When you stay at a bed and breakfast in a small town, there can be understandable concern about dining options for lunches and dinners. While it is common for my guests to leave town during the day and enjoy lunch elsewhere, you are in for a real treat for dinner – right here in Trumansburg within walking distance of the Inn at Gothic Eves. Hazelnut Kitchen at 52 East Main Street is just .3 miles west of my upstate New York bed and breakfast, and offers a dining experience unlike any other.
This little culinary gem might SEEM out of place in such a small town, however original owners Jonah and Christina McKeough had a vision: to mix the amazing flavors of regional ingredients with a casually-elegant environment to produce amazing foods unique to the Finger Lakes region, and perfect for Trumansburg’s palette. Hazelnut’s goal is to provide a laid-back atmosphere featuring exemplary cuisine. The result may seem like an odd mix of big-city food sophistication in a quirky and friendly, small-town atmosphere… but it really does work!
As of 2012, the McKeoughs no longer own the restaurant. But their excellent choice to leave the establishment in the very capable hands of Chef Justin Paterson, Sous Chef Matt Kelly, and Manager Lisa Jonckheere, guaranteed that their vision of providing an amazing dining option for our residents and guests.
Hazelnut Kitchen shares my belief of using quality, local organic foods to produce delicious fare for their clientele, demonstrated by the fact that they use the same suppliers that I use to produce the delicious breakfasts here at the Inn at Gothic Eves: Sweet Land Farm CSA, Wide Awake Bakery, and Gimme! Coffee. In fact, Hazelnut obtains their ingredients from no less than fifteen area farms, bakeries, dairies and coffee/tea houses. Like my own menu, the Kitchen’s creative (and sometimes surprising) menu is constantly changing as it follows the local growing seasons and celebrates the bounty produced herein.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with anything Hazelnut Kitchen’s menu, no matter when you visit: the ever-changing food offerings consistently highlight familiar seasonal ingredients in a surprising array of methods. November’s menu features great fall ingredients and flavors (including beets, squash, maple, apple, fall flower honey, pistachios). You will currently find both German-based dishes and hearty, warm-your-insides favorites on the menu, while the dessert selection features tastes of cinnamon, pumpkin, cranberry, and hazelnut.
If you do have any questions about the menu, the staff has a thorough knowledge of what is currently offered, and can provide advice on the flavors you’ll experience and can recommend wine pairings that will highlight the seasonal ingredients. This amazing food paired with locally produced wines guarantees you a dining experience that you won’t soon forget!
No matter what time of year you plan your Gothic Eves getaway, be sure to plan at least one evening at the Hazelnut Kitchen. They are open for dinner from Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). I will be happy to make reservations for you, or you can reserve your own table by calling 607-387-4433. Make sure to tell them that Rose is sending you!
Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
PO Box 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@f67.62d.myftpupload.com
1-800-387-7712 | 607-387-6033
