Update: Three Heads Brewing is now the new permanent pick-up location for CurAte meals.
How CurAte is making it easy for Rochester residents to try new foods & support local restaurants. *Scroll to the bottom of this page for giveaway information*
August is traditionally a slower month for restaurants, many of which are already battling a tough pandemic. And local ethnic restaurants are particularly at risk.
That's why one local organization, CurAte meals, is working to raise awareness about Rochester eateries and encourage residents to try new foods without dealing with the anxiety that can come around new customs, spaces and traditions.
Diverse eateries form the backbone of our vibrant community.
"Rochester has a fantastic food scene, particularly when it comes to delicious cultural foods like Indian, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Polish and so we just enjoy spotlighting these great restaurants," said Chris Lindstrom, co-founder of CurAte. "They depend on the Rochester community supporting them and purchasing food to stay open."
The organization takes this support into a fun new direction: customers purchase a meal that feeds two people– and it's a complete surprise until they pick it up.
There's nothing on the website, social media or in the newsletter to spoil the surprise, which makes the entire experience more of an adventure. It also makes it much easier as customers don't have to worry about pronunciations or misreading a menu. This fear alone can keep many from trying a new restaurant.
Customers pick up at EDIT: Three Heads Brewing.
"We basically do the work for you," said Brandon Vulaj, co-founder of CurAte. "We work with unique restaurants to find a delicious meal so you don't have to go searching or browsing through menus you're unsure of. Our goal is to make trying new foods less daunting and a lot more fun because you're more likely to try it if you're going in without any preconceived notions. We've served more than 800 meals already and we've run over 34 events since January 2021, so we know it's working."
The restaurants are also happy to be a part of the service. CurAte doesn't charge any fees or require contracts and they focus on offering the meals earlier in the week when eateries are traditionally not as busy and could use the extra income.
Past restaurants have included city favorites: The French Quarter, Just Chik'n & Philomina's.
"It truly is a win-win-win," Vulaj said.
The next events will take place Aug 24 & Sept 7. Tickets are available for purchase and Rochester residents are asked to help us combat the summer slump.
Giveaway alert!
Want a chance to try CurAte for yourself? Enter our giveaway! We're giving away one ticket (two meals) on Aug 24th.
To enter: (We double check all winners!)
Every option gives you (1) entry into our giveaway.