So many new restaurants and wine bars on the East Side

Hi Friends,

I spent a lot of time on the West Side while working on the Italian Bakeries project in the early months of the year. In that time span, a slew of new places opened on the East Side.

In Penfield, Guacamole Tacos and Margaritas, The Pizza Shoppe and Capone's Bar & Italian Eatery are some of the newer places to have opened. Guacamole, which originated in East Rochester, now offers a larger menu, a full bar and patio seating. The Pizza Shoppe is the third business for the owner of Merchants Wood Fired Pizza and Bistro and The Pasta Shoppe. And Capone's is an Italian-American restaurant that also has spacious outdoor seating. 

The Village of Fairport, which has become a hopping place for restaurants and nightlife. Among the new places are Main & Vine, Clementine and My Wine and Cheese Bar Too. Main & Vine is a wine bar in the basement of The DeLand House on Main. My Wine and Cheese Bar Too is a wine bar on the canal in Packett's Landing. Clementine is a coffee shop from the owners of Lulu Taqueria and Mezcal.

I recently visited a couple of these places with friends.

At Guacamole, my friends and I shared chips with three dips, and the queso was downright addictive. I ordered a delicious dish called alambre — chorizo, fajita veggies, cheese and pork al pastor all served with black beans and tortillas for making your own tacos. Yum! A mango margarita was the perfect accompaniment. Our group sat at a table on the patio and had a great night. 

At My Wine and Cheese Bar Too, my friend and I shared a couple of tasty appetizers and a decadent slice of chocolate cake. I enjoyed a glass of Italian vermentino and a rosé from Finger Lakes winery Fox Run Vineyards. Good food, good wine, good music, good spot on the canal — it doesn't get much better than that.

That's it for this week. I hope you have a delicious week. Scroll down for more food news.

Tracy Schuhmacher, food, drink and culture reporter

Until next week, keep up on Rochester's food scene by going to our summer food guide, which is updated frequently.

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