Paul Meijer A night out at Tony D’s on University Avenue delivers the kind of hospitality and flavor that reminds you why dining out still matters.
I had the pleasure of dining with my friend Bianca, someone I originally met when she was managing a hotel I frequently stayed at. You know me, I tend to make friends wherever I go, and Bianca is one of those connections that stuck. Sharing a meal with someone who appreciates great service and quality as much as I do always elevates the experience.
The evening began with the Paisley Park, a cleverly balanced mocktail built on Seedlip Garden 108, raspberry purée, lemon, and soda. It’s light, garden-fresh, and refreshing without trying too hard to impress. Off-menu, I requested a fresh-squeezed lemonade, and the bartender obliged without hesitation, a small gesture that speaks volumes about the house’s service philosophy. Not every place passes that quiet test of attentiveness. This one did.
The appetizer? Egg-battered artichoke hearts, set against a cushion of whipped ricotta and sharpened with Calabrian chili oil and lemon aioli. Crunch, cream, heat, and zing, all in proper conversation. It’s one of those dishes that knows how to introduce a meal, confidently and with a little wink.
Then came the C.A.B. beef tenderloin, cooked right to the edge of medium and left to rest just enough to let it shine. Roasted potatoes and spinach played reliable backup, while the Chianti-veal reduction tied the whole plate together with just the right amount of drama.
The food holds its own, but it’s the service that seals the memory. Tiffany guided the evening like a pro, knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely warm. Ask for her.
Tony D’s roots stretch back to 2008, originally making its name in Corn Hill Landing with coal-fired pizzas and Italian-American comforts. After tragedy struck in 2016 with the passing of its founders, longtime chef Jay Speranza took the reins. In 2023, the restaurant reopened in its current University Avenue location, bringing with it both history and a refreshed energy. It’s a comeback story grounded in good food, better people, and a sense of place that makes you want to return before you’ve even left the table.
#MeijerFineClub #HospitalityLeadership #RestaurantExperience #FoodServiceExcellence #RochesterNY
