Let's just get this right out of the way: The view of downtown Rochester from Hattie's Restaurant at the Strathallan (550 East Avenue) is not to be missed, especially as the sun sets. Standing on the rooftop — a cocktail in hand is optional — and gazing at our fair city as the day ends really does bring out the warm feelings.
Executive Chef Jeremy Nucelli from Char at the Strathallan is also responsible for the menu at Hattie's. The sushi menu is only available Tuesday through Saturday in order to serve seafood at its freshest, but it features a few interesting dishes, like the Lobster Roll ($18) which uses butter-poached lobster, cucumber, and tarragon. The Scallop Ceviche ($19) on Hattie's special sashimi menu combines scallops with avocado, lime, Thai basil, and sea salt. If you're feeling adventurous, the Omakase ($50) is a chef's choice assortment of sashimi and rolls. On days that sushi is not offered, diners can choose from items on a small plates menu, such as the Rock Shrimp Tempura ($15), or Berkshire Pork Belly Steamed Buns ($12) with Korean red pepper paste, green onion, pineapple, and peanuts.
Hattie's hosts "Sunset on Strath," a sunset happy hour, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with live music during the summer. Its cocktail menu and draft beer selection changes seasonally. Something to watch for: Hattie's offers Double Cross vodka on tap. The spirit is a winter wheat vodka that is distilled seven times and served at 23 degrees from the tap, which produces a smooth taste with citrus notes.
Hattie's Restaurant is located on the ninth floor of the Strathallan (550 East Avenue), and is open Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Hattie's serves dinner seven days a week. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by contacting Char at the Strathallan. A private event space is available. 461-5010.
Check out strathallan.com/hatties-restaurant for more information.
Quick bites
Ristorante Lucano (1815 East Avenue) has expanded to add a bar and lounge and additional seating. Visit ristorantelucano.com for more information.
Savor the Finger Lakes will take place on Thursday, September 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Ithaca Farmers Market (545 3rd Street, Ithaca). Attendees can sample regional craft beers and ciders as well as artisanal appetizers from local chefs. The event will also feature more than 30 vendors and live music. All proceeds will go to Healthy Food for All, a non-profit program that makes farm fresh organic produce accessible to 150 families of limited income. More information can be found at savorthefingerlakes.com.
Lovin' Cup Bistro & Brews (300 Park Point Drive) will celebrate its seventh anniversary on Friday, August 28, from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. At least seven local breweries will be sending special beers for the event and live music will rotate between two stages. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary koozie. Visit lovincup.com for more information.
Openings
The 1872 Café (431 West Main Street) has reopened under new management.
Chow Hound is a food and restaurant news column. Do you have a tip? Send it to [email protected].
