March 4, 2009 - 7:41am
There's a variety of interesting regional foods available in New York
To a California boy like me, you would never think of New York being a hot spot for regional food. That seems like a Southern thing, not a Yankee thing.
Now that I've lived her a while, I see that I suffered from a profound misconception. The rest of the nation may not know about New York's various delicacies, there there are plenty of specialty items throughout New York.
A TimesUnion.com food blogger started a conversation about NYS regional food, and our own Pok-A-Dot popped up in the conversation. Karen Seward leaves the comment:
Roast Beef on Weck from the Pok-A-Dot in Batavia
White Hot from Pok-A-Dot in Batavia
Pontillo’s Pizza in Batavia (they are now closed :-(
We should note, of course, that Pontillo's in LeRoy remains open and does deliver to Batavia.
Other regional foods mentioned:
- Buffalo: Anchor Bar Buffalo Wings
- Rochester Garbage Plate (Nick Tahoe’s was the 1st and is still the best)
- Utica: Greens Romano (Escarole sautéed in Olive Oil & Garlic, seasoned with Prosciutto, Bread Crumbs, Romano & Hot Peppers).
- Grape pie in Naples, NY.
- Cider donuts - I’ve lived all over the east coast and never saw one till I went to Goolds.
- Plattsburgh and North Country: Michigans (you’ll see these as Coney’s elsewhere, but they are very different from your standard chili dog)
What would you add?
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March 4, 2009 - 8:02am
#1
Shame on you Howard. You've left one of life's most basic staples off the list.
Salt Potatoes
I urge you to drive up to Elba and beg for forgiveness.
In the summer time there is no better meal than anything that includes fresh corn on the cob and salt potatoes, both heavily coated in butter.
March 4, 2009 - 8:23am
#2
Well, I have something to look forward to this summer, then.
While not exactly a regional food, I love the corn from WNY. There's nothing as good produced on any California farm.
March 4, 2009 - 8:26am
#3
OLacys REUBEN SANDWICH WITH HOMEMADE CHIPS AND A PICKLE ON THE SIDE IS A MUST FOR ST PATRICKS DAY.BUT THEN YOU HAVE TO GO TO MC DONALDS ACROSS TOWN TO GET THE SHAMROCK SHAKE.ITS WORTH IT THOUGH!
March 4, 2009 - 8:30am
#4
FOR THOSE PIZZANOS THAT LIKE TRIPE THE CASINO RESTERAUNT IN LEROY ON MILL ST *****.
March 4, 2009 - 2:42pm
#5
We've served Salt Potatoes and Beef on Weck different times when we've had company from out of town. The conversation is pretty much always the same, starting with; "What is this?" (usually with some mild derision in their voice) and ending with; "THIS IS REALLY GOOD!"
Speaking of sweet corn, although I am sure there will be others chiming in for their favorite farm stand, I absolutely love fresh sweet corn and have tried some from every stand I run across and I have to say the best around here is either from a really small place just outside of Stafford on Route 5, just past the park or, if you don't mind a bit of a drive, the farm stand just North of Castile on Route 39. Theirs is all organically grown, seasonal varieties so you can plan on having it for about three months, and best of all, incredibly sweet.
March 4, 2009 - 8:39am
#6
So Joe, Dolly's Sauce at LB Grand or the Casino? I prefer LB Grand but I have friends who swear by the Casino.
March 4, 2009 - 8:44am
#7
NICK TAHOE AND SAM PONTILLO SR. WERE LOCAL LEGENDS AND YOU KNOW IF GOD EATS HES EATING GOOD UP THERE!
March 4, 2009 - 8:50am
#8
ANDREW THE CASINO IS SLIGHTLY BETTER IN MY OPINION BUT LB GRAND DOES A VERY CLOSE SECOND AND CHICKEN CACHATORY AT THE CASINO OR STEAMED CLAMS AWESOME.
March 4, 2009 - 9:15am
#9
Chicken fingers sub from Ficarellas.
March 4, 2009 - 9:22am
#10
I'm a fan of Tully's chicken tenders, and nothing beats an ice cold Genny Light! Oh yeah, Schallers by the lake rocks with a cheeseburg on a hard roll with hot sauce. Always drove there first when flew in from PHX, where I used to live. Comfort food at it's best!
March 4, 2009 - 9:23am
#11
Casino sauce was the best when O'Geens owned it. Lately, not so good. Have to give the edge to Mrs. Piazza at LB.
March 4, 2009 - 9:38am
#12
let us not forget the best prime rib anywhere!! The Red Osier
March 4, 2009 - 9:45am
#13
Here's what ya eat when ya come home to visit:
Dot Beef on Wick, Deluxe Burrito from Joe better than any texmex, Pizza from anywhere (TX has no Pizza), steamed clams, Haddock fish fry, zwiegles hots, Sub from Cookie - where he go, Sporto's Souvlaki, Venison Speidies.
March 4, 2009 - 12:06pm
#14
I WANT TO RETRACT A STATEMENT ABOUT FOOD FROM THE CASINO.IT WAS GREAT WHEN I WAS GROWING UP AND THE OGEENS OWNED IT.I DIDNT REALIZE ITS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT NOW SO I HONESTLY CANT SAY HOW IT IS NOW UNTIL I GO THERE AND TRY IT."SORRY"
March 4, 2009 - 12:26pm
#15
Who owns it now? No more Mokie (sp) or Phil?
March 4, 2009 - 12:52pm
#16
Mokie and Phil retired a couple of years ago. Sold the place to a guy from Batavia. Just not the same.
March 4, 2009 - 2:34pm
#17
See what you started. I couldn't stop thinking about Dolly's sauce and it compelled me to order a meatball sandwich from L.B. for lunch. It was really good!
I agree with the other posters about missing Mokie and Phil. I loved their iceberg lettuce salads with oil and vinegar. Loved the little buzzers on the wall by the booths. We had to drive Mokie and Phil crazy buzzing them for Coke fill ups when we were kids. Cube steak sandwiches were also a big hit there. My Grandfather always raved about the Tripe. I tried it once and didn't much care for it.
I'm quite sure that the new owners use the same sauce recipe -- I think. I tend to like Dolly's sweet sauce better than the Casino's but both are really good.
March 4, 2009 - 2:52pm
#18
I'll probably catch some flak for this but I have to say, the Prime Rib at the Red Osier is an awful lot about the reputation and hype of the place rather than the actual prepared cut of meat itself. I've had better at numerous other places. Don't get me wrong, the food is good but I don't think it's drive an hour or more to eat it good. It certainly not comparable to Ruth Chris - and yes, I have been known to drive to Mississauga or to Pittsburgh for the weekend just to eat there. The closest experience to that around here is the Black and Blue in Pittsford Plaza and even then, it's not quite the same.
March 4, 2009 - 2:56pm
#19
I'm a fan of Beal Street Cafe in Rochester, they make it with a Cajun seasoning.
A fat boy knows good food!
March 4, 2009 - 3:28pm
#20
Here in Batavia I did have a good Ribeye (along with great service) at Larry's Steakhouse, haven't had the prime rib though.
March 4, 2009 - 4:25pm
#21
where are the cider donuts from?
March 4, 2009 - 4:51pm
#22
Dennis;
I can only assume the article is referring to; http://www.goold.com/
Roanoke Apple Farms makes some really good ones too, although they're a little small so you have to eat two or three, or ten. Their apple muffins are incredible as well.
Dan;
I haven't tried Larry's yet but plan on it when my dad is in the area next.
March 7, 2009 - 10:07am
#23
I have two places for some good food at a reasonable price.
Scooters on RT 5. I recommend the Roast Beef Mashed potatoes and gravy. If you ask the waitress nicely for extra taters and gravy they might not charge you.
76 Truckstop on RT 77. If youre gonna take a long trip on the thruway you might stop here first and get the buffet. Even dieters can find some great variety of foods to pick from at a good price. (the restaurant portion maybe called something else then 76 truck stop now).
If your looking for Antiques or some items from the past you might want to stop by A to Z on RT 77.
They have a wide selection of items you cant find easily or without hunting for at many flea markets.
March 7, 2009 - 12:51pm
#24
To each his own.
March 7, 2009 - 1:40pm
#25
You guys have to go to Buckadoos in West Batavia too. Fresh cut french fries and Meatloaf that challenges my moms. Plus you get the old small town diner feeling free of charge. My kids worship the place. Very kid friendly to all you mom and dads out there.
March 8, 2009 - 6:32pm
#26
Yeah, love those apple walnut muffins at Roanoke Apple Farm...I was almost in an accident looking for a dropped piece on my lap!! Gary, you sound like a disgruntled ex-UPS employee and I love getting JC Penny underwear delivered by a 298.5 Lb, sweaty, guy in a brown uniform...
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