RED Holiday Shopping Guide

Well, it’s that time of year again – the holiday shopping season (or the annual cutthroat free-for-all, as some might call it) is upon us! Are you tired of getting Dad the same old tie, or getting Mom her usual knock-off gemstone earrings? Why not step out of the box this year and check out some local RED businesses to find gifts for your loved ones that are both unique and economical!

Stop by A Step Apart clothing store on Park Ave to browse unique fashions and accessories. A Step Apart’s styles closely follow today’s trends, yet do so with the addition of an urban flair. Does your sister have a thing for funky jewelry? Does your Mom need a new (less Mary Poppins-esque) handbag? Do you want to take a break from shopping for others and reward yourself for being so generous? Then A Step Apart is the place for you!

Wondering what you could possibly buy for your crazy poet aunt? Is Dad’s expanding tie collection causing him to look into larger houses? Break the cycle, and hit up Greenwood Books on East Ave to find new and antique books – from classics to cookbooks to travel books to children’s books, Greenwood Books carries the kind of obscure treasures that you wouldn’t find at Barnes and Noble. A book from here would make the perfect thoughtful holiday gift.

Are you dreading going home at the thought of being deafened 24/7 by your 16-year-old brother who has “decided to start a band”? Well, you probably have to get some earplugs to solve that problem, but if you’re wondering what to get him as a gift, look no further than Lakeshore Record Exchange, located on Park Ave! Here you can find CDs, music magazines, vintage records, and all sorts of fun collectable items. Oh no! Did you realize you spent all your money on your sister, your mom, your crazy aunt, and your dad?? No problem! Lakeshore Record Exchange also buys used CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes, so clean out your media collection and get some cash so you can buy your little rockstar-in-the-making brother the gift he deserves.

Sayonara

It's time to pass the torch. It's been real. But, my time at the U of R has expired.

Keep on exploring the city of Rochester, please, I urge you. Take advantage of your time here. Because in reality it's short and sweet. Before you know it, you'll be out in the wild world.

xo

Red Hottie

In Crafty Company

To put it gently, aside from that brief popsicle stick frame stint at sleep-away camp, I am not crafty. However that's not to say that I don't appreciate the artistic inclinations of others. Come on, I am nuts for anything artsy handmade.

It figures that I'm obsessed with Craft Company No. 6 an folk art shop located at 785 University Ave in The Neighborhood of the Arts. It occupies the space of a fabulous spruced up firehouse bedazzled with whimsical jewelry, artwork, and housewares. There's even a thermos in front filled with warm mulled cider.

All during my dorm days, I've dreamed of decorating my humble cinder block walls with the likes of Craft Company No. 6 masterpieces. The dream lives on. It's up to you.

Stay Calm and Curry On

In the whole wide world my weaknesses are few and far between: designer shades, shaggy dogs, gossip blogs, and obviously Indian buffets. What I would give to pile a plate (or three) high with chicken vindaloo, chana masala, paneer palak, basmati rice, and to finish the whole thing off with a bowl of rice pudding!

Lucky for us, the newest addition to the RED family, A Taste of India, located at 3047 West Henrietta Road serves up a mean (i.e. delicious) all-you-can-eat buffet Monday nights and every day of the week for lunch. Drop by for dinner the rest of the week to order whatever your little heart desires from the menu.

Mucho Gusto

Truth be told: Rochester and Italy are not one of the same. Where are the gondola's? How about the Sistine Chapel? Have you caught sight of any of those world class fashion houses lately? Okay, okay enough cynicism. There just so happens to be a slice of Italy that has endured this garbage plate haven, Gusto, located at 277 Alexander Street. 

The menu is the love child of good food and comfort which in terms of offerings means plenty of: pizza, pasta, paninis, soups, salads, and without a doubt, dessert. Furthermore, even gluten-free offerings abound. Stop by on a Tuesday evening  for conversational Italian classes, the perfect accompaniment to any cannoli. Side note confession: Gusto gelato is the stuff dreams are made of. 

Tying Up Some Loose Ends

And I am back from outer space... 

  Face it, summer is fading along with your sun-kissed glow and your right to wear white (bee tee dubs it’s a cardinal rule.)  So it’s back to classes, back to books, back to teachers' dirty looks. Why don’t you just cry me a freakin’ Genesee river?

However, even if you aren’t gung-ho about easing into the whole swing of things, aka forsaking class and homework in exchange for a romp in GVP and a night out on the town, you might as well dress the part. Thank heavens, Thread has got your back. This boutique located at 654 South Avenue, in the artsy South Wedge, has a knack for showcasing independent designers on both the local and national scale. It’s a meeting-ground of the trendy and the hipster sensibility. It’s a funky monkey.

Sew, what are you waiting for? 

Arigato means "Thank you"

"Welcome to Arigato," the friendly host greeted me and my friend, E. "We have an all-you-can-eat Sushi buffet and a hibachi menu." I looked at my friend and grinned. "Hibachi," we said simultaneously. Great minds think alike.
Hibachi.
The food was cooked in an open Japanese-style BBQ in front of the patrons. Here, the chefs are not only responsible for tasty food, they also entertain the guests with humor. Here, playing with your food is not only encouraged, but also a part of your Arigato experience.
After a hard day of shopping, E and I enjoyed watching our food cook in front of us, with sizzling displays of fire (all under control). Our cook was hilarious and our food, once cooked, was delicious beyond words.
Seriously, how did I, who love food a little too much, just find out about this gem on W. Henrietta?
For a college student, however, it might be a bit pricey.
But the show, atmosphere and food made it well worth it.
And besides, who doesn't like hibachi or sushi?
A little something else I picked up, Arigato apparently will put the birthday girl or boy in traditional Japanese clothes. I've never worn Japanese clothing, but I definitely will next March!

XOXO,
RED hottie dos.

Bagel Bin Cafe

I pulled into the parking space, feeling a load of pressure drop from my shoulders. I finally reached my destination.
For the past 30 minutes, I was traversing the in and outs of Monroe County, attempting to find Bagel Bin Cafe in order to pick up gift certificates for this month's Wilson Common Wednesday. I am notorious for easily getting lost and I breathed a sigh of relief as I stepped into this Cafe.
Immediately, I saw a busy crowd hanging around. Some were waiting for their coffee, others were sitting at tables, reading the paper or catching up with an old friend. I liked the serenity of this atmosphere--busy and noisy, but calming. From observing its clients, I noticed that Bagel Bin Cafe is sort of like a haven away from real life where one could relax.
I walked to the counter and asked for the manager. He greeted me politely, with a smile and after inquiring about my business, handed me an envelope containing the gift certificates. The process was smooth--the manager knew what he was doing and the staff looked friendly as they helped customers.
"Good job, Bagel Bin," I thought. I got back into my zipcar (zipcar, BTW, is another RED partner) and checked the time.
"Crap!" I have 10 minutes to get to campus and return my car. Let's hope I don't get lost on the way back.

XOXO,
Notorious R.E.D.

To Kill Two Birds with a Bowl of Noodles

"Rochester every day? What is that?" she asked, sounding slightly out of breath. Whoops. I called during rush hour. "We don't have Rochester every day, sorry." She hung up, leaving me to wonder if I had imagined the student discount the previous time I went to Aja Noodles. Fortunately, my phone had internet access, even if my buddy Sue B. didn't. I checked the RED website (that's http://www.sa.rochester.edu/red/index.php for y'all) and found to my delight that Aja Noodles did indeed have a discount. I called up my friend "Michael" to grab some food off-campus in celebration of the end of finals. Aw man this interview rocks, I thought, I get to release stress by eating off campus to qualify for a sweet job that has "blogging" in the job description.
The food was delicious, as always. Michael and I ate, catching up with our lives. I subtly observed the other people eating in the RED-struant. They all looked happy with the food and service. Who wouldn't? The food was great and the service decent. As I was paying the check, I talked to the manager and asked her a few questions. Apparently, discounts apply for all college students, not just U of R students. And yes, SHE knew what RED was. So who was the employee who picked up the phone and didn't know what Rochester every day was? Maybe they just didn't know that it stood for the acronym RED? Thank goodness for the website! I don't think we students give enough credit to the people who make it possible for us to save money. And not just a little amount. It adds up. Think of all the students who have cars and go out to restaurants, or salons in the city, all under the RED program.
I pondered this thought and left.

Some New Blood (Not in the Twilight sense)

As mentioned in a previous post, I am busting out of the good ole USA for my semester abroad. “What will happen to the RED Hottie?” you inquire apprehensively. Don’t sweat it, cause I got you covered. There’s a new RED Hottie in town and the word on the street is that she likes pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. Hit up her first post (featured above) ‘cause I think it’s stellar. Keep using your RED sticker for discounts in the Roch.

And for now peace out homies. See you in September. xo

Plymouth Rocks

Just before Thanksgiving I quit my diet cold turkey. I did it for the sake of tradition because you can definitely bet your bottom dollar that Squanto wasn't running around counting net carbs. However, since I still value principles of health and sustainability almost as much as the Macy's Day Parade, I opt to shop at Abundance Cooperative for all of my Thanksgiving needs . 

Abundance, located at 62 Marshall Street, is just aisle after aisle of bounty, a cornucopia of natural, tasty, organic groceries. They have your hormone and antibiotic-free turkeys along with wild tofurkeys. They have your cranberries for sauce, pumpkins for pie, spinach for casserole, and potatoes for baking. In my family it is customary for us to go around the table sharing what we are thankful for: holiday re-runs, laughter, health, good company, and delicious food. It is also customary for us to gobble everything in sight. 

Tea For Two and Two for Tea

Annie Hall: Oh really? Well, [La-Tea-Da]!

Alvy Singer: [La-Tea-Da.] If I-if anyone had ever told me that I would be taking out a girl who used expressions like "[La-Tea-Da]"...

Annie Hall: Oh, Alvy, it's not an expression. It's the name of that tea parlor at 258 Alexander.

You dot your "i"s and cross your "t"s. You start your homework weeks before it's due. You are known for being conventional. Yet, on the weekends, every so often you step through the looking glass and into whimsy. Of course La-Tea-Da is your cup of tea. Located in an old Victorian, where each room contributes its own personality: there's the fair Lady Victoria's Parlour, the capricious Alice's party room, and the more comfortably domestic Prince Albert's Parlour. Take a seat before the mismatched tea sets and in your best British accent, ask the "nippie" for a spot of tea and a sandwich, soup, salad, pastry, or dessert. Bedeck yourself with a boa and hat in order to play the part. Although it's not necessary to BYOH (bring your own hat) it grants you a scrumptious dessert on the house. Dress in full Victorian garb, and automatically halve your bill.
Just let the leaves seep before you read or drink.

Use the RED discount for a free scone at brunch or lunch.

Ghoulwill

Girl 1: What are you going to be for Halloween? 

Girl 2: Sarah Palin

Girl 1: So, is that a pre or post Neiman Marcus Palin? 

Halloween looms like the shadow of a grave. It approaches with the bay of the werewolf and the cackle of the witch. It's an excuse for girls to dress like whores and for boys to dress like girls. Costumes are everything. Growing up, my parents never let me buy that prefab costume-in-a-bag, instead favoring creativity. Thus, each year my brother and I would assemble our own home-made award-winning killer costumes.

According to Stace and Clint, this year creative is in.  And  ABVI Goodwill at 376 Jefferson is your muse. As T.I. assures, "you can [be] whatever you like." In October, Goodwill transforms into a Halloween superstore of ghostly proportions. Up front there is the lot of all-inclusive costumes: the princess, the trophy wife, the grim reaper, the jester, the wizard, the cheerleader. In the back and off to the side are the accessories both spooky and regular: the glasses, the devil horns, the butterfly wings, the nuns' habits, the beaded bracelets, and bobby socks. Sift through the middle, the clothes: the wooly sweaters, puffy coats, jumpers, and jeans. Browse the back: the little bit of this and that, the house-wares, the books, the children's games and toys. You can throw it all together, voile, or brace yourself for the alternative, for the trick, and SMELL MY FEET! 

Now Hiring!

Everyone knows that when Paris Hilton coined "that's hot" it was in reference to Rochester Every Day. Yet, in spite of RED's  uber hotness, next semester I have other plans. I'll be traveling and immersing myself into a new language and culture. I'll be testing out new hot spots and cultural locales. 

Hot Stuff, however the point is that I am on the prowl for a new RED hottie: someone who loves to explore, to blog, to work independently, and to create. Consult the job board for more information or shoot me an email. 

XOXO

Spice up your Life

By now I have tasted my share of cuisines. Dim Sum in China Town and homemade ravioli in Little Italy. I frequent aisles of Asian groceries and Russian markets. I let loose on avgolemono and dolmades. All in all I have eaten enough pho to know what's real. But, never have I ever eaten Ethiopian (that is until this past weekend.) 

Abyssinia situated on 80 University Avenue is a jewel of rich Ethiopian authenticity. The atmosphere gives off a relaxed vibe, conducive to conversation. Each order is poured over injera an absorbent sourdough, and you eat with your hands. It's flavorful, earthy, and oh so filling. Thankfully there are plenty of options for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Even when you take all of this into account, it's the spices that make the meal. 

Baby, Ginger, Posh, Sporty, and Scary, "why don't you spice up your life?" 

Hot Study Spot

Welcome back to the Roc and for all of you freshies, welcome to the first of your four glorious years here! This year make sure to push the envelope and explore!

When the PRR doubles as a sweltering sauna and Gleason as a raucous madhouse. When a place in the Great Hall is as coveted as a ticket to Anderson Cooper. When you just aren't feeling Mr. Rhees. Don't even think twice! 

Drag that book bag to Spot Coffee, a converted car dealership down by Eastman at 200 East Ave. With lofty ceilings, long windows, a grandiose fireplace, soft music, and an assortment of antique parlor furniture, Spot emanates a sort of productive coziness. Grab a coffee (they also have all sorts of inventive drink combinations), and a nosh, before kicking back with the laptop to plug out that 10 pager. Note to self: although Spot's free WIFI may be tempting, try to resist stalking everyone and their mother on Facebook and get your work done. 

I Want to Ride my Bicycle

Queen’s “Bicycle Race” is the booming anthem for the City Cycles RED collaboration. Come on, the city of Rochester is blooming and the quad has even beaten out the library in terms of the turnout. On Tuesday, City Cycles, the University’s bicycle lending-program kicks off with a bang with 15 bicycles to borrow. RED is setting up fort with bike maps, promotions, discounts, and coupons galore. A funky band, On Beyond Penguin, will be jamming beside on the green. The bonus of a free bicycle water bottle for the first 250 students surely puts the icing on top of the cake.

Cutie, don’t let those brains rattle around too much, wear a helmet.

Come. Tuesday the 15th from 1 pm to 3 pm on Wilson Quad

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

As the 2007 -2008 school year winds down, the stress builds up. You have exams up to your neck, homework up to your eyeballs, presentations coming out the wazoo, and a Leaning Tower of papers to write. At least the snow melted (it's about time!) How about you pop a non-prescription chill pill, turn on your whale sound cassette tape, and relax.

Pssst... there's a better remedy. I once heard an old wives' tale that painting pottery is the academic anxiety cure all. "Painting pottery?", you say with skepticism, but you don't have to take my word for it; why don't you try it yourself? Sit down at Bisque and Brush at 713 Park Avenue and choose a piece of bisque (not lobster.) Unleash your pent up creativity whether it be through glazing a mug, a bowl, a plate, or even a piggy bank. If you are creatively or artistically inhibited, like many a folk, there are stencils and templates to spark plenty of ideas. What more, the prices are reasonable, covering the cost of: the bisque ware, the glazing, and firing. Within a mere week your masterpieces are ready for pick up.

It's a bit more creative than painting by number, don't you think?

Let's Book It

There is something romantically mystifying about used books, like older more experienced men with hidden pasts. Used books are soft and exude a warm musty odor. But, you say there’s no time because you spend it watching Tila Tequila and procrastinating studying for organic chemistry. Give me a break and make that Hooked on Phonics set worth its buck. Reading is like candy sans calories, candy for the brain that is. Stuff your face: Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, Toni Morrison’s Beloved, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Graham Greene’s A Burnt-Out Case, Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. Sometimes Danielle Steel even hits the spot, guilty-pleasure trashy romance. Pinky swear, I won’t tell.

Greenwood Books, located on 123 East Avenue, is cozy and packed with literature on every topic under the sun. In front, there are classic old postcards and pictures for sale. One thing is for sure, this little shop certainly won’t break the bank, considering each book is priced at only a couple of dollars a piece. Wasn’t it Francis Bacon who said, “Knowledge is power” ?

Now that I think about it, it could have just as easily been that guy from Reading Rainbow.