Food About Town

Chris Lindstrom chats with Ben Turiano and Jarod Thurbur, both from Joe Bean Roasters (@joebeanroasters). They chat about the launch of Tailor Fit Coffee (TailorFitcoffee.com) - their new contract manufacturing service, which aims to provide tailored coffee solutions for local businesses and restaurants. Some local examples were discussed including Hydra Coffeehouse and Pearson's.

Mentions:

joebeanroasters.com - taylorfitcoffee.com - @HydraCoffeeHouse - @ilovepearsonsroc -@moka_energy

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Pauly...

Fairport Restaurant Week is set to kick off from October 17th to 24th, bringing together over 30 restaurants in a collaborative effort to highlight the diverse culinary scene of Fairport.

Christine Montroy, who runs the Fairport Food and Drink (@fairportfoodanddrink) Instagram page, and Andy Chen from Chakara Sushi and Bar (@chakarasushi) chat about the origins of this exciting event. They discuss how the idea sprouted from a casual meal at Andy's restaurant and evolved into a community-focused initiative aimed at revitalizing local businesses affected by recent construction projects.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Great...

Recorded LIVE in front of an audience during The 2025 Rochester Fringe Festival, Pauly joins a panel of fellow Lunchador podcasts Matt Austin & Chris Lindstrom (Lunchador Founders), Emily Hessney-Lynch (It's A Lot), and Mike Huntone (Punches & Popcorn) for a fun-filled hour of ranking banter.

Mentioned in this episode:

Punches & Popcorn

The masters of Couch Potato style Mike Huntone, Jason Bills, and Dr. Dominic D’Amore take a deep dive into the best and worst of martial arts films.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on re...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John

Experience the magic of Elton John like never before with Philadelphia Freedom: A Tribute to Elton John—a youthful, high-energy tribute that’s as fun as it is unforgettable! Led by a dynamic band of next-generation performers, PF delivers a show bursting with vibrant style and soaring harmonies. Whether you're a lifelong fan, or discovering Elton's magic for the first time, this show invites ever...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Dram-o-cracy - Sample four premium, unreleased single barrels from the award-winning Finger Lakes Distilling in this exclusive, insider, tasting experience led by president Brian McKenzie. Set in the Spiegeltent at happy hour, guests will sip, savor, and learn about the whiskey-making process—then cast their vote. The winning whiskey will be laid down and bottled as the official 2026 Fringe Whiskey. Bold spirits, expert guidance, and a Fringe twist: at Dram-o-cracy, every sip—and every v...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Glen Tickle Tries to Be a Person

When comedian Glen Tickle made a list of ways to try to be better at comedy, he realized the list was a combination of personality flaws, bad habits, and neurodiversity. If Glen is going to become a better comedian, he'll have to first become a better person. Which seems hard actually. That list and the ways he has tried to address it have shaped...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Lunatics Lounge, Live

Back for a third year, (585) magazine humorist Taylor Terrance brings the absurd stories from her column to life with Lunatics Lounge, Live. Hear about the antics of family and friends with stories of a prom date gone awry, tales from the waiting room at the birth of her first godson, a Christmas party that got out of hand, and the time she accidentally helped her sister commit a...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: The Roustabouts/Guilt and Mirrors

Love to Laugh? Stuck on Yuks? Crave Sketch Comedy? Then be there when the Roustabouts take the 2025 Fringe Festival and knock it on its ear! The best comedians in town have slaved over a hot stove to concoct a funny, irreverent, and surprise-filled sketch-comedy show that will have you howling at the moon!

Get ready to laugh with "GIRdLes GIRdLes GIRdLes," a brand-new show...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Ground Zero -

Live pro wrestling comes to Rochester's Fringe Festival! Ground Zero and Wild Zero present the first Dunn & Marcos Cup. Rochester has been known for being a tag team town so we're bringing you 10 of the best teams in the area for a tag-team tournament. There will also be other exciting matches on this electric card. WWE superstar and Rochester native Colin Delaney, GZ champion CJ Settles, King of...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Comedy On Deck: Well Seasoned - There are lots of Rochester comedians, but only one married comedy couple. As comics of a certain age (mid-50s), Lisa and Scott Fybush produce Comedy On Deckshows in their back yard every summer. To many younger comics, they're the local "comedy mom and dad," and they're real-life parents of two young adults. Their comedy shows have been fan favorites at past Fringe fests. This year, for t...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Lunchador Podcast-a-Rama

Join the hosts of the Lunchador Podcast Network for a fun, fast-paced dive into the world of podcasting! Our hosts will be selected into a few different random panels and given a topic to improvise a short show on the spot. If you like funny, thought-provoking conversation about arts, culture, food, and all the great things Rochester has to offer, this is the show for you!

Venue...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: The Aquatic Enigma

This new documentary rips the lid off mysterious sightings. Many Many Mysteries and the National Cryptid Council investigate the truth behind the watery coverup shocking Monroe County. Ace historical librarian Elaine Googleman, Aussie Cyptopaleontologist Billie Byron, and Dr. Anton Ambrose, PhD, MA, BFD, a leading expert in nessiteras rhombopterx research, join real-life eye-witnesses to probe fact versus fiction. Think you can handle the truth? Join hard-hitting host Richard...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: The Painter is an energetic performance of dance, art and raw emotion. Artist Corinne Yancone paints live as talented local dancers unite to interpret her story through contemporary and jazz movement. This performance highlights Corinne's painting journey as it aligns with important milestones in her life including marriage, grief and raising her children. The Painter dances through her world with her heart on her sleeve, paint brush in hand, and portrays life's most fra...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Check the episode out on Just Can't Not or Lunchador.org

https://just-cant-not.captivate.fm/episode/rochester-fringe-preview-the-velvet-noose

Guest: The Velvet Noose is highly stylized, avant-garde physical poetry. A multidisciplinary troupe, well-regarded in its unique approach to storytelling. For each Fringe Fest, themes rooted in Ancient Greek literature are explored to therapeutic tenacity, resulting in story that is felt viscerally, as their display spans the entire range of the human experience...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Check the episode out on Just Can't Not or Lunchador.org

https://just-cant-not.captivate.fm/episode/rochester-fringe-preview-drag-clown

Guest: Drag + Clown - Six fierce drag performers collide with the world of clown in this outrageous, high-energy fringe spectacle! Expect big wigs, bigger noses, slapstick glamour, chaotic beauty, and emotional depth as these queens, kings, and in-betweens push the limits of drag and clowning. Hilarious, unpredictable, and heartbreakingly human — this is drag li...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Check the episode out on Just Can't Not or Lunchador.org!

https://just-cant-not.captivate.fm/episode/rochester-fringe-preview-widow

Guest: Widow - How do you mourn the love of a lifetime lost? And is it possible to share the experience while caught in grief's riptide? Cup-A-Jo Productions founder and artistic director Joanna Lowe stands on the epicenter of heartbreak in this deeply personal, autobiographical one-woman show. Through an absorbing and thoughtful mix...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Check the episode out on Just Can't Not or Lunchador.org

https://just-cant-not.captivate.fm/episode/rochester-fringe-preview-nerds-in-a-basement

Guest: Nerds in a Basement

DnD meets improv where a dungeon master guides improvisors through a one of a kind adventure. The world is brought to life on stage before your eyes, completely unscripted. The audience helps build a character's quest and setting. With unique and memorable non-player characters, creatures, and...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Allison's Angry Girl Era and All the Stories Behind the Songs

Teenage Allison had a lot of feelings. And to no musician's surprise, the combined forces of stupid boys and untreated depression resulted in an entire album's worth of angry and sad songs, all targeted at the offender. Now in her thirties, Allison takes a musical walk down memory lane and shares the back story of the songs that have followed...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: The Erie Canal was all the new rage, way before California’s New Age! To celebrate its 200th anniversary, The Biscuit Brothers—Rochester’s time-travelin’ buskers—bring you a side-splitting, foot-stomping, hand-clapping original take on the Erie Canal! Prophets and phantoms. Charlatans and scallywags. Sixty cents a day. Love songs with canal themes. A national landmark. All done with only one reference to Sal. All made possible with clawhammer banjo that doubles as time machi...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Check out the episode on Just Can't Not or Lunchador.org!

https://just-cant-not.captivate.fm/episode/rochester-fringe-preview-the-heroic-enthusiasts-a-synthonic-illumination

Guest: The Heroic Enthusiasts - A Synthonic Illumination

Get ready for a sonic journey that will leave you buzzing! International recording artists The Heroic Enthusiasts are set to electrify Fringe with their dynamic, genre-bending sound. These captivating musicians masterfully blend cinematic synth-pop and electronica-infused anthems, all powered by soaring vocals, driving...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Check the episode out on Just Can't Not or Lunchador.org

https://just-cant-not.captivate.fm/episode/rochester-fringe-preview-dinner-where-everything-goes-wrong

Guest: Aaron Metras - Dinner Where Everything Goes Wrong and other shows at Salina's.

During a run of the mill evening at at a local a restaurant, things take an unexpected turn. From the moment you sit down, you will sense that something is not quite right. As dinner continues you...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Obsessive Comedy Disorder - Kevin is one of five kids, a veteran, and has OCD. Join the battle inside his brain: a silly life, a crazy family, and the truth of a misunderstood disorder. This show resonates with anyone anxious or obsessive and those suffering in silence. Audiences call it "a masterful balance of humor and vulnerability" that they "can't stop talking about."

Venue: Photo City Music Hall: Photo City Music...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Bipolarcoaster -Are people born on the mental health spectrum, or is the mental health spectrum thrust upon them? A sobering (yet highly comedic!) journey of reckoning with the responsibilities of living with bipolar disorder, this personal narrative by Amanda Andrews comes to life with original music by Kyle Lacy.

Venue: The Rose Room - Ticketed

Time: 9/20 @ 3pm

Show Link: https://rochesterfringe.com/tickets-and-shows/bipolarcoaster

Check...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Lady Spectra - Lady Spectra is an enigmatic independent musician known for her retro-futuristic style. She creates music that blends '80s synthpop and synthwave with elements of disco. Her goal is to produce music that resonates with people's souls, combining influences from the past with a vision for the future

Venue: Photo City Music Hall: Photo City Music Hall - Front Stage - Ticket...

This episode is part of the Lunchador partnership with the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival (@rochesterfringe) to preview events you might not know about!

Guest: Silver Rein (@silverreinmusic)

Venue: The Spirit Room - Ticketed

Time: 9/11 @ 8:15pm, 9/12 @ 7pm

Show Link: https://rochesterfringe.com/tickets-and-shows/silver-rein-a-goth-folk-music-experience

Check out RochesterFringe.com for all the events and get the app to able to find events on the fly when you visit.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave...

In this episode, Lunchador Co-Founder Chris Lindstrom (@stromie) interviews Erica Fee, the CEO and producer of the Rochester Fringe Festival!

The Rochester Fringe Festival, heralded as New York State's largest multidisciplinary performing arts festival, serves as a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. The festival, taking place from September 9th to 20th, features an impressive array of nearly 650 performances, with approximately a quarter offered free of charge, making it accessible for all to enjoy.

Mentions:

rochesterfringe.com - Three Heads Brewing (@three_heads_brewing) - Fee Brothers (@feebrothersofficial) - Gary Craig...

This episode features guest Gene Olczak from Karma Sauce (@karmasauce)! The main focus of their conversation revolves around the intricacies of developing unique hot sauces, including the balance of flavors, sourcing ingredients, and the challenges of scaling production. The episode also touches on the influence of various cultural flavors and the art of creating sauces that respect those traditions while still being innovative. As they taste through some of Karma Sauce’s offerings, Chris and Gene share insights on the sensory experiences of heat and flavor, providing a rich understanding of what goes into making a great hot sauce.

Chris Lindstrom hosts a discussion on the Food About Town podcast that dives deep into the evolution of PlantiePops (@plantiepops), a business that focuses on vegan options in Rochester and beyond!

Check out their vegan tasting event event at Balsam Bagels on August 9th from 2pm - 4pm. Get your tickets at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/plantiepops/1796361 or find the link on plantiepops.com!

He talks with guests Jason and Stefanie Schwingle about their journey from their original venture, The Rochesteriat, to their current iteration, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and plant-based living. The...

Check out the upcoming Glorious Garlic Festival (@gloriousgarlicfestival) being held at the Geneva Lakefront on August 2nd and 3rd. Chris chats with Brud Holland (@flxmaker), the chef at Fox Run Vineyards, who shares insights about his Sunday cooking demo at the festival, where he’ll showcase a creative dish featuring local ingredients like blue corn and organic chickpeas. They explore the importance of using fresh, local products in cooking and how these choices enhance flavors, making food not just nutritious but also a delightful experience.

References:

gloriousgarlicfestival.com - foxrunvineyards.com (@foxrunvineyards) - senecagreenandbean.com (@se...

Chris Lindstrom hosts the Food About Town podcast, diving into the vibrant world of culinary experiences centered around the Glorious Garlic Festival (@gloriousgarlicfestival). The episode features Christin Ortiz, who is set to lead a food demonstration Sunday August 3rd showcasing roasted garlic gnocchi topped with fresh pesto. Ortiz emphasizes the importance of approachability in cooking, aiming to inspire attendees to explore new flavors and cooking techniques while fostering a love for food in their everyday lives.

Links referenced in this episode:

gloriousgarlicfestival.com - rochesterbrainery.com (@rocbrainery) - nykitchen.com (@_nykitchen) - senoritagordita.com

Chris Lindstrom hosts a deep dive into the upcoming Glorious Garlic Festival (@gloriousgarlicfestival) happening at the Geneva Lakefront on August 2nd and 3rd. Chris and Reagan Burns discuss the festival's new features, including a family zone and VIP tent, aimed at enhancing visitor experience. Regan shares insights on taking over the festival and her passion for garlic, emphasizing the diversity of vendors and the fresh, local produce available.

Mentions

gloriousgarlicfestival.com - Fox Run Vineyards (@foxrunvineyards) - Three Brothers (@3broswine) - Point of the Bluff (@concertsatpointofthebluff)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe...

Chris Lindstrom hosts the team from the Sager-Stoneyard Pub including Jim Zobel from Doughboyz! This episode revolves around the collaboration between Sager Beer Works and Stoneyard Brewing, highlighting how partnerships just might be the future of brew pubs!

Listeners are introduced to Paul Guaracini and his journey in brewing, along with Oz from Stoneyard, who brings his unique brewing style to the mix, and Jim from Doughboyz with the pizza and technically challenging chicken wings that were a delight.

We also touch on the upcoming dinner between DeWolf Brewing and the team which will be...

Chris Lindstrom (@stromie) hosts a captivating discussion about the vibrant food and beer scene in Rochester, particularly focusing on the upcoming Rails and Ales festival. Otto Vondrak (@roc_otto), the marketing manager for the Rochester and Genesee Valley Railroad (@rocrealtrains) and create of the Rochester Beer Blog (@rocbeerblog), joins the conversation to share insights about the festival, the railroad museum, and the importance of supporting local breweries. They delve into the intricate relationship between the railroad and the food industry, showcasing how railroads transport essential ingredients for local products like pasta and Cool Whip. The episode highlights the camaraderie...

Note from Chris (@stromie) - this was intended to be an episode with short interviews with all of the vendors mentioned recorded live at the Lilac Festival (@rochesterlilacfestival), but unfortunately, technical issues are preventing these from being listenable.

Instead, I am bringing you some highlights from my discussions with these fascinating people with the hope that you can go visit them either today or tomorrow at the Lilac Festival or at other events and their establishments.

Apologies to all of the vendors for the issues and I look forward to doing full interviews with you...

This episode of Just Can't Not features Chris Lindstrom (@stromie) chatting with Magnus (@magnusapollo) to learn about the interactive art he created for the 2025 Lilac Festival (@rochesterlilacfestival)!

This project has everything - a photo scavenger hunt of animal art around the park, a giant Magnus along the entrance, laser artwork on rocks, and more! This project is so Magnus and we are all excited to go check it out. Visit the Lilac Festival - it is open today through Sunday May 18th. Enjoy it!

Mentions:

rocwalk.com - Seneca Park Zoo (@senecaparkzoo)

The Rochester Lilac Festival (@rochesterlilacfestival), a celebrated institution marking the commencement of spring and the festival season, is ready to kick off on Friday May 9th! This year, the festival commemorates 127 years of tradition, having evolved from a modest gathering into a grand ten-day event that attracts over half a million visitors.

Guests can expect diverse attractions, including an enhanced VIP experience, a farmer's market featuring local vendors, and a lineup of musical performances that resonates across genres. And don't forget about the food and drink options! The festival not only showcases the exquisite beauty of lilacs...

This episode of the Food About Town podcast features guests Matthew and Oliver from the One Drink Podcast (@onedrinkroc), who join Chris in discussing their gas station snack favorites in a tournament to crown the best snack on the go! They explore the nostalgia tied to snacks encountered on road trips and late-night adventures, emphasizing how these experiences shape our choices at gas stations. Throughout, they reflect on both the good and the questionable options available, shedding light on the unique charm that gas station snacks hold for many.

Mentions:

Welcome to a VERY SPECIAL crossover podcast episode between @FoodAboutTownPodcast / @LunchadorPodcasts and the sister shows That Sounds Terrific in the 585 (@soundsterrific) and That Sounds Terrifying (@thatsoundsterrifying) hosted by Christine Green (@chrissygreenny), Nick Koziol (@kozioln), and Jess DiCotas (@rocjessy)!

The crew talks about the origin of each of their shows, the challenges of being positive, the importance of genuine engagement, where they explore how storytelling can bridge gaps between diverse perspectives and promote community building. Each host brings their distinct flair to the table and celebrate the creative endeavors that make the 585 special!

Links

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The episode commences with an introduction to a special event, celebrating the ten-year retrospective of Explore Rochester at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. The host expresses gratitude towards Steve Carter and Justin Doucet for their involvement and the opportunity to conduct nearly fifty-five interviews, capturing the essence of Rochester through the perspectives of various contributors. Each interviewee shares their insights and experiences relating to their photographic contributions, reflecting on the evolution of the city over the past decade. Key themes include the significance of community, the artistic vibrancy of Rochester, and the role of individual contributions to the city's...

This episode of FAT Bites was recorded on-site during March Magnus (@magnusapollo) at Made On State in the heart of Rochester. Chris chats with John Ballou (@jackbearstamps), an artist and curator of the Mini Mystery Art Machine (@minimysteryartmachine).

Chris and John reflect on personal experiences, making it clear that community engagement is not just about the events, but the connections forged along the way. They chat about trips that don't measure up and how to keep expectations better balanced. Mentions of cool Toronto spots also included!

Mentions:

Made On State (@madeonstate) - Ali's...