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Tango Café, a dance studio in Rochester's South Wedge, has opened a real café to serve the sure-footed and those of us with two left feet.
The place
In 1885, Rochesterians tripped the light fantastic in the same location where dance fans are exploring the tango and the waltz today — the third floor of 389 Gregory St. Last month, Tango Café owner Kerri Vaughn expanded her business to the first floor of the building, which during the 19th century was a tea room and coffeehouse that catered to patrons of the third-floor ballroom.
"I feel like we've brought it back to its rightful place," says Vaughn of the first floor.
The food
Until Vaughn gets her liquor license, she will be offering coffee, teas (that she blends herself), baked goods, sandwiches and salads. When the license comes through, she plans to serve beer and wine. One of the more popular features of Tango Café is a rotating focus on world dances, Vaughn says.
For example, Thursdays feature Argentine tango. The new eatery will reflect that idea; specials will mirror the dance of the day, and the venue also will incorporate seasonal fare. Meals range in price from $7 to $10, and several baked-good and healthy-snack options are available for less.
Room to move
Unlike a traditional dining room, the first-floor space has a dance floor in the middle.
"It gives the dance students a place to practice or try out what they've learned," Vaughn says. "I also think it will be a welcome place for people that are interested but aren't sure they want to take a lesson."
Making it official
The ribbon-cutting and grand-opening party for the first-floor eatery will be Friday, Oct. 16. Other events include a monthly folk music event on the third Saturday of every month.
Good to know
What: A new eatery and coffee bar in the South Wedge.
Where: 389 Gregory St.
When: 3 p.m. till midnight Monday through Sunday.
Cover: None. For dance-class prices, go to www.tangocafedance.com
Drink specials: A liquor license (so the venue can serve beer and wine) is in the works. For now, it is serving coffee and teas, which the owner blends herself.
Food: Homemade baked goods, sandwiches, soups and salads with seasonal and worldly flair.
Parking: Two marked lots and on-street.
Contact: 271-4930 or www.tangocafedance.com
