ROC Anthem

The Garbage Plate. It’s the quintessential staple of Rochester, NY. You know what it is, I know what it is, but not everyone has the privilege of being initiated. For those who may not be aware, it is a glorious assortment of food piled together in a manner that is somehow discordant and harmonious at the same time. It is traditionally composed of macaroni salad, home fries, two cheeseburgers (or hot dogs), meat hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, and onions. Each layer is essential to the dish, however, it can be tailored more specifically to your individual taste. For instance, I never get mustard on mine. Well over half the restaurants in Rochester have at least some sort of variation of the Garbage Plate, but the very first one came from Nick Tahoe Hots way back in 1918. It was originally known as “Hots and Potatoes” however, changed its namesake when Rochester’s heavy population of college students began referring to it as “a plate with all that garbage on it”. Eventually, in 1992 Nick T...

It’s that season again Rochestarians; Genesee’s Ruby Red Kolsch is back! If you don’t know what I’m talking about then wow are you missing out. A grapefruit flavored elixir that touches your lips while simultaneously touching your soul. Doesn’t it sound incredible? Well it is. Trouble is, it’s only available for the seasons of spring and summer! Though, I suppose the limited access is what helps make it so damn desirable isn’t it? Now Ruby Red Kolsch isn’t the lone tasty Genny beverage that’s only available for a limited time. A major portion of the Genesee Brew House business model is built off of seasonal exclusives. They also have Spring Bock, Cran-Orange Kellerbier, Oktoberfest, Honey Brown, and more being concocted every year. There’s no doubt that the expanding variety is one of the major things keeping Genesee beer at the top of sales charts here in Rochester, NY. But what else is doing that? Honestly the largest factor is probably Rochester’s loyalty to the company and the hist...