Top Ten eateries of 2004

Here's the 14850 Dining Report, this week offering our Top 10 eateries of 2004. Coming up with this list was difficult... in fact, we had to whittle down the Top 10 list from thirty or so of our personal favorites and listener suggestions.

At number ten is Bistro Q, where we've spent many a good-weather visit out on the deck by the inlet, relaxing with an omelet at brunch or pulled pork for dinner. Despite the BBQ leanings, Q has lots of fresh seafood and always a vegetarian choice or three.

Number nine is Manos Diner, on Route 13, offering breakfast and more, 24 hours a day, satisfying those 3am cravings for pancakes or Tullyburgers. The attached Icabod Lounge adds a full bar and a salad bar.

Eighth on our list is Wings Over Ithaca, focusing on meaty, tender chicken wings and boneless chicken filets, with a lunch buffet that can't be beat. The wraps, ribs, and burgers are good, too, but wings are the way to go.

Souvlaki House, number seven, is one of the hidden gems of Collegetown, with outstanding Greek food and some of the best Italian in town. A bottomless bowl of Greek salad means it's easy to take home half your entree for lunch tomorrow.

A bit farther from home is number six, Doug's Fish Fry, with restaurants in Cortland and Skaneateles, among others. A single fish dinner will easily feed two, and their seafood chowder is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

At number five on our list is Dempsey's, on East Shore Drive in Lansing. Dempsey's specializes in steaks, chops, and seafood, with a few vegetarian entrees. The moderate prices include so much food that you'll leave full, and feeling you've gotten a bargain.

We're looking forward to better weather so we can sit out on the deck at Olivia again. This east hill restaurant, fourth in the countdown, has been completely renovated since its Coyote Loco days, and serves sophisticated and creative food like fettucini with ginger duck. Check out the Sunday night $18 three-course special for a bargain meal.

Number three takes us to Taste of Thai on the Ithaca Commons, and their sister restaurant, Taste of Thai Express, on West State Street. The latter delivers, and the two have some of the best Thai food in town with very reasonable prices.

Try the hot Commodore Chowder at Ralph's Ribs, and then move on to outstanding ribs or BBQ chicken, cooked all day on the outdoor smoker. This southwest restaurant suffered from construction traffic last fall, but that's all over. Check out the lunch specials and call for delivery.

Topping the 14850 Dining top ten is Willow, which we rediscovered last spring and have been enjoying ever since. This fall creek restaurant recently started serving a wonderful Sunday brunch, a nice addition to their outstanding dinners featuring fresh local produce and meats wherever possible. Willow is just casual enough to stop by for a martini after work, and just fancy enough for a special dinner on the town.

Other restaurants suggested by listeners, or among our personal favourites, that didn't quite make the top ten...

Kyushu
Maxie's
Corners Deli
Felicia's
Rogues Harbor
The Mate Factor
Juna's Cafe
Lucatelli's
Hot Truck and Shortstop Deli
Boatyard Grill
Lost Dog Cafe
Just a Taste
Billy Bob Jack's
Madeline's
Moosewood
Antlers
Angelina Centini's Coddington Restaurant

Best wishes for a happy new year full of good food and drink. Check out dining.14850.com, visit a great restaurant, and tell them you heard about them here.