This is an article titled “Back to Nature” that was printed in the Syracuse New Times publication 7/23/2008
-Going green has been a hot trend over the past few years and in conjunction with this revelation, the flower of all things organic has blossomed as well. Niles Gourmet Country Market & Bistro Cucina Rustica, 4588 Grange Hall Road, Niles, provides its customers with the taste and experience of organic cooking within a scenic country setting.
The bistro provides all natural and organic specialty foods from free range local meats to the vegetables directly taken from the garden of the three-acre piece of land surrounding the log cabin location. All meals are handmade from scratch and recipes are “made up as I go along,” says Sandie Becker, who owns and runs Niles Gourmet with her husband Eric. Sandie Becker prides herself on using foods that contain no pesticides, hormones or additives.
Originally from Ithaca—where organic is all the rage, Becker notes—the pair has always been very familiar with natural products and has been cooking organically for 20 years. In addition to the restaurant, there is an organic grocery store attached with local and international products available for purchase.
“I only stock organic products and will explain the health benefits of them to teach people how to eat right,” Becker continues. The store is stocked with produce from countries across the Atlantic such as Italy and France. Tasty options include organic chocolates, olive oil, Italian tomatoes, sauces, breads, and a variety of cheeses.
The entrees on the menu may change daily depending on what new recipes Becker may want to prepare, an element that gives the place the feel as if you’re being served dinner at home. An extensive local and organic wine list that includes the vintage Anelas from the Skaneateles Winery, is coupled with an imbiber’s dream lineup of international beers such as the French-Canadian beer Unibrau and Wolaver. Or if you prefer something non-alcoholic, Italian sodas are offered including San Pellegrino and Acuqua Tanna from the Tuscan hills.
“We are just looking to provide diners with the highest quality experience possible,” says Becker. Everything is cooked in a wood-burning stove with a smoker that gives their fare a distinct taste. The restaurant’s specialties include handmade Italian desserts, French press coffee and tea, and Butternut Squash Ravioli. Meal prices range from $7.95 to $40. Some of those include lobster ravioli, gourmet Italian pizzas, pasta and Buffalo hot dogs.
Customers can dine inside the hand-built cabin in the winter or sit outdoors in the summer surrounded by gardens of rainbow-colored flowers with a view that overlooks Skaneateles Lake. “Our place is not only a destination for food, but a place for peace and tranquility,” says Becker.
Niles Gourmet Country Market & Bistro Cucina Rustica is open Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 9 p.m. in the spring, summer and fall, and noon to 7 p.m. in the winter. For reservations and information, call 784-5015 or visit www.nilesgourmet.com.
A very out-of-the-way location and not easy to find. And, once there, disappointing. The tiniest sliver of dessert was soupy, sour and had an overdone crust. And at almost $10 (yes, about $10 w/tax), it was outrageous. I felt ripped off and hungry. This was not a high quality experience and the prices were really crazy. Perhaps a price and portion adjustment is in order. I left upset and did not feel any “peace and tranquility”.
Just got back from there, and my sentiments exactly!
I have never had such an experience, we spent over $140, for 4 people, that is no drinks and no deserts…1 cheese plate (that had soggy crumbs from a previous customers cheese plate i’m sure) 2 appetisers and 2 entrees.
The prices were equivelent to those of mirabeau and Joelle’s Bistro, both wonderful and magical experiences…the dog panting next to the table and the itty bitty portions left us all feeling slighted..
argggh!
I live in Niles, and went up there hoping to have a good experience and support a local business. The owner asked me where I was from, and when I replied “New Hope”, she copped a bit of an attitude with, “well, we get lots of people from Ithaca, Syracuse, etc.”
Undaunted, but feeling a little like a white trash neighbor, I looked around, hoping to find something you can’t get at the P&C in Skaneateles. What I did find was that a lot of stuff in the freezer was beyond the expiration date. I picked up a carton of tea bags, paid, and headed out. Not to return.
I can get Buffalo fresh from the farm down the street, and they’re friendly.
Too bad. I thought is WAS a nice idea for the community.