Hi friends,
Wishing you a happy Independence Day, however you choose to celebrate. If you're thinking about heading to a restaurant this week, or even next, know that many close for the week or longer. Best to call ahead.
Best things I ate
Here are some of the best things I ate ― on and off the job ― over the past few weeks.
The Blind Pig, the speakeasy at The Deland House on Main in the Village of Fairport, serves a different menu each week. My favorite bite on the night my husband and I visited was an incredible fruit tart, made in house. Those cocktails were mighty good as well! Tip for the difficult-to-get reservations: check the website each day, as people do cancel. That's how we scored our night out. Read more about The Blind Pig here.
The Magnet, set back off of Route 441 in Penfield, is known for their hearty fried chicken sandwiches, but I'm a regular for their salads, which I order with roast chicken. They are nothing fancy, but are well prepared and satisfying. My favorite is the Southwest chicken salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, diced bacon, Cajun corn, shredded cheese and smoked Catalina dressing (a flavor right out of my childhood.) I also enjoy the Thai chicken salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, crispy rice noodles, peanuts, scallions and Thai peanut dressing.
The Mount Nachos Dome at Sager-Stoneyard Pub is appropriately named, because it's a giant mound of chips (or tots) smothered with adobo chicken (or pork carnitas), melted cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli and other goodies. Tucked back behind Living Roots Wine & Co. (another great destination) at 46 Sager Dr., it's also a great spot for listening to live music.
Quiche was a special the last time I visited Public Provisions at the Rochester Public Market, and it was terrific. I'd call it French style, which is lighter, creamier and fluffier than most. The only other place I've found a quiche like this in Rochester is at The Peppered Pig in Penfield. Even if you're not a fan of quiche, it's worth trying these.
The chicken mole tacos at the El Kapitan food truck are out of this world. They are coated in a thick sauce that's nutty, sweet and spicy. I've also had the ceviche, and it's fantastic. You may find them on Elm Street downtown on Fridays, and they publish events on Facebook.
Event of the week
The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will play a free Under the Stars concert Friday, July 12 on Parcel 5, 285 East Main St. Led by Conductor Jherrard Hardeman, the orchestra will perform songs from iconic films including thrillers, romance, action, comedy, and outer space. The evening will begin at 6:45 p.m. with the Flower City Pride Band, followed by the RPO at 8 p.m.
No tickets are required. Bring a blanket and chairs. Grounds open at 6 p.m. with food and drinks available for purchase from Dar’s Delights Homemade Ice Cream, Eat Greek Truck, Living Roots Wine and Company, Mr. Squeeze Lemonade, The Meatball Truck, Sammies n Sweets, Rohrbach Brewing Company and Uncle Buck's Catering.
Sidewalk astronomy will be set up with telescopes for anyone to use courtesy of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. RPO Under the Stars is presented by the City of Rochester in partnership with Downtown Definitely Events.
While you're there, a food recommendation from photographer Shawn Dowd, who creates much of the food photography in the D&C: The loaded fries from Eat Greek are based on crispy, hot fries, which are covered in broken up falafel balls, tzatziki sauce and feta cheese. "I couldn't believe how good it was," he said. "Eat Greek was a real find!"
Scroll down for this week's food news and I'll see you next week!
Tracy Schuhmacher, food, drink and culture reporter
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