Eric R.
Yelp
An Unforgettable Experience at Noble Cellar
Last night, Kim and I returned to Noble Cellar for date night, and let me tell you--this place is the real deal. Ever since my first visit, I had been eager to return, wondering if the magic was truly as good as I remembered or if I had been swayed by hunger, great company, and the excitement of a long-overdue date night. Many Central NY restaurants struggle with consistency, so I was eager to see if Noble Cellar could deliver again.
We made our reservation two weeks in advance for 5:30, and upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the hostess, who even took Kim's coat. We were seated in a cozy corner booth with a perfect view of the restaurant. From there, we were met by three different team members, including Karl, our head waiter, who enthusiastically welcomed us back. Karl walked us through the drink options, introducing us to their iPad-based inventory of wines and craft drinks, and shared the exciting news that they were finalizing the spring menu. His passion was contagious--he made us want to return the moment the new menu launches!
Karl inquired about any allergies or dislikes and asked if we'd be open to trying some components of the new menu. Being the food lovers we are, we eagerly agreed. We started with a Prosecco and a craft cocktail featuring Prosecco. Then came the salads: the honey burnt carrot salad with cider farro, whipped feta, and watercress (a personal favorite from my last visit) and a featured salad of baby kale, fennel prawns, baby heirloom radishes, and toasted crushed hazelnuts. These salads were everything a salad should be--fresh, crisp, balanced in texture and flavor, with the perfect dressing. Karl paired our salads with a wine that had a nose so unique it transported us back to Wilson's Leather in the mall (if you're 50+, you'll get it). The complexity was unreal.
Our second course included the roasted poblano sausage--just as outstanding as before, with a perfect snap to the casing, rich spice, and incredible moisture. We also had the wild-caught sea scallop special with fennel slaw, cooked to perfection with just a hint of ocean brine. For entrees, I ordered The Egg--heirloom polenta, seasonal vegetable succotash, and vegetable jus, plus two more scallops. Karl's wine pairing for this dish was flawless--an Alsace wine that elevated every bite. Kim stuck with her favorite from last time, the sweet potato gnocchi, which she declared might be the best dish she's ever had (a bold statement from someone who knows what she loves!).
Karl, remembering our last visit's order, noticed I hadn't chosen the Berkshire Pork Chop this time and took it upon himself to send one out. Though we were getting full, I was thrilled. This dish was next-level--perfectly marbled, cooked to tender perfection, and paired with accompaniments crafted with love. We couldn't finish it all but were excited to take it home for lunch.
For dessert, we went with the Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Pudding--still one of the best desserts I've ever had and certainly a contender for Central NY's best. The kitchen also sent out a sneak peek of a new dessert: profiteroles filled with house-made banana ice cream, dipped in caramel sauce, an inventive take on Brennan's bananas foster flavors. Absolutely divine.
A Testament to Culinary Excellence
Executive Chef Padriac Adolfi and his team are nothing short of extraordinary. The precision, creativity, and mastery displayed in every dish speak volumes about their skill and dedication. The entire culinary staff operates with seamless efficiency and an obvious love for their craft. Every plate that leaves the kitchen is a work of art, perfectly balanced in flavor, texture, and presentation. This team is easily among the most talented I've encountered. In my seasoned and professional opinion, Noble Cellar is on its way to earning a Michelin Star and a James Beard nomination--should the industry take notice of what they are doing here.
Karl's service, once again, was over the top. His knowledge of food and wine pairings is exceptional, and his ability to create an immersive dining experience sets him apart. He doesn't just serve food--he guides you on a journey, making every sip and bite an event to remember. His passion and expertise elevate the entire experience, proving that outstanding service is just as important as the food itself.
The Verdict: Worth Every Penny
Yes, Noble Cellar is a higher-end dining experience, but the value is undeniable. Every ingredient is meticulously sourced from artisanal producers, and every dish is executed with precision and passion. Whether this is your go-to spot or a special occasion destination, it is worth every bit of the investment.
Perhaps the most impressive takeaway from our visit was that the owners, Sarah Pelligrini and Rob Zaccaria, were not present again. Yet, everything ran flawlessly. This speaks volumes about the level of training, pride, and empowerment given to the employees.