Vegetarian Travel in Rochester

I am always excited to see a vegetarian tasting menu at a restaurant. Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago, has a great one. I was surprised to see an elaborate vegetarian tasting menu at Horizon’s restaurant at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Rochester, NY. Alas, it was a tease; the tasting menu was no longer offered. But the restaurant did have a number of vegetarian choices.

On the menu, some things are labeled veggie or vegan (though vegans might dispute the ‘vegan-ness’ of a cheese-filled manicotti. But vegans, and you know who you are, usually make sure that their food really is vegan.

Appetizers for vegetarians include eggplant with goat cheese, roasted organic beets with macadamias and a polenta "gnocchi" with mushrooms and marscarpone that could be an entrée.

Horizons has several interesting salad combinations, including a pear salad with walnuts and gorgonzola and organic greens with olives, cucumbers, carrots and tomatoes.

That manicotti was the only vegetable entrée, but if you eat fish, try the Thai spiced scallops, lobster and peas with pasta or tilapia coated in vegetables.

The excellent wine list included many inexpensive wines by the glass. Or try the excellent ginger martini.

Come at sunset and request a table by the window.