Best Ground Round Steak Burger in Rochester: Vic & Irv Refreshments (Sea Breeze)

I think it's pretty obvious by now that I enjoy the entire spectrum of food from the 'street meat' to the fine and since I'm a meat and potatoes kind-of-girl it should also be pretty obvious that a quality burger is near (and dear) to my heart! There's a few places I really enjoy going: Charlie's on Empire Blvd in Webster, Bill Grays when I get that famous hot sauce craving and most recently Five Guys where it was SHOCKING to learn that a chain burger joint could be so amazing! However, there is one special place to whom nobody compares, the Holy Grail of ground round: Vic & Irv Refreshments.

Since 1934, this small local establishment has been cranking out one amazingly juicy burger after another. I've been going there since I was a little girl and still remember hearing stories from my mom about how my grandma would make my grandpa make late-night runs to this joint when she was pregnant- apparently, he never questioned but probably because he got to have a few for himself on the ride home! What makes this place so good? Who knows, but besides the ground round that they use, they've been in the business for a VERY long time so they're well-seasoned and generations upon generations have been following them since their opening. It's pretty interesting that in the midst of the Great Depression that this little nook by the shore took of like wild fire and hasn't stopped since... so, the next time you're in the mood for love (or juicy, beefy goodness) stop down to Sea Breeze and head to Vic & Irv's. Trust me, it's worth it.

taken from official website

taken from official website

Vic & Irv Refreshments

4880 Culver Rd.
Rochester, NY 14622

585-544-7680

open 11am daily

BEST OF ROCHESTER 2010: Is it, or isn't it?

This survey was conducted by the Rochester City Newspaper and I have to admit that I definitely agree with some of the comments. This seems to be a very "closed-minded" list with respect to what Rochester has to offer. Fortunately, there have been some new establishments since this survey was taken so perhaps the 2011 results will be a tad more interesting! For the full list, click here!

Pizza Place

Pontillo's 
Many area locations; pontillospizza.com

Barbecue Restaurant

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

Coffee Shop

Java's Cafe 
16 Gibbs St. 232-4820. javascafe.com.

Cheap Eats

Aladdin's Natural Eatery 
646 Monroe Ave. 442-5000 8 Schoen Place, Pittsford. 264-9000 aladdinsonline.com.

Upscale Restaurant

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

Summertime Sangria Anyone?

Look for plums and nectarines that are ripe but still firm to ensure that they do not become too soft when soaked in the wine. Rinse the fruits well to remove any surface chemicals before slicing them. Use a dry white Rioja or Sauvignon Blanc for the wine.

Ingredients:

• 3 plums, halved, pitted and cut into thin wedges 
• 3 nectarines, halved, pitted and cut into thin wedges 
• 1 can (12 fl. oz.) nectarine nectar 
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur 
• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine  
• Ice cubes as needed 
• 1 bottle (24 fl. oz.) sparkling water, chilled 

Directions:

In a large pitcher, combine the plum wedges, nectarine wedges, nectarine nectar, orange liqueur and wine. Stir well, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours to blend the flavors.

To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and add the wine mixture, dividing evenly. Top off each glass with sparkling water. Serve immediately. Serves 6.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Outdoor Entertaining, by George Dolese (Free Press, 2005).

Ribs, Ribs & More Ribs!

If it's award-winning BBQ ribs you're looking for, Roc City Rib Fest 2011 is on it's last leg today closing at 9:00pm in Ontario Beach Park. Unfortunately, I haven't been lucky enough to taste any of this magnificent smokey splendor; however, I did get close yesterday standing single file in an infinite line for Jacked up BBQ. I have to say that this is an event I will not miss out on next year and I'll be sure to show up early to ensure my spot line. Many patrons who were lucky enough to feast upon this slathered glory did say that it was well worth the wait so perhaps I should gear up my patience for 2012!

Fortunately for those of us who missed out (or can't get enough), BIG RIB BBQ & Blues Fest is taking place Thursday July 14th through Sunday July 17th beginning at 11:30am at Highland Park. This fierce rib competition features live music as well as lunch and dinner provided by BBQ masters from Rochester, Texas, Florida, Chicago, Philly and surprisingly, Canada! Unfortunately, there's no NC on the bill but maybe next year :) Stay tuned for updates!

Pier 45 at the Port: Mediocore and overpriced for dinner, but a great summer cocktail spot!

Excited for Rochester Rib Fest we were handed two free admission tickets from a nice patron only to wait in an endless line for what seemed like eternity for award-winning ribs. Hungry and growing somewhat impatient with the seemingly 60 minute wait, we headed to Pier 45 based on some previous recommendations.

Immediately off of the elevator we entered a Florida-colour themed waterfront restaurant with tangerine and avocado walls, silk drapery, a seemingly well-stocked bar with a relaxed, summertime ambiance. The menu, although diverse, was nothing special yet featured starters, tapas and entrees from "raclette" to pricey cold seafood platters, sliders to lemongrass beef with boston lettuce cups. The entree selection was rather small offering a narrow span of choices and the service was simply okay. According to our waitress, the chef boasts that he is French; he must be speaking only of from where he hails because his menu, his cooking style and his presentation spoke otherwise. There is nothing French about raclette made with home-made potato chips and Gruyere cheese, or Hawai'ian ahi tuna wrongfully paired with crab succotash. The restaurant, though, is rather proud of their award winning ribs which we did not try and while creatively plated, the food was mediocre at best and to be honest, quite overpriced.

That being said, Pier 45 does have positives. The outdoor seating is spacious along a huge deck (well equipped with heaters) and is perfectly located for a prime harbor view. The scenery of the boats and channel is nice, the starter menu is variant and good and the cocktail/bar list was definitely eye-catching. I would not return for dinner, however, but I would definitely return with a group of friends, or with my fiance for some live music, a few drinks and to catch a small snack to share under the sun or better yet under the stars.

Pier 45 at the Port

1000 N River St # 230
Rochester, NY 14612-2178
(585) 865-4500

Facebook Tidbit: This Weekend at Shea's Food Wine & Tap!

The Tip: "Friday at Shea's. Start the holiday weekend out with our FAMOUS FISH FRY or Pan Seared fish, stuffed haddock or paper wrapped fish. ALL NEW light SUMMER MENU!" (Mark Leenhouts, owner)

Thus far, I have only experienced the Sunday brunch at this casual, yet elegant spot on the East End but I have to say that the fare (and the mimosas) were fantastic. Hands down, this is the best brunch spot in our city with extremely reasonable pricing to boot! Their hollondaise sauce was nothing short of a magical mystery, their homefries were perfectly crisp, the eggs cooked just right and that steel cut Irish oatmeal with hazelnut cream and fresh fruit compote is simply to die for!  

Rumor has it that Shea's offers five different HOMEMADE mac & cheese dishes which is made to order. Needless to say, I am very excited about this place and I can't wait to go back for more. They have great weekly specials (see below), a nice wine selection, sheek yet modern elegant decor and offer a contemporary spin uniquely their own on some home-cooked comfort food favorites. I hope to see you all there this weekend at Shea's Food Wine & Tap! 

Shea's Weekly Specials

Tuesday
2 meals for $20
Wednesday
2 for 1 wine and beer at the bar
Thursday
$10.95 Chicken French
Friday
$10.95 Beer Battered Fish Fry
Saturday
Chef's special
Sunday
Brunch breakfast special only $4.95
Dinner- mention the Shea's website and receive $5.00 OFF a bottle of wine with the purchase of 2 dinner entrees! 

Shea's Food Wine & Tap

330 East Avenue  Rochester, NY 14604 

Call for reservations  585-325-6595

Mouthwatering & Healthy: Shrimp & Plum Kebobs

Ingredients

3 tablespoons  canola oil, or toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons  chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon  freshly grated lime zest

3 tablespoons  lime juice

1/2 teaspoon  salt

12   raw shrimp, (8-12 per pound), peeled and deveined

3   jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded and quartered lengthwise

2   plums, pitted and cut into sixths

Equipment: Four 10-inch skewers 

 

Directions

1. Whisk oil, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice and salt in a large bowl. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the mixture in a small bowl to use as dressing. Add shrimp, jalapenos and plums to the remaining marinade; toss to coat.

2. Preheat grill to medium-high.

3. Make 4 kebabs, alternating shrimp, jalapenos and plums evenly among four 10-inch skewers. (Discard the marinade.) Grill the kebabs, turning once, until the shrimp are cooked through, about 8 minutes total. Drizzle with the reserved dressing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 194, Total Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat 4 g, Cholesterol 221 mg, Sodium 446 mg, Carbohydrate 5 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 24 g, Potassium 292 mg. Daily Values: Vitamin C 20%, Iron 20%. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

 

(Compliments of Eating Well)

 

 

100% True Bad-For-You Bliss: The Garbage Plate

Ok, you may be a Rochester native, you may be here for work, college, or to get away from your gorgeous coastal hometown with perfect weather, but in any event you are not a true Rochesterian if you have not fallen in love with the hometown late-night-super-early breakfast special: The Garbage (or Trash) Plate! If you've tried it and hate it, get out! Haha, just kidding :) BUT it is safe to say that if you're a picnic food and burger guy (or gal) and you don't like the occasional plate that you're justifiably and certifiably insane.

As a Rochester native (well, Fairport) I have grown up on these priceless plates of delicious and delightful trash and needless to say, I am regretfully admitting to never having a Tahou's Plate! Therefore, I am not shamefully not a true connoisseur and am calling upon my Rochesterian friends for help! What's your favourite plate? What do you feel makes the perfect plate? Comment below! For me, it's all about the hot sauce... so tell me what you think! And perhaps we can all take a trip to Nick Tahous!

A Taste of Rochester Now An International Food Festival! COMING SOON JUNE 24th & 25th

Great news indeed! Our city's own A Taste of Rochester is now recognized as an International Food Festival! While the vendor and exhibition list is yet to be posted, you can stay up-to-date on the Festival's website for the latest information. A Taste of Rochester is a great way to sample the great variety of local food & fare and is once again featuring local wineries yielding samples upon samples of free vino! Entrance to the Festival is free, but tickets must be purchased for fare-sampling; the Festival is taking place Friday June 24th and Saturday June 25th from 12 noon to 9pm. That being said, bring your friends, some culinary adventure and last but not least your fine foodie palette and come stroll Main Street with me to sample our city!

Raws & Rolls: Plum House

Having recently developed quite the fancy for sashimi and sushi I debate with myself the best place in this city to get it. Being used to the superb freshness only found in the Hawai'ian islands I have admittedly become an ahi snob whom at the slightest fishiest, fibrousness, or rubbery texture runs for the hills. Still a novice, however, I do find solace in the sushi of a few places around here! One of my local favourites being Plum House on Monroe Avenue in the city.

This small, humble and well-serviced little corner is well-stocked with surprisingly fresh cuts of fish and is primarily responsible for my recent regular sashimi consumption. Besides having a nice selection of sashimis, they also offer a large variety of sushi rolls from the most simple to the utmost complex; I, amongst others highly recommend their Dragon Roll. For the weekday lunchers you can get a filling meal for under $9 and should you be pressed to return for work, they are pretty good on timely service not to mention surprising you with a nifty light-up LED bobble in the middle of your dish if you're lucky! In light of the large menu selection, Plum House offers some of the traditional Japanese-American dishes such as beef (and interestingly, chicken) negimaki, suki-yaki and age tofu, all of which I love, but as most things are- are not the healthiest of choices.

Despite the many good days and evenings I have had at Plum House, I have recently experienced the unpleasant. While it may be customary in Japan to eat undercooked meats, including chicken, my last order of a personal favourite- chicken negimaki was most undoubtfully raw in the center. I realized halfway through my meal and unfortunately did not feel well for the next few days. After requesting the remainder of my dish to be placed in the broiler, the waitress nicely offered an entire new order and while this round was more thoroughly cooked, there was a large chunk of plastic wrap cooked with it. We received our bill and noticed that there was a charge for the chicken. After speaking with our waitress about the second issue, she explained that we could only get 10% off of my dish for the misfortune of chef error and looked at us as if we were crazy to suggest that the entire dish be removed. Perhaps that is a cultural difference, but either way we weren't pleased. I cannot think of one restaurant that would not correct those two rather large mistakes as gracefully as possible, especially to regular and nearly daily customers.

That being said, out of the innumerous times I have dined at Plum House I have yet to have more than one bad experience. Perhaps the kitchen was having a bad day, but regardless, I won't let it discourage me from being a regular patron. Their Chiriashi bowl is a bit too convincing and well, when it comes to food I live on the Three Strike Rule!

The Plum House

686 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607-3147
(585) 442-0778