What’s New This Spring 2017 Pt. 1

WHAT’S NEW

 

We’re a little late with this one, but it’s new to us, and maybe you too-  The Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery opened in Bloomfield at the end of 2015, housed in these unique geodesic dome structures.  Owned and operated by local chef Tony Moringello and  his wife Jessica. Their early craft brewing endeavors creating a champagne-infused beer for a charity fundraiser proved so popular they were inspired to open their brewery.  With at least 5 beers always on tap, you’ll always find one you like!  And, no you aren’t having a beer-infused hallucination- the giraffe is a reminder that the buildings were created by the Wizard of Clay, who still shares some of the space.  We’re glad they kept that guy up there-it’s too cool to lose!

 

 

The Rochester Youth Culinary Experience (RYCE) opened recently at the Village Gate in NOTA.  A collaboration between the owners of Selena’s Mexican Restaurant (and part owners of Nox Craft Cocktail Lounge) and the culinary program at East High School. RYCE is a student-run restaurant developed by East High students and offers a fusion of flavors from the Caribbean and South Eastern US.   This is a wonderful program designed to give students experience and training for their future careers, and you are more than welcome to make donations to help them keep going.  But, just as importantly, go there and have a dinner of jerk chicken or ropa viela, two popular dishes on the menu.

 

We know that as you’re trying to catch up on what’s new, your furry companion is sitting right behind you patiently waiting for some play time- or maybe, like my dog, not so patiently, with her leash in her mouth and her tail whacking my leg (it hurts, she’s big!)- so you, and they, will be excited about the upcoming Cobb’s Hill Dog Park.  For both small and big dogs, this pilot program will be free to licensed city dogs and is targeted to be open in late spring for a trial 6 months.

 

A new Asian fusion restaurant, The Mochi Grill has opened at the Village Gate.  The restaurant opened in the former space of Dark Horse Coffee.  They serve lunch and dinner, wine, beer and sake.  Prices are reasonable with combo plates at $9 including an entree, soup and salad.  Salads are made with organic greens and you’ll find traditional Asian options like the Beef Negimaki, Kimchi Dumplings and Edamame, mixed in with American items like mozzarella sticks.

 

Cedar Mediterranean Restaurant opened last fall (sorry, sometimes we miss things!) at the site of the old Village Green Bookstore (which we still miss even after all these years).  This little section of Monroe Ave is becoming a hub of eclectic dining spots with Dogtown, Sea, Han Noodle Bar, and Aladdin’s- Cedar only adds to the flavor of the neighborhood.   With hummus, falafel, shawarma, gyros, and so much more, Cedar is getting great reviews from our friends, who have been happy to find this authentic Lebanese restaurant in this great location.

 

 

Many long time residents were sorry to see Clover Lanes close, but as the saying goes, out of the ashes…Making the best of the situation, and making it an even better situation, the owners of the old bowling alley have created Radio Social.  In Carlson Cowork, which has become another fantastic use of a repurposed factory in Rochester, Radio Social has 2 bowling alleys, a bar,  a menu with a middle eastern flair, an activity area with darts, pool, pingpong and shuffleboard, and an area for live music.   If you’re wondering about the name, “radio” because radios were manufactured in the facility during WWII and “social” because, well, it’s all about about that!  Radio Social is set to open by the end of April.

 

For more of what’s new in food and drink this Spring, click here to read Part 2