Reviews: Feasting in Rochester

Talk about eating out much? When the nutritionist asked me last thursday if I eat out frequently I responded with a quick, "No! I love cooking and baking for myself!"  The following does not actually depict me eating in very much at all and in fact I even had dinner out tonight for my Dad's birthday!

So last year I was really into going to different coffee shops, cafes and restaurants and giving them my amateur review...it was fun and kept me busy as I acclimated to my new school.  Now, busier than ever, I still enjoy it however rarely post anything about my restaurant findings.  I have found some great ones and some that are a bit um, how shall we put it gently....not for me?  I am picky, picky, picky and I hate to admit it sometimes but I am a HUGE internal food critic. Not quite sure what that means in the real world but to me that means I literally scrutinize almost any restaurant I go into (not always sharing it with whomever joined me) and determine if it is a quality establishment.

I'll let you in on a few gems I found in the past week (though I have been to all before!)

1. Rio Tomatlan

Enchiladas Verdes with Chicken and Rice

The best Mexican you will find in the Rochester/ Canandaigua area. By far.  I have tried a bunch including Salena's and none even come close.  They offer amazing dishes that aren't your average tex-mex and serve up some amazing cocktails--fresh squeezed sangria? Yes Please!  They are also extremely accommodating for food allergies and dietary restrictions including vegan/ vegetarian options, dairy-free and gluten free! 

Dishes to try: Enchiladas Verdes (of course) Burro Raffael, Enciladas Mole and of course their house Margs & Sangria

2. Open Face

Flaked Albacore atop Field Greens and Ginger Carrots

Special: Turkey Reuben and Moxie Soda

I lived right down the street from Open Face last year and never stopped in to have a sandwich.  I walked by and peered in wondering where their menu was (it is by the door when you first enter) but never took the time to really investigate.  Now I can tell you that this is the place to go for lunch.  In my personal opinion it is better than Mise En Place down the way a bit but in a different way.  The atmosphere is what I would describe as hipster but a bit "posh" with their apothecary teas and natural healing tonics. Sounds crazy? Don't let me deter you one bit. My second time I had to go with the flaked albacore again and yet again I left full and happy.  I absolutely adore small restaurants such as open face that really bring you to a different world--admire the tin cups and Moxie (an older soda resembling Root Beer but with hints of Licorice).  Brendan ordered the Turkey Reuben and agreed that it was a hit though the "reuben" was more of a turkey sandwich with gingered carrots and 1000 island dressing he still said it was great!

They offer a soup and sandwich combo for lunch or you can choose to mix and match two different sandwiches.  They also carry several vegetarian dishes and gluten free baked goods!

 3. Sugar Mountain/ La Tea Da!

Tea Sampling anyone? They bring this lovely tray of teas over to your table for you to smell and pick out.  And no they don't take your tea from these samples! 

They also encourage dress up...just saying!

Clockwise from bottom left: Apple Cobbler, PB&J, Maple, Twixie

yet again, more dress up! Rob you're a champ...

La Tea Da is the perfect place to go if you'd like to step back in time and into your childhood.  That sounds rather cliche but if you stop in you'll quickly realize that the majority of diners are sporting some crazy hats, fairy wings and frequently some boas.  The walls are covered with Alice in Wonderland decorations and each table is adorned with a hand selected tea pot.  You can choose from numerous teas and either a personal pot or one for the table to share.

There is a menu but we chose to just pick out our cupcakes from Sugar Mountain which is connected and enjoy our great choices.  I went with the Twixie which was filled with caramel inside a rich chocolate cake.   Another winner was definitely the Apple Cobbler--spiced apple cake which had me eager for the first of fall (which is today!)

Go here if you want cupcakes, tea, tea parties or a girly lunch.  Rob was definitely a great sport but I wouldn't consider this a first date sort of place!

Review: Dinosaur What? Dino BBQ.

Dinosaur BBQ.  Originally founded as a BBQ Pit "joint" of sorts in Syracuse, NY but also has a loving relationship with Rochestarians. Up until last spring I couldn't recall the last time since I had actually eaten at Dino BBQ but frequently heard of friends going up for the experience.  Now I can proudly say that I have enjoyed their fall off the bone pulled pork sandwiches twice in two years (not a huge accomplishment but it is in my book!)

Amanda, Mandy, Carolyn and I (along with a few boyfriends) savored every bite as we celebrated Mandy's 20th birthday.  She is the baby of the bunch but still deserved a big celebration none the less. Now the plate above is mine.  The original pulled pork sandwich "platter" with TWO sides, BBQ beans and corn bread.

Mandy's platter looked something like this:

The Tres Hombres Combo Platter with Salad, Mac & Cheese, Corn Bread, Ribs, Brisket and Pork.   All of which I tried and enjoyed every bite of.

We also celebrated the big 20 with a rather large peanut butter ball platter.  I had no idea that these were so easy to make! Literally takes 5 minutes to whip together the inside goop and then a while in the freezer and a dip of chocolate!

Happy Birthday to my best friend Mandy.

As for the Dinosaur BBQ itself, I would have to give a few suggestions for perusing the menu.

(1) The BBQ Baked Beans are not that great. I would definitely pick a different side dish

(2) Creole Deviled Eggs = AMAZING

(3) The sandwiches are equally as tasty sans bun.

(4) Get the corn bread as a side if it doesn't come with your meal (though it should!)

(5) the Mac & Cheese is spicy and to die for.

(6) If your stomach upsets easily take caution.

Overall I would say that Dino BBQ is pretty tasty but I definitely like to save it for occasions that happen once or twice a year.  Mandy's birthday was perfect for this since it is her favorite restaurant and I gladly cleaned my plate.

Crumbs.

Last weekend my mom and her girlfriends took a trip to NYC...without me. Selfish, yes I know, of me I mean. I have a problem with jealousy.  To lessen the pain and sting of her amazing weekend she returned promptly with cupcakes from Crumbs Bakeshop!

I have always had some fascination with Crumbs and Georgetown Cupcakes since the "cupcake" business exploded a few years back.  An entire business dedicated to cupcakes? Pure genius.

She brought back a dairy free vanilla with chocolate frosting cupcake which was sadly a bit dry. I'm not sure if this was due to the day or so it took to get it or if I am able to blame the baking... At least the frosting was yummy!

Ah German Chocolate. This could have potential but somehow decided to go very mushy and way took moist. Two extremes, not my favorite. I think I could make a better cupcake myself.

At least it was a nice thought! And they look nice! I would have to go and actually try them in the city next to the gorgeous christmas tree or something to really write a thorough review. As for now, I don't actually think they're worth it...

Life on the Run: Leaf & Bean

Leaf and Bean

3240 Chili Avenue

Rochester, NY 14624

Leaf & Bean was suggested to me as a great place to get away and study by a new friend, Danielle. While it is a bit out of the way, all the way in Chili, it has a great "cafe" vibe to it that I love.  If you're from Canandaigua or know the area, think "The Muar House Cafe." 

Originally I thought Leaf & Bean was a chain due to its very corporate website but I believe I was mistaken and that this is the only location.

I arrived around 1:30 today, a busy Sunday, and was unable to find a seat.  However, within a few minutes of ordering an Earl Grey tea, a few groups were leaving.  I would have to say their turn around time is pretty snappy but if you want to sit and relax or do work you're fine to do so.

Their menu ranges from teas, coffees and non-caffinated beverages like your typical blended drink to sandwiches and salads.  Today I indulged in some Roasted Red Pepper and Smoked Gouda Soup with a Side Market Salad. Delish. To drink I ordered a tea and was kindly asked to pick from their 20 flavors--earl grey cream. I had never heard of earl grey with cream prior to this but it was most definitely the right choice.

The soup was not homemade but still very tasty and was paired nicely with a heaping side salad topped with all the usual amenities.  The tea began with an initial earl grey taste and as I neared the typical tea aftertaste, I was greeted with a sweet creamy flavor. How surprising? I will most definitely be returning for another cup!