The Restaurant at Elderberry Pond Just Minutes from Syracuse, New York

I have lived in the Syracuse-area for nearly three years, and moving up here from the New York City-metro area where I dined in a host of exciting and delicious restaurants weekly, I was seriously dismayed with the paltry selection of dining choices for dining in Syracuse. My feelings about dining in Central New York would have been substantially altered had I been informed about ELDERBERRY POND a little sooner.

This seasonal restaurant and farm store is situated between Auburn and Skaneateles and is about a 25 minute drive from downtown Syracuse. As I drove to the rural location, I was unsure of what to expect. I was told about Elderberry Pond from a colleague and was sincerely hoping it would be as wonderful as she claimed it to be. Passing acres of farm fields, and a ramshackle house here and there, I felt my doubts creeping up. Then, when I had nearly lost all hope, I spotted a simple sign proclaiming "Elderberry Pond" at the base of a stone driveway. The red building with a charming flagstone patio and summer flowers was unassuming and well-kept.

I entered the building and was wowed by the inside. It felt as though I had wandered into an elegant dining room that could be found in Manhattan or San Francisco, and not off the beaten track in Auburn! The spacious interior was well lit by both sunlight and charming fixtures. Candles were ready on table to be lit for the evening dining service. The tables were dressed with crisp tone-on-tone off white plaid tablecloths and a simple fresh flower arrangement adorned them. A large mantle and fireplace dominated one side of the main dining room which seats about forty people, and quality Mission-style spindle chairs and tables form various seating arrangements. A smaller sunroom which seats twenty is next to the main dining room and through this room you can gain entry to the patio when weather permits.

As I was alone, I opted to sit at a simple two person table inside close to the entrance of the restaurant. My seat faced the entire dining room which I had to myself for most of this late lunch meal. I am somewhat of a picky eater as I do not eat meat, so my options were limited. However, I found something on the menu which appealed to me immediately. Before I had a chance to order, the smiling waitress presented me with a basket of fresh bread and a ramikin fliied with soft butter. I sampled both, a pumpernickel slice and a whole grain slice, and was pleased by the crunchiness of the crust and robust flavor and texture of each. I then ordered the Whole Wheat Vegetarian Pasta and a glass of the Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris (2006) which is certified both organic and biodynamic. The wine list described how wine is categorized as biodynamic and/or organic and was quite informative.

The wine was served in minutes and after my first sip, I was in love. The wine was bright and refreshing and almost felt like it had an effervescent quality. The wine danced on my tongue and I had to stop myself from drinking it all prior to my meal. Shortly therafter, my pasta was presented to me in a small bowl. The simply prepared dish consisted of whole wheat rotini, artichoke pieces, spears of baby asparagus, onions, portabellas and feta cheese in a light garlic white wine sauce. In a word, delectable. The rotini was al dente, the vegetables were cooked to perfection and at the peak of freshness, and the feta added just the right amount of salty cheese flavor to this perfect dish.

The charming manager, Sue Hare, also took the time to chat with me and answer some questions I had about the establishment. Though it has only been open for three years, it is rapidly gaining a steady following which continues to grow. The owners also offer the space to local artists to showcase their artwork, and many pieces of art have been sold already.

Though I was closer to being full than not, I had to partake in Elderberry Pond's dessert offerings. Normally I am a chocolate cake kind of girl, but today the lemon strawberry mousse cake called out to me. Oh, and I am so glad it did. Two eight-sided stars of sweet lemon cake were layered with strawberry cream and ultra fresh strawberries resulting in a meritorious melange of strawberry lemon flavor. The cake had the right amount of firmness while still being light, airy and sweet, the strawberries were perfection and the strawberry cream was simply the icing on the cake so to speak.

Finally, an original restaurant which serves delicious, fresh and fairly-priced food. Reservations are suggested and the dining room is open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Elderberry Pond was a wonderful experience for lunch, and I am looking forward to experiencing its pleasant ambiance and delicious food in the near future for dinner.

Verdict: Definitely worth the trip. Highest Rating.
Price: $$

Elderberry Pond
3728 Center Street Road
Auburn, New York 13021
315-252-6025

Ratings Key:

$ = $1-15 per person

$$ = $16-24 per person

$$$ = $25-34 per person

$$$$ = $35 and up per person

http://www.elderberrypond.com/id2.html