Rochester Eats

I visited Rochester, NY for the first time a few months ago.  Words, nor pictures can describe the countryside of upstate New York.  Well, two words would be Martha Stewart.  We were excited to make the trip for the wedding of friends who fell in love at culinary school. It's fitting, even though my pants no longer, that we ate a ton over the week. Like most cities, Rochester is the home to a few cult favorite foods. We had to try as many as we could.

The rehearsal dinner was a party in the park, complete with a food cart serving Zweigle's famous red hots and white hots.  "Hot" does not mean the dog is spicy, it's Rochester slang for a hotdog.  Did you know this?  I didn't.  White hots are said to have originated in Rochester, and they're white because the meat is uncured and unsmoked, which helps the dog retain its natural white color.  (This was also news to me - apparently I need to get out more.)

Later that night we hit up Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which locals say is the ONLY place you must eat at while visiting Rochester.  The place was packed, but I patiently fought my hunger pangs after hearing that wings, chicken wings, had originated in Buffalo, NY, only a few hours away.  Are we recognizing a theme here?  Help me leave my house.  Anyhoo, I don't even really eat wings, but I had a few, and man, they were delicious.  If ever in the area, I suggest you eat meat (or fish) at the Dino.  Stephen was crazy for his crusted salmon!

And then, and then, it was frozen custard from Abbott's. I think we'd eaten breakfast only an hour earlier, but I ate some anyway. The jury is out - is Abbott's custard is better than our local Nielsen's? The decision may sway to the scenery and feel of upstate New York.  Honestly, Martha Stewart. I couldn't handle it.   Last but not least, we went to Nick Tahou's for the famous Garbage Plate.   I'm gonna be honest. I did not eat this. I'll eat almost anything, but "up to four meats on a plate," combined with mac and cheese, I knew I should pass. Tim inhaled his garbage, and surprisingly, he is still alive today.

So tell me, what must I eat where you live?  I'll bring sweatpants.

xo, stacey

Read more...

Half a Heart in San Francisco.

I lived in San Francisco for a few years in my mid-late twenties.  It was really an important, formative time in my life; I learned a lot about myself, made incredible life-long friends, and most importantly, was able to share the experiences with my best friend, my sister.   I normally visit a few times a year but last year I only went once!  So needless to say, a trip was long overdue.  We had lots of girly time, drinks and snacks, some shopping, some gossip, a free day at the MOMA and more.  I have many fond memories and am often nostalgic about SF, but at the same time, I know I'm in the right place.

Have you ever been?  It truly is an enchanting city with gorgeous views and delicious restaurants.  The biggest tip I could give you?  Go for a walk, get into the neighborhoods.  The Richmond, Mission, NOPA, Hayes Valley, and for a bit of calm, the Presidio.  The main attractions are great, but in all of my travels, I've always had the best time when I strayed from the beaten path.   

What’s your favorite thing to do when on the road, traveling?

(Both photos, at Ocean Beach and the Seward Slides, by Tim Benson.)

Read more...