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 among local brewers and the evolving craft beer culture, encouraging listeners to embrace the community spirit that defines Rochester's culinary landscape.

Links referenced in this episode:

rochestertrainrides.com - rochesterbeerblog.wordpress.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

Joe Bean Roasters

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

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 all very soon!

Vendors highlighted:

Rob's Kabobs (@robskabobsny) - Farmhouse Table (@farmhousetablefood) - Monroe County Public Library (@roccity_library , libraryweb.org) - Brighton Public Library (@brightonmemoriallibrary) - Common Thread (@commonthreadhxcpodcast) - Joe Bean Coffee (@joebeanroasters) - El Kapitan (@elkapitanroc) - Edgemere Coffee (@edgemere_coffee) - Munchies Empanadas (@munchiesmpanadas) - Lemon Love Stand (@lemonlovestand)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

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

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)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

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 but also fosters community engagement through inclusivity initiatives such as ASL interpretation and sensory spaces for families.

roclilacfest.com

Mentions:

Casa Larga (@casalargawinery) - Rohrbach Brewing (@rohrbachbrewingco) - Firefly Mobile Bar (@fireflynectarmobilebar) - Red Jacket Juice (@redjacketny) - 1911 Cider (@1911established) - Bully Hill Vineyards (@bullyhillvineyards) - Northglow Photography (@northglowphotography) - Monroe Med Spa (@monroemedspa)

Cruel Summer (@cruelsummerband) - Chayce Beckham (@chaycebeckhammusic) - Beach Weather (@beachweather) - Katie Pruitt (@katiepruittmusic) - The Aces (@theaces)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Check out the Pauly Guglielmo Show (@googs0105) each Sunday to learn about the ups and downs in business and life!

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

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:

• One Drink Podcast - Lunchador Podcast Network (@lunchadorpodcasts)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

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

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

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

thatsoundsterrific.com - 585mag.com (@585mag) - lunchador.org

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

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

Behind the Studio Door

Behind the Studio Door, hosted by Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, takes listeners on a exploration of artists and their creative processes. Through deep and meaningful conversations, they uncover the stories and experiences that shape the outward expression of their work.

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

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 cultural landscape. The discussion encapsulates a sense of pride and collective memory, highlighting the transformative journey of Rochester through art and collaboration.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Check out the Pauly Guglielmo Show (@googs0105) each Sunday to learn about the ups and downs in business and life!

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

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 Roti Shop - Chaiyo by PAI (@chaiyotoronto)

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

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