Fall is here and outdoor summer picnics are a fond memory. So when you're sick of cooking and ordering out pizza where do you like to go out for dinner? Around the Hill asked Hamilton employees and one thing is clear - there's no "right answer." Responses run the gamut from "cheap date" to "special evening out" restaurants. See what your colleagues recommend and try one this weekend!
Assistant Professor of Africana Studies and Grinnell Fellow Gil Whiting says, "We like the Dessert Booth in the Village. They often have a different menu. And they have the best cakes and pastries. My favorites are the chicken sandwich and old fashioned buttermilk cake. To die for:-)"
Burke Library Circulation Assistant Kelly Rose says, "my first thought is LA PETITE MAISON, in Waterville. A very nice 'madame' (I'm pretty sure her name is Mary) greets you as you arrive and mills around to be sure everything is satisfactory. It is, what I call, 'French Country' with simple oak tables and chairs and old European tapestries on the wall. You are actually eating in the owners' house--with the owner (whom I believe is French himself) as the cook. The house has some history in itself that you can read about if you visit it. The couple seems to hire young French people to wait the tables. It could be they are relatives or people they meet when they take their annual trip to France. The 'Maison' is closed for that trip--after New Years until late March I believe. They have a very limited menu (fish, poultry, red meat) but I've tried it all and have never been disappointed. Their wine list, of course, features some very fine French wines. The restaurant was recommended to me years ago by Jeanne Marki, who worked at the College, is a gourmet cook, and is French herself. I figured whatever she recommended must be good and it's true! I would warn people that La Petite Maison is a bit pricey, but we've found (including our college age girls) that it is well worth it for a special night out. LOVE the bouillabaisse (fish chowder). It's the BEST!"
Tim Hicks, director of audiovisual classroom services says, "Well.........Casa Too Mucha favorite regular dish is Chima Changa. I love hot sauces and they have some good ones. That is unless we go there on a Friday, they have a great fish fry. Cajun style fish fry. Great prices, great food and lots of it, fun atmosphere."
Joe Karam, director of Network and Telecommunications Services, says, "If I had to pick one place I really enjoy it would be Karam's Bakery on Campbell Ave. in Yorkville for lunch (they are no relation). Karam's is a great little Lebanese café with homemade food and low prices. I recommend getting a lot of the appetizers for the entire table and sharing them with everyone: hummous, babba ganoush, taboulee, Kibbee, grape leaves,- falafel, string cheese and, of course, some baklava for dessert. And they have incredible, homemade tea (served hot or cold) and turkish coffee!"
"Symeons -- either their lamb or chicken are our favorites. The service is great, and Mr. Symeon comes around and really makes one feel special," says Evelyn Pasciak Hennessy, transcript secretary in the Registrar's office.
Flossie Mitchell, dean of students, recommends the Hamilton Inn, outside the village of Hamilton on East Lake Road (not to be confused with the Colgate Inn in Hamilton). "It's a great little bed & breakfast, excellent food and ambiance. In the summer you can sit in the atrium and look outside, and in the winter there's a fireplace blazing and jazz CDs playing. The menu is Continental -- seafood, steaks, chops and exquisite desserts. I'd recommend anything on the dessert menu!"
Robin Vanderwall, Kirkland Project assistant, suggests, "How about the Phoenician. Casual atmosphere, reasonable prices, and good food--and both my girls like it, too. We order three or four appetizers (hummus, tabouleh, babba ghanouj, grape leaves) for everyone to eat with pita bread. The lentil soup is good and so is the side salad. Most of my family members order shish kabob, but I often get a kibbi (lamb patty)."
Sara Rizzo, assistant dean of admission, says " I'm going to have to go with Alteri's. I love the servers, but I love the food even more. If I go for lunch, I always order "The Mort" with hot peppers-- go hot or go home. =) The eggplant is also one of my favorite dishes, because it tastes almost as good as my mom's. "
Lisa Magnarelli, director of student activities, says, "This is going to sound silly, but I L-O-V-E the meatloaf at O'Connors Pub. I swear, I'm not kidding. You can't go wrong with their pork chops either. :)"
Doug Raybeck, professor of anthropology, recommends, "The Pho Mekong. This desirable addition to the Utica culinary terrain is the result of efforts by a Cambodian family. The owner, Pooh, and his wife do all of the cooking, and serving is managed by their young cousin, Michael. The food is largely traditional Vietnamese and thus the menu features a range of Vietnamese soups (pho) and noodle dishes. The food is savory more than spicy and the flavors are extremely fresh. Indeed, for many of the dishes, the sauce is mixed in at the table. Unlike Chinese food, little grease or oil is involved in the preparation of the dishes, and also there is a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is small and unprepossessing, but the food and low prices more than compensate. The establishment does not have a wine and beer license, but patrons are welcome to bring their own."
Julie Diehl, women's basketball coach, actually recommends five restaurants -- all in Rome -- but ATH has to pick just one so we'll go with ... "The Franklin: On S. James in Rome. Dirt cheap, but very good Italian. Typically a meal w/ dessert might cost you in the $14 range. Very traditional italian desserts and meals. High 'dive' factor though," according to Diehl.
