Food + Beverage

Food: The Universal Language

Recipes, rituals, and the heart of family Article by Katrina M. Randall Despite differences in culture, geography, and taste, food is a universal experience. It sustains us, but it also brings people together. For this feature, we invited local residents from all walks of life to share personal reflections on how food has shaped their family. What role does food or sharing a meal play in your family life?   “It’s the way I show love. For me it's about compassion, connection, caring. I don’t...

Food + Beverage

Mocktail Mavens: Meet the Innovators Changing How Rochester Drinks

Redefining social drinking, two Rochester women are leading the sober-curious movement with taste and style. Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Roughly two-and-a-half years ago, Sandy Blair put down her glass of wine for good. Like many who choose the sober-curious path, she quickly realized that letting go of alcohol is easier said than done—especially in a world of mommy wine culture, beer bros, and endless happy hours. “I was trying to figure out how to live a sober...

Food + Beverage

Produce to the People

How one urban farm is fighting food insecurity Article by Sarah Keeler | Photography by Volunteers of America When Jason Delooze hauls bundles of microgreens, lettuce, and herbs to a Rochester food pantry each week, he’s delivering more than salad ingredients. For Delooze, program manager of The Farm, the produce shows how urban farming can break cycles of food insecurity. The Farm, run by Volunteers of America (VOA), aims to eliminate barriers to fresh food access for the 91,000 Monroe...

Food + Beverage

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Inside the kitchens and hearts of eateries that have stood the test of time. Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Back in the days of “Cheers,” the theme song promised a bar “where everybody knows your name.” But for restaurant owners, surviving long enough is no small feat. Nearly half of all restaurants close within five years, according to a Restaurant Growth study. But in Rochester, some restaurant owners have not only beaten the odds but thrived for 25 years or more...

Food + Beverage

City List: ROC Style

Discover the flavors, vibes, and venues our city loves most. Article by Staff Rochester is a city that’s thriving with eateries and unique gems to visit. We asked our readership their favorite spots, whether it’s a romantic evening out or happy hour after work. Together with our readers, we’re spotlighting some of the unique gems in Rochester and beyond. If you’ve never tried any of them before, we invite you to discover something new! Best Coffee Shop to Meet Your Bestie Melo Coffee &...

Food + Beverage

ROC Spirits, Sips & Brews

Rochester Made, Globally Celebrated Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Katrina M. Randall; Submitted From backyard distilling to prohibition loop holes, Rochester is home to three beverage-focused brands with national and global reach, proving that great outcomes can be achieved through “small-batch” ideas.  Iron Smoke Distillery: Whiskey and Community For musician Tommy Brunett, owner of Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport, his journey into the beverage world truly started in...

Home + Design

Design Rooted in Story

Behind the Style: How Designers Merge Function, Feeling, and Lifestyle Into Every Space Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Submitted Each space within a home tells a story about the people who live there. Design, layout, and functionality are all elements of style. Whether the inhabitants choose granite or quartz, wood or ceramic, windows allowing light in from the north versus the south, these decisions reflect their lifestyles, priorities, and personality. Even the smallest...

Arts + Culture

Threads of Expression

When Art Becomes Action Article by Katrina M. Randall | Photography by Brandon Vick The last time Chantiza Singh put on a fashion show, it wasn’t until the clothing arrived that she knew her theme—lace. For the Rochester boutique owner and fashionista, this evolution of planning is all a part of the creative process.  “I know it sounds terrible. I plan, but I also let things happen organically, to be creative during this thought process, to not be so rigid and have rules,” Singh says. “I want...

Professional Services

Smile, Styled

Your smile completes any look, but clear aligners help it shine. Our expert explains how. Article by ROC City Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Submitted There’s one detail that completes every look—and it isn’t found on a hanger or in a handbag. It’s your smile. “A confident smile is effortless, timeless,” says Dr. Taylor Squires, a board-certified orthodontist and founder of Squires Orthodontics in Pittsford. “It’s often the detail people remember most.” For many adults, subtle...

Education

Learning Differently, Teaching Differently

How Hope Hall Builds Success One Student at a Time Article by Suzie Wells | Photography by Submitted Everyone learns differently, and that’s not a flaw. Yet many traditional classrooms follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Standardized curriculums, uniform pacing, and rigid lesson plans, sometimes even verbatim instruction, leave little room for variation. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five students has learning and attention issues, and even more need...