Rochester Food Marathon (Part 1 of 2)
If there’s anyone out there reading this who’s a fan of the YouTube Channel “Sortedfood”, this post might look a little familiar. That channel is made up of a group of friends who, among other things, have coined the idea of the “food marathon” – attempting to eat 26.2 dishes in 24 hours across famous cities like London and Dubai. I thought, “why not create the same thing in Rochester?”
This list covers breakfasts and lunches you might want to eat across the neighborhoods of Rochester. Everything is $15 or under, so hopefully you won’t break the bank at any of these places (although I still wouldn’t recommend trying to do it in less than 24 hours, both for the sake of your wallet and your stomach). Keep an eye out for part two next month, where I’ll be discussing places to get dinners, desserts, and maybe some late-night snacks!
1) The Snug, Ugly Duck ($5) (this is 0.1 of the 0.2 in the marathon)
This is one of my favorite coffee places in all of Rochester, and the Snug is their signature drink. A tiny cup of espresso, steamed milk, and molasses bitters, it strikes the perfect balance between bitter and sweet.
2) Kouign-Amann, Melo Kitchen ($3.50)
This is a pastry that I had previously only heard about on the Great British Bake Off. Layered, croissant-like dough, brushed with butter and sprinkled with sugar, it is a delicious, sticky, sweet pastry that is sure to start any day off right.
(The picture is of this treat with one of their coffees – a cortado)
3) Cereal-infused Waffle, Morgan’s Cereal Bar ($11)
This is maybe one of the best ideas anyone has ever come up with. A light fluffy waffle, mixed with any cereal you could possibly think of – Honeycomb, Fruity Pebbles, Captain Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, on and on. It’s the dream of the 5-year old inside of all of us.
4) Pierogis, Cherry’s European, Rochester Public Market ($6)
I eat these year-round, and it’s one of the best bargains I’ve found in Rochester. Twelve pillow-y pierogis with onions and sour cream piled high, this is a solid breakfast or lunch that will keep you full for hours.
5) Cinnamon Sugar Donut, Duke’s Donuts, Rochester public Market ($1)
And speaking of the best bargains in Rochester, you cannot beat Duke’s. Their donuts are only a dollar, always fresh and warm, melt in your mouth, and just the right amount of sweet.
6) Fried Egg Caprese Crumpet, CRUMPETS ($7)
Imagine the best breakfast sandwich you’ve ever had. Now, wouldn’t that be better if it was on a soft, puffy, crumpet? Smothered in pesto and topped with mozzarella and tomato, this sandwich is so simple yet so tasty.
7) Banana Brûlée Oatmeal, the Village Armory ($7.50)
If you’ve ever had bananas foster, you know that delicious caramel-like topping you get covering the bananas. Now transfer that to the top of a bowl of creamy oatmeal, and you get a delicious and filling breakfast that is unique and fun to eat.
8) Bulgogi Sandwich, Brooks Landing Diner ($8)
Brooks Landing Diner fuses classic diner food with Korean flavors in a fusion that is just incredible. This beef sandwich is the perfect example – a Korean cooking method and sauce in an all-American dish. Hearty and different.
9) Yellow Thai Curry with Beef, SEA Restaurant ($12)
This is an excellent dish for anyone who likes a lot of complexity in their meals, and a bit of spice without being overpowering. It’s got potatoes, onions, an absolutely delicious broth, and fluffy white rice. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, I highly recommend.
10) The Pair, ROAM Café ($15)
One meatball. One arancini ball. One delicious Italian appetizer. ‘Nuff said.
11) Beef-A-Miel with Cheese, Amiel’s ($5.30)
Amiel’s sandwiches are a great end to any day, or a great lunch to power you through a long afternoon. They are absolutely stacked with meat, their cheese sauce compliments it perfectly, and…that’s it. Great meat, great cheese, great buns. What else could you need?
12) Honey Butter Chicken and Biscuits, Old Stone Tavern ($13)
This is the pinnacle of comfort food. Old Stone’s biscuits are fluffy and when topped with fried chicken and drenched in luxurious honey butter, you cannot find a more satisfying bite (or at least I haven’t in the past five years).
13) Rochester Roll, Plum House ($7.50)
With this town as its namesake, this is a roll you won’t easily find anywhere else. Delicious crab meat with a spicy sauce, topped with crispy red tobiko, any sushi lover will appreciate this local special.