Málà Magic: Serving Up Simmering Flavors in College Town
Cuisine Andy Gold Cuisine Andy Gold

Málà Magic: Serving Up Simmering Flavors in College Town

While several more places are opening in the next few months, one new restaurant serving a popular Chinese ‘build-your-own’ dish called ‘Malatang’ is simmering some serious flavors. Mala Magic only recently opened its doors, but there is plenty of excitement coming from anyone who loves personalizing their hot pot with a simmering broth filled with fresh ingredients like broccoli, tofu, corn on the cob, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, quail eggs, lettuce, crab legs, fish, udon, and ramen noodles, and various meats.

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Your Next Chopped Cheese Should Be the ‘ROC’ Chopped Cheese at Starlight on South Ave
Cuisine, Culture Andy Gold Cuisine, Culture Andy Gold

Your Next Chopped Cheese Should Be the ‘ROC’ Chopped Cheese at Starlight on South Ave

While the Chopped Cheese was born in NYC, it’s made its way upstate to delis across cities like Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo. The effects of this pilgrimage have paved the way for a new contender, one that pays homage to the classic sub but adds a new flair and uniqueness, and embraces the culture and heritage of Rochester, New York. It’s called the ROC Chopped Cheese, and it’s being chopped up at Starlight, a market & deli on South Avenue in the South Wedge.

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Raise a Glass to Happy Hour at Farmhouse Table Midtown
Drink, Cuisine Andy Gold Drink, Cuisine Andy Gold

Raise a Glass to Happy Hour at Farmhouse Table Midtown

Farmhouse Table Midtown’s happy hour game is magnificent. It runs from Wednesday to Friday, 5 pm to 8 pm. They feature a robust cocktail menu and serve dishes that bring the farm-to-table quality. If you’re a fan of bourbon, try the Boulevardier, think Negroni, but with bourbon rather than the traditional gin. However, the real star of the show is the Cubano Sliders on the happy hour menu. They are made with roasted and tender pork belly, Dijon mustard, dill pickles, and ham, all packed between fluffy-buttery and slightly crisp buns made in Roc.

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El Sazón Restaurant Brings Good Spanish Eats to the Little Italy Historic District On Lyell Ave
Cuisine Andy Gold Cuisine Andy Gold

El Sazón Restaurant Brings Good Spanish Eats to the Little Italy Historic District On Lyell Ave

Community is still very centric on Lyell Ave. Like most communities, food is the element that brings us together. It shapes our perspectives and shared heritage, and is passed on through the richness of ingredients across generations. In a big way, El Sazón Restaurant does all of these things. The space is ordinary, with tables, chairs, white walls, and a few trash cans that pile up quickly with empty plates and recycled bottles of Goya or cans of Tropi-Cola. However, like the old saying goes, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” In this case, the inside is the heart of the food prepared and served at this subtle eatery.

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Never a Bad Time at Bar Bad Ending
Music, Drink, Cuisine Andy Gold Music, Drink, Cuisine Andy Gold

Never a Bad Time at Bar Bad Ending

In many ways, Bar Bad Ending pays tribute to thirsty night owls and uplifts the fringes of the local music scene. It’s underrated but glorified, it is edgy but warm and welcoming because at its core, it is a community space where members gather over a few drinks, a few laughs, great food, and live to jam the night away.

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Montgomery Court Coffee is Elevating the Scene on Park & Colby
Cuisine, Drink Andy Gold Cuisine, Drink Andy Gold

Montgomery Court Coffee is Elevating the Scene on Park & Colby

Montgomery Court Coffee is flooded with natural light and accented with lush, thoughtfully placed plants that make you want to stay a long while. It’s equal parts cozy and modern, the kind of place where mornings feel intentional. The art and murals on the walls give the space an artistic presence. It is a coffee shop that invites you to stare at the walls every time you visit and you’ll still find something new to explore.

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