Goodbye Ireland, hello New Orleans at the former McGinnity’s in Rochester
It's so long Ireland, hello New Orleans at the former home of McGinnity’s Restaurant & Party House at 534 W. Ridge Road in Rochester.
The French Quarter, a longtime Cajun/Creole restaurant, has moved from downtown to the distinctive Tudor building in the shadow of the former Kodak Park. McGinnity’s closed there in June after an almost 50-year run.
This is the fourth location for the French Quarter. It originally opened in a 1,200-square-foot space on Arnett Boulevard in 2008. Two years later it moved to South Goodman near Park Avenue.
Around 2014 The French Quarter found a home in the historic Brewster-Burke House at 130 Spring Street downtown. But working out of an old building had its drawbacks, including its inconspicuous location and not having its own parking lot.
Chef and owner Neciah Brown is especially excited about his new location's parking lot and visibility. "I just want to see what the flow of traffic is going to be like," he said. "There’s a lot more eyes over there – a lot more opportunity.”
What has changed
Brown began work on the West Ridge Road building three weeks ago. "Instead of Dublin, Ireland, we’re going to take you to New Orleans," Brown said. "It’s been a lot that we’ve done in 3 weeks but there's a lot more to go.”
Rough wooden walls have been painted purple, one of the colors of Mardi Gras. The back bar and its associated bric-a-brac has been removed and the walls painted red. New shelves and a bottle display will be added when a liquor license arrives; the hope is that a temporary license will be secured within 6 to 8 weeks.
Vibrant, colorful paintings from 73-year-old local artist Richmond Futch Jr., which depict various aspects of Big Easy culture, have made the move and proudly hang in the new space.
Recent rains delayed work on the outside of the building, which will get a fresh coat of paint. Pulling down the prominent green awnings proved harder than expected, and the French Quarter had its first service on West Ridge Road on Aug. 10 with only a small A-frame sign marking its presence. "I’ve operated for years with no sign at all," Brown said. He plans to consult with the city about requirements for a permanent sign.
More is in the works. A small outdoor patio is being readied for opening. A large events space with vaulted ceilings and room for 80 or more will be the next area to be transformed.
The food
The menu remains focused on Cajun and Creole cuisine, including iconic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya and corn maque choux.
The classic stew étouffée, which was Brown's original spark to start cooking this cuisine, can be made with crawfish, smoked chicken or shrimp. Smothered catfish features it atop crispy fried catfish, accompanied by fried okra and brabant potatoes (Louisiana's answer to French fries).
Another standout dish is the po' boy, a hefty sandwich stuffed with crawfish, catfish, shrimp or chicken and mounded with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, house-made coleslaw, house-made tartar sauce and creole mustard.
Other customer favorites include chicken wings, spicy fried haddock, and Nashville To New Orleans Hot Chicken, Brown's take on Nashville Hot Chicken.
In New Orleans, these kinds of dishes are often enjoyed with hurricane cocktails; they'll be available when the liquor license arrives.
If you go
The French Quarter, 534 W. Ridge Road, is open for takeout and limited dine-in. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (585) 987-6432 or order online at thefqc.com.
The building has its own parking lot. There is no step leading into the building, but the doorway may not be wide enough to accommodate a larger wheelchair.
This story includes reporting by reporter Marcia Greenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: French Quarter Cajun restaurant opens in former McGinnity's in Rochester NY
