Our Enthusiast's Guide to Rochester: Let's EAT

This is the first in a series of things to do, see, and eat in Rochester. TWIL is the enthusiast. I am the arriviste (read "jaded"). You be the judge.

Best “ice cream”: Abbots Frozen Custard – Chocolate almond frozen custard is the crowd favorite.

TWIL says, "Creamy, yummy, better than ice cream."

John says, “Why haven’t I been there?”

Best original burger: Don’s Original. The fries and dogs are delicious, too.

TWIL says, "The fries are greasy and salty and perfect. The charred Zweigle’s dogs couldn’t be better."

John says, “Reminds me of the first fast food burger I had in Auburn at Carrol’s Drive In. But better.”

Lunch on Park Ave: Hogan’s Hideaway (next to Parkleigh)

TWIL says, "Soup and salad in a crunchy atmosphere."

John says, “Do your imitation of Col. Klink. They love that.”

Best Pizza: Pontillo’s

TWIL says, "What can I say... I love it. They do something with the cheese…"

John say, “…Unspeakable things. Yeah, it’s good, traditional pizza, but I don’t know what the hubbub is about.”

Best Pancakes: Perkin’s. Like an IHOP, but better.

TWIL says, "Been eating these since I was a tyke…Ahhh, the silver dollars."

John says, “Breakfast? You have to be awake for that, don’t you?”

Best Italian: Veneto Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta (318 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604, 585- 454-5444)

TWIL says, "This is one of my bro’s favorites. You get atmosphere but the cheese is nothing like Pontillo’s."

John says, “Now this is some good pizza. She doesn’t know flavor. Cheese maybe, but flavor?”

Best Bakery: The Little Bakery

LL says, "The cake is great and even I like the frosting."

John says, “All their baked goods are above average, but it was the buttercream frosting that sold me on their wedding cake.”

Best Elegant Restaurant: 2 Vine Restaurant. A mix of delicious foods - gourmet, fresh ingredients.

LL says, "Very nice, almost like we’re in Boston."

John says, “I notice that we haven’t been here either. I suspect there’s an old flame still burning in the kitchen.”

Best Grocery Store: Wegman’s

LL says, "There’s no place like Weggies… There’s no place like Weggies… There’s no place like Weggies! This is what I miss most from Rochester…well, my family then Wegman’s, I guess. Everything about it is delicious. The bread, the “Swiss chocolate chunk” cookies…I am speechless."

John says, “Please. If it weren’t for Wegman's people would not leave their homes all winter. It is a great grocery store. But I repeat, a grocery store.”

Best BBQ: Dinosaur BBQ

LL says, "Not quite Blue Ribbon, our local fave, but the best in upstate."

John says, “Ditto. But as my friend Tim correctly says, 'It isn't a meal if it doesn't squeal.'”

Best Steak Place: Scotch and Sirloin

LL says, "A Danielson favorite. Wear stretchy pants!"

John says, “You might as well. Everyone else does.”

Next time...Fun (close by), edifying (if not the Grand European Tour), and big (keep your expectations in check) things to do.