The Red Dove...Gastropubology 101

     The Red Dove Tavern is arguably one of my favorite spots in the Finger Lakes.  Why?  Well, it's a little bit like "Cheers" a little bit like a high-end bistro with the added flavor of a Moroccan night spot.  The combination sounds odd, but owners Rune Hilt and Giulietta Racciatti make it work in the very best of ways.

     Walking into the Dove is always a unique experience.  One is immediately bathed in a wash of red light, provided by the neon tubes that hang from the ceiling.  The hardwood floors reflect some of this aura, making the patrons within glow in crimson hues.  There are tables on each side of the restaurant separated by a wide aisle, through which you walk, to get to the bar.  At the bar (my favorite spot) you can sit in high, black steel chairs, and be involved in as much or as little of the action as you like.
 
    The Dove specializes in seasonal food and drinks, and you can get both conveniently at the bar, or at a table, whichever you please.  They take real pleasure in offering a series of cocktails using Red Jacket Orchards juices, as well as some standard drinks that don't rotate with the seasons.  If you like a named drink with some punch, try the "Gentleman's Refresher" a bottle of PBR and a shot of Power's Irish Whiskey.  If you're truly lucky, the PBR will be on tap and not in the bottle.  If you're into something more along the fresh and fruity line, try a Dove Cosmo, or When Doves Cry both made with RJO juice.
     The food at the Dove is also a special treat for people in the Finger Lakes.  Aside from being the first restaurant to carry raw oysters outside of the Ithaca area, they also feature seasonal specialties such as fried squash blossoms in the late spring and summer, or a beet salad done with local fresh beets.  They also offer a series of belly-pleasing seafood and meat dishes.  Two of my favorites are the Whole Grilled Bronzini, a Mediterranean fish, served up hot, with seasonal sides.  And the Standard Burger.  Just as it indicates, the Standard Burger is a delicious, juicy burger served with lettuce, tomato, onion, mushrooms, cheese and a slathering of harisa, a Tunisian sauce...hence the Moroccan twist.
    The Dove also does a variety of "small plates" including Grilled Octopus, Calamari and one of my other personal favorites, Blue and Honey.  A heavy serving of blue cheese and honey comb, complete with toasted ciabatta slices, baked fresh at Normal Bread, another fine establishment worthy of its own post, which it will get soon enough.  If you're going out for an after theater event and just want dessert, try the Bread Pudding, or the Chocolate Pot De Creme.

    When getting to the Dove, be aware that its seating is limited, and the restaurant may be full.  DO NOT let this deter you.  Head to the back and look for the bartender or a waitron.  Tell them what you'll need for seats and grab a drink.  Trust me, it'll be worth the wait.  If you see me, tell me what you think.  If you see Rune or G, buy them a drink.  And as always, tip generously.

Thanks for reading...now go eat!

-E

Brass Tacks: Jackson and Hamilton, please.
Address: 30 Castle Street, Geneva N.Y.
Parking:  There are usually a few spots open on the street, right in front of the door, but there's another parking lot across the street if you need it.
Website: www.reddovetavern.com