer Company

311 Alexander St., Rochester (East End), 537-7566, localsonly311.com

5436 State Rte. 64, Canandaigua, 229-9848, lockstockbristol.com

This family-friendly bar and grill offers the best in local comfort food and traditional bar fare. Burgers, pizza, and a host of tasty starters make this a local favorite. They also serve up hearty entrees like pasta, steak, and pork chops. Sundays include three rotating brunch specials and mimosas. L&D: Daily   $$

300 High St., Victor, 448-1148, theoldstonetavern.com

126 W. Main St., Honeoye Falls, drinkokaybeer.com

Built in a bowling alley, Okay Beer is your go-to for “clean, approachable, and easy-drinking” beers.

But the offerings don’t end at beer. They also serve cocktails and a full menu of food, including burgers, tacos, and their famous Okay Fries. To top it all off you can still bowl at West Main Lanes while your sip your brew. D: W–Su; L: Sa & Su   $$

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Taste | Dining guide OFC’s The Old Farm Cafe & Dining Experience 3450 Winton Pl., Rochester, 667-0954, theoldfarmcafe.com

Blending great food with a unique theatrical experience, guests will be immediately transported to a captivating and calming barnyard, giving the feeling of enjoying a sunny summer day. Stop in for handcrafted caffeinated drinks and unique beverages.

A wide range of meals and pastries for breakfast and brunch will give you a hearty start in the morning, as well as lunch and later options for rounding out your day. D: M–Sa; B&L: Daily $

The Old Stone Tavern

758 South Ave., Rochester (South Wedge), 448-1148, theoldstonetavern.com

This “neighborhood bar that happens to have great food” features burgers, dogs, and plates. Serving late into the night for its nocturnal patrons, this tavern combines the excitement of a sports bar with the comfort of an affordable place to hang out. Watch the game or gather your friends and play one of many table games—or darts—free. D: M–Tu; L&D: W–Su; Br: Sa–Su  I     G $ Old School Café 196 N. Main St., Naples 531-4153, oldschoolcafeny.com This café is literarily, as the name suggests, in an old school. The charming and welcoming atmosphere offers guests a comfy spot to enjoy coffee, food, and a full bar. Pastries and yummy offerings such as Mexican poutine and waffles topped with pork belly make this a must-try new spot in the lovely village of Naples. B&L: W–Su G      $

Original Grain

280 E. Broad St., Rochester, 270-4844, originalgrainsters.com

Feel-good food that’s also good for the body is the specialty at the latest healthy hotspot. With everything from vegan-friendly and gluten-free options to the Lox On Lox On Lox (as fun to say as it is to eat!), expect to add this to your cycle of smoothie stops. B, L&D: M–Sa      $$

The Original Steve’s Diner

1694 Penfield Rd., Penfield, 248-9996, theoriginalstevesdiner.com

This retro diner has been offering breakfast classics since 2002. Eggs any way you like, pancakes as huge as they are affordable, and specialties that blur the line between breakfast and dessert all are mainstays here. B&L: Daily     $

Palermo’s Market 240 E. Main St., Rochester, 642-7243 palermosfoods@gmail.com

Located in Sibley Square’s Mercantile on Main, this family-owned deli offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pan pizzas made with fresh, local ingredients. B&L: M–Sa; D: Th­­­–Sa    $

Peacemaker Brewing Company

39 Coach St., Canandaigua, 396-3561, peacemakerbrewing.com

Enjoy a variety of locally made beers, ciders, and wines in historic downtown Canandaigua. Along with its own ale, IPAs, and stouts, the Peacemaker menu features craft beers with names inspired by the music of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. The tasting room and outdoor seating are available. Daily  I  $$

RoCoCo Cafe

760 S. Clinton Ave., Rochester (South Wedge), 565-4557, pizzawizard.pizza

240 E. Main St., Rochester, info@rocococoffeeco.com

From the people who brought you the Playhouse // Swillburger comes . . . Pizza Wizard. The business began as a pop-up offering Detroit-style pizza that was wildly popular. Now, you can visit Pizza Wizard’s brick-and-mortar location in the South Wedge and grab yourself a Detroit, thin crust, or even glutenfree pizza. D: M, Th–Su   G $

Known for regionally roasted coffees and delicious cronuts, RoCoCo will lift your mood anytime of the day. Located in Sibley Square’s Mercantile on Main.

B&L: Daily   $

The Playhouse // Swillburger 820 Clinton Ave. S., Rochester (Swillburg) 442-2442, theplayhouseroc.com

If you love the Owl House, prepare to be pleasantly confused by its South Wedge sibling. This “barcade” has something for everyone: classic video games and pinball machines, juicy burgers (beef and veggie) and crispy fries, milkshakes with Eat Me ice cream, and a full bar featuring an impressive, rotating draught list—all in a chic, modern setting inside an 1890s structure built as a church. Serving take-out only at the moment. L: F–Sa; D: Daily   $

Polska Chata 32 Vinedale Ave., Rochester, 266-4480, polskachata.us

This restaurant and deli is stocked with traditional Polish, Eastern, and Central European cuisine. From pierogis to bigos, it proudly brings Polish culture to Rochester with family recipes. The menu features gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Check out the Friday fish fry.

Tu–Sa: L & deli hours    I   G $$

Rebel Pi 2496 Ridge Rd. W., Rochester, 360-2630, rebel-pi.com

On the mission to fight back against “boring, uninspired” pizza, Rebel Pi offers global selections and create-your-own options that keep to its promise.

Mediterranean, Thai, Italian, and Rochestarian all find a home within the menu. L&D: Daily      G $

Recreo 350 East Ave., Rochester, 546-7468, recreo350. com

Recreo is the sister to Riot Room and Locals Only and features the best qualities of the two. Between a smash room and intricate cocktails, Recreo has nonstop fun and surprises. The food menu features items such as shrimp dip and chips and BBQ pork ribs. D: Th–M   $$

Red White & Brew 147 State St., Rochester, 319-3509, redwhiteandbrewroc.com

This tap and tasting room features everything the Finger Lakes and the state has to offer in terms of beers, wine, and spirits. There are also plenty of nonalcoholic options, too, including kombucha, mocktails, and teas. Menu items range from charcuterie boards made with local foods to kimchi and pickles from their fermented menu. Want something sweet? Try the chocolate flight which includes Laughing Gull chocolates. D: W–Sa  $$

The Richmond

Petit Poutinerie

21 Richmond St., Rochester, 287-6553, 21richmond.com

Every french fry is cut in-house at this food-truckturned-restaurant. The menu is full of creative dishes that are made from the freshest ingredients around, making for a unique and delicous experience. L: W– Sa, D: Sa  G $$

The Richmond is a new cocktail bar serving up a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, pizza, and more.

They also have an extensive cocktail, beer, and wine menu; there is always a perfect pairing for every dish. Closed: Tu-W  $$

44 Elton St., Rochester, petitpoutinerie.com

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Pizza Wizard

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Roc Style Chicken & Burger

5 W. Main St., Webster, 236-1902, rocstylechickenandburger.com

The owners of Good Smoke BBQ continue their celebration of Rochester’s culinary traditions by doing what they do best—chicken and burgers! The restaurant also serves the Rochester favorites of red and white hots and, of course, “plates.” Locations in Webster and Chili. L&D: Daily    G $

Rohrbach Brewing Company

Beer Hall, 97 Railroad St., Rochester 546-8020 Brewpub, 3859 Buffalo Rd., 594-9800, rohrbachs.com

Rohrbachs is more than just the first craft brewery in Rochester. It’s home to authentic German food at the brewpub in Gates, as well as a community committed to bringing the best craft beer (and firegrilled pizza) to Rochester at its Railroad Street Beer Hall. Hours vary by location   $

Roots Café

197 N. Main St., Naples, 374-9800, naplesvalleyny.com/roots-cafe

Part of the Inspire Moore Winery compound, this laid-back locavore magnet embodies the spirit of Naples, a community bound indelibly to grape pies and wine. (No wonder the color motif is blue and purple). Rootsy Americana fare includes grass-fed burgers on house-made rolls to brunch improvisations such as polenta cakes with sunnyside-up eggs. Live music on a regular basis. L&D: Th–Sa; Br: Su (Hours change seasonally.) I    $$

Rose Tavern at the Lake House on Canandaigua

770 South Main St., Canandaigua, 394-1480, RoseTavern@lakehousecdga.com

This new family-owned American restaurant is known for its commitment to the community and farm-to-table service. Enjoy a comforting meal with old friends or grab a cocktail with your special someone in the private dining room. The seasonal menu includes dishes such as steak ’n’ eggs, firesmoked salmon, Bostrom Farms pork ribeye, and the well-loved Sands family’s chocolate bundt cake. B, L&D: Daily I   $$

Sand Bar at the Lake House on Canandaigua 770 S. Main St., Canandaigua, 394-7800, lakehousecanandaigua.com

The property has undergone a complete reno, but the character of this longtime local institution has been preserved since its 1994 debut. Now there is an updated menu with an extensive beer and wine list.

You can also enjoy a cocktail crafted by legendary Rochester bartender Donny Clutterbuck as you relax under the hanging boat after a long day at the lake.

L&D: Daily G I    $

The Sawmill at Blades

1290 University Ave., Rochester, 266-5000, sawmillroc.com

This restaurant features an open kitchen design and a lunch menu with a limited breakfast menu during the week and brunch on the weekends.

Propped up where the former Huther Brothers saw manufacturing facility once stood, the menu blends traditional classics with some unique Mediterranean style dishes. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and those with food sensitivities plus fun mimosa and cocktail selections. B, L&D: M–F; Br: Sa–Su  I   G  $

Taste | Dining guide The Social Restaurant & Taproom at the Naples Hotel 111 S. Main St., Naples, 374-5630, napleshotelny.com

Established in this renowned historic boutique hotel, the Social Restaurant & Taproom invites people to dine in a warm atmosphere. Guests can relax in the dining room with antique décor based on the property’s history. The home cooking and classic meals that are prepared match the well designed environment. All are welcomed and invited to dine in a place where new life is brought to an old favorite.L: W–Su; D: W–Sa    $$

Speakeasy at Monroe’s 3001 Monroe Ave., Pittsford, 348-9103, speakeasybymonroes.com

Velvet Belly

Max Chophouse Wine & Martini Bar

3 Rochester Public Mkt., Rochester (Downtown), velvet-belly.com

1456 Monroe Ave., Rochester (Brighton), 271-3510, maxrochesterny.com

Chef Jeremy Nucelli brings trendy coastal cuisine to the Rochester Public Market, with whimsical and fun-loving cocktails to match. D: T–Sat.    $$

An old-school approach to running a steakhouse, Max’s offers a lively bar atmosphere, a simple, familiar menu, and really, really good steaks. Casual yet attentive service invites you to let your hair down, while the quality of the food—much of it locally sourced—invites you to indulge. D: Tu–Su     $$$

Waffles R Wild Bar & Grill 3872 Lyell Rd., Rochester, 434-4090, wafflesrwild.com

Waffles R Wild is a food truck turned brick-andmortar business on the west side of Rochester. At this restaurant, the waffle options are endless, from waffle sandwiches to buttermilk hand-breaded fried chicken, waffle pizzas, and desserts. B, L&D: M–F    $

Black tufted chairs with brass buttons recall the days of secret red-light bars during Prohibition. The waiters wear suspenders; the waitresses don pearls.

The cocktails are named after guys with tommy guns and also Alcatraz, their eventual home. The food is elevated appetizers with a decent spread of Italian choices, though one doubts Al Capone would have appreciated a decent tuna niçoise. D: F–Sa; Su–Th: private events only   I   $$

Working Class Coffee

St. Paul Proper

Pub-like menu with an appreciation for fine dining.

Find all of your classic sports bar favorites as well as an extensive selection of wings and locally made rubs and sauces. L&D: Daily  I   $

187 St. Paul St., Rochester, 319-5939, stpaulproper.com

Upscale bar food mixed with a cozy eating atmosphere located in the St. Paul Quarter. Stays true to the classic bar scene with live sports and pub games but keeps it modern with its fresh and clean space. L: Sa–Su; D: Daily    $$

Strangebird Brewing 62 Marshall St., Rochester, 505-8700 strangebirdbeer.com

After being open only four months, Strangebird was named 2022 brewery of the year at the New York State Craft Beer Competition in Albany. While the hand-crafted beers will certainly win you over, so will the food. There’s everything from wings and mac and cheese to pizza (there’s a lot of buzz over the pizzas) and sandwiches. L&D: Th–M   $$

Swan Dive 289 Alexander St., Rochester, 413-53306, swandiveroc.com

This modern-style restaurant blends a comfy and casual dining atmosphere with high-end Italian cooking. The menu of classics like pizza and pasta contrasts well with casual bar snacks of homemade chicken nuggets and mozzarella sticks. The bar follows a similar pattern, having unique cocktails and fine wines along with canned beers and spirits.

D: M, Th–Su    G $$

Trio 3423 Winton Pl., Rochester, 272-1551, trioddd.com

This upscale yet casual restaurant is perfect for small business meetings, a private party, or even a family dinner. The food is fresh picked and locally sourced whenever possible. Enjoy music, both inside and on the outside patio, played by a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. D: Tu–Sa  I  G   $$

Union Tavern 4565 Culver Rd., Rochester (Seabreeze), 563-7304, uniontavernseabreeze.com

Whether you’re looking for authentic coastal seafood or some classic pub dishes, Union Tavern offers a wide variety of hearty options and fun cocktails.

Have a grand time in the comfortable downstairs bar and dining area or a date night or party in the vibrant upstairs dining room. L&D: Tu–Su  I    $$

243 Gorham St., Canandaigua, 905-0255, theworkingclasscoffee.com

This new coffee shop features an ever-changing seasonal menu complete with local ingredients and craft beverages. B&L: Daily  $

Windjammers 4695 Lake Ave., Rochester (Downtown), 663-9691, windjammersbarandgrill.com

STEAKHOUSE Alex’s Place Restaurant 8322 Park Rd., Batavia, 344-2999, alexsribs.com

Family restaurant featuring ribs, prime rib, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta near the I-90 exit in Batavia. A welcome alternative to chain restaurant dining along the Thruway. L&D: Daily      $$

Black and Blue Steak and Crab 3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester (Pittsford), 421-8111, blackandbluesteakandcrab.com

Serious seafood menu plus beef in various incarnations. Home of the kobe meatball and a twenty-oneoz. cowboy ribeye. The centerpiece is a two-story wine bar with dozens of selections. Be sure to ask for food-pairing suggestions. L&D: M–F; D: Daily     $$$

Char at Strathallan 550 East Ave., Rochester (East End), 241-7100, charsteakandlounge.com

The steakhouse at the Strathallan boutique hotel raises the local bar on red meat with over-the-top presentation of steaks, veal, and lamb. Don’t pass on starters like the beef tartare—and save room for the amazing desserts. Char’s also becoming a hot spot for lunch, Sunday brunch, and get-togethers over handcrafted cocktails. B, L&D: Daily     G  $$$

Nick’s Chophouse 5 Beeman St., Canandaigua, 393-0303, nickschophouseandbar.com

As our reviewer put it, “Sometimes you just want a decent steak.” Nick’s does steak—very well—and all of the things one would expect a steakhouse to do.

There is giant shrimp cocktail, flash-fried calamari (rolled in spicy blue cornmeal, as a twist), creamed spinach, and crème brûlée. The martinis are, of course, excellent—and imaginative. The wine list balances offerings under $30 with some over $100, with a nice selection in between. And it’s all housed in a friendly, cozy space right on the main drag. D: M–Sa    $$

The Porterhouse 400 Packetts Landing, Fairport, 364-0928, theporterhousefairport.com

An upscale waterfront steakhouse offering an impressive list of scotch, wine, and beer to pair well with their Angus reserve steaks, chops, fresh seafood, and pasta. Located right on the Erie Canal, the Porterhouse provides an elegant atmosphere and excellent food. D: Tu–Sa   $$$

Tournedos Steakhouse 26 Broadway, Rochester (Downtown), 232-3595, innonbroadway.com

A top-shelf steakhouse in the glitzy downtown Inn on Broadway. Start with the Italian-inspired appetizers and then move on to the main show. The beef is dry aged, which tenderizes the cut and concentrates flavor. While you’re probably here for the beef, you’ll also be tempted by the wild Tasmanian salmon or the Hawaiian big eye ahi tuna. The wine list seems nearly endless. L: M–F; D: Daily   $$$

VENUES & CATERING Grace & Disgrace

256 Benton St., Rochester, graceanddisgrace.com

Megan Goodney and Ralph Vincent DiTucci team up to create an intimate experience for cocktail and food lovers. Available by reservation only, the duo hosts interactive events that teach varying groups of up to fifteen people about food and cocktails. Grace & Disgrace can be contacted directly at the website to host your next event.

Kin 52 Sager Dr., Rochester, kineventspace.com

Kin holds a lot of industrial history in a modern space. Whether your party is a large gathering or an intimate setting, Kin is designed to be a blank canvas where you can set up your visionary party.

The updated catering kitchen gives guests the option to enjoy an exquisite meal or have something a little lighter for snacks. Kin also has a fully stocked bar for guests to create their new favorite cocktail.

Wilder Room 120 East Ave., Rochester, 250-0785, thewilderroom.com

Keep your next event high-class at the Wilder Room. With its incredible cathedral ceilings and chandeliers, guests will be in awe of the beauty and elegance at your party. The Wilder Room prides itself on only the best for service and quality, so you need expect nothing less.

In the works: Cotoletta Public Provisions Rosie Nepalese & Indian Cuisine Umai: Revolving Sushi & Asian Fusion

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Seen

(585) Magazine’s November/December issue launch and happy hour Iron Smoke Distillery, November 1, 2022; photos by Sarah Killip

David Garcia and Evelyn Luciano

Patrick and Catherine Toy

Keya and Raj Garg

(585) editorial intern Gio Battaglia, managing editor Christine Green, proofreader Phyllis Mangefrida, and editorial intern Daniel Curry

Iggy Marino, Melissa Hughes, Amanda Morneault, Tommy Brunett, and Chuck and Kim Salvaggio

(585) VP of sales Caroline Kunze and Vera Foster

Gerald Adamson and Lisa Cove

Cathe Petrus and Sylvanna Ladelfa

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January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

LJ Autovino and Renee Symonds

(585) managing editor Christine Green, editorial intern Chloe Adour, and editorial intern Daniel Curry

Dolores Pasto and Linda Robinson

Seen | Issue launch

Jeff and Jennifer Deuel

Rev. J.D. Jackson Jr. and Marika McMeans

Todd and Mary Baxter, Maggie Enos, Lindsay Chambers, (585) graphic designer Cathy Monrad, and Greg Chambers

Austen Rauch and Lynn Bierbaumb

Lisa Adour and Dara Petralia

Meredith Dillman and Chris Sirianni

Carmen Ladelfa and Tomas Flint

The Landmark Society’s eighth annual Cocktails & Carburetors FLX Auto Storage in Macedon, October 7, 2022; photos courtesy Chris Carretta and the Landmark Society

Bill Brackman and Clifford Hurley

Fran Cosentino, Chris Carretta, Jane Parker, and Joyce Sudak

Cocktails & Carburetors 2022

Mark Chaplin and Susan Crego

Bob Breissinger, Sarah Rockwell, and Brian Coutu

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Lunatics lounge The dress Rock and roll wedding guest

I am casually flipping through one of my sister’s fashion magazines when I spot it on page ten: THE DRESS. A knee length, black, haltertop, cocktail dress with a fuchsia tulle underskirt peeking out from the bottom hem. Two wedding invites currently sit on my desk taunting me. I have nothing to wear to either one of them. Bridal magazines have us believe that the bride’s dress is the only one that matters but not today!

This dress had an understated, elegant vibe with a bright swath of rock and roll flavor. At this moment in pop culture, Kelly Osbourne is the sassy style icon du jour, and hers is the look I’m after. I quickly ordered the dress and waited for it to come in the mail. My style usually leans conservative, but at $48, the dress was a walk on the wild side I could afford.

The inaugural run of The Dress was a doozy: a family wedding ON New Year’s Eve. An openbar reception coupled with the grandeur of the midnight countdown. Family weddings are an interesting character and environment study.

Buoyed by the promise of true love and Big Gulps full of free booze, all protocol goes out the window.True personalities, long repressed by the bounds of familial responsibility, come catapulting onto the main stage. On this particular night, my sister struggled with a head cold, and our highly revered aunt counseled her on the benefits of brandy on a sore throat while taking her own advice by doing a few shots of it at the bar.

On the dance floor, as the drink tally went up, 80

January/February 2023 | 585mag.com

inhibitions went down. My brother was dancing in his undershirt—much to my grandmother’s chagrin—using his tie like a lasso on the ladies. I dodged a close call by politely declining a dance with a fella I suspected I’m related to.

Afterward, my dress and I went to a night club with all my cousins—cuz there’s nothing more rock and roll than an afterparty. I woke up the next morning at my grandma’s house with my sister, who still had her sparkly silver party hat on. I was holding a bottle of Pedialyte and had dried beer stuck to the soles of my feet. Maybe I was dressed like Kelly, but we partied like Ozzy.

Getting loose with the family is ok for the night, but once the dust settles, it gets awkward. Like passing the gravy boat to everyone at Thanksgiving dinner while you’re all still covered in body glitter after an insane night in Vegas.

The second outing of The Dress was less rock and roll and a little more high society. One of my high school friends was getting married in Ottawa, Canada. The ceremony was at an old cathedral, and the reception was in an old-fashioned castle, a true fairy tale setting with high towers, stained glass windows, and ornate drapery. I decided to accessorize a little class into my outfit with a red beaded barrette and a flower pinned near the lapel. I tried in vain to wear a pair of classy heels, but once the dance floor lit up, I switched to something more comfortable. I’ll never forget the chorus of laughter that came from my table when the elegant bride, with tiara on fleek, loudly shrieked, “is Taylor

wearing FLIP FLOPS on MY dance floor!??”

Also neutralizing the high society vibes was the large backpack full of liquor my sister and I brought for the occasion.

We’d never been to such a classy affair, so we worried the drinks might be expensive. So, sisters gotta do what sisters gotta do: we spot the liquor store on our way to the church and abruptly cut across four lanes of international traffic while our friends in the backseat hurled obscenities at us. Once we acquired the loot, we quietly tucked the bag under our table at the chateau in case things started to get pricey.

Our night took an adventurous turn when I returned to the table and found both my sister and our table mates missing— along with the backpack full of liquor. I grabbed a friend, and we Sherlock Holmesed our way around the halls of the castle. We found them all on the ninth floor, positively moved by the sight of the centuriesold stained-glass windows. We moved closer for a better look, only to find that they’re actually just plain, clear-paned windows and these drunk fools were overselling it. We gathered them back on the elevator to rejoin the party, but not before one of our friends started dry heaving into a plant.

The six-hour dr ive home after that night of high-class debauchery was a struggle. This wasn’t a pace I wanted to keep up, so I decided that my brief stint as a rock and roll wedding guest had to end.

Apparently, the marriages also had to end, as divorce befell both couples not long after the festivities. I think about the dress, the short-lived marriages, the undeniable fun, and I hear those oft-quoted rock and roll lyrics: “It’s better to burn out than to fade away.”

Illustration by Lissa Mathis

By Taylor Terrrance

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