Best of Rochester 2010

[ INTRODUCTION ] BY ERIC REZSNYAK

Top Dogs!

Every year City Newspaper charges the people of Rochester with selecting their local favorites in 100 categories, ranging from restaurants to stores to musicians to radio stations. And every year more and more of you join in. The 2010 Best of Rochester Readers’ Poll was by far our most popular poll yet, with THOUSANDS of people — almost twice as many as last year, in fact — taking either the primary or final ballots, or both.

You had your say, and some of the results are predictable (Pontillo’s and Dinosaur are like the Meryl Streep of Best of Rochester), while others were total surprises (smart use of social networking drastically impacted the Arts & Entertainment categories). And let’s hear it for that vagina sculpture! Check out all the winners starting on page 3.

While the results of the readers’ poll make up the bulk of our annual Best Of Rochester issue, make sure to check out this year’s Critics’ Picks. City Newspaper’s writing staff came up with some great, unexpected people, places, and things that make Rochester such a unique place to live. Learn about flying squirrels, disc-golf courses, impromptu open jams and more you should be checking out. The picks start on page 11, and be sure to check out the always-popular readers’ poll outtakes on page 9.

Did our readers blow it with their picks? Did we blow it for forgetting certain categories? Sound off on all things Best of Rochester at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

City

BEST OF ROCHESTER 2010

[ READERS POLL ] BY CITY NEWSPAPER READERS

PIZZA PLACE

PLACE FOR PANCAKES

SUSHI RESTAURANT

COFFEE SHOP

Pontillo’s Many area locations; pontillospizza.com

Jines Restaurant 658 Park Ave. 461-1280. jinesrestaurant.com.

Java’s Café 16 Gibbs St. 232-4820. javascafe.com.

BARBECUE RESTAURANT

BAGEL SHOP

California Rollin’ Village Gate, 274 N Goodman St. 271-8990 | Port of Rochester, 1000 N River St. 271-8920 | californiarollin.com.

ITALIAN RESTAURANT Mario’s 2740 Monroe Ave. 271-1111. mariosviaabruzzi.com.

Aladdin’s Natural Eatery 646 Monroe Ave. 442-5000 | 8 Schoen Place, Pittsford.

264-9000 | aladdinsonline.com.

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

UPSCALE RESTAURANT

Salena’s Mexican Restaurant Village Gate, 302 N Goodman St. 256-5980. salenas.com.

2 Vine 24 Winthrop St. 454-6020. 2vine.com.

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

Bagel Bin 2600 Elmwood Ave. 461-4475. thebagelbincafe.com.

PLACE FOR A HOT DOG

PLACE FOR BRUNCH

Dogtown 691 Monroe Ave. 271-6620. dogtownhots.com.

Jines Restaurant 658 Park Ave. 461-1280. jinesrestaurant.com.

HOT SAUCE (ROCHESTER STYLE)

PLACE FOR DESSERT

Nick Tahou Hots 320 W Main St. 4360184 | 3070 W Henrietta Road. 272-1182 | garbageplate.com.

FRENCH FRIES Bill Gray’s Many area locations; billgrays.com.

DELI DiBella’s Many area locations; dibellas.com.

Abbott’s Frozen Custard Many area locations; abbottscustard.com.

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT

Chen Garden 1750 Monroe Ave. 241-3070. chengarden.com.

Aladdin’s Natural Eatery 646 Monroe Ave. 442-5000 | 8 Schoen Place, Pittsford.

264-9000 | aladdinsonline.com.

INDIAN RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT FOR VEGETARIANS

CHINESE RESTAURANT

India House 998 S Clinton Ave. 4610880 | 7343 Route 96, Victor. 742-2030 | indiahouse.com.

CHEAP EATS

NEW RESTAURANT Next Door Bar & Grill 3220 Monroe Ave, Pittsford. 249-4575. nextdoorbarandgrill.com.

ESTABLISHED RESTAURANT Hogan’s Hideaway 197 Park Ave. 442-4293. hoganshideaway.com.

Aladdin’s Natural Eatery 646 Monroe Ave. 442-5000 | 8 Schoen Place, Pittsford.

264-9000 | aladdinsonline.com.

Since 1983 Mon-Sat.

668 on the Avenue

11am - 7pm

Sunday

Noon - 5pm

A very special thanks to all our loyal customers as we begin our 28th year!

Apparel & Accessories, Jewelry, Gifts & Décor, Toys, Housewares, Stationary, Bodycare & Candles, Incense, Tapestries, Eastern Collectibles, Stones, Drums & Instruments

THE MONROE AVENUE DESTINATION… 668 MONROE AVE, ROCHESTER 585-271-2789 www.ArchimageStore.com

rochestercitynewspaper.com

City

Come and celebrate our

10 TH Anniversary

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Saturday, November 13

ENJOY A GLASS OF SPUMANTE AS A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. Part of the proceeds of our anniversary celebration will be donated to the Breast Cancer Coalition.

Open Mondays during December

RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED

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Wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, you are welcome here.

Sunday Worship - 8 & 10 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:40 a.m.

Childcare available

25 Westminster Road Rochester NY 14607

across from George Eastman House

585-271-2240 www.stpaulsec.org City

BEST OF ROCHESTER 2010

JEWELRY STORE

NAIL SALON

Mann’s Jewelers 2945 Monroe Ave. 271-4000. mannsjewelers.com.

Scott Miller Salon & Spa 3340 Monroe Ave. 264-9940 | 980 Ridge Road, Webster.

264-0620 | scottmillerstyle.com.

GIFT SHOP Parkleigh 215 Park Ave. 244-4842. parkleigh.com.

CAR DEALERSHIP Dorschel Automotive Group Many area locations; dorschel.com.

AUTO REPAIR SHOP East Ave Auto 1656 East Ave. 271-7610. eastaveauto.com.

GYM YMCA of Greater Rochester Many area locations; rochesterymca.org.

YOGA INSTRUCTOR Francois Raoult, Open Sky Yoga openskyyoga.com

PLACE FOR A MASSAGE Spa at the Del Monte 43 N Main St, Pittsford. 419-3000. delmontespa.com.

HAIR SALON Scott Miller Salon & Spa 3340 Monroe Ave. 264-9940 | 980 Ridge Road, Webster.

264-0620 | scottmillerstyle.com.

Hammondsport. 800-320-0735. drfrankwines.com.

CATERING COMPANY

FLORIST

Lorraine’s Food Factory 777 Culver Road.

442-8200. lorrainesfoodfactory.com.

Arena’s Florist 260 East Ave. 454-3720. arenasflorist.com.

FURNITURE STORE

CLOTHING STORE Thread 654 South Ave. 232-7110. myspace.com/threadrochester.

TATTOO PARLOR Love Hate Tattoo 217 Alexander St. 262-6440. lovehatetattoo.com.

PIERCING PARLOR Physical Graffiti 374 W Ridge Road.

262-4444. physicalgraffiti.com.

LIQUOR STORE Marketview Liquor 1100 Jefferson Road.

427-2480. marketviewliquor.com.

BAKERY Savoia Pastry Shoppe 2267 Clifford Ave. 482-1130. savoiapastry.com.

REGIONAL WINERY Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 9749 Middle Road,

Charlotte Furniture & Appliance 3200 Lake Ave. 663-5050. charlotteappliance. com.

PLACE FOR UNUSUAL DÉCOR Parkleigh 215 Park Ave. 244-4842. parkleigh.com.

PET-FRIENDLY BUSINESS Park Avenue Pets 993 Monroe Ave. 256-0006. parkavepetsroc.com.

LOCAL PSYCHIC/MEDIUM Psychic’s Thyme 439 Monroe Ave. 473-4230. psychicsthyme.com.

40 varieties of the finest extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from around the world, all available for tasting - right from the tap!

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • AFTERNOON TEA

Visit us at the Rochester Public Market or Historic Downtown Canandaigua

Ask about our 10% OFF HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

585.396.2585 • FOLIVERS.COM

Birthday, Bridal & Baby Showers Little Girl Dress-Up Parties

258 Alexander Street (at Park Ave.) 262-4450 Mon. – Sat: 11am - 4pm, Sun: Noon - 4pm

www.la-tea-da.net

join us on

Not the same old Rochester selection.

You can always tell an Eye Openers look.

Appointments suggested please

2929 Monroe Avenue 442-0123

RADIO PERSONALITY (MALE)

TV NEWS REPORTER (FEMALE)

Scott Spezzano (WPXY)

Ginny Ryan (WHAM)

RADIO PERSONALITY (FEMALE)

TV WEATHERPERSON

Sandy Waters (WPXY)

Scott Hetsko (WROC)

RADIO SHOW

LOCAL NEWS STORY OF 2010

“Spezzano & Sandy” (WPXY)

Greece Police corruption/Merritt Rahn trial

RADIO STATION WXXI

TV NEWS STATION WHAM (Ch 13)

TV NEWS REPORTER (MALE) Don Alhart (WHAM)

LOCAL NEWS STORY IGNORED IN 2010

Subway system planning

LOCAL BLOG Rochesternypizza.blogspot.com

LOCAL TWITTER FEED Wegmans (@wegmans) rochestercitynewspaper.com

City

POLITICIAN Robert Duffy

ACTIVIST GROUP Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley

NEIGHBORHOOD/TOWN South Wedge

UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE University of Rochester

SPORTS TEAM Rochester Red Wings

PARK Highland Park

BUILDING George Eastman House

EYESORE “Vagina” sculpture at Ridge & Lake

NATURAL FEATURE Letchworth State Park

LOCAL COMPANY Wegmans

PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER Wegmans

PLACE TO PROPOSE Letchworth State Park

LOCAL CELEBRITY Philip Seymour Hoffman

Before you start a Roofing Project, Consult with us!

•Fully Insured •Complete Tear-offs •New Roof Installation

585-266-7786

www.MonroeRochesterResidential.com

Visit www.RochesterHomePage.net and click on professionally speaking!

City

BEST OF ROCHESTER 2010

SUNDAY WORSHIP 11:00AM in the Sanctuary SUNDAY FORUM 9:50AM in the Shaw Room

Lee Wright, Director of Music Ministry Eastman School of Music, 2003

Soul Stirring Music...

Every Sunday!

121 N. Fitzhugh St. Rochester, NY 585.325.4000 downtownpresbyterian.org

JACKETS • CHAPS • HELMETS BOOTS • GLOVES • CLOTHING GIFTS • AND MUCH MORE!

ORIGINAL BAND

LOCAL ALBUM OF 2010

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Uncle Plum uncleplum.com

“Paper Crane” by Walri walriloverock.com

Gerry Szymanski cyanotypeproductions.com.

Skycoasters skycoasters.com

THEATER PRODUCTION OF 2010

MOVIE THEATER

SOLO MUSICIAN

“Nijinsky’s Last Dance” by Bread & Water Theatre breadandwatertheatre.org.

Little Theatre 240 East Ave. 258-0400. thelittle.org.

THEATER COMPANY

FESTIVAL

Geva Theatre Center 75 Woodbury Boulevard. 232-4382. gevatheatre.org.

Lilac Festival lilacfestival.com.

ART GALLERY/MUSEUM

Pandora Boxx pandoraboxx.com.

Jon Herbert jonherbert.net.

Memorial Art Gallery 500 University Ave. 276-8900. mag.rochester.edu.

IMPROV COMEDY TROUPE

OPEN MIC

ART EXHIBIT OF 2010

Geva Comedy Improv gevatheatre.org/ onstage/improv

“Colorama” at George Eastman House 900 East Ave. 271-3361. eastmanhouse.org.

KIDS ENTERTAINMENT

COVER BAND

Teagan Ward myspace.com/teaganlward

MUSIC VENUE Water Street Music Hall 204 N Water St. 546-3887. waterstreetmusic.com.

CLUB DJ

Boulder Coffee Co. Wednesdays 8 p.m.

100 Alexander St. bouldercoffeeco.com.

MUSIC CONCERT OF 2010 Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds CMAC

LOCAL ARTIST Albert Paley albertpaley.com.

DRAG PERFORMER

National Museum of Play 1 Manhattan Square. 263-2700. museumofplay.org.

EXTREMEBIKERLEATHER.COM 368 WEST RIDGE RD • ROCHESTER NY 14615 585.482.7260 • M-F: 11-7, SAT: 11-4 rochestercitynewspaper.com

City

NEW BAR/CLUB

BARTENDER

SPORTS BAR

TRIVIA NIGHT

The Owl House 75 Marshall St. 360-2920. owlhouserochester.com.

Phillip Rawleigh (Lux)

The Distillery Many area locations; thedistillery.com.

BAR FOR BEER

Tilt 444 Central Ave. 232-8440. tiltrochester.com.

The Old Toad Sunday 9 p.m., Monday 9:30 p.m. 277 Alexander St. 232-2626. theoldtoad.com.

Tap & Mallet 381 Gregory St. 473-0503. tapandmallet.com.

BAR FOR WINE Chocolate & Vines 757 University Ave. 340-6362. chocolateandvines.com.

COCKTAIL SELECTION Good Luck 50 Anderson Ave. 340-6161. restaurantgoodluck.com.

NIGHTCLUB

STRIP CLUB Klassy Cat 3800 W Henrietta Road. 3598639. klassycattavern.com.

PICK-UP BAR Murphy’s Law 370 East Ave. 232-7115. murphyslawrochester.com.

PLACE TO SHOOT POOL Six Pockets 716 E Ridge Road. 266-1440.

6pocketsbar.com.

PLACE TO SHOOT DARTS The Old Toad 277 Alexander St. 232-2626. theoldtoad.com.

HAPPY HOUR The Distillery Many area locations; thedistillery.com.

585-267-7888

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City

244.1626

BEST OF ROCHESTER 2010

Make Business Connections The Right Way! Check out our website

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People + People = Business 2 Business Contact Lori Levine at Lori@peoplepluspeopleNY.com

[ RESPONSES ] BY CITY NEWSPAPER READERS

Every year thousands of people take City Newspaper’s Best of Rochester Readers’ Poll. The primary ballot, which typically runs online throughout the month of September, allows takers to submit their personal favorites in all of the 100 categories. While the most popular of those answers make up the final ballot, the really good answers — the funny, both intentionally and not — make this always-popular list. Bask in the genius of smartass Rochesterians. Truly, they are our city’s best natural resource.

Virtual reality

Ba-dum-bump, Part 2

(BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR)

(BEST PIERCING PARLOR)

Inappropriate racial comedy, Part 1

I want to go to there

“Un-named guy on my Nintendo Wii.”

“Whichever place has the freshest Asian girls.”

(BEST PLACE FOR A MASSAGE)

But you’re rich in spirit… and preservatives

We’ll have to add a Best Part 1 Divorce Lawyer category next Ba-dum-bump, “Home Depot.” year…

“My version of ‘upscale’ is any meal that doesn’t come off the dollar menu.”

“That reminds me, I’m supposed to buy an engagement ring.”

(BEST UPSCALE RESTAURANT)

(BEST JEWELRY STORE)

The service requires patients (ba-dum-bump!)

Feeling neighborly

“Monroe Community Hospital cafeteria — really!”

“My neighbor, Joe Acito.”

(BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP)

(BEST CHEAP EATS)

A strong recommendation

“Penfield Valley Grill yum yum yum bang bang shrimp.”

Your cat doesn’t work out much. “’1```,’ according to my cat.”

(BEST GYM)

(BEST ESTABLISHED RESTAURANT)

She knows now!

Misunderstanding the assignment, Part I

“Petco. My cat loves that place!”

“Amy Jo Metzendorf!!!!! Bodhi Tree Yoga, Penfield. I sometimes refer to her as ‘Yoga Jesus.’ She has no idea.”

(BEST ESTABLISHED RESTAURANT)

(BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR)

(BEST NAIL SALON; RECEIVED TWO VOTES)

Inappropriate racial comedy, Part 2 “I DON’T GET MY NAILS DID!” (BEST NAIL SALON)

Fair point

“You be 6 1/2 feet tall & weigh 1/8 of a ton, and YOU answer this...”

“Rochester Fencing Club.”

“Whoever has got the LOVE!” (BEST BAKERY)

Great deals on the first of the month!

“Most of Oxford Street.”

(BEST FURNITURE STORE)

What’s the return policy?

“Barrel of Dolls.”

(BEST PLACE TO BUY UNUSUAL DÉCOR)

Especially friendly to bears and pigs

“Grill outside the Bachelor Forum (give hot dogs to dogs).”

(BEST CLOTHING STORE)

(BEST PET-FRIENDLY BUSINESS; RECEIVED TWO VOTES)

Sound reasoning

We knew you’d say that

“I don’t have one, but I met a really nice girl at Lux that works at Temple, so I’ll say Temple.”

“Just burn your money, it saves gas.”

(BEST LOCAL PSYCHIC/MEDIUM) continues on page 10

(BEST TATTOO PARLOR)

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City

Best Answers continues from page 9

And now you’re insulting it back

“Best bumper sticker ever: ‘Rochester radio insults my intelligence.’”

(BEST RADIO STATION)

And that’s why he’s not eligible “Frank ‘Conflict of Interest if He Wins’ DeBlase” (BEST RADIO PERSONALITY)

Oh, right! Him!

“That blond guy on YNN who I think I went to college with.”

(BEST LOCAL TV NEWS REPORTER)

Oh, right! Her!

“That short girl on YNN.” (BEST LOCAL TV NEWS REPORTER)

outside”; “Ice penis sculpture”; “Tickle Fight!”; “Tree of Life lightning death.”

Take it away, folks, Part 2

BEST IGNORED NEWS STORY OF 2010:

You say ‘eyesore,’ I say ‘turn-on’

Goes way back with Ol’ Dirty Blackfriars

“That one building downtown that kind of looks like a penis head.”

“Method Man.”

(BEST THEATER COMPANY)

“Amber McAlister got contact lens, making 2010 The Year I Got Contacts”; “I ran a marathon, didn’t see anybody cover that in the news”; “My dog finally stopped being such an asshole.”

(BEST EYESORE)

A very specific cause

Misunderstood the assignment, Part 2 Quacked “Little Theatre.”

“Any gathering to see Fuccillo Hyundai commercials ripped from the airwaves like wood ticks from the skin.”

Family unfriendly

Best modesty

“Show World” (two votes); “Shaking keys at them”; “Mindless television and Benadryl”; “A rock”; “A bottle of wine”; “Jail”; “Robitussin”

“My dashing physique.”

(BEST NATURAL FEATURE)

(BEST KIDS ENTERTAINMENT)

“Angry Duck was cool for the 10 minutes it was in business.”

(BEST NATURAL FEATURE)

(BEST ACTIVIST GROUP)

that the public school You know, you could vote for Evidence system has failed us Oh, right! That one! another option…

“Erie Canal” (BEST NEW BAR)

“Don’t remember his name; guy at MacGregors with short brown hair, always very helpful with picking out beers!”

“Red Wings, despite their ineptitude”; “Red Wings, even though they blow”; “Red Wings, even though they could use some help.”

(BEST NATURAL FEATURE; RECEIVED 22 VOTES)

(BEST SPORTS TEAM)

He’s got great name recognition

This isn’t Best of Quahog!

The cup runneth over

“Paul Seymour Hoffman.”

“Asian reporter Tricia Takanowa.”

“My sister is in a beer pong league. Her team.”

(BEST LOCAL TV NEWS REPORTER)

(BEST SPORTS TEAM)

True romance

The annual What’s In a Name? Award:

It just adds to the atmosphere

“Cobbs Hill, until you realize you have been watched by a creeper for at least four hours.”

“At the frozen gates of Hell”; “In your dreams, so you don’t have to follow through”; “Barrel of Dolls — if she says yes there it’s true love!”

(BEST PARK)

(BEST PLACE TO PROPOSE MARRIAGE)

“Husko”; “Hutsko”; “Scott (crazy WROC guy)”; “Headsco”; “Hechko”; “Hedgeco”; “Hedgko”; “Hedgo”; “Hedsko”; “Hersko”; “Heschko”; “Hescko”; “Hesco”; “Hesko”; “Heskel”; “Hestko”; “Hestsko”; “Hetchco”; “Hetsco”; “Scott Kresko”; “Scott Kuncho”; “Scott Kutchko” (SCOTT HETSKO, CHANNEL 8; BEST WEATHERPERSON)

Take it away, folks

BEST NEWS STORY OF 2010: “All that

stuff about a Bear. ‘Oh look, a Bear!’”; “Ben is named goldilocks by Joe C”; “House burnt in Irondequoit with the furry standing

GET

Oh, right! That one!

“The one creepy house in Corn Hill.”

(BEST BUILDING)

Note: we received no votes for ex-boyfriends “My ex-girlfriend.”

(BEST EYESORE; RECEIVED FOUR VOTES)

“Does it count if I find the waitstaff at the early-bird-special diners kind of entertaining?”

(BEST NIGHTCLUB)

Don’t think this one is a joke…

“Pittsford Wegmans. Have you seen that cheese section? Amazing.”

(BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OFTOWNER)

Yeah, but the music stinks

No, it does not

The morning after is the pits (ba-dum-bump!)

“East Ave Wegmans Olive Bar.” (BEST PICK-UP BAR)

Misunderstood the assignment, Part 3 “I dunno – Nike? Maidenform? Reebok?

What? Oh...never mind.”

(BEST SPORTS BAR)

“Highland Park Bowel”; “Waster Street” (BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE)

We’ll second this one

“’Welcome to Center City’ signs (what the hell does that mean?).”

(BEST EYESORE)

CITY IN YOUR INBOX!

WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER

A SUMMARY OF THIS WEEK’S PAPER

WEEKEND PLANNER A HANDFUL OF AWESOME THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND 10 City BEST OF ROCHESTER 2010

(BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY)

(BEST BARTENDER)

Everyone’s a critic

“Oh my god…I can’t stop laughing.”

(BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE)

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[ RESPONSES ] BY CITY NEWSPAPER READERS

Best Excuse to Eat a Whole Wheel of Cheese: BRIO’S BRIE WHEEL APPETIZER “And you ate the whole wheel of cheese?

How’d you do that? Heck, I’m not even mad. That’s amazing.” Ever since Will Ferrell uttered these words to his dog Baxter in “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” an unsaid challenge has lingered for cheese lovers everywhere. And while most cheese wheels may be both too large and unappetizing to eat in their entirety, the brie wheel appetizer available at Brio Wine Bar and Grill (3400 Monroe Ave., Pittsford, 586-7000, briobistro.com), is both small enough (at only about a halffoot wide by an inch tall) and delicious enough to offer an ideal chance to conquer the cheesy challenge.

The version of this cow’s milk cheese served at Brio is wonderfully creamy and precisely aged, featuring the cheese’s signature pale rind, which, for the uninitiated,

is meant to be eaten along with the cheese.

It is served with a perfectly tart blackberry puree, buttery, crispy grilled toast points, and assorted berries for just $12 — a small price to pay for satisfied taste buds and the opportunity to brag to all your friends that you started your meal with an entire wheel of cheese. — BY SUSIE HUME

Best Modern Spin on a Tradition: FOX’S MISH-MOSH SOUP As a kid, I’d always look forward to visiting my grandfather in New York City because of all the hole-in-the-wall Jewish delis or restaurants he’d take me to. Any food he’d pass my way — with the exception of gefilte fish — I wanted to try, especially around the Jewish holidays. I honestly think it’s the food that has kept the Jewish side of my family so religious. We’d always eat kreplach, a Jewish wonton filled with ground meat, on Rosh Hashanah, and matzo ball soup around Passover.

The brie wheel appetizer at Brio, served with berries and toast points. photo by jeff marini It wasn’t until I came to school in Rochester that I was reminded of these varied Jewish tastes from my childhood.

When I stumbled across Fox’s (3450 Winton Place, 427-8200) I discovered one of the greatest twists on traditional Jewish food I’ve ever seen: mish-mosh soup. I had always eaten chicken noodle, or chicken and rice,

kreplach, or matzo ball soup, but never all of the above mixed together in one bowl.

Beyond the mish-mosh of flavors, the soup presents a combination of holidays into a spoonful. Although Fox’s offers all the soups independent of each other, the addition of this amalgamation to the menu — served only in a continues on page 12

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Critics’ Picks

also want as many excuses as possible to make a trip to Shutt’s to fill up on goodies, childhood memories, and my favorite fall pick-me-up.

bowl, with no cup-sized alternative — gives me a reason to visit the restaurant every week.

Best Mystery Meat:

continues from page 11

— BY CAITLIN SHAPIRO

Best Fall Pick-Me-Up: SHUTT’S APPLE FROST No matter what the calendar or weather say, it’s not truly fall until I’ve made a trip to Shutt’s Apple Mill (1063 Plank Road, Webster, 8722924). This cozy country store has classic autumn offerings like pumpkins, apples, homemade cider, and fresh-fried donuts, along with home goods for the upcoming holidays.

I even found the exact same placemats my mother used for every dinner of my childhood.

But Shutt’s also creates what has become a new fall classic for me, the apple frost.

In so many words, an apple frost is a thick apple-cider milkshake-slash-slushie that you can tell is made with homemade cider by the look, taste, and texture of it. There’s no ice cream in it, but it does include a dairy-based milkshake powder.

For just $2.25, you can get a serving that is, for me, large enough to share, despite the overwhelming tastiness of it.

I haven’t found any other fresh apple-cider drinks like this in Rochester and, honestly, I hope I don’t. I like the uniqueness of it, and

— BY JESSE HANUS

BÁNH MÌ AT VINH-HAO BÁNH MÌ CAFÉ When you enter the nondescript little building holding Vinh-Hao Bánh Mì Café (985 S. Clinton, Ave., 271-7250), on South Clinton near the Goodman intersection, you’ll first notice the wall of DVDs, mostly Vietnamese titles you’ve never heard of. Off to the right there’s an aquarium housing two friendly fish. But in the back corner you will see a counter and a refrigerated showcase.

Mosey on up to that counter and order a bánh mì. After forking over your $3.50, you will be handed a paper-wrapped tube secured by a rubber band. Open it!

The sandwich you are now holding is classic Vietnamese street food. A crusty baguette (courtesy of the French Colonial influence) is sliced open and smeared on one side with rich mayo, the other with a velvety pâté. Filling the space between are fresh cilantro sprigs, dueling spears of crisp cucumber and cruel jalapeño, a tangysweet carrot-and-daikon slaw, as well as an assortment of meats. But this, truthfully, is where it gets tricky. There’s pork, I think. Maybe something cured. And is that headcheese? Whatever; it’s scrumptious, an

exotic and satisfying cacophony of flavors and textures. Now eat! — BY DAYNA PAPALEO

Best Bet for the Cashstrapped Gourmand: FARE GAME Has a whole beef tenderloin, crown roast of pork, or those cute little racks of lamb that you cooked for your friends ever condemned you to a week of instant ramen for dinner?

Have you ever blanched at the supermarket prices for andouille sausage or duck leg confit?

If so, pay a visit to Fare Game Foods at the Rochester Public Market (473-4210) some Saturday morning. For more than 15 years, budget-conscious gourmands have been coming to proprietor Barry Kucker’s stand to score restaurant quality goods at something close to wholesale prices.

Kucker is not giving his high-end food away, but at anywhere from a third to a half off of retail, Fare Game brings the best stuff within the reach of even the most cash-strapped aspiring chef. Fare Game’s fare varies, but you will consistently find beautifully marbled USDA Prime beef, black truffle butter, plump rabbits, free-range chickens, whole ducks, fois gras and confit, and chanterelle or other exotic mushrooms in season. Kucker even sells turkeys, taking orders from mid-October through midNovember for pick-up at the Market on the day before Thanksgiving. As with everything

at Fare Game, it may not be the cheapest bird you’ll ever buy, but it’s definitely the best.

— BY JAMES LEACH

Best Downtown Treasure in Need of Attention: ST. JOSEPH’S PARK What remains of Rochester’s oldest Catholic Church now stands as a ghostly shell around an outdoor sanctuary. Built at 108 Franklin Street in 1846 and established by Redemptorists, St. Joseph’s Church was a parish serving German-speaking locals, a children’s school, and an asylum for orphans.

Fire ravaged the church in 1974, with very few artifacts remaining (a significant piece now resides in nearby Our Lady of Victory Church). In 1980, the Landmark Society of Western New York purchased the tower, edifice, and two walls and created a park within their confines. Many Rochesterians have memories of weddings and lunchtime concerts in the indoor-outdoor space, but that era of St Joseph’s has also passed — over the years the untreated interior walls have badly deteriorated from exposure.

St. Joseph’s Park is closed, and will remain so until an extensive restoration occurs. Consider the cost for such a project is into six figures, and the disappointment of temporary closure turns to the dismal finality of an unforeseeable reopening. Can a monetary miracle deliver us entrance

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back into this “Oasis of Grace”? The Landmark Society is accepting donations to assist with the restoration project. To be a part of a potential solution, contact the preservation organization at 546-7029 or landmarksociety.org. — BY KATE STATHIS

Best Dream into Reality: FLYING SQUIRREL COMMUNITY SPACE It’s rare when diverse groups of strongminded individuals can act together, which makes the Flying Squirrel Community Space (285 Clarissa St., thesquirrel.org) such a refreshing addition to the Rochester indie scene. But the fact that the space can be so cool and fun is downright amazing.

The Flying Squirrel is a collective of local activists, artists, teachers, dreamers, and anyone else who shares a collaborative spirit and a do-it-yourself ethic. Acting through a non-hierarchal consensus model takes time and lots and lots of meetings, but look at what the folks at Flying Squirrel have created during its first year in existence: an operating free school, a zine library, a gallery, a bike-repair collective, and a vibrant space that hosts community dinners, engaging workshops, a monthly variety show, zine and craft fairs, poetry readings, film festivals, live music, and a dizzying amount of hulahooping. The list continues to grow as the space’s momentum builds.

The building itself, a former Elks Lodge with a mostly African-American membership, was a cornerstone of the Clarissa Street neighborhood in its heyday. By the time the Squirrels got to it, the squirrels had gotten to it, and it was in desperate need of care. With neighborhood support and boundless energy, the Squirrels have brought it back to life.

— BY KATE STATHIS

Best Cut and Run: BOB DUFFY Four months after gliding the gossamer trail to re-election and just weeks after soberly announcing the precarious state of the city’s finances, Mayor Robert Duffy ascended the mayoral-control death hill to behold the shimmering Albany skyline.

Duffy’s self-proclaimed pet issue, mayoral control of the city schools, went limp. Detractors celebrated, advocates slumped. And a mostly apathetic public, used to and hardened by broken promises and disappointment, shrugged.

Duffy’s still around, giving out an award here, wielding a wrecking ball there. But he’s not our Bob anymore. With Andrew Cuomo’s victory in the gubernatorial race earlier this month, Duffy’s soon to be off to Albany to act as his lieutenant governor — a position known for its glaring lack of accomplishment as well as its almost total obscurity.

Duffy believes he can make a difference.

And we believe he believes it. But for a guy who swears he never wanted to be a politician, he’s sure skipped up that ladder in a big fat hurry.

— BY CHRISTINE CARRIE FIEN

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RICK LAZIO When Carl Paladino crushed Rick Lazio in the Republican gubernatorial primary in September, it was as if David beat Goliath. But Lazio may come out ahead in the end. Lazio prevailed in a Conservative Party gubernatorial primary, but he was nominated for a State Supreme Court judge race in Brooklyn. It was part of a deal to get Paladino on the Conservative line, which has advantages for the candidate and the party.

Paladino took a beating from Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the mid-term election last week, but Lazio has a real shot at winning the judgeship. And if he does, he’ll make a salary close to the governor’s. He’ll also have the added perk of not having to deal with the state Legislature. If he loses, well, he probably would have lost to Cuomo anyway. So what, exactly, did Lazio lose? — BY JEREMY MOULE

Best Disc Golf Course: PARMA DISC GOLF COURSE Sure, one of the first holes has a pretty intimidating pond that is sure to consume at least one of your discs, but don’t turn back to the car so soon. As someone who isn’t very good at disc golfing, but still loves to play, I’d say the trickiest part about the Parma Disc Golf Course (550 Peck Road, Parma) is having to fish out all those lost discs from the woods — and that one, stupid pond. But the scenery and variety of distances that cater to all disc-golf levels more than make up for it. The Parma course takes you through two meadows and a continues on page 14 rochestercitynewspaper.com City 13

Critics’ Picks continues from page 13

tough woodsy stretch, but part of the fun is thinking you’re lost.

This year the Parma course has been undergoing a facelift in preparation for the 2011 Professional Disc Golf Association Amateur and Junior Championships. Cement tees and additional holes are among the changes at the course. Although other courses in the Rochester area have had new additions over the last year, Parma still keeps the escapefrom-the-world element very much intact. For a map and more information on the course, and on Rochester disc golf in general, check out the Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club’s website at grdgc.org. — BY CAITLIN SHAPIRO

Best Outdoor Art Gallery: BBOY BBQ If you’ve been on North Clinton near Clifford, you’ve surely noticed the gorgeously skillful, colorful murals on one stretch of the avenue.

But you might not know that the walls of 914 N. Clinton (and a few surrounding buildings) are the site of the annual BBoy BBQ, during which the murals for the coming year are created in a free, public art event, complete with food, DJs, and breakdancing, held on a different day each summer.

The annual multi-artist graffiti jam is presented by Rochester’s best known graffeatists, FUA KREW, with contributions by friends, and the walls are provided by His & Hers Beauty & Apparel, and other businesses that benefit from the local talent. Previous

years have featured work inspired by the film “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and an outdoor screening of “Beyond Gotham: Hip Hop in Upstate New York.” This past August, the artists put up a tragically topical piece commenting on the BP oil fiasco, which faced another wall spray painted to depict a prehistoric scene with resilient early man fighting off dangerous beasts (it’s pretty easy draw some parallels between the two scenes). If you want to see the 2011 edition of the live, collaborative creative contest, watch for updates at fuakrew.org. In the meantime, go check out the art. — BY REBECCA RAFFERTY

Best Open Jam that Isn’t a Jam: SATURDAY MORNINGS AT JAVA’S AT THE MARKET It must be jelly, because it ain’t exactly an open jam. Or is it? It began early this summer with the old piano leaning against the wall, minding its own business. Folks at Java’s At The Market walked by it all the time, hardly giving it a notice in their caffeinated preoccupation. But local musician and boogie-woogie pianist Paul Nunes couldn’t help himself. The piano wasn’t going to play itself, after all. For several weeks, Nunes would pound out a short set to the delight of patrons and passers-by. Record store impresario Richard Storms, who always packs diatonic harmonica heat, started joining Nunes on classics like “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” and other ribald, suggestive ditties, playing the roll of Kansas City blues-shouter between funky honks on his harp. People clapped along and ate it up. The word got out slowly, and musicians began to show up with guitars and washboards to sit in. Now Saturday mornings

The North Clinton site of the annual BBoy BBQ showcases some of the amazing work by local graffiti artists. photo by mike hanlon 14 City BEST OF ROCHESTER 2010

A One-of-a-Kind Holiday Shopping Experience

Christkindl Market Enjoy the charm of a quaint European village

• 110 Juried Artisans in heated tents • Music and family entertainment • Visits with Santa, Free Elf School, and more • Food, wine and beer • Delicious holiday cookies and treats • Horse-drawn antique carriage rides

November 12, 13, and 14

Fri. 1-7pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-4pm On the grounds of Granger Homestead in Canandaigua

295 North Main Street • (585) 394-1472 • DISCOUNT COUPON: www.grangerhomestead.org In the past year Dan Smalls, a promoter fairly new to the Rochester scene, has brought in high-profile music acts like Vampire Weekend (pictured), Neko Case, and Joan Baez. file photo typically feature a rotating cast of ragamuffins at a party thrown by its own crashers. There’s no set list, no sign-up sheet, and no rules. It is truly an open jam, and the best in town.

— BY FRANK DE BLASE

Best Romantic Melody: RPO’S KENNETH GRANT Romantic melodies tend to fall into the hands of pianists, violinists, cellists, and oboists. But, during the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra performance of the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major on September 30, the clarinet physically rose over the music stand and out came notes as beautiful as if opera diva Kathleen Battle was rising into place among the woodwinds. On October 21, during the RPO performance of Stravinsky’s Petrouchka, there was the clarinet again, this time all over its range and texture in some combination of Renee Fleming, and Andrea Bocelli. The man behind the reeds? RPO Principal Clarinetist Kenneth Grant.

“The human voice is the ultimate music expression,” Grant says. “I pick up this instrument — this little stick — and I think, How do I make it sound like a voice? How do I draw people in?” Grant has performed with the RPO since 1987; he graduated from Eastman School of Music and is now an associate professor at the school.

Allow yourself to be romanced by Grant and his instrument at the upcoming RPO performances on November 18 & 20, including the clarinet solo at the opening of Sibelius Symphony No. 1 and throughout the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18 in c-minor. For more information visit rpo.org.

— BY PALOMA CAPANNA

Best Musical Import: DAN SMALLS The economy sucks. Unemployment is at its highest since the Great Depression. And yet on a handful of nights there is reason to celebrate. There’s a new music promoter in town. Although present in our area for just more than a year he’s brought in a steady stream of musical favorites. It all began last October with the darling Emmylou Harris

at the Auditorium Theatre, followed by redhaired vixen Neko Case at Harro East. Social activist Joan Baez appeared just last month, and folk hero Arlo Guthrie just last week.

Vampire Weekend arrived a month early for a Halloween preview, and rockers Jukebox the Ghost will return for a second showing next month.

All these acts come at the bequest of Dan Smalls, a talent buyer, concert promoter, and event producer. Although Smalls has been importing music to our area for just more than a year, he has a long resume of concert promotion in the Ithaca and Syracuse areas.

We can’t wait to see — and hear — what bigleague acts he brings in next. Keep up to date at dansmallspresents.com. — BY DALE EVANS

Best Place to Learn About Stogies: HAVANA HOUSE For a while I lived with two guy roommates. And they were manly men, too: commando krav maga students, guitar-playing, knife-twirling, but nonetheless stylish, manly men. This meant spa-night was put on hold until further notice; no Saturday nights steaming our faces and throwing cucumbers on our eyes while conversing about the benefits of oatmeal masks. So, I did what I had to do, and learned to be one of the guys. I found myself being lectured on IPA beers, the importance of appreciating scotch, and how to select and smoke cigars.

On my first visit to Havana House (365 N Washington St., East Rochester, 5860620, havanahouseinc.com), when I knew nothing, the staff was ready to help. The walk-in humidor made of Spanish cedar complements the smell of international tobacco; it’s now one of my favorite smells.

After you select the perfect cigar, Havana has a large room with a flat-screen TV and oversized armchairs. It’s the smoking lounge, and yes, I’ve sat there many times and learned the tricks of poker at Havana’s card table. A good change from sitting at the continues on page 16

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Critics’ Picks continues from page 15

typical bar, Havana House provides the perfect chilled-out environment, no matter how girly you are. — BY CAITLIN SHAPIRO

Best Campaigning: DARIENNE LAKE, KASHA DAVIS, AND PANDORA BOXX People really got into Best of Rochester this year — we nearly doubled the number of votes we got in our 2009 readers’ poll — but arguably nobody got into the spirit of the contest more than three of the finalists in the Best Drag Performer category.

Darienne Lake, Kasha Davis, and Pandora Boxx took the social-networking world by storm and engaged in the most hilarious, good-natured smear campaigns we’ve ever seen. (Ambrosia Salad was presumably too ladylike to engage.) Some choice snippets from the gals’ Facebook accounts: Darienne: “Kasha Davis voted YES on Prop 8 and Pandora Boxx was seen having tickle fights with Eric Massa! For this year’s favorite Drag Queen, vote the right choice, Miss Darienne Lake. I’m Darienne Lake, and I approve this smear campaign.”

(Pandora’s response: “Ha ha ha! You crack me up! Good thing I still keep razor blades in my weave.”)

Pandora: “Vote for Pandora in City Newspaper’s BEST of 2010! Vote for her as Best Drag Queen — all the others nominated are shameless hussies with $2 dresses and low rent attitudes ;-)” Finally, from Kasha: “Darlings, Darienne Lake is fresh out of rehab…and, she is already up to her tricks. She has started a pap smear campaign to ruin my good name. She tells the truth about Pandora and Ambrosia, but with me, ALL LIES! Vote Kasha Davis ‘Best Drag Queen in Rochester.’ Because I love you!”

Local drag queen Pandora Boxx (pictured) and her competitors got out the Best Of vote this year by engaging in hilarious “smear” campaigns. file photo

(Be sure to also check out Kasha’s hilarious YouTube campaign video.)

And that’s just the beginning. There are allegations of murder, brothel running, and perhaps most shocking, cocktail wasting. As one Facebook commenter posted, “The three of you girls are cracking me up. It’s like ‘Dynasty’!

Alexis, Krystle, and Dominique...right here in little ol’ Rochester!” Can there be higher praise? You do the Carringtons, and Rochester, proud with your camp and cattiness. We salute you! — BY ERIC REZSNYAK

Best of Rochester Readers’ Poll Winners!

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