In recent years, farm-to-table businesses have become a cultural phenomenon in the Finger Lakes Region rediscovering its roots. Many restaurant owners and chefs take pride in supporting their local farms and producers.
In the surrounding Finger Lakes Region, over 50 percent of businesses and restaurants use locally-sourced ingredients. While it is harder for large restaurants and hotels to use all local products, it has been noted that they still try utilize local farms when possible.
FLX Wienery
“Having grown up in the region, and growing up working in and around our agrarian system, was a huge driving force for us,” said Christopher Bates, chef and co-owner of FLX Wienery in Dundee. “The wine industry that is continuing to evolve is obviously the biggest attraction to us personally, but, also the availability of product that speaks of place is also very important.”
The FLX Wienery was founded as a passion project of Bates and Isabel Bogadtke after more than 10 years of fine dining management. The Wienery focuses on artisanal foods – including house-made brats, chorizo, and Italian sausages, hand-ground burgers and fresh fries – served fast.
“Our approach is simple,” Bates said. “We search out the best product for the desired application. During season, that is often locally sourced, as products at the height of ripeness are often delicate and best consumed locally, but, also it is often economically the best choice as well.”
The Park Inn
In Hammondsport, The Park Inn carries a similar mission. Chef Dan Eaton, a former TV chef who also made a name for himself in the Rochester culinary scene, grew up on his grandparents’ farm, which afforded many ingredients for his meals.
In the spirit of that experience, Eaton is committed to using as many Finger Lakes and New York state ingredients as possible. Some dishes are even sourced from the restaurant’s own organic farm.
Sapalta Dining at Plum Point Lodge
Located in a farmhouse, Sapalta Dining at Plum Point Lodge offers a dining experience that features the diversity and excellence of the Region’s food and beverage production. With most everything on the menu being locally sourced and made in-house, you can be sure you are getting a delicious farm-to-table meal.
Open for breakfast and lunch you’ll get an in-season meal with the finest ingredients available from local farms. Order their box lunch to take the farm-to-table on the go while you are exploring the Finger Lakes.
Red Newt Bistro
At Red Newt Bistro, Chef Jeremy Personius has created a menu with item made from scratch from local FLX ingredients. Continuing a decades long tradition of working closely with farmers to provide local and fresh options to guests. Offering a variety of soups, salads, local potato fries and bistro made sauces, pastas, gyros, grilled cheese sandwiches, and panini it is a great place to stop for lunch for a locally inspired meal.
With farm-to-table hot spots like these, you’ll be sure to find something delicious and locally grown to eat when you visit Finger Lakes Farm Country.
Get a Flavor for the Finger Lakes
The Cellar (Corning) / Turtle Leaf Café (Elmira) / The Stone Cat (Hector)
