I just got back from another visit to the Finger Lakes of New York. We spent a week living in a beautiful home on Seneca Lake just taking in the beauty, soaking in the hospitality and delicious wines of the local wineries, and exploring the area. I’ve been to the Finger Lakes more than a dozen times over the past 10 years, mostly for work with VineSleuth. This trip was purely for fun.
Looking for a place to eat? Here are a few of my favorite restaurants from the trip. (Prepare to be delighted– most of these are incredible experiences as well as ‘just’ delicious food):
Saint Urban Wine Bar in Syracuse
This was absolutely one of my top 10 meals of all times. We opted for the Spanish tasting menu with the premium wine pairing and every bite and sip was exquisite. But it wasn’t just the food and wine– every sense was heightened and delighted from the moment we stepped through the velvet curtain and into the well decorated space. It was comfortable and yet felt very special at the same time. And the team— WOW! Every single person seemed happy to be there and genuinely interested in making sure we had a fantastic meal and experience. And, although the wines on offer were truly special there was not one ounce of snootiness in the place.
Sans Dumplings in Penn Yan
We picked up mouthwatering, handmade potstickers/ dumplings from Sans Dumplings at Kemmeter Wines and took them across the way to Anthony Road Wine Company where we enjoyed lunch outside overlooking the vineyard and beautiful garden. (The dumplings are only sold to go and Kemmeter is not licensed to serve wine on premise– you CAN reserve a winery tour and tasting in advance, however.)
The dumplings are made by Imelda, who, with her husband, owns Kemmeter. (Her husband, Johannes, is the winemaker. When I first met him he was the winemaker at Anthony Road.)
We tried every variety of dumplings Imelda sells: Chicken Pork, Salmon and Tofu, along with her dipping sauce, rice and salad. Magic.
FLX Fry Bird in Geneva
FLX Fry Bird sure steps up the fried chicken game and yes, my wine lover friends, they DO serve small label Champagnes… as well as other interesting wines, beers and even fun sodas alongside the chicken.
Choose your own adventure from a full bird family style, to chicken sandwiches, popcorn chicken and chicken and waffles with outstanding accents and sauces.
FLX Table in Geneva
Like FLX Fry Bird, Master Sommelier Christopher Bates is behind FLX Table. He and his team have created a several course dinner party experience with truly gourmet foods. Everyone is served the same menu, so this may not be for the non food adventurous. But if you are game, you will be delighted. They (of course) offer several pairing options for wine (or beer) for every course… and these options may be iconic global wines, local wines are anything in between. Be sure to book this experience in advance– and be prepared to pay for it when you book.
Not on this trip… Redman’s Chicken n Ribs
We did not make it to Redman’s Chicken n Ribs on this trip and I regret it. The very best fried chicken I have ever had in my life is from this place. We were on more of a foodie adventure this trip and some how this slipped through the cracks. BIG MISTAKE. This place is super casual, super simple and absolutely excellent. Plus the man who owns it is a gem. I will not miss this next time… and you shouldn’t, either.
(If you aren’t on Facebook, you can call them at 315-828-6888 to get more information, hours, etc.)
Hungry yet? Anything missing?
Please let me know your thoughts on these spots as well as any gems I may left off the list. I am a MASSIVE FLX (that’s short for Finger Lakes) fan and am always looking for new restaurants to add on my trips there.
I hope this helps with YOUR next visit.
Very best,
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