Featured Restaurant

The Waters Edge Lighthouse Restaurant & Inn
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The Waters Edge Lighthouse, located on 2 Freemans Bridge Road Glenville, NY 12302 is actually the oldest existing building in the Glenville area and is registered in the State Historic Sites Survey and even nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. The land the Lighthouse sits on was originally owned by John Van Epps in the 1700’s and sold to the same builder of the Freeman’s Bridge in 1885. For the next 105 years it was a private farmhouse owned by the Seeley Family. Ending the Seeley era it was bought by Mr. and Mrs. George Murray who renovated the entire house and included Little Richard’s Tavern. The building itself was built during a transitional period in the area. While most buildings show bits of the Dutch style architecture, the Lighthouse displays a unique combination of Georgian, Federalist and Greek revival architecture. With such history I was eager to “test the waters” of The Waters Edge Lighthouse Restaurant.

At Waters Edge Lighthouse guests have the choice of either dining inside, or riverside. It should be noted however that there is a different menu depending on where you decide to dine. While I decided on the indoor setting, I made sure to take a glance at the setting outside. There were plenty of tables to choose from, each with comfortable over-sized chairs. This would be the perfect setting to treat that special someone on a cool summer night. One interesting feature was the private dock. For those who own a boat, you are more than welcome to park your boat on their dock and enjoy a quick bite to eat or a full sit down meal. One misconception you may have is that you must be dressed up to eat at such a fine establishment. Yet there is no mandatory dress code, even for guests coming right off their boats, The Waters Edge Lighthouse will gladly serve you no matter how you come.

While observing the indoor setting, I noticed several cultural influences represented in the architecture which creates an elegant dinning atmosphere. Each table was properly set, and decorated with a candle to add a peaceful aroma. After taking a quick look around the Lighthouse, I saw there was no shortage of seating. Whether it be a private room, or a setting near a fireplace, the Lighthouse makes sure the guest is able to have a comfortable and unforgettable meal. Wood framed windows added a rustic look as a true Lighthouse would have. Large elegant chandeliers decorate the ceiling adding that classy touch to the restaurant. In the dead center of the building was an enclosed bar. Surrounding the inside of the restaurant was Lighthouse inspired art to give you that feeling of truly being on the ocean. A unique display was the mug holding case. Patrons who regularly dine at the Waters Edge Lighthouse can purchase their own mug and name it (as captain’s name their ship). That way every time they pay a visit their drinks will be served in their own private mug that only they can use.

The menus were short and simple. I immediately knew what I wanted. For an appetizer I decided on the Appetizer Platter of the Day. That day the Appetizer Platter was Asian-inspired. Orange chicken with black poppy seeds along with sautéed cabbage, red onion and julienne style carrots filled the plate. Wontons filled with cheese, cabbage and broccoli accompanied the dish along with a small cup of soy sauce for dipping to add extra flavor. With a creative and tasty dish such as this, it makes me eager to come back to see what else the chef prepares in the future.
For the main entrees, I first chose the Chicken Parmesan (Breaded breast of chicken, topped with tomato sauce & mozzarella). The chicken was tender covered with the perfect amount of bread crumbs and spices. The portion size was filling and satisfying. The delicious homemade tomato sauce is rich and not very acidic. This is a classic dish that when done right, is extremely delightful. I’m happy to say it met all my expectations.

I then thought I’d try out the Chicken & Sausage ala Vodka (Sautéed chicken, sausage, and onions, finished in a vodka cream marinara with penne). This was definitely a meal that did not disappoint. The Vodka sauce was rich and creamy. It went well with the penne pasta cooked al dente and the chicken and sausage. The caramelized onions added the perfect crunch to the meal.

The final entrée was the Pork Osso Buco (Pork osso buco, cherry pepper demi, garlicky greens, potato du jour). The presentation for this dish was excellent. Placed in the center was the large shank covered in the spicy yet savory cherry glaze, which added a nice kick to the meal. The meat came off the bone with ease and was very tender. Circling the shank was steamed garlic flavored spinach. Served as a side dish were traditional oven baked home style potatoes. The Lighthouse is not only a great destination to dine at, but also an opportunity to experience a small piece of America's past. Every summer a recreation of the Dutch ship The Onrust is parked on their dock. The ship was the first decked vessel to be built entirely in America. The ship was used to discover the Mohawk River. Adjacent to the restaurant is a memorial created for all the innocent people who lost their lives on the morning of September 11th 2001. The memorial consists of two metal beams and an American flag, all recovered from ground zero.

For those looking for someplace to host a private banquet this summer, there is no better place than The Waters Edge Lighthouse. They will be more than happy to host private events (indoor/outdoor) along with help you plan your wedding, banquets and corporate events. Such events are held in their new Terrace Ballroom (holding anywhere from 75 to 225 guests) overlooking the Mohawk River. For more information on how you can book your special event, or their meal specials please visit their website http://www.thewatersedgelighthouse.com or simply call at (518) 370-5300.

Review by Michael Weissman (Chief Culinary Consultant)

Photography by Christopher Case