Discovering Twisted Lemon in Cayuga was a true hidden gem experience for me. Six months ago, I had the opportunity to visit this remarkable restaurant, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was nothing short of extraordinary.
From the moment I met Chef Dan, his passion, energy, and commitment to Twisted Lemon’s earth-to-table approach were evident. This isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a deeply personal and professional project of passion. Every aspect of the experience reflects this dedication, from the thoughtfully curated menu to the genuine hospitality.
The restaurant itself offers a private, high-end dining experience, showcasing unbelievable farm-to-table and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Dan took us on a tour of their property and gardens, where they ethically grow and produce their vegetables and produce. This commitment to sustainability and quality sets Twisted Lemon apart from the rest.
The dinner experience was nothing short of spectacular. From delicious appetizers to carefully crafted entrees, every bite was a testament to Chef Dan’s culinary expertise. The killer cheesecake-style dessert was the perfect finishing touch. Additionally, as someone dining with a vegan guest, I was impressed by Twisted Lemon’s inclusivity. My wife, who often struggles to find quality vegan-friendly options, absolutely loved the edamame hummus appetizer and the vegan vegetables entrée.
No visit is complete without trying their custom cocktails, masterfully crafted by his wife & partner Laurie. Her creations are more than drinks; they are an experience. The Lavender Lemonade, when in season, is a must-try – an exquisite blend of flavors that can’t be missed.
Many people only see chefs and restaurateurs with this level of passion and commitment on culinary TV shows, but Chef Dan and Laurie are the real deal. They exemplify what it means to dedicate a lifetime to their craft, bringing their vision to life in a way that truly sets them apart. Spend just five minutes talking with Dan, and you’ll immediately understand the energy and vision that have made Twisted Lemon a standout destination for over 15 years.
Thank you, Chef Dan and Laurie, for an unforgettable dining experience. Twisted Lemon is more than a restaurant – it’s a testament to the magic that happens when passion, creativity, and quality...
Read moreStayed overnight in The Munsee Room with my beautiful wife on a date night that included dining in their amazing restaurant. The perfect pairing (us too!). We have been in great anticipation of the addition of their Boutique Inn to stay over to make it a great long evening experience without the worry of the drive home. Booking was easy and checked in about 3:30pm in the restaurant. Staff was ready to help and getting out keys escorted us around to the entryway while reviewing all the details. They also supplied us with some brochure on local and package partner offerings. Very nice locked entry to the entry foyer nicely decorated with warm greetings for all and additional local information. Headed up the stairs, thankful for the handrail and found our room.
Opening the door we were greeted with a tray of fruit, snacks and a bag of their delicious house made chips. The room was beautifully appointed with in a cool relaxed decor that included being functional where practical. The Munsee is their smallest and most affordable room which is perfect for our purpose. Nice mini side tables, slide under wall table stool and a Roku TV.
The pictures I am attaching, really do speak to the hard work they have done and attention to detail.
Everything from quality and quantity of towels, soaps in an exquisite bathroom, body wash, conditioner and shampoo in a modern shower with seating and a head/hose combo.
A modern mini fridge with cool water and mini ice cube tray in the freezer. Coffee and Tea available for self making in the morning. Glassware including a couple of wine glasses, cups and Ceramic decorated bowls an small plates which we used for a small snack of selected meat cuts and cheeses.
The Queen bed was beautiful and we slept easy after a long night of dining downstairs.
Wifi is included and while there are lots of free streaming offerings available on Roku, you can bring your home login info or better yet your laptop or tablet with HDMI cable for any extended stay.
Overall, a wonderful experience and we will be returning to stay. Likely try the Norton and Grand room and take a few days on a vacation to enjoy Cayuga and the beautiful North Shore...
Read moreLast week my wife, daughter, and son wanted to surprise me for my birthday by taking me somewhere we'd never eaten before. We'd heard great reviews about Twisted Lemon, and while my daughter had been there previously, the rest of us were first-timers. We made a reservation and headed down Highway 54 for what turned out to be an absolutely fantastic evening.
We were there for 2 hours, but time flew by like minutes. The service was fantastic and exactly how you would expect 5-star dining to be - great food, great cocktails, great dessert, and exceptional service throughout.
The experience started from the moment we arrived. As we came in and said our name for the reservation, they'd already noted it was a birthday. They had a little gift for the birthday person - a bag of their signature snacks, that they have on the table, to take home. After being seated, we began with cocktails. I went for their flight of cocktails, which were delicious, while everyone else tried their own unique selections. They have cocktails you simply don't find at your average spot.
For dinner, I chose the pork belly, my daughter had the lamb, my son went with chicken and waffles, my wife ordered fish, and my son-in-law had the duck. We're used to eating family style at home, so everyone tried a little bit of everyone else's dish. Everything was absolutely delicious.
We finished with dessert, and I'm not usually a dessert person, but my wife is a big fan of crème brûlée. Whenever we go somewhere that can make it well, she orders it. Their crème brûlée was quite possibly the best we'd ever had! The sugar snapped perfectly as the spoon hit it, and the cream was silky smooth.
If you're looking for a place with really nice dining and true 5-star service, Twisted Lemon is the place to go. With 5 of us eating there and having cocktails, our bill came to right around $375. I absolutely recommend you...
Read more