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Kickin' It Kainos Style

Take a walk through Corn Hill in the eccentric city of Rochester, New York, and make your way along the Genesee river. Here, you'll find a romantic restaurant that goes by the name "Kainos." Situated right on the waterfront, this Mediterranean treasure boasts breezy outdoor seating and some of the most delicious dishes (I know, I know... my alliteration is amazing) in town.

During the winter, Kainos erects heated igloos, each complete with magical lighting and personalized music, so that guests can still enjoy the outdoors, despite the frigid weather. This article, however, centers around a warm summer's day on a delightful weekday afternoon.


Having finished a quick photo-shoot on the river, Raegan and I found our stomachs ever-so-slightly grumbling and our throats more-than-slightly parched. As Kainos is conveniently located across the street from my office, stopping in was really a no-brainer. Upon entering the building, we were given some exceedingly sad news - Jeffrey Scott's (the owner's) mother had recently passed away. This meant a corporate change-over. On a far less devastating level, this also meant alcohol sales were temporarily on hold, but BYOB was encouraged. I'm a socialite. I can't even count the number of times I've read "BYOB" on an invitation. This was my jam. So Raegan and I temporarily ducked out to run over to Corn Hill Fine Wine and Spirits, where we were offered a 10% discount for mentioning Kainos. What could have easily been an extra $30 tab on drinks quickly turned into a measly $9 expense (um... can we petition to get ALL restaurants to allow BYOB?!).

Fast-forward ten minutes and some random seconds and we were back at Kainos, seated outdoors amongst beautiful hanging foliage. We cracked open the Sparkling Rosé we picked out for the sake of our #hotgirlsummer and took a look at the menu. We struggled for a few minutes, trying to decide whether to order the Arancini ala Kainos or the Dolmathakia (stuffed grape leaves)...


...We eventually settled on the Vegetarian Plate, which absolutely did not disappoint.


Our taste-buds were delighted with every bite. Our faces were pleasantly refreshed with the riverside breeze. Our waiter (Alexander) was charming and attentive. What more could we ask for (maybe live music, but it was too early in the day for that)?

Tiny Details:

If you get grossed out by the female anatomy... skip to the next paragraph. If you're a mature adult, read on. I was overjoyed to see, in the women's bathroom, a basket filled with pads and tampons (let's just call them what they are - it's 2021 and "feminine products" is no longer a completely accurate description). It's SO sad to me that this tiny detail should make me happy but the harsh reality is that most restaurants don't even think to provide such necessary toiletries. Therefore, I raise my glass to this thoughtful and much appreciated gesture.

I had only one complaint, and it definitely wasn't about the cuisine (or anything even remotely important for that matter). As Raegan and I looked around and took in the relaxing vibes, we noticed the faux vines on the lattice were attached with bright green zip-ties. This, in and of itself, would not have bothered me, except the ties weren't trimmed - giving what would have otherwise been considered relatively attractive décor a tinge of unwanted tackiness. Hey, Kainos! If you're reading this, give me a call. I'm willing to barter services - I'll trim all your zip-ties, in exchange for Arancini. Deal?


Love (as always) your,

It Girl Friday


Final Verdict:

Kainos is the perfect spot for a romantic night out, a lunch date with the girls, or even if you'd just like to relax near the river. It's worth the drive, even if you're from out of town.


Raegan Says:

"I was amazed by the beauty of Kainos. Everywhere you look you can find close attention to detail and a great aesthetic. I loved being right on the water, sitting by the gorgeous hanging flowers. Now, the food... I don't even know where to begin. A healthy menu, with delicious options, I could find myself eating something new here, every day, for a month! I would 100% recommend Kainos to anyone who loves Mediterranean food or wants to grab a bite to eat by the water."











Find Kainos here:

585-319-3579


284 Exchange Blvd.

Rochester, NY 14608



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