Suzanne - Fine Regional Cuisine - Fine Dining at its best!

No summer is complete without a trip around the lake to Suzanne's. Usually, we make it our business to get over there a few times a season but this was the first, this year. And, even though the parking lot was overflowing last Wednesday night, when we arrived, they made us feel like we were the only ones there. We began our exquisite meal out on the porch and even with the overcast sky blocking the sunset, the clouds with their pinkish tones and hues hanging over the hills made the view lovely. Soft music, a glass of Finger Lakes Chardonnay, and Suzanne's amazing "Day Boat Scallops" appetizer, was a perfect way to relax after a busy day. After moving inside for the remainder of our meal, I enjoyed the green salad with Lively Run Goat cheese, and Bob chose the Tomato Soup, which he said was outstanding. For his entree, Bob had the Free Range Chicken, which is always superb, and I had the Fresh Caught Halibut in a mild broth, with fingerling potatoes. The fish was unlike any fish I have ever had - so mild and yet perfectly seasoned and delectable. Co-owner, Bob Stack, related to us that they have a special supplier who flies it in daily from the coast - and it is truly "fresh caught". Dessert is always a special treat at Suzanne's and even though we don't save room for it, it is hard to pass up. This evening was no exception. And, of course, Suzanne's special little pastries always arrive when you think you cannot eat another bite - but, of course, we do. Be sure to get to Suzanne's when you are visiting Seneca Lake or anywhere in the vicinity.

Sunrise Landing Availability

We still do have some availability during the week for September and October but are filling up fast. To check our availability, just click on the button above which says: "Check Availability and Book Now", or look for the availability link on any page on the Sunrise Landing site. After putting in your preferred dates you will have the option of viewing our availability calendar. If we do not have availability for the time you'd like to come, maybe you'd like to check out some other Seneca Lake Bed and Breakfasts on a Seneca Lake B & B website. For last minute reservations see stayfingerlakes.com or the Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast Association. . In each case, just click on the last minute availability link.

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (SLPWA)

What could be more important to those of us who love Seneca Lake than to keep it pure? The organization that has "keeping Seneca Lake pure", as its primary goal, is SLPWA. Revitalized in 2008, it presently has a dynamic board of directors and is moving forward with projects to keep the lake beautiful and preserve and protect the watershed.
Its mission, in part, reads: "it is the purpose of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association to promote the understanding, preservation and improvement of the water quality, natural habitat and general environmental conditions of Seneca Lake and its watershed".
During the past two years, the board (with the help of members who have volunteered) has worked on a variety of projects to achieve those aims. Some of the projects are: Lake level monitoring, Landfill impact on the lake, maintaining water quality, proper disposal of pharmaceuticals and drugs, and the Marcellus Shale issue.
This latter issue is one that is extremely important as a good part of the Seneca Lake Watershed is located right over the Marcellus Shale. The Marcellus Shale committee has contributed to the education of its members and of the community on this issue. While SLPWA supports drilling in the Marcellus Shale if it could be done in a environmentally and fiscally responsible manner, the organization is very concerned about the present state of the technology as it is being carried out in Pennsylvania and other states. As a result, the committee, under the leadership of retired chemist, Dr. Ed Przybylowicz, has supplied a good deal of input to the DEC on the dSGEIS, and continues to be very active in supplying input to the EPA committee, appointed by Congress to study the safety of hydrofracking to water supplies.
The hard working board of this organization is to be commended for all it has done, in less than two years, since its re-organization. But, an effective organization needs an energized membership, as well as a good, working board. To that end, SLPWA is always seeking new members. This would be an excellent time to join as the annual meeting is coming up August 18, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Join the organization and come to the dinner for an enjoyable time, a chance to vote for board members, to learn more about a few key SLPWA projects, and a silent auction featuring "SAVE OUR SENECA" (SOS).
See the Seneca Lake Pure Waters website to learn more about this worthwhile organization, the Save Our Seneca (SOS)project, as well as the other important SLPWA projects.

Another Great Restaurant on Seneca Lake

Stone Cat Cafe has been one of our favorites, ever since we decided to stop driving by and, instead, go in and find out why there are always so many cars parked outside. Appearances are very deceiving, indeed, as you also might be tempted to just drive by this converted fruit stand, thinking it second rate. The interior atmosphere has been described as "Funky", and as "Flower Child" ambiance, and I have often described it as a bit Bohemian. Whatever words ones uses, it is one of the best restaurants on Seneca Lake, and the atmosphere is cozy and comfortable and dining on the casual deck out in back, a special treat.
The Stone Cat website says that they "live for the creation and enjoyment of fabulous food" and I tend to believe it as they certainly serve some of the best around. They buy organic and locally whenever possible, and smoke their own fish and meats which are purchased locally (from responsible meat growers). The menu in creative and varied and they not only accommodate special dietary needs, but organize their menu to make it easy for folks with special needs to find their items.
Make sure you visit Stone Cat Cafe when you are anywhere near Seneca Lake.

Suzanne Fine Regional Cuisine

Have you discovered Suzanne Fine Regional Cuisine? This great restaurant on the east side of Seneca Lake was named one of the Ten Best Places to Dine in New York State
according to "Frommer's Best of New York State"!
It also won the 2008 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence!
It's open for the season serving dinner 5 - 9, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of June, and in July through October they will be adding Wednesdays. Reservations are recommended.
They are also open for Sunday tea every Sunday from noon - 2pm serving scones, finger sandwiches and freshly baked pastries. It is a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon. They require reservations for the tea at least 1 day in advance.

A Favorite Sunrise Landing Recipe

Banana Pecan Bread

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar
1 stick butter
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon orange zest
¾ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
¼ cup orange juice

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and mashed bananas – beat till foamy. Add flour, baking soda, salt, vanilla, orange juice and orange zest. Stir in pecans. Bake in large greased loaf pan at 350 degrees for one hour, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes and remove from pan.

(I have varied this recipe using (1 teaspoon) cinnamon, and walnuts, instead of orange zest and pecans. I still put in the orange juice)

Originally from Foxglove Inn, Sugar Hill, Franconia, N.H.

Many Weekend, One-Night Stays Available

We often get requests for a reservation for one night on a weekend. We always feel bad turning people down especially young couples with small children, who cannot get away for longer than one night. However, because we are a small B&B, we cannot usually accommodate those requests. The good news this year, is that we happen to have several weekends where there is a stray night available - sometimes a Friday, and sometimes a Saturday (sandwiched in- between longer reservations on both ends). This may be the ideal opportunity for some folks to come for just an overnight, on a weekend. Check our availability calendar for the dates or give us a call.