If you say you miss the old south wedge but want to sip on a craft cocktail whose name boasts that exact pronouncement at an establishment whose founding succeeded that era of Rochester history, then the corner of South Avenue and Hickory Street may be your new libation destination. Martine is her name. Let her white flag waving out front be the lighthouse that draws you to shore and invites you in. But this white flag doesn't represent surrender; oh, no. This one signifies victory - oh, yes, victory, my friend. Because tonight, it is you and a few hours of your time that Martine Kocktails has won. Let your disposable income, and the pleasure of your patronage be the spoils. Enter through the front double doors of this brick row building and you'll know that you've arrived. You'll know because the tenders of bar are handsome, their eyes warm; the MCM pendant lighting says this isn't your house, but you're at home. The seats say sit, your fellow guests' presence say you belong and here at Martine, like no other place, you do. They know you have many options for how to spend your Thursday through Monday evenings, and yet, you've chosen Martine. The menu respects you and it respects itself. It can't offer you the world, just the corner of South and Hickory in the south wedge. Your body will stay in Rochester, regardless of what you order, but your mouth and your mind will be in a place that can only be described as sublime. Sit in the main room if you like, or if your preference is to be elevated along with your impeccable taste, follow the stairs to the second floor. The menu is succinct without being sparse. Wherever you find yourself, you'll be greeted with a bar that is open, open for you. Not to be mistaken with an open bar, however, as you'll be spending between $5 and $16 for each opportunity to raise a glass or a fork to your lips. But fear not, when you cross Martine's threshold, you'll check all your worries, including those of the deductions from your checking account at the door. I could tell you there isn't a price for what you receive at Martine, but that would be a lie. And yet, an evening at Martine is priceless; it is pure, unadulterated revelry; it is joy of the satisfaction that you went out at least once this week, and that's worthy of a toast, or two or three. read more