A last-century response to a current problem

Lonnie June 10th, 2009

Sean Kirst recently wrote an article, The Dinosaur: More success by design, citing one of his previous articles, The Dinosaur, by design, that reinforces that idea that we have a prime example in our town of a business that works, despite all the ways people think it should not work. And that’s the Dinosaur, now the #1 barbecue in the country. And it’s working by design.

Sean said in 2005:

Sitting in the car Thursday, watching as men and women flowed in and out of the Dinosaur, it struck me that people go there because it offers something unique – and because it embraces, rather than fears, authentic city ambiance. The funny thing is, if the Dinosaur went by the Walgreens rules (referring to Walgreens “need” for suburban, big-box style development – ed.) , a true Syracuse phenomenon would probably dry up and close its doors.

Sean reminds us that many of our pre-conceived notions of what makes a business work just fall apart in the face of this reality: a restaurant putting out top-notch food that caters to a serious diversity of people can be a destination. It doesn’t need to demolish a building to be successful. It doesn’t need acres of blacktop in front of it. It doesn’t need to alter the streetscape. It fits right in with the city and people come from all over to be there. And they aren’t afraid, and they don’t complain about having to walk a few blocks from their parking spot to get there. (They gotta do something to burn off the calories they’re about to eat!) This is what a real city is about.

But, sadly, Mayor Driscoll is singing the old last-century tune that has ruined much of Syracuse (and the fabric of countless cities across the country): demolish, demolish, demolish. Pave paradise, put up another drug store, and…  you won’t know what city you’re in any more. And you certainly won’t have economic development, because your money will be siphoned off to the coffers of a big corporation in another state.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again:

How difficult is that?

Keep up the good work Sean! We need you!

Huffstir’s part deux

Lonnie March 24th, 2007

Hubby Dave and I went over to Huffstir’s tonight to grab a meal. Though the patio looked awfully tempting, the temperature isn’t quite up to comfort level yet. We got to chat with some neighbors while waiting for our Chicken Saltimbuca and Chicken Riggies. After they left, I parked myself where I could watch Chef Huffstir and his crew work magic at the range. Bottles of sherry, Madeira and vodka were a good sign that these sauces were going to be a cut above average. Boy, was I wrong… they were way above average!
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Huffstir’s opens in Eastwood

Lonnie March 13th, 2007

A website reader has sent me this email:

Huffstir’s just opened on Tuesday, 3/13, at 2700 James Street, corner of Hillsdale. The owner/chef is Dave Huff (formerly with the popular New York Roast). Phone number: 431-HUFF

It’s open Mon – Sat, 10 AM to 9 PM. Delivery is free. But it’s in the heart of walkable Eastwood – you can stroll on over for a relaxing meal on the patio.

The menu is amazing and features great salads (including Gyro and Taco), appetizers, grilled or cold sandwiches/wraps (such as hot pastrami, reubens, and big burgers), pasta, seafood, sauteed dishes with sauce, and grilled steaks, pork and chicken.

I tried the Chicken Parm dinner for $9.95 (a standard by which I initially judge diners) and the cheesecake. Everything was great, the sauce was superb, and the portions are generous. Prices and service are exceptional, too.

Huffstir’s is take-out at this point, but as soon as the weather is reliably good, we’ll be able to dine al fresco on their patio. What a delightful way to support a business in our neighborhood!

Ponchito’s opens in Eastwood

Lonnie March 8th, 2007

Ponchito’s is not a Mexican restaurant. But it serves food you may think of as Mexican. Call it “roadside Latin American,” call it “that taco joint,” call it Mexican if you want, but whatever you call it, you’ll think of it as fresh, delicious food reasonably priced.

We’ve been waiting for great, simple Mexican food to make the scene in Syracuse, well, just about forever. Some places have come close. But we think Ponchito’s has hit the nail on the head. How can you tell the difference? Walk into any Mexican restaurant and just stand there and sniff. Can you… mmm!… smell the food? Does the smell make your mouth water? If it does, then you have a shot at getting real food, not something that came in a plastic package that was opened, thrown on a plate and microwaved. Well, it smells great at Ponchito’s.

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