Downtown Canandaigua with an international flair is truly magnifique or magnífica or, as they say around here, magnificent.
Downtown will be home to international fun and flavors with the launch of Taste of Nations Week and continues with the International Festival & Classic Euro Car Celebration on May 16.
Perhaps a spot of tea also will have visitors steeped in the tastes of other lands as part of the International Tea Trail Experience.
Here’s more about what’s happening this week in downtown Canandaigua.
See an array of international cars in downtown Canandaigua
The annual International Festival & Classic Euro Car Celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 16 on Canandaigua’s Main Street.
The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with a classic international car cruise down Main Street, and classic and vintage British, European and Japanese vehicles, manufactured before 2001, will be lined up on display. Have a favorite car? Then take part in the people’s choice judging from noon to 3 p.m. Awards will be announced at 3 p.m.
Live entertainment and cultural performances will take place on the Maxion Stage at Commons Park throughout the day. Tavern Off Main, Peacemaker Brewing Co. and Lincoln on Main will be offering live music from 6 to 11 p.m.
Activities for kids also will be available.
Savor the Taste of Nations in Canandaigua
Cars are the main event of the weekend, but visitors can also enjoy downtown’s international flair now through May 16 during Taste of Nations Week.
India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Brazil and Ireland are all represented by participating restaurants, breweries, wineries and cafés that feature international-inspired dishes, desserts, beverages and specials.
You can’t get more international than this lineup of eateries: Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza (featuring cup-and-char wood-fired pizza); Bon Ami French Bistro (bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew); Flavors Indian Restaurant (xacuti, a curry dish); Il Posto Bistro (Bolognese pasta dish); Rheinblick German Restaurant (Der Metzger, a bratwurst dish); Simply Crêpes (French Crêpe Madame); Sweet Solutions (tiramisu); Off Main Tavern (Irish corned beef quesadillas); the Dalai Java (gnocci bravas, an Italian and Spanish fusion dish); and Vital Garnish (Brazilian cheese breads).
Closer to home, Rockcastle Florist will have Finger Lakes beer and wine.
Take part in the International Tea Trail in Canandaigua
Visitors may also amble along the Tea Trail, presented by Good Life Tea, which features four international tea tastings along with tea-inspired stops at participating downtown businesses.
The new tea trail encourages visitors to explore the business district while discovering flavors and traditions from around the world.
More details on Canandaigua’s international celebration
For more information, schedules, participating restaurants and car registration details, visit DowntownCanandaigua.com.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua’s international festival brings cars, food, and tea
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
