Midwest Cravings

I recently made another trip to Yuma Fritas and it continues to be one of those spots I keep wanting to go back to.

On this visit I ordered the beef fritas burger and customized it with mango slaw, havarti cheese, fries, and Yuma sauce on an egg bun. One of the things I always enjoy about their burgers is the fries tucked right into the burger. It adds a little crunch and makes the whole thing feel extra indulgent. I also like how many toppings you can choose from, which makes it easy to build something a little different each time you go.

I also ordered the loaded plantains topped with black beans, shredded cheese, tomato, cilantro lime salsa, guacamole, and crème fraîche. The mix of toppings worked really well together and gave the dish a nice balance of creamy, fresh, and slightly tangy elements. Definitely something I would order again.

Of course I had to get the passion fruit batido, which is so good every time I order it. It’s refreshing, sweet, and honestly one of my favorite things on the menu.

On a previous visit I also tried the Cubano sandwich with spiced pork shoulder, sliced ham, thick cut bacon, havarti cheese, chipotle piloncillo glaze, pickles, and dijonnaise, along with the ham croquettas. The Cubano had a great combination of savory pork, ham, and bacon with the sweetness from the glaze and the acidity from the pickles. The ham croquettas were crisp on the outside with a creamy filling that made them really enjoyable to share.

Overall, each time I've gone to Yuma Fritas the food has been consistently good. The burgers are fun to customize and the loaded plantains are worth ordering if you want something to share alongside them.

I also really love their branding. The restaurant reflects it well and has a fun, cohesive look that fits the concept. I’m already thinking about what I want to try the next time we go back.

Marrow has been on our list to revisit ever since the first time we stopped in and grabbed burgers at the bar. They were incredible, but this time we wanted to experience more of what the kitchen is known for, so we made reservations and settled in for a full dinner for our anniversary. They even surprised us with a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate, which was such a thoughtful touch.

We started with the confit farmer potatoes with taleggio fondue and chives. Crispy, rich, and completely addictive. Alongside that we ordered the manti dumplings with vadouvan lamb sausage, harissa, aged goat cheese, and preserved lemon. The flavors in this dish were bold and layered, with just the right balance of spice and brightness.

For entrees we went with the smoked half chicken with maple glaze, puffed wild rice cheddar crumble, pickled kohlrabi, and cranberry BBQ. The chicken had that perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and tangy with great texture from the wild rice crumble. We also ordered the Marrow pot pie with sweetbreads, celery root, pearl onions, and béchamel. It felt classic and comforting but elevated in a way that really fits their style.

To finish the night we shared the cobbler dessert with pomegranate, pear, and vanilla bean ice cream, which was light and refreshing after such a satisfying meal.

Marrow continues to impress. It is one of those places that really stands out in Rochester. A chef driven spot focused on seasonal ingredients, creative dishes, and an intimate atmosphere inside a beautiful historic building. Every visit feels thoughtful and a little different thanks to their rotating menu.

If you enjoy thoughtful dishes, unique flavor combinations, and a cozy dining experience, it is definitely a spot worth visiting.