John Thomas Steakhouse
Prime dry-aged beef, carefully prepared in custom refrigeration compartments, is the specialty of this restaurant. Accompanied by side orders of fresh sauteed wild mushrooms, John Thomas German fried potatoes and creamed spinach, the steaks, ambiance and service have won this restaurant a Mobil three-star rating. For those who prefer something other than red meat, balsamic chicken, Scottish salmon, Maine lobster and a vegetarian entree round out the menu. Wooden floors and a fireplace set a rustic tone in the Green Room. The Red Room is set for larger groups, while the veranda offers garden views for summertime dining. The Steakhouse is open for dinner every night of the week.
John Thomas Steakhouse
1152 Danby Road
Route 96 B
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 273-3464
johnthomassteakhouse.net
Taverna Banfi
In the scholarly climate of the Cornell University campus, Taverna Banfi is situated in the historic Sadler Hotel, where students from the School of Hotel Administration hone their skills. The rich decor sets the tone for a meal inspired by the flavors of Tuscany. The menu is designed to showcase locally raised produce, meat and fresh seafood. Seasonal berries are offered on the breakfast and brunch menu. Full breakfast and lunch buffets include savory entrees and fresh fruit. At dinner, sample the restaurant's signature Insalata di Banfi, a delicate mix of hydroponically grown Bibb lettuce, dried cherries, apple and ewe's blue cheese dressed with maple vinaigrette. Wine from a Tuscan vineyard is served by the glass, half bottle or full bottle.
Taverna Banfi
130 Statler Drive, Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 254-2565
tavernabanfi.com
The Heights Cafe and Grill
A contemporary luncheon spot by day and white tablecloth restaurant by night, The Heights serves up delicately balanced dishes in northeast Ithaca. The extensive wine list, thoughtfully designed to complement the menu, continues to win The Heights a coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1999. Lunch selections include pasta, gnocchi, composed salads and handcrafted pizza. For dinner, choices range from oven-roasted rack of lamb with plumb sauce and pink peppercorn butter to The Heights' signature hand-cut steak served with a ragout of caramelized onions, mushrooms and sweet peppers. For the vegetarian palate, succotash pot pie is presented in puff pastry. Finish the meal with a lava cake souffle, a dessert so elaborate it's best ordered at the same time as your entree.
The Heights Cafe and Grill
903 Hanshaw Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-4144
heightscafe.com
Article Written By Denise Schoonhoven
A seasoned business traveler, Denise Schoonhoven specializes in food, travel, landscaping, design and personal development topics. She has lived and worked in London, San Francisco, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Pacific Northwest. Schoonhoven hails from the corporate writing world where she authored marketing material, catalogs, presentations and training documents.
