There are times in life that we are down and out, at the end of our rope. At those times it cam be difficult to know where to turn for help. Sometimes people even think the only way they have out of their situation is to kill themselves.
There is help available to help in these dark hours. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE, a program of ABVI-Goodwill has been a hotline since the 1970s (then known only as LIFE LINE) as a support for the community. From a resource for agencies in the community assisting with certain needs to support for mental health crisis, 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is free and confidential and available 24/7/365. It is a non-profit agency that receives the majority of it support from United Way.
What do I mean when I say "agency referrals?" Well, for example, let's say you're having a hard time making ends meet: Money is running low and you need help getting food in the house. You can call 2-1-1/LIFE LINE, provide your zip code, and someone will look up for you the closest food pantries to your area that can assist you. Looking for a depression support group? Trying to find the phone number to that community center down the street? In need of emergency shelter? Not sure who to contact for free legal representation? 2-1-1/LIFE LINE can assist with all these needs and more.
And what exactly do I mean by "mental health crisis?" It's a time when you are overwhelmed and need to talk things out, when you don't know where to turn, maybe even feeling desperate. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is available to assist people who are feeling suicidal and looking to talk out these feelings and hopefully find something to hold on to here. But a person does not need to be suicidal to talk to the telecounselors at 2-1-1/LIFE LINE: If you're distressed, confused, upset, and need someone to talk things over with, the service is available to you.
Crises arise at all hours and sometimes your own therapist, if you have one, may not be available. 2-1-1/LIFE LINE workers are trained phone counselors, but not professional therapists/mental health counselors/other mental health professionals. Please know that despite the wonderful support this service can provide, it is not a substitute for long-term counseling. If you would like to get linked with long-term counseling (including agencies who work on a sliding scale for those for whom money is tight or those whose health insurance - if any - does not cover mental health services), 2-1-1/LIFE LINE can look up agencies that can assist you.
How do you reach 2-1-1/LIFE LINE? The good news is there are several different phone numbers to get through! Those in its service area (Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Livingston, and Cayuga counties) should be able to dial 2-1-1. If for some reason the phone will not dial 2-1-1 (sometimes cell phones don't go through to it), you can also dial locally at (585)275-5151 or toll-free at 1-877-FLNY-211 (1-877-356-9211) or 1-800-310-1160. They do also have the majority of their agency referrals available on their website. Having trouble navigating the website? There is online chat available at times (the hours are not set for chat availability, but in general it is available until 11PM seven days a week).
2-1-1/LIFE LINE prides itself as being "who to call when you don't know who to call." It certainly succeeds on this front. From talking about the struggles you are having to seeking an agency that can provide assistance for free clothing, 2-1-1/LIFE LINE is an integral support to the community.
*If you are in mental health crisis and/or considering suicide, and you are not located in the above New York State counties, there is help available. Please call National Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). It is free and confidential.*
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Berating a Rochester Institution
That's right, this Rochester blogger is berating one of her own. One that she has never directly experienced no less! What gives?
A restaurant that many locals consider to be a Rochester landmark is Nick Tahou's Hots. They are a typical "joint," as my Dad would call it (i.e. nothing fancy, just short of a dive really) made famous by a dish called the Garbage Plate... Really. What is a Garbage Plate? If I am remembering correctly, it is home fries, either 2 hamburgers or 2 hotdogs, cold baked beans out of a can, and assorted other detritus; it has been lauded as great hangover food and also a heart attack on a plate. Yes, this is what made them famous - so much so that there are several other local restaurants that offer "plates," much to the chagrin of Nick Tahou's. Again, I ask - really? This is what makes it? When I hear of people taking their out-of-town relatives or celebrities there, I cringe inwardly that this is the culinary impression of Rochester that they get. "Wow, these people are so backwards they are excited to eat garbage." No, not literally, but you get the point.
When I tell fellow Rochesterians that I have never had a Garbage Plate, I am most frequently met with disbelief dangerously close to shame. "What?!" they marvel, "I thought you'd lived here your whole life!" Well, I have. But what makes you think I am so eager to consume something that so eagerly protects its "garbage" moniker? More to the point, even if this dish was called "Freakin' Awesome Plate," the ingredients alone all slopped together on the same plate, you would have to pay me a helluva lot of money to agree to take a bite, let alone attempt to finish. Call me a hater, but I can't bring myself to try it. Some may call it a Rochester institution. I just call it plain ol' trash.
A restaurant that many locals consider to be a Rochester landmark is Nick Tahou's Hots. They are a typical "joint," as my Dad would call it (i.e. nothing fancy, just short of a dive really) made famous by a dish called the Garbage Plate... Really. What is a Garbage Plate? If I am remembering correctly, it is home fries, either 2 hamburgers or 2 hotdogs, cold baked beans out of a can, and assorted other detritus; it has been lauded as great hangover food and also a heart attack on a plate. Yes, this is what made them famous - so much so that there are several other local restaurants that offer "plates," much to the chagrin of Nick Tahou's. Again, I ask - really? This is what makes it? When I hear of people taking their out-of-town relatives or celebrities there, I cringe inwardly that this is the culinary impression of Rochester that they get. "Wow, these people are so backwards they are excited to eat garbage." No, not literally, but you get the point.
When I tell fellow Rochesterians that I have never had a Garbage Plate, I am most frequently met with disbelief dangerously close to shame. "What?!" they marvel, "I thought you'd lived here your whole life!" Well, I have. But what makes you think I am so eager to consume something that so eagerly protects its "garbage" moniker? More to the point, even if this dish was called "Freakin' Awesome Plate," the ingredients alone all slopped together on the same plate, you would have to pay me a helluva lot of money to agree to take a bite, let alone attempt to finish. Call me a hater, but I can't bring myself to try it. Some may call it a Rochester institution. I just call it plain ol' trash.
Magnolia's Cafe
In the City of Rochester one of the more trendy neighborhoods is the Park Avenue area. There are plenty of cute shops and no shortage of restaurants. Small and unassuming, Magnolia’s Café has a great selection of items using simple ingredients paired just right. In the nicer weather they do also have tables out on the sidewalk.
Magnolia’s menu is comprised of sandwiches (named after local streets), wraps, paninis, soups, salads, and pizzas – however a caveat: Pizzas are only available after 3PM. I was reminded of this on a day when I was really looking forward to their pizza only to learn they wouldn’t be serving it for another couple of hours. Blast! When they are available, however, they are, quite frankly, ginormous. Although they are billed as being one-person servings, you can eat half now and half later – and trust me, I do not eat like a bird at all.
The pizzas are usually my favorite (or were until I was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity), but the soups are great too – and served with crostini made in-house (well, at least toasted in house). I must especially vouch for the tomato-artichoke soup primarily because I normally hate artichoke with a flaming passion – but I can’t taste it in the soup; instead it lends a creamy texture that is just so beyond perfect. The French onion is nothing to sneeze at either. Keep an eye on the Specials Board too: The day listed above when I had to pick something other than pizza I grabbed a special of Emily’s Grilled Cheese, an herb bread grilled with swiss and goat cheese (I don’t know why, but I am a sucker for goat cheese) – which paired perfectly with the tomato-artichoke soup, an upscale version of an old classic.
I must complain that when they are busy they will not seat you or even take your name if your whole party is not there. Although I know it’s not unheard of, personally I think that’s lousy customer service – and who’s to say you couldn’t get at least an extra drink out of me while I wait? When they are slow, I am happy to report that service is usually better. Another complaint for them is there is no parking but on the street; albeit free, I personally am a very nervous Nellie about street parking. It’s really a minor complaint in the scheme of things, I think – especially since with many Park Ave restaurants, parking is decidedly an issue.
They do also have a counter for take-out (no delivery), but as I have no experience with it I can’t comment either way. Same thing with the desserts: Haven’t had them, so I can’t speak to how great or not-so-great they are. Vegetarians rejoice – there are many options for you on the menu. Also if you would like to have a tipple with your food, they do serve wine and beer.
I first went to Magnolia’s when a friend who was much more savvy about what was available in the actual city brought me (I was still living in the suburb where I grew up) but I didn’t grow to truly appreciate it until I lived close enough to it to enjoy a long stroll out there. Definitely a good choice for brunch or lunch. OK, and probably dinner too – but to me the menu screams early or midday meal with their sandwiches and pizzas. Regardless, plenty of options that are sure to please.
Magnolia’s menu is comprised of sandwiches (named after local streets), wraps, paninis, soups, salads, and pizzas – however a caveat: Pizzas are only available after 3PM. I was reminded of this on a day when I was really looking forward to their pizza only to learn they wouldn’t be serving it for another couple of hours. Blast! When they are available, however, they are, quite frankly, ginormous. Although they are billed as being one-person servings, you can eat half now and half later – and trust me, I do not eat like a bird at all.
The pizzas are usually my favorite (or were until I was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity), but the soups are great too – and served with crostini made in-house (well, at least toasted in house). I must especially vouch for the tomato-artichoke soup primarily because I normally hate artichoke with a flaming passion – but I can’t taste it in the soup; instead it lends a creamy texture that is just so beyond perfect. The French onion is nothing to sneeze at either. Keep an eye on the Specials Board too: The day listed above when I had to pick something other than pizza I grabbed a special of Emily’s Grilled Cheese, an herb bread grilled with swiss and goat cheese (I don’t know why, but I am a sucker for goat cheese) – which paired perfectly with the tomato-artichoke soup, an upscale version of an old classic.
I must complain that when they are busy they will not seat you or even take your name if your whole party is not there. Although I know it’s not unheard of, personally I think that’s lousy customer service – and who’s to say you couldn’t get at least an extra drink out of me while I wait? When they are slow, I am happy to report that service is usually better. Another complaint for them is there is no parking but on the street; albeit free, I personally am a very nervous Nellie about street parking. It’s really a minor complaint in the scheme of things, I think – especially since with many Park Ave restaurants, parking is decidedly an issue.
They do also have a counter for take-out (no delivery), but as I have no experience with it I can’t comment either way. Same thing with the desserts: Haven’t had them, so I can’t speak to how great or not-so-great they are. Vegetarians rejoice – there are many options for you on the menu. Also if you would like to have a tipple with your food, they do serve wine and beer.
I first went to Magnolia’s when a friend who was much more savvy about what was available in the actual city brought me (I was still living in the suburb where I grew up) but I didn’t grow to truly appreciate it until I lived close enough to it to enjoy a long stroll out there. Definitely a good choice for brunch or lunch. OK, and probably dinner too – but to me the menu screams early or midday meal with their sandwiches and pizzas. Regardless, plenty of options that are sure to please.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Backtracking to an Intro
In all my excitement to start this blog, I neglecting something rather important: Introducing folks to the Rochester and Finger Lakes region!
Rochester, NY is a small/medium-sized city in western New York (though if we are talking to someone from New York City/Long Island, we may as well just say "Upstate" since it seems you folks designate any region north of Westchester County as "Upstate," amiright?). Formerly known as the Flour City for its flour mills, it is now more commonly called the Flower City for its many nurseries, and also for its famous Lilac Festival in the spring where a plethora of flowers of all kinds are featured in Highland Park. It is the county seat for Monroe County.
In 2008, Rochester had the largest state economy after New York City. Not terribly surprising when we have been birthplace to several national corporations, including Eastman Kodak (lending Rochester its nickname of "Image Capitol of the World"), Xerox (who have since moved their headquarters), Bausch and Lomb, and several others. Plenty of historical figures either started in Rochester or made it their home, and I hope to share some of these fascinating folks with you all.
Famous faces excluded, diversity abounds in Rochester, though admittedly the farther away from the city the population is generally whitewashed. There are people here every shade of the rainbow and a fairly large immigrant population from many countries (leading to many fine restaurants and nifty stores, I might add), though some neighborhoods have a larger concentration of people from certain regions. There is an active and open LGBT population, and Rochester has one of the biggest (maybe by now it is the biggest) concentrations of deaf people in one area, largely due to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, part of Rochester Institute of Technology (which, in fact, is in the suburb of Henrietta).
The crime rate for the city is not great - it's unfortunate that some of us are saddened but not surprised to hear of the latest murder downtown - but it has been improving. And as of 2004, Rochester was rated the friendliest city in America (this according to my social psychology textbook at the time)! I find that an intriguing contradiction myself.
The Finger Lakes region, as one might imagine, refers to the area surrounding the Finger Lakes (shocker, right?). This generally includes Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates Counties, though some do also include Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans Counties to the west, some go east to Cayuga County, and some even stretch into the Southern Tier. Having lived in Monroe County my whole life, I am more familiar with it and therefore will likely write about that region most, but don't be mistaken: places within a short drive of Monroe County will be given their fair share.
Rochester and the Finger Lakes, in my opinion, make for a wonderful study in extremes. The City of Rochester alone paints a broad spectrum, with some areas destitute and decrepit, boarded up and graffitti'd over, the sorts of places where antsy suburbanites lock their car doors, assuming you could get them out there in the first place - then other places that are restored Victorian mansions with beautifully manicured lawns with up-and-coming businesses all within walking distance. Although Rochester is relatively small - especially when compared to places like New York City, Chicago, etc - I hear people who live in Ontario and Wayne Counties, both fairly rural areas, describe it as "the big city;" while I see those areas as "the boonies," they see my neck of the woods as "scary" and "ghetto" despite the fact that it's a nicer neighborhood in the city.
In reality, we are both right. This region has a small amount of hustle-and-bustle, but nothing overwhelming. There are petite sky scrapers and not too far away are stretches of farmland. The grapevines in one sleepy town make the wine sipped by the hipsters in the swankest new place downtown. Museums to feed the mind and manure piles to feed the crops (OK, so that one isn't so poetic).
And yes, it is even lilacs and snowflakes.
Rochester, NY is a small/medium-sized city in western New York (though if we are talking to someone from New York City/Long Island, we may as well just say "Upstate" since it seems you folks designate any region north of Westchester County as "Upstate," amiright?). Formerly known as the Flour City for its flour mills, it is now more commonly called the Flower City for its many nurseries, and also for its famous Lilac Festival in the spring where a plethora of flowers of all kinds are featured in Highland Park. It is the county seat for Monroe County.
In 2008, Rochester had the largest state economy after New York City. Not terribly surprising when we have been birthplace to several national corporations, including Eastman Kodak (lending Rochester its nickname of "Image Capitol of the World"), Xerox (who have since moved their headquarters), Bausch and Lomb, and several others. Plenty of historical figures either started in Rochester or made it their home, and I hope to share some of these fascinating folks with you all.
Famous faces excluded, diversity abounds in Rochester, though admittedly the farther away from the city the population is generally whitewashed. There are people here every shade of the rainbow and a fairly large immigrant population from many countries (leading to many fine restaurants and nifty stores, I might add), though some neighborhoods have a larger concentration of people from certain regions. There is an active and open LGBT population, and Rochester has one of the biggest (maybe by now it is the biggest) concentrations of deaf people in one area, largely due to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, part of Rochester Institute of Technology (which, in fact, is in the suburb of Henrietta).
The crime rate for the city is not great - it's unfortunate that some of us are saddened but not surprised to hear of the latest murder downtown - but it has been improving. And as of 2004, Rochester was rated the friendliest city in America (this according to my social psychology textbook at the time)! I find that an intriguing contradiction myself.
The Finger Lakes region, as one might imagine, refers to the area surrounding the Finger Lakes (shocker, right?). This generally includes Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, and Yates Counties, though some do also include Livingston, Genesee, and Orleans Counties to the west, some go east to Cayuga County, and some even stretch into the Southern Tier. Having lived in Monroe County my whole life, I am more familiar with it and therefore will likely write about that region most, but don't be mistaken: places within a short drive of Monroe County will be given their fair share.
Rochester and the Finger Lakes, in my opinion, make for a wonderful study in extremes. The City of Rochester alone paints a broad spectrum, with some areas destitute and decrepit, boarded up and graffitti'd over, the sorts of places where antsy suburbanites lock their car doors, assuming you could get them out there in the first place - then other places that are restored Victorian mansions with beautifully manicured lawns with up-and-coming businesses all within walking distance. Although Rochester is relatively small - especially when compared to places like New York City, Chicago, etc - I hear people who live in Ontario and Wayne Counties, both fairly rural areas, describe it as "the big city;" while I see those areas as "the boonies," they see my neck of the woods as "scary" and "ghetto" despite the fact that it's a nicer neighborhood in the city.
In reality, we are both right. This region has a small amount of hustle-and-bustle, but nothing overwhelming. There are petite sky scrapers and not too far away are stretches of farmland. The grapevines in one sleepy town make the wine sipped by the hipsters in the swankest new place downtown. Museums to feed the mind and manure piles to feed the crops (OK, so that one isn't so poetic).
And yes, it is even lilacs and snowflakes.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Be a Hedonist!
Valentine's Day is fast approaching meaning we can expect more overpriced roses, tacky lingerie, and cheap boxed chocolates than you can shake a stick at. You know, assuming you were inclined to shake sticks at things.
What's that? You want something fancier? Something that's still budget-friendly, but better quality? Something that helps support the local economy? Well, my dear friends, you are in luck.
Hedonist Artisan Chocolates are among the most fabulous of fabulous chocolates I have had the pleasure to eat - and I am a big fan of chocolate, folks. I first tasted their wares when they were at the South Wedge Farmers' Market - and to sweeten the deal even more, the ladies were just lovely human beings, very friendly. In my opinion, it's one thing to have a good product, but it's so much better if you're a nice person. They even have a blog!
The flavors they had are unusual but never contrary; no matter how unexpected, they somehow match in such a way as to make me think, "And why didn't I know about this before?!" My personal favorite is the lavender truffle, something I thought would taste like someone poured a scented candle on a ball of chocolate but instead was delicious: It was rich and savory with an earthy taste that edged on a pleasant sort of bitter from the cocoa and the flowers. Floral notes not your thing? They do also have truffles from the Keuka Lake wine trail, spiced truffles, drinking chocolates, fruit and nut collections, and various barks.
Not only this, but their chocolates have been earning them national attention as of late. They got a small spot in Country Living in a feature called The Online Farmer's Market. They were also mentioned in Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Unreserved A Chocolate Lover's Buying Guide, so if you like sweets and wine together, know you're in for a treat with these bad boys.
Their chocolates are available several places locally and in the Finger Lakes, including farmers' markets, Hedonist's brick and mortar store, and also online. Hear that, folks? No matter where you live, you can get them right now. What are you waiting for?
Edit: The business is owned by life partners and has been featured in the top ten lesbian Valentine's gift ideas, so I have added the LGBT friendly tag.
In addition to the feature in Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Unreserved, they have been featured in the local newspaper, Democrat and Chronicle with wine pairings, so I have added the wine tag as well.
What's that? You want something fancier? Something that's still budget-friendly, but better quality? Something that helps support the local economy? Well, my dear friends, you are in luck.
Hedonist Artisan Chocolates are among the most fabulous of fabulous chocolates I have had the pleasure to eat - and I am a big fan of chocolate, folks. I first tasted their wares when they were at the South Wedge Farmers' Market - and to sweeten the deal even more, the ladies were just lovely human beings, very friendly. In my opinion, it's one thing to have a good product, but it's so much better if you're a nice person. They even have a blog!
The flavors they had are unusual but never contrary; no matter how unexpected, they somehow match in such a way as to make me think, "And why didn't I know about this before?!" My personal favorite is the lavender truffle, something I thought would taste like someone poured a scented candle on a ball of chocolate but instead was delicious: It was rich and savory with an earthy taste that edged on a pleasant sort of bitter from the cocoa and the flowers. Floral notes not your thing? They do also have truffles from the Keuka Lake wine trail, spiced truffles, drinking chocolates, fruit and nut collections, and various barks.
Not only this, but their chocolates have been earning them national attention as of late. They got a small spot in Country Living in a feature called The Online Farmer's Market. They were also mentioned in Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Unreserved A Chocolate Lover's Buying Guide, so if you like sweets and wine together, know you're in for a treat with these bad boys.
Their chocolates are available several places locally and in the Finger Lakes, including farmers' markets, Hedonist's brick and mortar store, and also online. Hear that, folks? No matter where you live, you can get them right now. What are you waiting for?
Edit: The business is owned by life partners and has been featured in the top ten lesbian Valentine's gift ideas, so I have added the LGBT friendly tag.
In addition to the feature in Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Unreserved, they have been featured in the local newspaper, Democrat and Chronicle with wine pairings, so I have added the wine tag as well.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Rochesterian a Contestant on Reality Competition!
Last night I tuned in to one of my new favorite guilty pleasures, RuPaul's Drag Race, a competition "for the next drag superstar" entering its second season on Logo (channel 438). Lo and behold, a Rochester drag queen is competing! Meet Miss Pandora Boxx:
According to Pandora's website, RuPaul said of her in People "She’s quite the dichotomy, because she’s young and vivacious but she’s also part of old world drag aesthetic. She’s very smart and knows her pop culture." So far we have only seen some of this, but hey, last night was only the first episode. The show website further describes Pandora as "this season's funny girl" and "a real contender for the top prize." We did see Pandora help a less experienced queen learn how to use a sewing machine - good sports(wo)manship, Pandora! And did you know that in November 2009 she was voted by City Newspaper, the alternative news magazine for the area, as Best Drag Queen in their annual Best of Rochester awards?
As an aside, Pandora also has a blog of her own; while some of it is pop culture references and self-promoting (including for a show she did called The Lipstick Massacre that I missed and would love to see when it comes to GeVa's Theatre's NextStage), there are also a few posts on politics and various causes. I say good for her for taking a risk in discussing something important to her as an entertainer on a largely lighthearted blog.
Every Monday at Tilt, one of the gay nightclubs in downtown Rochester, they are having a viewing party to watch the latest episode (the episode starts at 9PM, but feel free to show up early). Drop in and meet Pandora - and all the other fabulous ladies. Don't get Logo and can't make it to Tilt? VH1 replays the episodes Tuesdays at 9PM. As for me, Monday nights I will be at home with my knitting and Loverman rooting for the hometown girl!
According to Pandora's website, RuPaul said of her in People "She’s quite the dichotomy, because she’s young and vivacious but she’s also part of old world drag aesthetic. She’s very smart and knows her pop culture." So far we have only seen some of this, but hey, last night was only the first episode. The show website further describes Pandora as "this season's funny girl" and "a real contender for the top prize." We did see Pandora help a less experienced queen learn how to use a sewing machine - good sports(wo)manship, Pandora! And did you know that in November 2009 she was voted by City Newspaper, the alternative news magazine for the area, as Best Drag Queen in their annual Best of Rochester awards?
As an aside, Pandora also has a blog of her own; while some of it is pop culture references and self-promoting (including for a show she did called The Lipstick Massacre that I missed and would love to see when it comes to GeVa's Theatre's NextStage), there are also a few posts on politics and various causes. I say good for her for taking a risk in discussing something important to her as an entertainer on a largely lighthearted blog.
Every Monday at Tilt, one of the gay nightclubs in downtown Rochester, they are having a viewing party to watch the latest episode (the episode starts at 9PM, but feel free to show up early). Drop in and meet Pandora - and all the other fabulous ladies. Don't get Logo and can't make it to Tilt? VH1 replays the episodes Tuesdays at 9PM. As for me, Monday nights I will be at home with my knitting and Loverman rooting for the hometown girl!
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