Rudy's Lakeside Drive-In (People of Interest)

Rudy's Lakeside Drive-In is a family owned and operated, seasonal, lakeside restaurant. Located in the Town of Oswego, along the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario, Rudy's opened it's doors for the first time in 1946. With Rudy Gadzielia running the restaurant, it was eventually handed on to Brad and Carol Livesey, his second cousin. Jason Livesey, son of Brad and Carol, now operates the restaurant. Rudy’s is located at 78 County Route 89.
The opening of the restaurant marks the coming of spring. “Us opening is a sign that winter is over,” Livesey explains.
“Memories of a lifetime often occur on the shores of Lake Ontario. Create some of your own with us. Stop in for lunch or dinner, or just to have some ice cream,” boasts the website http://www.rudyshot.com/.

“The lake is our draw,” Livesey says. “It’s 50 percent of our personality.”
The sunsets are gorgeous and the temperature is always about 10 degrees lower than in the city. It is part of what Livesey loves about the place.
Livesey was born and raised in Oswego. He went to culinary school in Rhode Island. “I’m a chef by trade,” explains Livesey.
The restaurant has always been in the family. It started at the time Rudy first took interest in the restaurant across the street from the old house. The original building was just a small shack with flip up windows. The old house across the street was known for their dances and big bands. In 1976, Livesey’s parents took over the restaurant. It has now undergone 17 additions but “nothing really is new,” Livesey explained. It still has the look of a 50’s diner.
Rudy’s has indoor seating for about 56 people. But, being a seasonal venue, there are about 142 picnic tables on the 1,500-foot beachfront property.
Livesey’s parents moved up from Long Island in 1962. Living across the street and working with Rudy, it became apparent that it was only a natural fit to buy out Rudy. It was then that the real growth occurred.
Even though the local clientele disappeared, Rudy’s has pulled customers in from other places. And as people moved away, they still come back with friends. Rudy’s has become a big destination to come back to visit. It’s a destination for people to get back together. It’s a “hometown memory.” And for the locals, it’s always a place to recognize someone.
“We take a great amount of pride how much community loves us,” states Livesey.
Rudy’s isn’t just a source of food for the community. The restaurant is very focused in the community. They are involved in many charity events. They also sponsor local sports teams. One of the events they participate in is the “Tour of the Loop” bike race. The race usually consists of anywhere between 400 to 1,000 riders. “It’s a unique event that’s great for our community,” Livesey says.
Rudy’s opened this year on March 17 and will remain open until September.
“The customers become part of the show right when they walk in the door,” explains Livesey. He describes the place as organized chaos. The wait staff writes the order on a paper plate and calls it back into the kitchen.
The menu consists of about 109 different items. Rudy’s has homemade soups, the famous Texas Hot Sauce, and even apple dumplings a la mode, cheesecake, and rice pudding. All of Rudy’s burger is pounded fresh daily; it’s never frozen. With fish as the signature item, Rudy’s goes through about 10,000 fresh haddock a month.
Other menu items include scallops, clam strips, lobster bites, crab bites, and salmon burgers. Rudy’s also features gyros: both traditional beef/lamb and chicken.
With dinner plates starting at $5.95 and appetizers ranging from $1 to $3, everything on the menu is affordable for any palette.
Rudy’s is also known for their great staff. “If you like to work and like to work hard, you work here,” says Livesey.
“Our staff and customer service makes us what we are,” explains Livesey. Rudy’s has the reputation of hard workers. They teach a good work ethic and the staff learns to take pride in their jobs. Most of the workers are full time staff with some being only part time for the younger crew.
“We not only have consistency with our product but also with our staff,” Livesey says. There is about a 95% retention rate in staff and customers alike.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in July 2010 in Syracuse, NY

Pfohl's Beach House (Club Scene)

With over 20,000 square feet facing the beach on Oneida Lake, Pfohl’s Beachouse is a popular place to be. The Beachouse is a club located on the east shore of the lake in Sylvan Beach. Pfohl’s hosts beach parties every Saturday and Sunday on their spacious deck. They also have some of the area's best bands performing on the big stage inside on weekend nights.
Pfohl’s has two full service bars. The Sunset Room is the upper level bar with the best view of the lake. The main bar inside has the largest stage on the beach. The Beach Bar, deemed a “tiki bar,” has seating overlooking the beach as well as facing a stage where live music is provided.
The bars serve daily from noon until close with daily food and drink specials. There is indoor patio seating or outdoor deck seating available.
Pfohl's Beachouse also offers seasonal (May through September) overnight accommodations available at daily, weekly or monthly rates. All rooms overlook the Village Park and Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. The rooms are comfortable and very affordable. “They are the best rate on the beach,” states Karen Norton, partial owner of the establishment. The Beachouse is within a short walking distance of all restaurants, shops, the canal and the beach. There is also private parking available for overnight guests.
With the Sunset Room just re-opened, Pfohl’s is “the nicest bar on the beach.” The Sunset Room as been closed for the past nine years.
The club has hosted acts such as Warrant, Quiet Riot, Rick Derringer, Foghat, and Benny Mardonis. The first national band Pfohl’s ever hosted was the Birds.
Pfohl’s Beachouse has been open for about 28 years and it has spent most of its time in the Pfohl family. Frank Pfohl, owner and operator, has been in the restaurant business most of his life. His father owned several establishments, including Pfohl’s Tavern, Phoenix Tavern, the Clay hotel, and Hotel Oneida.
The Beachouse hosts a bike night every Tuesday. “Bikes and the Beach” is a very popular night with most nights having at least 200 bikers show up. The band Cato plays from 6:30pm to 9:30pm every Tuesday.
They are also looking to start other events during the week such as a trivia night and a comedy night. They also hold bikini contests on holiday weekends.
Pfohl’s also hosts a beach party every Saturday and Sunday evening. These parties consist of drink specials, bands under the tent on the outdoor patio, and an outdoor grill. Pfohl himself grills specials from salt potatoes to coneys. They feature most Hofmann products throughout the evening.
“I started doing these beach parties 28 years ago,” explains Pfohl. He continues by boasting, “Now everyone else has copied me.”
With the Beachouse boasting to be “old-fashioned,” the small staff of about 12 works really hard and as a team. Everyone pitches in where needed. And with this idea of old-fashioned business, even though it is a bar, Pfohl’s is a great place to take the family. With kid friendly music and entertainment, it’s a place everyone can enjoy.
There is even a kids menu at only $4.25 that comes with several choices that will satisfy any palette. Many other popular items grace the menu, such as chicken speedies, burgers, and quesadillas.
The burger with fries is only $6.95 and the quesadillas start at $5.95. From sandwiches and grill fare to salads, appetizers, and sides, the menu is sure to please anyone.
Another special offered on the menu is the steamed clams for only $6.95 per dozen.
The Beachouse also has a full drink menu including some favorites such as Blue Hawaiians, Margaritas, Rum Runners, and a number of frozen drinks. They also have several choices of bottled and draught beer.
For the holiday weekend of July 4, the bands are already booked. On Friday, July 2, “The Bomb” will be playing. On Saturday, July 3, “Under the Gun” will be playing. Pfohl’s also brags the best view for fireworks on Monday, July 5. “But make sure you get here early,” states Norton. “The place fills up quickly because the fireworks are lit just a short distance away from the bar.”

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in July 2010 in Syracuse, NY

http://www.table-hopping.com/articles/july10%20club%20scene.html

Earth's Own (People of Interest)

Located in an old bank building in the Seneca Mall in Liverpool, Mario Pirrello has opened a venue that he much believes in. He has put everything he has into his business. From hiring cooks who not only cook to the liking of the customers, but actually cook things they like to eat, to stocking his shelves with holistic foods, Pirrello loves his career. Many would describe their work as simply a job, but Pirrello takes his position much more seriously. “This is my life,” Pirrello explains.

Pirrello is a man “passionate about organic food and bringing it to everyone’s table.”

“You have to have a certain character here,” states Pirrello. “This is not only what we do as a business, but also who we are in life. It’s where we put our focus. It’s the only thing that we do. We’re not in business just because. We’re here because we want to be.”

The store believes in common sense. They rely on things that “your grandma did.” From selling whole grains, simple foods, and cooking fresh, it’s a basic and common sense.

Pirrello used to distribute holistic food to the mass market. He saw that there was a need for a “true home style organic market” in the area.

Pirrello has lived in Liverpool for 20 years and sees Syracuse as one of the best places to live. He feels that the store as been well embraced by the community. The store is proud to be part of the community and is there to help with the community’s nutritional needs.

“Stop in at least once to see what we’re all about. There is a difference,” Pirrello says.

Earth's Own is a privately owned natural and organic food market and cafe. The store sells fresh produce, frozen items, vitamins, supplements, and have the largest gluten-free selection in the central New York area. The store sells everything from pet food, makeup, hair color and care, incense, to candles.

Upon entering the store, there is a large beach umbrella at the register. To the left and right are rows of products. Everything sold in the store is completely organic. The café, set off to the far corner has five tables. Each of these tables is surrounded by four chairs each. It’s a simple café, but it does the job.

“Earth's Own Natural Market & Cafe is here to provide you with the finest quality fresh, natural, organic and whole foods, nutritional products, body care products and health information in a fun comfortable clean, safe environment,” the website states.

Earth’s Own can be found online at http://www.earthsownmarket.com/ and also at

www.myspace.com/earthsownmarket.

The store’s café is called Harvest Moon Café. The café has a full menu and serves gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and free range, all natural turkey. There are new specials every day and the cooks are constantly experimenting and coming up with delicious new menu items.

Some of the many things on the café’s menu include, organic coffee, smoothies that come in the flavors of orange, strawberry, and banana that are priced at $3.99. They also serve a gluten free quiche for $3.49. Other menu items include wraps, breakfast items, salads and sandwiches. They also serve fresh organic soups.

There are in store discounts every day. The more a customer buys, the higher the percentage off is received. The store also offers specific discounts to AARP members, students and military. They also have started taking food stamps.

The store holds many events. Some of these events include free cooking classes. The classes are demonstrated by the chefs who cook in the café. The café has three specific chefs, a gluten free chef, a raw chef, and a vegetarian chef.

Another of the upcoming events is being held on June 3^rd. It will be a “Raw Preparation Cooking Class.” The class will start at 6:30pm and go until  8 pm. Betsy Naselli will be the teacher. The class price is $10.00 per person.

There are also events scheduled for June 9^th and 10^th. To see more information on these events and to sign up, please see the website or come to the store.

On Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11, Earth’s Own will be celebrating its two year anniversary. Part of the festivities will include free samples, vendors, holistic practitioners, and even massage therapy. There will also be raffles and prizes given away during the event.

“We just want to thank the community for accepting us with open arms,” Pirrello explaied. “And we hope to be here for many more years. Hopefully we’ll be celebrating our 50 years anniversary in the community as well.”

Hours of operation for the store on Monday thru Saturday 9am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in June 2010 in Syracuse, NY

Quaker Steak and Lube (Club Scene)

Although founded in 1974 in Sharon, PA, Quaker Steak & Lube didn’t reach Syracuse until 2007. The Lube, as it is commonly called, is a family friendly restaurant with a motor-themed atmosphere. The restaurant features a unique blend of great service, award-winning food, supercharged events and eye-popping décor.
Back in 1974 while the country was going through its first gas crisis with the price of gas skyrocketing, many gas stations were closing nationwide. So, carmakers began exploring how to develop cars that got better mileage.
But for George "Jig" Warren III and Gary "Moe" Meszaros, it became a different focus. It became about finding a way to preserve the culture of the old gas stations and those old muscle cars. So, they bought a bunch of grills and invited customers to come and grill their own meat.
So was born Quaker Steak & Lube, a "cook your own" restaurant that gave old muscle cars a permanent home, including a 1936 Chevrolet, frozen in time on the original hydraulic grease rack.
“It is from these beginnings that the Quaker Steak & Lube family of restaurants began. Today, The Lube serves over 70 million wings annually, has bottled sauces for retail sale, has won the title of "Best Wings USA," and has over 100 local, national, and international awards for their sauce recipes. Over 30 locations in multiple states across the US, The Lube is still rescuing muscle cars, vintage cars, trucks and a vast selection of custom and antique motorcycles, giving them good homes hanging from the walls and ceilings in each restaurant,” their website states.
With the awards starting in 1988 for “Best Wings USA,” they have not stopped. The Lube is still receiving annual awards for their wings and other menu items. And with a menu that covers hamburgers and sandwiches to even fried pickles, it’s no wonder The Lube is an award winning restaurant.
The full menu can be viewed on their web site (http://www.quakersteakandlube.com/). The Lube also has a page on Facebook, and with over 16,000 friends, it’s no wonder the restaurant is always busy.
Katie Rapp, marketing activities coordinator for the Syracuse Lube, describes it as, “a happening place to be.”
With TVs everywhere, motorcycles hanging from ceiling, and even a car hung just inside the front doors, the atmosphere just rings full of fun.
“It’s a great place for families, singles, teenagers. It’s a great atmosphere for everyone,” Rapp continued.
With The Lube being an event-driven establishment, there is always something going on at the restaurant.
Monday nights are Family Night. Tuesday nights are All You Can Eat Wings. Wednesday night is Bike Night. Thursday night is Trivia Night, with new questions every week. There is a picture round made up by the host and can be quite entertaining. If a table gets a bonus question correct, they end up with a bucket of beers. And Friday night is Happy Hour.
The main focus is the coming concert series. This series starts June 5 and will go until August 28. It will run every Saturday starting at 7:30pm. There is a list of local bands that will be playing, most of them outside on the patio. This list includes The Edge, Double Barrel Blues Band, and The John Glenn Band.
The Lube will also be hosting the second annual Redneck Games on July 24. The games will start at noon. The winner will receive a five day pass to The Buffalo Chip Campground in Sturgis, South Dakota. Last year over 3,000 people attended the games. Pabst Blue Ribbon will sponsor the event.
Customers can also join an email club. This club consists of receiving two to three emails per week that contain information about upcoming events and sometimes come with a coupon that can be printed out.
With some of the servers being there since the location has opened, it’s a really fun crew. And with a corporate slogan of “bringing the fun factor,” it’s not wonder.
Kim Campbell, one of the servers, states, “The food is great. I kind of wish I could figure out some of these recipes for myself.”
The restaurant also has a fully staffed bar. From mixed drinks to having eight beers on tap, there is always a choice. The Lube is also known for their “Lube tube.” This is a 100-ounce tube that has its own spigot that sits directly on the table.
Quaker Steak and Lube is open Monday thru Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday thru Saturday 11am-midnight, and Sunday 11am-10pm.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in June 2010 in Syracuse, NY

http://www.table-hopping.com/articles/June10clubscene.html

Sterling Stage (People of Interest)

Just a short drive from Lake Ontario, set in with the many trees the Sterling Stage Kampitheater is a venue unlike any other. As a family-oriented camping ground, it provides festival goers with a unique musical experience not found anywhere else. The setting provides an intimate musical experience. With camp grounds that provide a perfect view of the main stage, it’s easy to settle in with the crowd.

Eric McElveen describes his venue as a unique business. “There hasn’t been a lot of small festivals in recent years,” McElveen states. “Other venues either don’t last very long or they turn big very quickly.”

When the kampitheater started back in 1995, the original influence was just a bunch of friends getting together outside of the garage to listen to bands. “We’ve been described as a cross between Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd,” McElveen says. And now the kampitheater as been open for 15 years.

Oswego County 's Sterling Stage is an old Christmas tree farm that began hosting live music events in 1995. In the past 15 years, Sterling Stage has presented Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy winners, bluegrass legends, and legendary guitar heroes, along with hundreds of regional and local musicians.

Located on Kent Road in Sterling, New York, Sterling Stage is having it’s 6th annual folkfest soon. The folkfest will take place May 27-30, 2010. New to the lineup this year are Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Nate Wilson Group, Buffalo Killers, Jamie McLean Band, Leroy Justice, and Lucid. Also returning to the stage are some favorites including Natural Breakdown, The Buddhahood, The Family Dawgz, BuzzUniverse, Tim Herron Corporation, House on a Spring, Sophistafunk, and many more. In all, over 30 performers will take the stage in this 4 day musical event.

“It's been close to 12 years since I've been playing at Sterling and it's probably safe to say that I've played more shows then anyone that's had the pleasure to perform amongst the trees of Sterling,” said Tim Herron, one of the performers during the folkfest.

“I never considered what I did up there as work, it's always been me playing for my friends and community. I am looking forward to making more friends up there and having the pleasure to sing songs for them.”

While the music certainly is the main attraction of the folkfest, the weekend is not limited to the abundance of musical talent. Sterling Stage offers concert goers a unique experience, complete with music, comfortable festival style camping, a family camping village, craft and food vending, art installations and a 2nd line parade. “It will make folkfest more than just four days of music, but four days of coming together and creating a synergy of positive intentions through music, art, and social gathering,” McElveen says excitedly. 

Patrons are encouraged to make their own campsites homey. This includes being able to have a small campfire, grills and coolers are permitted, which means patrons bringing their own food, and just basically moving in for the weekend. Although in some cases there are tickets available for one night of the festival, patrons are encouraged to stay for the whole weekend.

Advance sale weekend passes are available for only $60 until May 26th. Tickets can be purchased on-line at http://www.sterlingstage.com/, or at select ticket outlets around Upstate New York (for a full list of outlets visit http://www.sterlingstage.com/).  As always, children 12 and under are free.

Gate passes can be purchased for $75, but are subject to availability. One day passes are also available at a reduced rate. 
General lot parking is $12 per vehicle for the weekend and includes re-entry. A limited number of on-site vehicle passes will be available for $30 each. RV and auto/tow-behind combos are available for $50 each. To reserve an on-site vehicle parking or an RV pass, send a request and the fee with the ticket mail order or send via an email reservation request to sterlingstage@gmail.com.

Free festival style tent camping is included with all tickets. Portable toilets, water, and hand washing stations are provided free of charge and are regularly serviced throughout the weekend.

For complete Sterling Stage information, including band lineups and schedules, ticket outlets, and directions, please visit the website at http://sterlingstage.com/. To reach Sterling Stage by phone, please call 818-212-9489.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in May 2010 in Syracuse, NY

Limp Lizard Roadside Cantina (Club Scene)

With a slogan like “good grub, cold beer, good times,” The Limp Lizard Roadside Cantina is worth the drive to North Syracuse. Located at 224 N. Main St, Limp Lizard is a great venue to stop in at. But careful you don’t look the wrong way, because you just might miss it.

To keep the outside decorated, there are strings of white lights hanging over the red umbrella topped picnic tables on the patio at the front of the restaurant. Inside are four golden tables with green trim. Set up at these tables are simple wooden kitchen chairs, for a total seating for 14 people. The outer walls have a long bar with six tall backed bar stools.

More of the inner décor includes a small set of antlers, a large animal skin on the wall, and several old fashioned license plates tacked to the wall around the ordering counter.

The cantina is located in a small building that looks like an old drive up diner. With this setting the cantina is best described as a local watering hole with the feel of a roadhouse. However, the cantina is so much more.

The cantina is an expansion of the Limp Lizard Bar and Grill run by Chuck and Robin Orlando. The grill opened about 5 and a half years ago. The cantina, which is run by Chuck’s cousin Frank Yaizzo, opened in December.

“We’re doing pretty well for an expansion in just that short of time,” explains Yaizzo.

When asked about the restaurant, Yaizzo explains, “We’re not a restaurant, but a barbeque joint. Putting it this way let’s us get away with a lot of stuff we couldn’t otherwise.”

“We love to do what we do,” Yaizzo states. “And we just love to have fun.”

The cantina, as well as the grill are all run and owned by family. From Chuck’s mom working a register and taking orders to his cousin David in kitchen and even Donna Baker, Yaizzo’s girlfriend, as the manager at the cantina, everything stays in the family.

The menu consists of many homemade barbeque favorites. Limp Lizard has specialty sauces for everything. They even bottle four of their sauces for sale to the public.

The cantina was just issued its liquor license so they serve beer and wine. They have 8 beers on tap with a specialty of Syracuse’s own Middle Ages beer.

From an “almost world famous” philly cheese steak at $8.49 to the homemade chili and jalapeno corn bread, there is a taste for everyone. The cantina also sells tex-mex as well as ribs and even jambalaya.

The cantina also features “family take away dinners.” These dinners feed up to four people. The most expensive meal consists of one half chicken, one full rack of ribs, two pulled pork sandwiches, and two sides and cornbread all for $37.97.

And with frequent diner cards, patrons come back as often as they can.

The cantina serves a lot of bikers which is why they have derived their logo from the well known Harely Davidson logo. However, the cantina, as well as the grill, serve mostly the locals.

Not only is Limp Lizard a great restaurant, but they also cater. They offer custom full-service, drop-off, or pick-up catering. Limp Lizard also does clambakes and picnics. They can do any event, big or small. From office parties, luncheons and dinners to anniversaries and weddings, “make it better with mouth watering Limp Lizard BBQ!”

Last year the grill catered over 500 parties. This year, the cantina is joining that number with having already booked at least 5 weddings for the summer.

“When your guests roll up and see our mobile pit smokin', they'll instantly know they're in for a great time!” brags the website http://www.limplizardbbq.com/.

The Limp Lizard Roadside Cantina is closed on Mondays, however, they are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 9pm. They are also open on Sundays from noon to 8pm.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in May 2010 in Syracuse, NY

http://www.table-hopping.com/articles/May2010clubscene.html

Fresco Tortillas Grill (People of Interest)

Just a short walk away from campus and easy access from a number of downtown businesses is Fresco Tortillas Grill. Located on Walton Street, the grill is owned by Gary Dong.

About a year ago, when Fresco Tortillas Grill opened, the area was a little more populated. With a couple of clubs that closed down and less traffic in the area, business has slowed a little.

However, Dong has kept the little restaurant up and going. With yellow walls and a bright red awning announcing the name of the restaurant and the numbers where orders can be placed, it is a sight that just can not be missed.

With a large vase with fresh flowers and white Christmas lights draped in the front window, the establishment welcomes in customers. As patrons enter, they are also welcomed by a menu that has been posted in the window.

It seems a great restaurant for repeat business. And there seems to be quite a few patrons who agree with one customer commenting that if it ever closed he wouldn’t know where to go for his lunch break.

The interior of the restaurant is lightly decorated and there are only about a dozen tables for dine in orders. However, the restaurant relies heavily on the take out orders that can be called in as well as ordered online at www.campusfood.com.

Fresco Tortillas Grill delivers for $10 or more to the downtown area. Most of the delivery orders are made within a 5 mile radius. The grill also does catering. So far the largest catering job it has had was for St. Joseph’s Hospital. Although it was a large order, catering can be done for small parties as well.

With convenient hours between 11:00am to 10:00pm weekdays, 11:00am to 11:00pm weekends, and 12:00pm to 10:00pm on Sunday, the grill is an open opportunity for most office workers in the area for a fresh lunch.

From the tortillas to the sauces and the guacamole everything is made fresh per order. With an average wait of 3 to 5 minutes per order, not only is the food fresh, but it’s an absolute convenience in this busy world.

“I’m pretty confident our food is better than most in the area,” Dong boasted.

The menu offers a hearty burrito at only $5.99 and enchiladas starting at $4.89 a piece. Customers can even order fajitas by the pound. These start at $10.99. And don’t forget the nachos. They start at $3.19.

Dong, originally from southern China, has lived in the Syracuse area for about 14 years. Dong moved with his father to Syracuse when he was 15.

His family has been in the restaurant business his whole life. Several family members own and operate restaurants in New York City as well as the downtown area of Syracuse. Two other family businesses include Dragon City and Oishi Sushi.

Dong and his wife own Fresco Tortillas Grill. When they married 3 years ago, Dong’s wife had been in the Mexican food business for several years and thought that Mexican food was the easiest way to go.

“My wife thought it was easier to manage than other types,” Dong explained.

Even though the name is borrowed from a family owned restaurant in New York City, Fresco Tortillas Grill promises a full stomach for those needing a quick meal for those short lunch breaks.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in April 2010 in Syracuse, NY