Having a restaurant in Canandaigua can be tricky, depending on locals and tourists for all four seasons is something that most merchants describe as a full time challenge. However, focusing on the locals, seems to be paying off for Eric Zimmerman. His restaurant Eric’s Office in Canandaigua has been feeding residents since 1974. Since owning it in March of 1997 Eric’s turned the small lunch house into a full service restaurant with lunch and dinner, and added catering for special events. The place has a bar and a dining room, where you can find a happy crowd on any given night.
The staff of Eric’s Office follow the owner’s line of thinking and appreciate the business they have. They also feel very fortunate and are humbled about it. When asked what sets his business apart Eric says that he tries to keep a local feel or touch. He gets involved in sponsorships with local schools and organizations, such as Canandaigua Academy, St. Mary’s Church, and more. He also believes in giving back to the community that supports his business.
Eric is from Canandaigua, went to school in Ithaca, and his former jobs include marketing, working at Roseland Park, Pontilla’s Pizza, Canandaigua Lady, and also being the food and beverage director at Bristol Harbour.
Why have a business here? “Can’t beat the small town feel,” he says. “People get together to help each other here. And where else can you enjoy all four seasons?”
When visiting the restaurant, you may see Eric’s father Jerry, Eric’s wife Emily, and his daughter Grace. The staff is also very friendly and is considered family as well.
P.S. I recommend the crab cakes, and it’s the best place for turkey burgers.
An amazing, exhilirating experience! I went on Bristol Mountain’s Fall Sky rides and couldn’t believe how different everything looks from hundreds of feet above. Fall is the perfect time to see the amazing colors that these Finger Lakes mountains can bring.
Leaf peepers from Canada, the Finger Lakes, and all around the east coast come to this area to see the splendid changing leaves backdrop, and feel the crisp cool air. While you’re visiting, stop by some wineries and enjoy the fruits of their labors, and visit some favorite Canandaigua shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Fall activities are abundant this weekend in Canandaigua. The annual Fall Into Canandaigua Festival is happening October 3rd in Downtown Canandaigua from 10 am to 4pm. See the area’s largest scarecrow, which will be publicly displayed at the Commons Park, on Main and Coach Streets. The 2009 Giant Scarecrow will take form as a flying witch taking residence at the park.
Festival goers can also vote on their favorite scarecrow during the Scarecrow competition, which is always a treat for all ages. There will also be live music, including a Cigar Box Guitar Showcase, and also a show from the Finger Lakes Jazz Orchestra.
The Kids Korridor will provide fun activities for kids, plus the free wagon rides will be sure to please. I love their pie baking contest, which is also scheduled. Local bakers do make the best pies! If you come early, the Canandaigua Farmer’s Market will still be open for fresh fruits and veggies.
Rheinblick Oktoberfest is new this year, starting Friday October 2nd, running through Sunday the 4rth. German food, beer, including a beer garden and live music. I’ve been to some Oktoberfest in other towns, this one will be promising, the owners of Rheinblick Restaurant, who are organizing this are true Germans and love to stuff their patrons with good hearty food.
And finally, on Saturday, October 3rd, is Canandaigua Wine Walk featuring Finger Lakes Wine tastings in historic Canandaigua. This is a monthly event that features local wineries in different merchants, including shops, restaurants, and art galleries. What’s great about Canandaigua Wine Walk is that you can park your car at one place, pay just $5 bucks for a one time fee (you get to take the glass home too), and sample several different wineries! For this Saturday there will be seven different Finger Lakes wineries, including the recent Governor’s Cup winner Anthony Road. Standing Stone Winery, another well awarded one is also participating, and Lamoreaux Landing, which was featured in Wine Spectator’s magazine. My favorite winery that’s participating is Billsboro winery, who I recently discovered on one my wine tastings trips. Very smooth and easy to drink and pair. Visit their web page at Canandaigua Wine Walk for more info on wineries and locations. -Don Stevens
As often happens with a winery, someone starts with a dream, and for James and Elizabeth Prejean that dream began in California. Jim was born in Carencro, LA and ended up in California the hard way, wounded in a hospital. The USS Cushing, his previous home, was sunk in WWII in the Battle of Guadalcanal and he was severely wounded. After college, he began his career in labor relations. Jim and Elizabeth met on an airplane where Elizabeth worked as a flight attendant and Jim was traveling on business. They married not long after and lived in San Francisco. The short ride from San Francisco to wine country kindled the dream. Jim’s career with American Can took them far away from wine country and brought them eventually to Connecticut in 1974. Jim discovered the Finger Lakes wine industry during business trips to the Finger Lakes and the dream was rekindled. Jim and Elizabeth decided to “retire” to a winery. In 1978, they purchased 53 acres and planted the first 13 in 1979. Traveling from Connecticut on the weekends, they worked the farm for 6 years until, in 1985 they took up permanent residence and built the winery. Prejean winery opened officially in 1986. Sadly, Jim died suddenly in 1989, but he was fortunate enough to see his dream realized. He was quite proud of their accomplishments, and even though he only lived for three years after the winery’s opening, he touched many people.
Elizabeth, their son Tom and his wife Amy along with Winemaker Jim Zimar, Vineyard Manager Todd Saltsman and our friendly, knowledgeable tasting room staff are running the winery now and, hopefully, maintaining Jim Prejean’s passion.
Prejean is planning on bringing to taste the following wines:
07 Chardonnay - unoaked style, lively with fresh citrus flavors
07 Marechal Foch - chocolate & cherry flavors with a dry finish
07 Semi Dry Riesling - floral & apple aromas - good before, with & after dinner.
08 Late Harvest Vignoles - tropical fruit aromas & flavors of peach & pineapple
The first grapes were planted in 1979 with the winery tasting room opening in 1986. Every wine vintage except the 1985 have been made by our Winemaker, Jim Zimar. The winery is opened daily throughout the year except for major holidays.
You can check our web site http://www.prejeanwinery.com
Summer is the time to fire up the grill! Surely everyone has their own favorite spots to light up the charcoals, such as the lakes, your backyard, or even on the patio. However, if you find yourself not having the time to fire it up, or the space, the New York Wine and Culinary Center has great news. Their new Backyard BBQ are every Thursday for summer only. Along with grilled favorites such as pork, chicken, hot dogs, (and more promised), there are delectable sides such as rice and beans, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, and coleslaw. I hear cornbread will be making an appearance as well.
Songs and dancing are also afoot on their recycled outdoor floor (made with real tires and stones). With catchy jazz tunes and memorable classics make every performance a real treat.
Scheduled performers and featured Brews:
July 9, 2009: Soul Express featuring Ithaca Beer Co. July 16, 2009: Todd East featuring Custom BrewCrafters July 23, 2009: Craig Snider featuring Genesee Brewing Co. July 30, 2009: Connie Malone featuring Middle Ages Brewing Co. August 6, 2009: Johnny Bauer featuring Flying Bison Brewing Co. August 13, 2009: Connie Malone featuring Brewery Ommegang August 20, 2009: Todd East featuring Empire Brewing Co. August 27, 2009: Out of the Blue featuring Dundee Brewing Co.
Thursdays in July and August 5-8pm. Cost is $8 for one serving and two sides, or $10 for two servings with two sides. Local brews and wine of course are added to the mix for only $3-$5. For more info visit http://www.nywcc.com or call 585-394-7070
Clear up your calendar, three free events are happening in Downtown Canandaigua this weekend. The first is Summer Art Walk on Friday from 2-9pm, where 13 different galleries and shops will be displaying art. Of course Art is in the eye of the beholder, but great treasures can be found by many local artists. Karen Miller, Judy Soprano, Connie Mauro, and a bunch of Art Openings. Mixed media such as pottery, glass, watercolors, oil, gemstone, and much more. Also worth noting is the grand opening of Nancy Wiley Studio. For more information on Art Walk, which is 2-9pm visit: http://canandaiguaarts.com/
Free Concerts at the Commons also begin Friday Night, around 6:30 pm with Danny and The Rebel Rockers. The Commons is at Main and Coach Streets. The shops are open, along with the galleries and restaurants, so bring a friend.
On Saturday is our annual Car Show 10am to 3pm. See classics and unusual autos from everywhere. The cars will be parked on our sidewalks (the widest in the area) and meet the car owners. This is always a crowd pleaser, so take out your buddies, or your dad. For those who have wives that are uninterested, there are many shops, boutiques, and galleries for her to browse in, so she’ll stay occupied.
We hope to see you at one, two, or all three of these free events happening in Downtown Canandaigua!
Father’s day is fast approaching. What better way to treat dad then to take him to the largest bunch buffet in Canandaigua! Our brunch buffet includes 2 types of scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, crepes Benedict, home fries, fresh fruit, fresh baked muffins and breads, 3 types of lunch wrap crepes, crespalla florentine (a hot ricotta filled manicotti type crepe) grilled vegetables, salad, soup, there is a create your own crepe roll station and we didn’t forget the oatmeal creme brulee! The buffet is $15.99 for adults $10.99 for children 10 and under and three and under are free. Did I mention coffee tea and soda are included in the price! Make your reservations now as we are getting booked fast!
To make a reservation call the Canandaigua location at (585)394-9090
If you celebrate Cinco De Mayo, I suggest you visit Rio Tomatlan Mexican Restaurant, at 5 Beeman Street. The restaurant, which is family owned, does Rafael, the owner, proud. His parents own El Rincon in Sodus, NY. I’m sure family recipes were passed down from generation to generation; from crispy tortilla chips and hand made salsa, to combo dinners. The menu is filled with authentic Mexican cuisine, my favorite is the Enchilada with Mole’ sauce. It is simply delicious.
Of course, the margaritas are yummy, here is a pic of one on the rocks, minus the salt. They also have frozen. It’s amazing to have this Mexican restaurant in Canandaigua, we are truly fortunate. So stop by and say hello this 5th of May. We’ll see you there. http://www.riotomatlan.com
Great fun was afoot at our Merchant’s Night Out 2009, with our merchant meeting at Koozina’s Restaurant, buzzworthy news about Canandaigua, and upcoming news was on the agenda.
What followed was a night out on the town at the NY Wine and Culinary Center. Their open house featured many of downtown’s business entrepreneurs, including new and bright young faces. Kick back and enjoy some photos of your merchants having a ball.
Bright Young Merchants: Dana Abott from Canandaigua Country Club, Amy Fuller from Ryan’s Wine and Spirits and our secretary, Sharon Blanton from Simply Crepes.
