Wining and dining in Mount Vernon
by Claire Parrish, Features Editor

Despite what you may have heard, the cafeteria food here at Cornell is not that bad. However, eating the same things in the same place day in and day out can get monotonous, whether it’s fine cuisine or food a la Sodexho. The Ratt offers some relief, especially of the deep fat fried variety, but lucky for us Hilltop residents there are other options within walking distance of campus. Not only do these fine eateries offer pleasant variations for the palette, but they also provide a nice change of pace and scenery for those much needed study breaks.

Chameleon’s Bar and Grill, located on the north side of First Street in downtown Mount Vernon, is a fun place to hang out with friends and have a drink (if you are of legal age…) any night of the week. They also offer a full menu of mouth-watering food for both lunch and dinner. Aside from a delicious offering of typical “bar food,” such as a variety of burgers, french fries and onion rings, their menu also includes a prime rib dinner, mini tacos and there is always a daily special. The most unique, and surprisingly tasty, item on the Chameleon’s menu is their corn nuggets. Essentially, corn nuggets are little balls of creamed corn, battered and deep fried to golden perfection. Strange? I certainly thought so when I was introduced to them last spring, but they are excellent as an appetizer or with a sandwich.

The Lincoln Café is Mount Vernon’s claim to culinary fame, having been featured in several magazines, including Midwest Living, Better Homes and Gardens, and O Magazine, in addition to the New York Times Travel Section. Located just two doors down from Chameleon’s, the Lincoln Café offers a beautiful selection of world class cuisine, with three entre specials that change weekly (sometimes more often) and a small menu of sandwiches, salads, snacks and a daily appetizer. I would personally recommend their Sunday brunch, with an a la carte menu of all your breakfast favorites. Seating space is limited in the Café’s cozy dining area, so get there early. While the Café itself does not have a liquor license, owner and chef Matt Steigerwald also owns the Lincoln Wine Bar just up the street. You can stop in there first and buy a bottle, or bring your own from home for a small corkage fee. The Wine Bar offers a wide selection of wines, in addition to champagne and a few micro brew beers. They occasionally have live music in the evenings, and you don’t have to be 21 to get in, just to drink. For more information, you can check out the Lincoln Café’s website at www.foodisimportant.com.

If what you are craving is pizza that wasn’t flash cooked Sodexho-style, then head to Pizza Palace, located on the south side of First Street downtown. In addition to great pizza, they also have yummy breadsticks – both the cheesy and regular kinds. Best of all, this winter when it is twenty degrees below and you don’t feel like venturing outside, they will deliver directly to your dorm room.

For those who are more health conscious or simply enjoy buying from local farmers, Big Creek Market is where you should go. The front half of the store offers a wide selection of organic and health foods, including fresh organic produce and my favorite, Annie’s all natural macaroni and cheese – it’s way better than the Kraft version. Behind the grocery section you will find a selection of fresh-made breakfast, lunch and snack items, including quiche, sandwiches, soup, fudge, ice cream and gelato.

On the corner opposite Big Creek is the newest edition to the Mount Vernon eatery scene. The Skillet Café and Bakery is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday and serves its full menu of omelets and other breakfast favorites all day. In addition they offer a wide selection of pastas, soups and sandwiches for lunch and fresh baked goods.

So whether you’re just craving a good slice of greasy pizza or desire a more upscale dining experience, you have several options just a ten minute walk away.