Keep it Local

Eugene de Salignac

~ randyaa ~ Leave a comment

Eugene de Salignac was the official photographer for the NYC Department of Bridges from 1906 to 1934. His collection of photographs was recently uncovered and, as it turns out, de Salignac was a great photographer and his photographs charted the progress of New York growing into a big city. The New Yorker has a slideshow of some of his photos and there was recently an exhibit of his work at the Museum of the City of New York.

I wonder if there was a photographer that charted the progress of Rochester growing into a great city? I wonder if he also charted the progress of Rochester dying into the crime infested nothing it is today?

Chase Cafe

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Chas Building in Rochester NYToday while debating where to go for lunch my good friend Randy T mentioned a place I had never been before. The Chase Cafe. Its on the 2nd floor of the Chase building (pictured) in downtown Rochester. It reminds me of a smaller version of the Bausch & Lomb Cafe. A very nice thing about it was that it was quiet. It was completely out of the way, not very well advertised and practically hidden. Because of all of that, while the eating area was relatively large, there was only maybe 3 or 4 other groups there. The prices were decent too. I had Some sort of Mexican Tilapia with a side of vegitables and mac & cheese and a chocolate chip cookie all for $5.75. I think the Chase Cafe might become a new regular stop.

We’re always trying to figure out where to eat downtown and there’s really not that many good places. Some of our usual stops are:

  • The Pizza Stop – easily the best pizzaria in Rochester
  • Galleria – Chicago style pizza shop which serves wings and subs as well
  • The Stock Exchange – bar & gril
  • Wild Bar & Grill – chinese buffet
  • Dinosaur Barbequeue – A real honky tonk rib joint
  • Grill and Greens – wraps, salads and other sandwhiches (great chicken tenders)
  • Bausch & Lomb Cafe -lots of different food stations
  • Subway – sub shop

If anyone has any other ideas please let us know. We’re always looking for some new ones.

Hit and Run or…

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Hit and RunNot sure what happened I just saw the aftermath. I think this guy might have gotten hit by a car in a hit and run. It all went down at Broad and Exchange in downtown Rochester. In either case the medical personnel didn’t want to move him. Hope he’s ok.

When I got home I grabbed my camera and took Denver for a walk. along the way I caught a few shots of the moon reflecting in the canal. Very beautiful but also very hard to capture.

The Moon Reflected In the Canal

The Red Front

~ randyaa ~ 3 Comments

Front Moving in From the NorthLast week on the way into work I noticed a front moving in from the north. It spread from one end of the horizon to the other and was bright orange. Unfortunately the skyline of Rochester limits visibility quite a bit. As soon as I got to work I headed to the First Federal building. It’s the highest building in Rochester and I figured It would be a great vantage point. I was able to get to the 19th floor easy enough, however once I was there both ends of the elevator hallway were key coded and I could go no further. It’s too bad the restaurant at the top is closed, it would have been a perfect place to take the picture from.

I was able to get this shot over the river. For those of you who don’t know the First Federal building is the tall one on the left with the circular top (which used to be a rotating restaurant).

Peach Margaritas

~ randyaa ~ 6 Comments

Charles’ MargaritaSaturday my friend Charles and I went to lunch at a restaurant in Henrietta that I’d heard of but never been to, Seoul Garden where we had the privilege of paying extra to cook our own food. The food was absolutely excellent and so was the chef. It’s definitely a good destination for lunch with the work crew one of these days.

Emily and LizWe headed downtown after I heard my friend Emily was in town and she and Liz were going out. We met them at the Mex which I’d never been to before. It was a good time and we ended up hitting the Pig and Whistle as well as Monty’s corner.

All being told, a great night. I got to see a bunch of friends that I hadn’t hung out with in quite a while and Charles got to have his peach margarita.

The Universe is wider than our views of it

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Moon over ChurchThis Past Tuesday I was at work much later than usual. In fact this has been happening more often than I’d really like. Normally when I Leave its still very bright outside but lately Its been dusk or even dark by the time I leave. However; This has presented me with some unique opportunities.

I’m pretty sure its well known that I enjoy taking photos. I have been meaning to go downtown after dark or at dusk to get some great shots but have yet to do so because Court Street Bridge and Dinosaur Barbequeonce I get home I like to stay there. This week after work I took a few walks around snapping some shots. I’ll be taking my H5 soon so I can do some long-exposures.

Today I went to Dinosaur Barbeque for dinner with my long time friends Charles and Jason and his new(ish) wife Murray who both happen to be in town this week. It was good to see them both and great to finally meet Murray.

Don't mess with the dead, they have eerie powers

~ randyaa ~ 1 Comment

Spidey

I was walking into the parking garage on my way home tonight when I noticed a whole bunch of these creepy looking spiders setting up some webs right next to the doorway. I have no idea what they are but they look nasty.

Mr Moth

Then I was walking down the stairs to the lower level and noticed this guy just sitting there.

It made me think about how many different insects and other creepy crawlies must be lurking in all the dark corners and crevices of the garage. As soon as I started thinking about that I wanted out! maybe it is time to start riding the bus…