Good Luck: Proving Bigger Isn't Always Better

In a city where the prevailing mantra surrounding portion sizes is, "bigger is better," the idea of a restaurant specializing in small plates to share might not be the most prudent decision. Yet that's exactly what Mike Calabrese, Chuck Cerankosky and Chef Dan Martello did when they opened Good Luck in 2008. Originally designed as a wine bar that would offer a limited menu, Good Luck eventually evolved into a full-blown restaurant. Good Luck now serves a promising selection of both original and classic cocktails, homemade pastas and an ever-changing charcuterie plate.

Located in the old Fabrics and Findings space off Anderson Avenue, Good Luck represents just one of the many new and dynamic restaurants to grace the city of Rochester. Living in Brooklyn and working as much as I do affords me relatively few opportunities to return home and visit family. So I often turn to my siblings, both of whom live in the Rochester area, for dining suggestions. Having been mentioned by both sisters and spoken highly of by an old friend in the industry was more than enough to convince me that reservations at Good Luck were necessary.

The Cocktail Collective at Fourty Four at Royalton Hotel

Here at Law & Food we like to think that we're above the fray-- which is why we invariably decline almost every publicity event sitting in our inbox.  It's a useful illusion, but every once in awhile I have to get off my imaginary pedestal and accept an invitation that sounds interesting. Such was the case last week for a cocktail party at the Royalton Hotel on West 44th St.

I went for the cocktails, because honestly, who can pass up an opportunity to have two mixologists* pour you whatever drink you want, normally at fifteen bucks a pop, for two hours? I'm not that strong of a person. Most people aren't, and I can't compromise my so-called integrity for nothing.

Above I mentioned that it was "Law and Food" that broke our so-called ethical code. It was really me, I'm just trying to share some of the responsibility with Steve, who didn't (or wouldn't) go. Instead, I brought along our friend Joe, who enjoys drinking a well-made cocktail (as well as Firefly Vodka).

*Yes, I hate the term "mixologist," but there's gotta be a way to distinguish these guys from a 22-year-old girl pouring tequila shots at McFadden's.