Ben Liddle

Does it live up to the hype?

The Sentinel, the infinity quad, RITchie, and the quarter mile: these are the landmarks which so comfortably greeted new students to the RIT campus for years. Now, throw in a Barnes and Noble, several restaurants, a convenience store, and some swanky new apartments, and you’re looking at the modern campus, the segment at the very forefront of RIT civilization — once it fully opens, that is. Though people are moving into the apartments and a few stores have opened their doors, the grand opening will not be held until September 27th.

Park Point is such a recent development that it hasn’t even been fully integrated; several message center announcements have even referred to it as an “off-campus” area. Don’t let that stop you, though, because free shuttle buses run between Park Point and Gleason Circle between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every weekday. In addition, the less direct RTS 33 bus makes a few stops there every so often.

Just in case you haven’t had a chance to be formally introduced, Reporter takes a look at the establishments that Park Point has to offer so far.

Lovin’ Cup

The Lovin’ Cup is among the first shops to open at Park point. The café is privately owned by two enthusiastic young entrepreneurs and is operated by some local and student employees. The sprightly Leslie Zinck and youthful Erik Ward were gracious owners as they interpreted their modern bistro design. “It’s about embracing more than one thing and about keeping the vibe going so people don’t get stuck with a lack of variety,” said Zinck.

The bistro offers a tame but playful atmosphere amplified by a resounding music motif. Daily menus are given names like Wrap her up, It’s a Beautiful Morning, and Stir it Up. Similarly, there is a full menu with items like Rage against the green, All-ap-olive-gies, and Karmal Police. The menu offers full courses as well as quickie snacks. Wraps, burgers, and stuffed artichokes are just a few of the soon-to-be favorites. Drinks range from an assortment of wines, beers, and coffee to smoothies and tea.

The café itself has a brilliant uniqueness. There is a labyrinth of mood lighting illuminating the many seating options from booths, high tables, and lounges to bar stools at the counter. The music motif continues with the offset stage where “there will be live performances from local and out of town bands, comedy [acts], and open mic nights, as well as a showcase for amateur films,” as Zinck informed me.

Ben Liddle

The walls, though displaying artwork, are a rich chartreuse which blends well with the deep mahogany of the chairs and metal-worked tables. Lovin’ Cup is very much influenced by creative work featuring tables that are almost sculptures in and of themselves, with metal work done by Ward’s younger brother. People from around the area are welcome to display and even try to sell their artwork as well.

Lovin’ Cup definitely gets two thumbs up for the performance stage, uniqueness of decoration, and robust beer and wine list. Definitely check it out for yourself. Try the Wrapper’s Delight, a turkey club, and the Stone cold and crazy, an iced cappuccino; it won’t disappoint.

Lovin’ Cup is open Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to midnight, Friday 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to midnight.

Gallery Salon Too

Gallery Salon Too is, far and away, the happiest store at Park Point. Granted, there are only three stores open right now, and most of the people I saw at Barnes and Nobles were purchasing absurdly overpriced textbooks. Gallery Salon Too is still a standout in the happiness department. Seriously — two of the stylists broke out in song while I was there. My guess is that it’s the effect of the salon’s track lighting; everyone looks good in its soft, flattering pink glow. Or they’re putting something in the water aside from scented soaps and hair product.

Since the salon’s opening five weeks ago, they’ve settled in quite nicely. The stylists are friendly and personable, and the original University Avenue Gallery Salon’s prices have been lowered slightly to accommodate student budgets. With men’s haircuts for $12 and women’s for $25, their prices are comparable to the pre-existing salon, Hair Techniques, in the SAU. Highlights and other chemical services cost $40 and up. (Note: If you snag one of the business cards they have at the front counter and tell them that it’s your first visit, you can get 10% off.) While I didn’t end up getting my hair cut, all the clients I observed leaving the salon appeared to be very satisfied, and for good reason. They all had fabulous hair.

Out of sheer curiosity, I tried a couple of the spa services. For $10, 13 minutes of my time, and a trivial amount of pain, my eyebrows were trimmed, waxed and smoothed into submission. For another $40, my feet were massaged, exfoliated, and lotioned. Special attention was given to my toenails, which were trimmed, filed, and painted with care. And while I can honestly say that my feet have never looked so good, I think I’d almost prefer to have my gnarly toes and two twenties back. After all, we’re in Rochester; in a few weeks, the weather will be much too cold to wear any type of shoe which will display the works of art that are my feet. But oh well. The pedicure was relaxing, at least, and it gave me something to do for an hour.

So, if you’ve got some time to kill and some money to spend, consider adding this to your list of things to check out. At the end of my walk-in appointment, I walked out of the salon looking a little prettier and feeling a little happier than I did when I walked in. Maybe you will too.

The Gallery Salon Too is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m, Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ben Liddle

Barnes and Noble @ RIT

Every time I picture myself in an orange and brown RIT shirt, I look comically like a block of wood. That being said, Barnes and Noble @ RIT would not be my choice store for apparel. Nearly half of the entire first f loor is littered with RIT logos ingrained upon pilsner glasses, ties, lapel pins, and etched pens — all totaling a mere $150.

The walkway is boxed tightly between this slough of logos, a sight which would seem uninviting to regular bookstore-goers, and the check-out line. Within the same neighborhood, there is a Starbucks housing massive magazine racks to scamper to if you ever have a fierce itching to read Cosmopolitan. Oddly enough, there is also a small supplies shelf full of handy knick-knacks such as shaving cream and deodorant. You know, just in case that grande latte jolts your brain into remembering that you’re out of toothpaste.

Whereas half of the lower level seems to be collision of college paraphernalia, cash registers, and coffee, the other half is a battle between fantasy and fiction. A couple of steps down the aisle and just around the corner from several bookshelves spanned with sci-fi novels and manga, there is an entire display devoted to Dungeons and Dragons.

The escalator ride to the top floor features a large billboard of a rather sunny, summery downtown Rochester. Noticing this, I thought there might be hope that the top floor be less RIT-centric. As my eyes wavered over the moving lines of the escalator stairs, I saw it: a gigantic yellow duck bath mat. It blended in perfectly with the trash cans and shower supplies.

Moving past these dorm supplies, there is another book area where you can find almost every bookshelf littered with For Dummies books. Past that is a cozy, couch-filled reading area that is nestled just beside the textbook department. This area is surrounded by the bookstore’s true audience: confused students and newly-appointed RIT moms. Heading back downstairs, the escalator ride features a collage of RIT-related imagery.

As expected, Barnes and Noble @ RIT is just that: at RIT. It wouldn’t take more than a glance from your Grappling For Dummies book to convince you further, nor a coffee break punctuated with toothpaste woes. If you are seeking a replacement for the SAU bookstore location, you will surely find it here, but do not expect a grand escape into the fascinating world of books.

Barnes and Nobles is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.