The Route 20 Experience

If you have nowhere to be anytime soon and want to take advantage of that Friday you plan on taking off for a day trip, you need to consider the route 20 corridor running east/west across New York state. Yesterday we left our home perched above Canandaigua Lake where we headed east skimming along the northern shores of Seneca, Cayuga, Skaneateles, Owasco, and Otisco Lakes. We eventually landed in Cazenovia just outside the Finger Lakes, but with its own lake none the less.

Cazenovia is a tiny little town, like many in the region, but it is full of charm. Park your car along the main street and wander up and down the sidewalks. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, antiques… you name it. We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Lincklaen House where we sat in the back courtyard, soaking in the summer. Another nice find was a small shop called Lavender Blue, specializing in Provencal decor and fabrics. If Provence is your thing then you should stop in - the goods are all imported from France and the staff is quite welcoming and helpful.

Cazenovia is great destination for a day trip when getting there is equally enjoyable as the arrival.

Breakfast at Patty’s Place

On the east side of Main Street, right by the railroad tracks, is a small diner that blends in with the rest of the Canandaigua storefronts. It’s not a fancy place and if someone didn’t take you there or recommend it to you, you might just pass by without a thought. When I worked in downtown Canandaigua my workmate and I used to frequent Patty’s Place for lunch - usually a turkey club or the cheeseburger deluxe. We got a dish of good food, at good price, and good sized servings. The bonus was with each meal, a brief, typically raucous exchange with Patty.

It’s been nearly ten years since I’ve worked in Canandaigua and so I hardly ever have the chance to stop by for a meal, but yesterday morning was one of those days. I dropped in for breakfast by myself and by dining alone I could spend more attention on my surroundings - the clientele (most all the tables were full), the walls covered with photos an memorabilia of “regulars” both current and since past on, the raffle ticket jar by the cash register, Jen the stalwart waitress, and of course Patty herself.

Patty works the room taking orders, giving orders, filling coffee cups, and making time to say “hello.” In  years past Patty maintained a unique collection of tee shirts and to this day the tradition continues with a top that billboarded “I do all my own porn stunts.” That’s my girl! Patty has a few rough edges, but just under the surface is a true heart of gold. In fact I think she runs that diner as a means to support her true calling - taking care of the infirm, feeding the less fortunate during the holidays, and providing a common ground for people of all walks of life to step out of the fast lane to enjoy a comfort food style meal.

The history of Patty’s Place is hanging on its walls. Walk down the narrow dining room and above the tables and booths are portraits, snapshots, paintings, sketches, newspaper clippings, award certificates, you name it - chronicling those who have come through the door and found a home in Patty’s heart. Many are long-time Canandaigua residents who have made their mark, others are dear friends, but most are veterans. Just above my table was a reproduction of a Ted Williams painting illustrating a mission flown by Capt. George Hamlin flying his F-105 on a tactical air strike just north of the DMZ in North Vietnam. As I looked down from the wall I noticed the same George,  president of Canandaigua National Bank, walk through the door and slip into a booth where his buddies awaited.  What was once dominated by Vietnam veterans, the walls are now being updated with the memories of lives spent in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I’ve given you just a small slice of the Patty’s Place experience and I hope that you find your way there for your own. Oh yeah, my breakfast–the number 1 special of two eggs, home fries, toast, and choice of bacon or sausage. $5.95 bought me two perfect over medium eggs, good quality sausage, nicely fried potatoes, homemade wholewheat toast,  a bottomless cup of coffee, and a side of Patty’s wit and humor.  I don’t think you can find a better deal anywhere.