By Marie Greene
Upstate New York
Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lake district, Geneva was settled in the 17th century. Visitors come to find antiques, enjoy nature, sample local wine and, of course, to unwind. This city is home to historic architecture, mansions and dozens of wineries. Excellent restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, styles and dining experiences, with emphasis on both Old World elegance and New World comfort.
Edgar's
Edgar's is the epitome of fine dining in a jaw-dropping setting. The converted castle is decorated in plus fabrics and well-picked antiques. Oversized fireplaces, plush leather chairs and rich tapestry make guests feel as if they have traveled in time to a sophisticated European parlour room. Lunch and breakfast are served buffet style and feature classic dishes with seasonal touches. Dinner is served a la cart with the main star being the impressive carving station. The meats are always well aged and served along side seasonal vegetable sides. Several cuts of beef are on offer as well as an impressive "chef's butcher block" selection that includes several cuts of steaks, chops or roasts. A handful of pasta and seafood dishes are also available.
Edgar's
Belhurst Castle
4069 Route 14 South
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-020
belhurst.com/Edgars-Restaurant.html
Stonecutter's
Stonecutter's is the casual version of Edgar's fine-dining experience. Picturesque views of Seneca Lake abound. Guests enjoy the view while sipping a cocktail beside the romantic stone fireplace in winter, and on the patio when the weather permits. The menu is casual, using exquisite ingredients to craft simple salads and sandwiches. The mostly American fare includes classics like shrimp cocktail, filet mignon and catfish sandwiches. Most Saturday nights, guests can enjoy entertainment as well, with live musicians serenading the crowd with soulful jazz, blues and rock.
Stonecutter's
Belhurst Castle
4069 Route 14 South
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-020
belhurst.com/Stonecutters.html
Torrey Park
Torrey Park has been a neighborhood staple for over 75 years. An ownership change in 2007, lead to a renovation of both the dining room and kitchen. The main room is decorated in pale yellow with white and peach accents. Crisp white linens grace the tables, adding a touch of sophistication. The Italian-American menu is plentiful, with many varieties of pastas, sauces, seafood and veal. A more casual bar menu features classic sandwiches, burgers and antipasti. The wine list is short, but well-crafted. Most bottles are around $20, with selections from both the old and new worlds.
Torrey Park
89 Avenue E
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 789-1629
torreypark.com
Resources
About the Author:
Marie Greene is an art and architecture writer in New York. She completed an undergraduate degree in Economics and English and holds a Masters Degree in Architecture.
Photo Credits:
New York State Capitol in Albany, New York image by Ritu Jethani from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
