In the small town where I’m from, there are still a lot of people who refuse to go into the city. These are the same people who think that living in the city means that we have to deal with piss soaked sidewalks, gangs, muggings, and stolen cars. Well, the truth is, not everyone in the city is going to beat you up for your lunch money or try to sell you drugs. There’s always that stigma to living in a city. There’s always going to be a negative to everything, but once you take your time and really try to give it a chance, I promise you, you’re going to see a side of the city life you’ve never known existed.

Rochester is no booming metropolis, by any means. We’re a cold rust-belt city where the people can be every bit as salty as the roads in mid January. We love our garbage plates, cringe when we here the word ‘Kodak’, and call a foot of snow a ‘dusting’. We can’t be compared to cities like Seattle, New York, or Chicago, that would be like comparing Leadbelly to Chopin. Both great in their own right, but should never be named in the same sentence.

This weekend, Michelle and I took it upon ourselves to experience what makes our fair city great. Though we barely scraped the tip of it, we were still able to find a great time no matter where we went. My friend, Jesse and I started off at Mark’s Texas Hots. I know I shouldn’t even consider one with Crohn’s, but I had to have a plate. It’s one of Rochester’s favorites. Greasy, meaty, and as blue collar as the pipe fitter sitting across the table. I don’t care what your diet is. I don’t care if you’ve made it your goal in life to only eat the healthiest food you can get your hands on, you will eat a plate when in Rochester. Don’t worry about what it is, just ask for a plate at whatever local restaurant you’re at. They have it.

Roller Derby is taking the world by storm, and there’s no way we’re being left out of this one! There’s nothing like a bunch of gritty, pissed of women racing around a small oval with fire in their eyes and the taste of blood in their tongues! If there’s any sport that fits Rochester, I would have to say, it’s Roller Derby

Earlier that morning, it was all about getting my hands on something from a local farm. Woke up early and found myself at the Public Market. Though the majority of what they’re selling at this point of the year is far from local, you can still find lots of great local meat. I ended up with an organic chicken from Shannon Brook Farm. out of Watkins Glen, NY. It’s going to be grilled this week.

The night was rounded out at Beale Street Cafe right around the corner from our house. No complaints…

Breakfast at Highland diner rounded out our weekend of supporting local. The best part was it didn’t cost any more than it would have cost if we had spent all of our money at a local chain, but it was spent locally. That’s what sustainable community is all about. Some people might call me strange because I’ll go out of my way to stay local, but in all reality, it’s a lot more fun. I’m supporting people and businesses I believe in, and it’s all done on my own terms, not on the terms thought up in a board room at the TGI Friday’s headquarters. This is Community at its best…