Explore Rochester

Explore Rochester A new perspective of Rochester, every week. Building community through and .

May all your favorite bands stay together…I started playing guitar at age 9, jamming to punk records and later studying ...
05/30/2026

May all your favorite bands stay together…

I started playing guitar at age 9, jamming to punk records and later studying jazz guitar at Villa Maria College in Buffalo. Before food and beverage, I was a music instructor and played gigs most nights—often for peanuts and free beer. Bartending and performing became two passions I balanced in my life.

In October 2023, we opened Essex, an 800-capacity music hall on University Avenue. Alongside a business partner’s father, I helped build the entire venue in just two months—a challenging but rewarding experience.
Though Essex faced obstacles that forced us to close, it led to an amazing opportunity: reopening one of Rochester’s most beloved music venues, Anthology. Since signing the lease in March 2025, we’ve hosted incredible bands and moments. Few things compare to standing side stage at a sold-out show, feeling the energy of the band and crowd become one. // 6/8

Take the “A” TrainRochester hosts one of the largest jazz-focused music festivals in the world. Let that sink in for a m...
05/29/2026

Take the “A” Train
Rochester hosts one of the largest jazz-focused music festivals in the world. Let that sink in for a moment—in the world. That’s truly something special.

The Rochester International Jazz Festival brings an incredible array of international talent right to our doorstep. From legendary jazz masters to rising stars from across the globe, the festival transforms downtown into a vibrant hub of music and creativity. What strikes me most is how, as a music lover, I can take a leisurely stroll through the city, bump into world-class performances happening on every corner, and soak in an atmosphere that feels electric and intimate all at once.

One of my favorite memories is spotting Charlie Hunter—an absolute guitar legend—sitting in with Eastman School of Music students during Bob Snyder’s famed jazz jams after the official festival programming wrapped up for the day. These moments capture the spirit of the festival: a true celebration of music, mentorship, and community.

Just three years ago, I had the incredible honor of performing at Parcel 5 with Grace Serene and the Super Clean, a funk/pop group I was involved with. Having attended the festival as a fan long before I became a Rochester local, it was surreal to be on that stage. I still vividly remember the roar of the crowd and the power in the rhythm, especially Brendan—our drummer—whose kick drum hit so loudly it seemed to shake the whole stage.

The Rochester International Jazz Festival is more than just a music event—it’s a vital part of our city’s soul, a place where artists and audiences come together to share something unforgettable. If you haven’t experienced it yet, make sure you do. There’s truly nothing like it. // 5/8

Born from BuffaloI love Rochester—this is my city now—but I’m originally from Buffalo, and there are parts of that homet...
05/28/2026

Born from Buffalo
I love Rochester—this is my city now—but I’m originally from Buffalo, and there are parts of that hometown I find myself missing from time to time.

Enter Ziggy’s, a bar named after my grandfather, Zygmund Mikida. Ziggy’s is my way of tipping my hat to all things Buffalo. I partnered with some of my closest friends to create a place where you can belly up to the bar and feel like you belong just as you are.

Over the past three years, Ziggy’s has become a kind of playground for all of us—a place to gather around the round table and dream up elaborate, hair-brained ideas that might have only been a fever dream the night before. It’s where the Bills are always our number one crush and where one drink often turns into a whole night filled with laughter with Pat on the bar, and a few too many mini beers.

Ziggy’s is more than a bar; it’s a piece of home, a community, and a reminder of where I come from. // 4/8

“The people, the place, the plant.”I have been fortunate enough to see a lot of the world—from Asia to Europe, the beach...
05/27/2026

“The people, the place, the plant.”

I have been fortunate enough to see a lot of the world—from Asia to Europe, the beaches in Martinique to glaciers in Alaska—but nothing has ever stayed with me quite like Mexico.

It was the summer I first moved to Rochester when a buddy from Buffalo and I took an industry trip with tequila Fortaleza. You bought your airfare, and they took care of the rest. I vividly remember standing inside Tequila Arette distillery as Eduardo, the owner and now one of my dear friends, describing the process of breaking down the agave plant and distilling tequila and during his explanation, he mentioned the “miel amarga” or “bitter honey” referring to the first thing cooked off the agave plant in the oven. Excited, I whipped out my phone and wrote those words down—BITTER HONEY.
In all my years I’ve never seen hospitality done better than in Mexico. The people there are genuinely excited to share their culture, their land, and their homes. I started visiting multiple times a year, exploring new cities and new states, learning everything I could about mezcal, the cuisine, and that warm hospitality I fell in love with. I even had the opportunity to work at Mezcalogia, a bar in Centro Oaxaca and help out palenques—those small rural distilleries—while preparing to open Bitter Honey.

Today, I see this restaurant as my love letter to the time I’ve spent there and to the incredible people who welcomed me into their world. // 2/8

Ohhhh, The Revelry.The reason I came to Rochester—and in many ways, the reason I stayed. I’ve met so many of you here, m...
05/26/2026

Ohhhh, The Revelry.
The reason I came to Rochester—and in many ways, the reason I stayed. I’ve met so many of you here, made some of my best friends here, and even met my wife here. Just last Friday, I was back behind the bar for the first time in a long while, and it brought back a flood of memories.

I found myself reminiscing about those late nights when we’d stay until 6 a.m.—deep in thought, often with a Fernet in hand—sharing stories, cracking jokes, or having friendly competitions to see who could make the fastest Daiquiri. I can still close my eyes and be that 27-year-old man behind the bar, watching the candlelight dance off guests’ faces in a sea of thirsty visitors. The music was always just a little louder than the conversations, and the Bohemian Rhapsody light show at last call? Everyone packed on top of the bar, belting out, “Mamma mia, mamma mia, let me go.”

By definition, we were Revelry. In those moments, I thought to myself, “I’m here with about 100 people, in the coolest bar in the world.”

LONG LIVE THE REV! // 1/8

Introducing our week 595 (Yr. 12 Wk. 22) contributor: ⠀Howdy Rochester!My name is Zack Mikida. Originally from Buffalo, ...
05/24/2026

Introducing our week 595 (Yr. 12 Wk. 22) contributor:
⠀
Howdy Rochester!
My name is Zack Mikida. Originally from Buffalo, I moved to Rochester in June 2013 to open The Revelry, where I ran the bar program. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed by this vibrant community, and that made it easy to stay and grow here. Over time, we expanded our restaurant footprint, and I became a partner in several SCN Hospitality restaurants, each with its own unique flavor and spirit.

Today, I’m proud to be part of the ownership group behind Bitter Honey, Ziggy’s, Branca, The Revelry, and most recently, Anthology—a 950-capacity music hall on East Avenue that brings live music and excitement to the city.

Being part of Rochester’s evolving hospitality scene has been an incredible journey. I’m excited to spend the week ahead sharing stories, insights, and a glimpse into what this city means to me. I look forward to connecting with all of you and celebrating the energy and creativity that makes Rochester so special.
 ⠀

Music is everything to me, especially Salsa. I am a dancer and without music there would be no dancing. Rochester’s musi...
05/24/2026

Music is everything to me, especially Salsa. I am a dancer and without music there would be no dancing. Rochester’s music and dance scene is a huge part of
who I am at the core and where I learn myself best.

There’s something powerful about seeing your culture take up space so unapologetically.

The music, the dancing, the rhythm, the joy, the family woven into all of it. Watching our flag wave on a stage at something like the last year felt like more than representation – it felt like home showing up loudly and beautifully in the middle of a shared space.

That’s the beauty of it all to me. The way music carries history, pride, connection and identity all at once.

So here’s to perspective. To reflection. To choosing joy and to finding pieces of yourself in places and people around you.

And most importantly to realizing you are never as far from home as you think.

Image of // 8/8

For me there’s nothing like being submerged in nature. Whether its around water or trees, count me in. Nothing calms and...
05/24/2026

For me there’s nothing like being submerged in nature. Whether its around water or trees, count me in. Nothing calms and soothes me more.

Growing up I was blessed to be around nature often. Whether it was hiking a trail, a family cookout at a beach or a day on the boat…I could also count on mother nature to leave me with a full heart and soul.

Some honorable mentions are Canandaigua Lake and the Seabreeze pier. // 7/8

Next up, the one and only .April, the owner has been doing my hair since I was 15 years old. Her love and passion has ne...
05/23/2026

Next up, the one and only .

April, the owner has been doing my hair since I was 15 years old. Her love and passion has never faltered and there’s never been a time where I haven’t left her chair in awe from what she can do with a pair of scissors and from the conversations we’d have.

April has seen me grow in every way possible and I have been blessed with the opportunity to see her grow, expand and always stay true to her passion and craft.

A few years ago, I made the decision to do cut my hair the shortest I’ve ever had with intentions of detaching myself from relying on just my physical form for satisfaction and validation. Needless to say, there was absolutely no one I trusted and would ever trust more to do the honors.

The icing on the cake? April offers more than incredible hair services, she offers one of a kind arts and crafts experiences and FINE LINE TATTOOING? A hairstylist and tattoo artist in one? Yes pleaseeeee. // 6/8

Sodus Point. Another magical childhood staple and tradition I will be forever grateful for.Every summer, a trip to Sodus...
05/22/2026

Sodus Point. Another magical childhood staple and tradition I will be forever grateful for.

Every summer, a trip to Sodus and a reservation for a beach home right on the water was non-negotiable and my mother and step father always made it happen.

It was a place where time truly stood still in the best way for the best reasons. Family dinners, boat rides, fishing ventures, kayaking and falling asleep to the sound of the water…talk about a blessing.

This specific picture means everything to me because it’s of my mother and father, who shortly after I was born made the selfless decision to not force a romantic relationship and instead remain what they always naturally were. Friends. To have them both in a place that meant so much and at the same time is something I’ll cherish forever and if it wasn’t for Sodus this picture wouldn’t exist.

We give thanks. // 5/8

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