With an exotic name like Greece, you might think this charming Rochester suburb would offer a variety of world foods, but such is not the case. And while there are several terrific restaurants in Greece, the search for a Latin dish, be it Spanish or Mexican; will take you to Rochester, just a few miles to the north, where there are a variety of choices. Choices are also available for golfers, who will find no less than six public and municipal courses in the area including the Locust Hill Country Club and the prestigious Oak Hill Country Club.
Salena's Mexican Restaurant
If it's Mexican you want in the Greece and Rochester area, Salena's is the only game in town. Salena's has a large menu of scratch-prepared dishes--each tortilla is prepared fresh each day and the recipes are direct from Mexico. They serve a variety of burritos, tacos and chimichangas, and some of the more popular entrees include the Chipotle Chicken and the Prescado Vera Cruz. For something a little different, order the Stuffed Avocado--which is an fresh avocado stuffed with chicken, beans and cheese. Smaller lunch combos are offered before 4 p.m. and the bar offers a variety of tequilas to choose from. Salenas has a children's menu as well.
Salena's Mexican Restaurant
274 Goodman St. N.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 256-5980
salenasmexicanrestaurantrochesterny.com
Tapas 177
A little more quiet and romantic than most Latin eateries, this unique Rochester restaurant has borrowed from the popular tapas bars of Spain, offering patrons small hors d'orvers to enjoy with their wine or drinks. Moving from the comfortable lounge to the dining room, Tapas 177 offers a wide array of upscale dishes, including steamed chicken dumplings, batter-dipped stuffed poblano peppers and a grilled rack of lamb. This is not a place to take the kids, as the prices are a bit high and the atmosphere is quiet and personal. Come for dinner and stay for the party as the lounge gets hopping on weekends, with guest DJs spinning soul, disco and tech music. The wine list is extensive and is only eclipsed by the martini list.
Tapas 177
177 Saint Paul St.
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 262-2090
tapas177.com
Piranha
Lest anyone think that this is not a Latin restaurant, they need only to remember that although the piranha is a fish, it is from South America. To that end, Piranha offers the best of both worlds--sushi and Latin (in particular, Peruvian) dishes. While the mix may seem strange, the cooks at Piranha will assure you it is not. There is a growing Japanese influence in Peru, and the fusion of the two cultures works well on a plate. Some of the more interesting items include tostones, which is a twice-fried plantain, and chicken aticucho--skewered chicken with a spicy mole sauce. The sushi favorite is the Sea monster with octopus--green tabiko, cilantro and avocado and ponzu sauce. Wine and beer are available. In addition to the unconventional cuisine, Piranha offers happy-hour sushi specials in the early afternoon and on Sundays.
Piranha
682 Park Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 360-2754
piranhasushibar.com
About The Author
Tom Nari teaches screenwriting and journalism in Southern California. With a degree in creative writing from Loyola University, Nari has worked as a consultant to the motion picture industry as well as several non-profit organizations dedicated to the betterment of children through aquatics. Nari has written extensively for GolfLink, Trails and eHow.
