If you're among the thousands of drivers who travel along Route 5 near Elbridge, you've no doubt been watching the big, red, contemporary barn-like structure taking shape across the road from Tessy Plastics.
That's Bailiwick Market & Cafe and it brings to Elbridge a combination of many things under one roof: a cafe serving breakfast, lunch and supper; ice cream parlor with soft serve and (eventually) homemade hard-pack ice cream; coffee bar and drive-through (coming soon) serving Cafe Kubal coffee; local goods marketplace featuring locally produced foods and locally made art; and, most important of all, a community gathering space.
The business is owned by Nancy Hourigan, of Hourigan's Dairy Farm, who has been supported in the project by an all-woman team, including assistant manager Meg Schader, co-owner of Wake Robin Farm, Jordan, general manager Nona Gormley and head barista Jo Ann Schneider.
I stopped at Bailiwick Market & Cafe for lunch last week, during its "soft opening." Head chef Susanne "Cookie" Wheeler, who for many years served as executive chef at Pumpkin Hill Bistro, in Aurora, has put together a seasonal and local-inspired menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, entrees (like chicken pot pie and beef stew) and grab and go items.
Bailiwick is a destination worth checking out. Bring a cooler: A refrigerated case is stocked with local eggs, cheeses, cheese curds and yogurt from Wake Robin Farm, 4 Tin Fish Farm (goat dairy) and others.
THE VIBE: Casual country chic, with vaulted ceilings, lots of light and seating for about 50, including a comfy sofa and chairs in addition to tables. Seating is available outside in warmer weather. Place your order at the counter and grab a seat. You'll be given a number and your food will be delivered to you.
CHOWING DOWN: The Seymour Loft Spinach Salad ($8.49) features spinach, local apples, candied walnuts, dried cranberries and New York cheddar cheese, served with a bacon maple vinaigrette. The spinach was fresh as can be and the salad also contained bites of bacon. Had I realized that, I probably wouldn't have ordered it with chicken ($3 extra), which made the salad into a meal.
WHAT'S A VEGETARIAN GOING TO FIND? Grilled cheese, harvest garden salad and the Vinegar Hill Veggie sandwich, which contains grilled vegetables, spinach and feta topped with balsamic glaze, on ciabatta bread. Look for more vegetarian options as the local growing season kicks into full gear.
SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT? Yes! Chef Wheeler clearly loves to bake and the bakery case is filled with giant cookies, cupcakes, lemon bars, cinnamon buns, muffins, scones and other treats. I skipped dessert and tried a maple latte, flavored with maple from Skaneateles Sugar Shack. Dessert in a cappuccino cup - maple and coffee go together just fine!
WOULD WE GO BACK? Absolutely. It's a must stop when in the Elbridge, Auburn and Skaneateles areas.
NEXT TIME: Maybe the chicken pot pie. That sounds so comforting. Or the Hamilton Ham sandwich, with apple butter and gouda cheese. In summer, when local tomatoes are in season, we'll try the Bailiwick BLT with applewood smoked bacon.
Bailiwick Market and Cafe is at 441 Route 5 West, Elbridge, across the road from Tessy Plastics. From downtown Syracuse, plan on a 25 minute drive Soft open/interim hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Grand opening weekend is this Saturday and Sunday (May 14 and May 15). Hours both days are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Information: 277-5632, http://bailiwickmarket.com
Alicyn and Barbara - I know you will both like this place! I think there are even more local products there now that they are officially open. When you get there, let me know what you think!
--Margaret
Posted by: Margaret at Eat First | 05/19/2016 at 10:14 AM
Nice Margaret, as usual! I'm feeling the vibe
Posted by: Alicyn Hart | 05/12/2016 at 01:28 PM
Can't wait to stop here. Always liked Pumpkin Hill Bistro and Cookie's cooking, and this is even closer!
Posted by: barbara | 05/12/2016 at 01:10 PM