289 replies to this topic

[H. du Bois]

I'd asked upthread if there were any decent sushi places in Rochester, but I think the question got lost in the shuffle. And I'm asking for "good" by exacting standards - really fresh. Does it exist?

Will be flying up for a quick visit shortly - not enough time for a restaurant tour, but am entertaining the notion of bringing some Zweigles back with me - all this talk of them has made me nostalgic.

[coquus]

I'd asked upthread if there were any decent sushi places in Rochester, but I think the question got lost in the shuffle.  And I'm asking for "good" by exacting standards - really fresh.  Does it exist?

Will be flying up for a quick visit shortly - not enough time for a restaurant tour, but am entertaining the notion of bringing some Zweigles back with me - all this talk of them has made me nostalgic.

Perhaps no one answered it because there aren't any, at least none on par with average NYC sushi. Why would you want to go out for sushi in Rochester anyhow, entertaining friends? I know that the Korean place I mentioned has a sushi menu, I never seemed to get in on it however. There was a Sushi bar a couple blocks down the street from it about 5 years ago, what was it W. Henrietta, it was average for upstate. I wasn't really impressed, but I didn't get sick either.

[H. du Bois]

I'd asked upthread if there were any decent sushi places in Rochester, but I think the question got lost in the shuffle.  And I'm asking for "good" by exacting standards - really fresh.  Does it exist?

Will be flying up for a quick visit shortly - not enough time for a restaurant tour, but am entertaining the notion of bringing some Zweigles back with me - all this talk of them has made me nostalgic.

Perhaps no one answered it because there aren't any, at least none on par with average NYC sushi. Why would you want to go out for sushi in Rochester anyhow, entertaining friends? I know that the Korean place I mentioned has a sushi menu, I never seemed to get in on it however. There was a Sushi bar a couple blocks down the street from it about 5 years ago, what was it W. Henrietta, it was average for upstate. I wasn't really impressed, but I didn't get sick either.

I was up there for a length of time last year, and after a while, I developed a serious craving for it. No one I know knew of anyplace, so I had to bear up till I got back to town. Was curious for future reference more than anything.

[maggiethecat]

I checked into this thread once again because a biz trip to Rochacha may be in my future.

I second or third the good words about Magnolia. I tripped into it by accident last time I was there and found the people charming and the food first rate.

[brooklyncook]

Sushi: California Rollin in the Village Gate Square.

Hands down, EVERY TIME it's good. I have never, in my life (and we're talking double-digits for visits to CR) had bad sushi there.

Them's some folks who love what they're doing.

[H. du Bois]

brooklyncook Posted Yesterday, 09:36 AM
  Sushi: California Rollin in the Village Gate Square.

Hands down, EVERY TIME it's good. I have never, in my life (and we're talking double-digits for visits to CR) had bad sushi there.

Them's some folks who love what they're doing.

Thank you! Good to know this.

[worldtoughmilkman]

brooklyncook Posted Yesterday, 09:36 AM
  Sushi: California Rollin in the Village Gate Square.

Hands down, EVERY TIME it's good. I have never, in my life (and we're talking double-digits for visits to CR) had bad sushi there.

Them's some folks who love what they're doing.

Thank you! Good to know this.

Try Tasting's for authentic sushi/sashimi. The new sushi chef is Satoshi yamaguchi and he is a total witch. The plates are more composed than traditional roll joints but the fish is top notch and he is really talented.

[GordonCooks]

Sushi: California Rollin in the Village Gate Square.

Hands down, EVERY TIME it's good.  I have never, in my life (and we're talking double-digits for visits to CR) had bad sushi there.

Them's some folks who love what they're doing.

That place always smells like last weeks fish - good fusion style stuff but the fish quality is mediocre (read grocery store sushi at best) for Sashimi and other items.

[GordonCooks]

brooklyncook Posted Yesterday, 09:36 AM
  Sushi: California Rollin in the Village Gate Square.

Hands down, EVERY TIME it's good. I have never, in my life (and we're talking double-digits for visits to CR) had bad sushi there.

Them's some folks who love what they're doing.

Thank you! Good to know this.

Try Tasting's for authentic sushi/sashimi. The new sushi chef is Satoshi yamaguchi and he is a total witch. The plates are more composed than traditional roll joints but the fish is top notch and he is really talented.

Dude, you stole my thunder -

[GordonCooks]

I checked into this thread once again because a biz trip to Rochacha may be in my future.

I second or third the good words about Magnolia. I tripped into it by accident last time I was there and found the people charming and the food first rate.

I'll expect a PM

[H. du Bois]

brooklyncook Posted Yesterday, 09:36 AM
  Sushi: California Rollin in the Village Gate Square.

Hands down, EVERY TIME it's good. I have never, in my life (and we're talking double-digits for visits to CR) had bad sushi there.

Them's some folks who love what they're doing.

Thank you! Good to know this.

Try Tasting's for authentic sushi/sashimi. The new sushi chef is Satoshi yamaguchi and he is a total witch. The plates are more composed than traditional roll joints but the fish is top notch and he is really talented.

Dude, you stole my thunder -

Hey, you both get props for steering me right. Where is this Tastings?

[philadining]

Hey, you both get props for steering me right.    Where is this Tastings?

Attached to the ultimate shrine of Rochester food: the Pittsford Wegmans (3195 Monroe Avenue).

Just keep telling yourself "I'm NOT eating at the supermarket, I'm eating at Tastings!! I'm NOT eating at the supermarket...." and you'll be fine.

[H. du Bois]

Oddly, I might trust Wegman's more than an unknown entity. I'd been to Wegmans in Greece and in Brockport last year, and though they weren't a gourmet's paradise, they did offer some items that I can't live without. I've definitely got to check out Pittsford's "shrine to food."

[coquus]

Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, with Duck Confit Strudel, Baby Carrots, Pomegranate Glaze
The breast was a pretty conventional presentation, but quite tasty, especially with the tart pomegranate sauce. But the exciting part was the strudel.  I'd assumed this would be a "streudel," you know, something bearing some vague structural relation to the inspiration.  But no, this was a pretty straight-ahead streudel, sweet and flaky, pretty good as a dessert, but with shreds of duck leg in it.  And it worked. 

I have to red flag this dish, there is no starch advertized, except the streudel dough, which is a sad excuse for a starch. No, I won't go here, I'm going to Rod-chester tom to visit relatives. Sadly, I probably won't be able to convince the fiance to go spend more money we don't have on food. Anybody want to hook a brother-in-food up, as well as his SO?

[pzjgr]

Sushi...well if you want to travel to Buffalo, a new place opened near the Walden Galleria, Sakura...

Fantastic in my book...although I have never had NYC sushi...but everything is VERY fresh, the tuna is outstanding, had a few rolls, the Philadelphia roll was excellent, a great Spider Roll....

They have a nice "box" lunch...I usually get ths sashimi box...about 8 nice pieces of sashimi, 4 pieces of California roll, a nice light salad with a ginger puree kind of dressing, two pieces of tempura, some japanese marinated vegetables...all for about $12....

I recommend it....

Nothing good about Black and Blue....I just booked their "Board Room" for a corporate dinner I am having with some of our Rochester employees on one of my projects...I heard some good things (D&C Review), and their menu looks great

[coquus]

Sushi...well if you want to travel to Buffalo, a new place opened near the Walden Galleria, Sakura...

Fantastic in my book...although I have never had NYC sushi...but everything is VERY fresh, the tuna is outstanding, had a few rolls, the Philadelphia roll was excellent, a great Spider Roll....

They have a nice "box" lunch...I usually get ths sashimi box...about 8 nice pieces of sashimi, 4 pieces of California roll, a nice light salad with a ginger puree kind of dressing, two pieces of tempura, some japanese marinated vegetables...all for about $12....

I recommend it....

I'll have to check it out, sounds Japanese, I guess that's positive and it's close to the Gall-urea so my girl can get her shop on while I drink some chilled sake.

[coquus]

Bump in case the other thread starter was too lazy to check it out. I have heard good things about the Rio, and it should meet your requirements.

[therese]

Bump in case the other thread starter was too lazy to check it out.  I have heard good things about the Rio, and it should meet your requirements.

I've been called a lot of things, but lazy isn't one of them.

So, yes, I'd already checked out this thread, but didn't necessarily want to hijack it with my plea for farthest upmarket possible.

Do you have a link for Rio? There's something called Rio Bambo, but it doesn't look like what you're talking about.

Max at Eastman Place looks like a possibility.

Sienna Grill & Bar looks pleasant, but not as formal as I'm like.

Restaurant 2 Vine also looks very good, but again, not quite as nosebleedingly impressive as I need.

It may well be that what I'm looking for doesn't exist, in which case I'd appreciate your help deciding among the available options.

[coquus]

Yes, I think Rio Bamba is what I am talking about (almost 100%), I haven't been able to find a link for you, and me.

[sisofdiva2]

Yes, I think Rio Bamba is what I am talking about (almost 100%), I haven't been able to find a link for you, and me.

FYI, the Rio Bamba is now the Bamba Bistro...a more casual take on the Rio Bamba. Pretty good food, but not super fancy.

[Lonnie]

I'll take Rochester over anything Buffalo or Syracuse has to offer. As a native Rochesterian - I'll offer my 2 cents

Dinosaur BarB-B Q is a must -

Might I humbly remind the writer that Dinosaur BBQ started in Syracuse. Was a success there, expanded to Rochester and then to New York City, where it won New York Magazine's "The Great NYC Barbecue Battle." We often travel from Syracuse to Rochester to get away, drink good coffee, and try to find a good meal. If you're looking for great value, there's not much that can beat a Dinosaur meal. Stick around for the dancing whenever Grupo Pagán is there! The dance floor in Rochester is much bigger than in Syracuse, but you absolutely can't beat the vibe in Syracuse. Check out the beer menu while you're at it.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to trying out some of the Rochester suggestions.

Lonnie

[GordonCooks]

I'll take Rochester over anything Buffalo or Syracuse has to offer. As a native Rochesterian - I'll offer my 2 cents

Dinosaur BarB-B Q is a must -

Might I humbly remind the writer that Dinosaur BBQ started in Syracuse. Was a success there, expanded to Rochester and then to New York City, where it won New York Magazine's "The Great NYC Barbecue Battle." We often travel from Syracuse to Rochester to get away, drink good coffee, and try to find a good meal. If you're looking for great value, there's not much that can beat a Dinosaur meal. Stick around for the dancing whenever Grupo Pagán is there! The dance floor in Rochester is much bigger than in Syracuse, but you absolutely can't beat the vibe in Syracuse. Check out the beer menu while you're at it.

In the meantime, I'm looking forward to trying out some of the Rochester suggestions.

Lonnie

I'll retort with when they opened the Roch-cha-cha Dinosaur - They brought Jamie over from Syracuse to cook the the food was superior. Unfortunatley not the case today.

Edited by GordonCooks, 28 September 2006 - 04:51 AM.

[pzjgr]

Well, we had our corporate function Monday evening at Black and Blue, so I thought I'd say a few words...

I noticed no one that I've seen here had much good to say, but I thought it was very good...now, I am not a Hannibal Lecter level epicurean, but I know what tastes good to me, and I was very happy with the experience...

We had "The Boardroom" reserved.....it was a very cozy, pleasant private room that seated our 13 person group very nicely.

The staff seemed very good, very attentive, water glasses constantly kept filled, very helpful, and did a great job...

I started with the Blue Crab Cocktail, and a Pinot Grigio....the crab was excellent in my book, the two Stone Crab claws were small, but sweet and delicious also.....

For the main course I chose the 12oz NY Strip done "blue", a nice rare steak, well seared on the outside, topped with lump blue crab, and I chose the black truffle butter. I really enjoyed it, the steak was delicious, and perfectly trimmed and cooked. The blue crab was a great topper. For a side I chose the seared andouille and pineapple....a very nice contrast between the spicy andouille and sweet pineapple. I had a nice Cabernet with the steak....

Desert I went with the Apple crisp, which was good, but not spectacular...and a nice 20 year old vintage Port to top it all off...

The rest of the crew all had various appetizers, and entree's, and everyone seemed to be very happy with the experience...

Just my $0.02

Edited by pzjgr, 28 September 2006 - 08:47 AM.

[ErinB]

Just had an amazing bulgoki lunch box from Seoul Garden. Some of the best korean I've had in a long time.

I'm working in Rochester for the next few weeks, so I'm going to try a few of the dishes.

[GordonCooks]

Just had an amazing bulgoki lunch box from Seoul Garden.  Some of the best korean I've had in a long time.

I'm working in Rochester for the next few weeks, so I'm going to try a few of the dishes.

There is a (much)better place in the regional market on Jefferson Rd - Korea House!

[SMW]

I just moved to Rochester and haven't explored the local food scene much beyond Wegman's, but we did stumble across Seoul Garden and were very happy with our meal and the service. I'm looking forward to trying Korea House, I love Korean food!

[victornet]

I spent the weekend in Rochester celebrating my 30th U of R reunion. While I must report that Genessee Cream Ale has not improved, and both Smitty's and it's progeny Snuffy's are gone (though it only took visiting 3 Wegmans to find one with some Snuffy's sauce on the shelf :) while rabid, nostalgic U of R alumni were in town), I will affirm all the above positive comments about Tastings at Wegmans. Good food, good wine list and prices way below those I suffer through in NYC. While my delicious short ribs there was not on the level of WD-50 or Craft, for example, it cost $18.00 and I had to take half of it home! Others in my group had the sushi and it was quite good. I'd be a regular there.

I can tell you that while food everywhere 30 years ago paled next to today's options (on the average), Rochester had farther to climb than some cities (many of my friends were waiters so I tasted a lot) and it has excelled.

[Sneakeater]

If Genee Cream ever improved, we'd all complain, right?

[H. du Bois]

I spent the weekend in Rochester celebrating my 30th U of R reunion. While I must report that Genessee Cream Ale has not improved, and both Smitty's and it's progeny Snuffy's are gone ...

You have no idea how much I miss Smitty's. It's been gone many years now, and I still crave it. Some stubborn part of me still hopes that when I go back to visit, it will be there again.

[coquus]

Just had an amazing bulgoki lunch box from Seoul Garden.  Some of the best korean I've had in a long time.

I'm working in Rochester for the next few weeks, so I'm going to try a few of the dishes.

There is a (much)better place in the regional market on Jefferson Rd - Korea House!

Is this the same folks from the Bflo. establishment of the same name? Much?