To Rochester native, Travania Clark (Director of Sales & Marketing at the Strathallan and Hyatt Regency), restaurants have been in her blood since she was a server’s assistant at age 14. With formal training at Paul Smiths College and RIT and over twenty years’ experience in the hotel and restaurant industry, Clark says, “I wake each day excited to enrich my community and make special memories for our guests.” Her goals are “to run great establishments where people can get together with their friends, associates, and families to connect and enjoy amazing service and fine food & music.”
She raves about Rochester’s “combination of unique affordable neighborhoods, rich diverse culture, dynamic preforming arts, active professional sports, and festivals through the summer and, of course, an amazing live music and food scene.” Clark’s restaurants at the Strathallan on East Ave and the Hyatt Regency on East Main St are each “about as unique as possible,” offering something for every occasion, every taste, and every budget.
Originally the site of one of East Avenue’s grand Victorian mansions, the Strathallan DoubleTree by Hilton is home to Char Steak and Lounge on the lobby level and Hattie’s Rooftop Cocktails on the 9th floor. Chef Justin Chapman leads Strathallan’s culinary team at Char and Hattie’s, bringing over 20 years of experience across local Italian restaurants and several of America’s top MICHELIN star restaurants. Chef Justin says he seeks to “highlight the best that Rochester has to offer while bringing the personal flair that each one of our culinarians have to offer, allowing our staff to express themselves through the food they make.”
At the heart of downtown Rochester’s dining, Hyatt Regency brings global flavors together for guests to enjoy as they connect with friends, colleagues, and unwind from daily affairs. Executive Chef George Gremminger and Sous Chef Kevin Stevens lead Hyatt Regency’s culinary team at The Street and Astor on Main with decades of experience across the country.
CHAR STEAK & LOUNGE
585.241.7100 • www.charsteakandlounge.com
Discover the Extraordinary at Char Steak & Lounge, a quintessential American steakhouse with a hip ambiance since 2012. Located within the Strathallan Hotel & Spa at 550 East Ave, in the vibrant Neighborhood Of The Arts, Char is the ultimate destination for an exceptional culinary experience.
Talented chefs, recognized as Rochester’s finest, meticulously craft each dish to perfection. From succulent grilled steaks to homemade pastas, fresh fish to masterful desserts, every bite is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a commitment to using local and fresh ingredients, their menus change daily, ensuring you savor the best of the season.
Char’s Chef Corey Rivers brings years of experience training and working across the globe. He says, “Any Chef can cook one or two good plates of food, but only the best chefs can translate that information to a team and have success as an organization. I want everyone around me to be successful; that’s my goal.”
Indulge in their signature dishes, including mouth-watering steaks and the exquisite Grand Plateau de la Mer, featuring oysters, colossal shrimp, lobster tail, and tuna tartare, accompanied by a delightful mignonette sauce. Clark says Char’s Steak and Swordfish are must-tries, though “Really anything on the menu is a home run.” Their expert mixologists serve craft cocktails and curate an extensive wine collection to complement your culinary journey.
For special occasions, Char offers private room rentals, creating an unforgettable experience with a chef-curated menu tailored to your preferences. Immerse yourself in the refined and sophisticated service of the contemporary restaurant and lounge, where the Char family takes pride in serving the Rochester community and beyond. They are excited to announce that valet service is back on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Chef Corey highly recommends Char’s Pork Chop Façon Grand-mere, a double bone Rosenkrans chop with spaetzle, brandy-soaked apple purée, and pickled red cabbage, inspired by a Hubert Keller dish.
HATTIE’S COCKTAILS
585.461.5010 • www.strathallan.com/hatties
Nestled on the 9th floor of the Strathallan, Hattie’s Cocktails is the exclusive rooftop lounge that blends modern elegance with timeless charm and tufted leather booths, mahogany-paneled walls, sparkling chandeliers, and expansive windows that frame the spectacular view. Step out onto the outdoor terrace and enjoy panoramic 360-degree vistas of Rochester and the surrounding foothills.
Indulge your senses at the quartz-trimmed bar, where a world of flavors await, with an impressive selection of whiskeys, tequilas, and Rochester’s finest craft beers on draft. Master mixologists craft cocktails that are both authentic and artful, tantalizing your taste buds with every sip.
Hattie’s welcomes back a seafood and tapas menu, including delectable raw bar items and small plates and exquisite bites that perfectly complement the libations. Whether you’re craving a taste of the ocean or exploring flavorful creations, the tapas menu will transport your palate to new heights. Check out Clark’s favorite oysters or the Roasted Beet Hummus with Pistachio.
Cozy up by the rooftop fire pit, embracing the crisp evening air while savoring the stunning views. Hattie’s is the ultimate destination for memorable experiences, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic evening, or catching up with friends.
Chef Justin highly recommends Hattie’s Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, in which “the balance of fresh, citrus, spicy, and cooling flavors are well balanced and make a great addition to a warm and light afternoon snack.”
ASTOR ON MAIN
585.794.4899 • www.astoronmain.com
“A feast for the body and music for the soul,” newly opened Astor on Main within Hyatt Regency is the place where southern comfort food and live jazz harmonize. The premier destination for elevated comfort food and live jazz in Downtown Rochester, Astor on Main offers fusion of a Southern twist on classic dishes with a smooth jazzy vibe. A “one-of-a-kind gastronomic triumph,” Astor on Main’s culinary creations will tantalize your taste buds while local and regional acts take the stage each Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
Don’t miss Jazz Brunch, the perfect addition to Sunday plans. Sip a refreshing Mimosa or a zesty Bloody Mary while enjoying a classic brunch with soothing melodies of live jazz. Try Clark’s favorite brunch, Chicken and Waffles with blueberry syrup.
Carefully crafted cocktails complement meals. In partnership with Black Button Distilling, Astor on Main brings drinks such as the Butternut Squash Old-Fashioned, the Perfect Margarita, or the BB Cold Brew Martini featuring Black Button Coffee Liquor, Bourbon Cream, and cold brew coffee.
Finish off your meal with a decadent dessert, such as freshly made salted caramel skillet cookie sundae, crème brûlée, bananas foster, and peanut butter pie.
Chef Kevin’s extensive background in New Orleans and Southern cuisine comes out in his favorite dish at Astor’s on Main, Jambalaya, overflowing with shrimp, scallops, beef, crawfish, chicken, and sausage, with a sauce that “takes it over the top.” Chef Kevin says, “This is southern comfort food elevated and just done right.”
THE STREET CRAFT KITCHEN
585.794.4800 • bit.ly/TheStreetCraftKichenandBar
With a breathtaking backdrop in the heart of Rochester’s vibrant restaurant district, The Street Craft Kitchen, Hyatt Regency’s lobby bar since 2017, invites guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience with beautiful vistas.
With an inviting yet sophisticated ambiance, The Street is the place to watch a game, network, or simply catch up with friends and family. Enjoy their signature “mind-blowing” wings that start in a sous vide with honey sriracha before frying and grilling, or try one of their beef, chicken, or Impossible burgers. Dozens of craft brews and wines pair well with each meal, and kids’ favorites round out the menu for a relaxed, family-friendly scene.
Experience a culinary journey like no other at Hyatt Regency’s gem of The Street, where exceptional flavors meet stunning surroundings. Chef George says they “wish for people to leave our tables with full bellies and smiles on their faces. Our goal is to create that one dish you can’t live without, you go to bed at night thinking about, and you keep coming back for!”
Chef George’s favorite dish from The Street is the Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich: braised short ribs with onion jam, American, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, served with a cup of tomato soup.
