Eat up

It's been a couple of years since we shared our extensive expertise in lunchtime dining options around here. It's time for an update! Aside from the disappointment of the poutine fans at the closing of Vive, we're happy to say that most of our fave lunch spots continue to delight us and several other options have come along that are worth trying. So without further ado, our food reporters would like to offer some new recommendations.

"Branca Midtown serves fresh and hand-crafted Italian food that makes you feel good. Authentic Italian Cuisine and True Neapolitan Pizza, in the heart of Rochester. The prime rib panino is an excellent choice, prepared with provolone, caramelized onion, horseradish, giardiniera, and crema. Delizioso!"

"The menu at City Grill highlights the use of a wood oven. Wood-fired French onion soup has the expected caramelized onions and topping of toasted bread and melted cheese and the Italian Pizza has a thin, foldable crust, with just the right number of leopard-like char spots on the bottom. It’s spread sparingly with tomato sauce and topped with tasty meatball chunks, strips of red onion, sliced fresh tomatoes, and a blend of five cheeses."

“From sushi, Chinese, Indian, American, salads, and comfort food, the East Avenue Wegmans offers a plethora of choice at most any time of day. Amore Italian Restaurant is next door, serving great food and wine in true Italian tradition, using the freshest seasonal ingredients for meals you won’t soon forget."

And one other tip: there's a possibility that it will stop snowing by next week, and if it does, you should take the opportunity to venture out at lunchtime to any of the wonderful local restaurants participating in the inaugural Eat Up Rochester, running April 23-April 29, and enjoy $10 lunch specials. Taking part will be some of our old favorites such as Aunt Rosie's and new favorites such as Branca Midtown.

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Check out our current display, Legal Humor Then & Now. Thumb through the New Yorker Book of Lawyer Cartoons, admire our prized bobbleheads, learn about the common law origins of the infield fly rule ..... you might just find something to make you smile.