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.