FESTIVAL: Roc City Rib Fest

 

Somehow I've missed the first three years of this new Rochester tradition, so this time I was ready for the fourth annual Roc City Rib Fest.  The four day event at Ontario Beach Park started Friday and wraps up on Memorial Day.  The first sign that this is a popular event was the situation in the parking lot!  Cars circling, darting, and stalking festival goers on their way out.  Finally, an empty spot.  Next: paying for the $5 (and very reasonable) entrance ticket - luckily there were no lines for this and we got right in.  That would be the end of not having to wait!  After circling the major food vendors, we decided to try "Alex's Place", a BBQ joint from Batavia.  They won the best ribs award last year, so we figured we couldn't go wrong.  The only down side - they had the longest line (as you can see above).

It took more than 30 minutes from the time my friend and I hopped in line to when we got our food.  Yeah, it's a long time to wait, but what else would I be doing?  Got a chance to talk, catch up, and listen to live music.  In the end, it was worth the wait.  As you can see above, I got a pulled pork sandwich with a cornbread muffin, and a quarter rack of ribs.  Absolutely delicious!  The sauce was amazing, and the meat was tender - the ribs fell right off the bone. 

 

Despite being full from the ribs and pork, you can't go to Charlotte and not get Abbott's frozen custard.  Luckily, they had a tent within the festival grounds - preventing having to wait in more lines at their shop across the street.  And, yes, I'm boring and got plain old vanilla.  It was the perfect end to a fun afternoon by the lake.  And better yet, a portion of the proceeds is donated to four local resources: the Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, the YMCA's Invest in Youth Campaign, and the Charlotte Community Association.  I'm already looking forward to next year!  For more information on the Roc City Rib Festival, click HERE.

FOOD: Pattaya Thai Restaurant

Looking for a good Thai restaurant in the Rochester area?  I highly recommend "Pattaya" in Penfield.  The food is great, the portions are large, the prices are extremely reasonable, and the service is excellent.  While I'm no expert on Thai food, I do enjoy it, and have tried similar dishes at Thai restaurants in other cities, including London.  The dishes at Pattaya measure up, and are among the best I've had.

The ingredients always seem fresh, and my meal has always been delivered piping hot from the kitchen.  I typically go on Saturday nights and have never had to wait to be seated - and the food is out in less than 10 minutes.  Prices are very affordable - most dishes are ten dollars or less, and you can easily do a dinner for two for under $25.  My favorite dishes are the Drunken Noodles with chicken (pictured above), and chicken Pad Thai.  If you're a vegetarian, no problem - there is a menu just for you.

If you want to check it out, it's located in a former bank building on Rt. 441 in the Four Corners of Penfield (just east of the intersection of 441 and Five Mile Line Rd.).  There is ample parking in the back, and handicapped spots near the doors.  The restaurant does offer take out, but does not deliver.  For a link to Pattaya's website, click HERE.