Moosewood Restaurant - (607) 273-9610

I was looking forward to eating at Moosewood for the last 25 years since I bought the cookbook as a teenager. Boy, was I disappointed! The prices are way too high for what you get ($15 for a plate of rice and beans? For that, you better throw in some organic tofu for free!). The food was incredibly tasteless. The service was average (they forgot one of our drinks--isn't that basic?). The environment resembled a lobby at an Automobile Club of America (AAA) office--run down and outdated. I'm going back to Rulloff's next time I'm in Ithaca--at least I get a filling meal at a reasonable price there (and they still offer vegetarian fare!).

One of the most well-known vegetarian places in the country? Get out of town. I can taste much better vegetarian food at home. The food here is bland and unexceptional. For a place as legendary as Moosewood's, I would've expected the food to at least be able to live up to its reputation. Unfortunately, it fell way short of it. Save your money, and cook at home!

What strikes me the most when I dine at Moosewood is the local gatherings that occur. Despite the price (which for me seems to be a little too steep for 'casual' dining), locals seem to come out on all days to enjoy a quick salad, hearty soup, or even just to relax at the bar while some local musician performers for the diners. Their presence makes me believe that there must be something special about Moosewood, and I always come back for more to become a part of the atmosphere. Of course, the food is always phenomenal and is of a reasonable portion size. Service is casual and pleasant, and the staff always makes the best food recommendations. The limited menu is in no way a hassle; it just adds to the ambiance of a small town restaurant that serves its community of friends the best produce of the moment.