Yesterday was my birthday, and in a moment of brilliance I went online to seek out a free birthday dinner. Sure enough, amidst all the free desserts, Gordon Biersch was offering a free dinner. So I signed up to get emails and a free appetizer and God only knows what else, but the email containing [Read More…]
‘Tis a gift to be simple
The day after Thanksgiving, Dave and I escaped town to go all the way down the road to Rochester. We whizzed by Waterloo Premium Outlets, noting that the place was so full on “Black Friday” (why is it black?), cars were parked on the grass. In an attempt to get to our hotel, we ended [Read More…]
Sunset and super service at Sylvan Beach
Some of our most treasured moments are spent watching the sun set over Oneida Lake from the park or beach at Sylvan Beach. We love walking around this great old amusement park, too, and eating at a couple of the restaurants. This time of year, most of Sylvan Beach is closed up tight for the [Read More…]
Getting lucky at Sitrus on the Hill
Last week Dave and I decided to try out Sitrus on the Hill, in the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel, given that they were throwing a grand opening party that included free food and drinks. Described by the SU New Services as “the new beverage outlet of the hotel” (did they say beverage outlet?), it is, [Read More…]

Beer Battered Haddock
I have decided to nominate Jennifer of the Melt Shop as the Friendliest Person in Eastwood! She is absolutely wonderful!!!!!! Who’s with me? – Dave You know how it is when you get stuck in a rut. At the moment when you’re the hungriest and most brain function has shut down, all you can think [Read More…]

River House Restaurant
Update: As of September 2009, unfortunately, Mike is no longer working at the River House. Frankly, I am no longer confident that the food there will be high quality – Dave It’s not often that a great chef happens by to chat over the garden fence. But that’s what happened a few weeks ago as [Read More…]
Sparky Town!
Sparky Town restaurant just makes me so happy!!! First of all, it’s yet another great reason to visit the Hawley-Green neighborhood (we love Sugar Pearl, too). Secondly, it has a warm, inviting ambiance that starts from the bare brick walls and gently envelopes everything and everyone inside. Folks are so danged friendly without reverting to [Read More…]
Great Wings in Eastwood: OIP
Many people have already discovered that OIP pizza is very good. But their wings are exceptional. We enjoy regular Buffalo wings, but they’re everywhere now. OIP’s char-grilled wings are a very nice alternative, and they are what we prefer nowadays. Getting twelve for dinner has become a frequent meal for us, and it’s right over [Read More…]
Meat ‘n Potatoes
A friend has been following this blog but it’s lacking something he’s looking for: a restaurant where he can consistently get a really good steak or other such meat item with a good glass of red wine. My first reaction was, “Uh, like just about everywhere.” But since we don’t tend to order plain chunks [Read More…]
Limp Lizard – Really Good Barbecue!
Syracuse in winter can give you cabin fever. When I complained about having it on Friday night, Lonnie had the excellent idea of making a jaunt over to the west side of Syracuse for some barbecue. I usually don’t say no to barbecue, unless I’m just finishing my third portion. No serious discussion of barbecue [Read More…]
Friends & Family Pizza
As I was out gardening , a friendly fellow came by and told me about a new pizza take-out on the far west side of Eastwood. I asked him, “Another pizza take-out? Why??” His response, “Because this one is different.” He seemed genuinely impressed with the ingredients that were going into the hand-tossed pizzas at [Read More…]

The Golden Crown
Dave and I had been for a long walk, from our house to Sunnycrest Park and then up to the top of Lincoln Park. Walking home along James St. on a Sunday evening, we didn’t have much hope of getting something to eat right now – which was the way we wanted it. Just about [Read More…]

Laci’s Burger Joint
UPDATE, May 12, 2009: Laci’s is now a cafe and burger joint, with a much more extensive menu and eat-in dining! Back to the original post: The other day we stopped in at Laci’s Burger Joint in Eastwood and were left with an overall positive impression. The menu is almost completely burgers, so you know [Read More…]
Riley’s
Riley’s: 312 Park St, Syracuse, (315) 471-7111