By Jessica Tetu '17, Contributing Writer
Perhaps my taste buds were used to the monotony of the Skidmore Dining Hall food; perhaps it was the palpable excitement about going out to eat; whatever the reason, I experienced a veritable culinary awakening at Wheatfields restaurant last Friday evening.
Located on the corner of Broadway and Caroline, across the street from Cantina, Wheatfields is an Italian-American restaurant that serves products from local farms.
If you have family coming in for Celebration Weekend, Wheatfields is a terrific choice and opportunity to impress family. In the evenings -- although Wheatfields is open for lunch as well, -- the restaurant boasts an intimate, warm ambiance that is both comfortable and upscale. Wine bottles and rustic brick decorate the walls as warm lighting illuminates art dedicated to, you guessed it, food. Although my colleagues and I walked right in and got a table, if you’re considering Wheatfields for Celebration Weekend, I recommend making a reservation well in advance.
Let’s get to the most important part. After a better-than-average crab cake appetizer and a delicious chicken Caesar salad (although I typically prefer my dressing with a bit more bite), I enjoyed a scallop dish with mushroom risotto. Easily one of the best scallop dishes I’ve had, the melt-in-your-mouth scallops tasted fresh and were cooked to a buttery perfection without being mushy. Additionally, the risotto had a delightful texture and packed a surprising punch of mushroom and garlic. My senses conflicted as I desired to devour the deliciousness but y wanted to savor every divine bite. After the first bite I was intrigued; by the last I was in love; by the time I left I was in a food coma.
Meanwhile, my friends chose two different steak dishes (the Sirloin Steak Frites and the NY Strip), and while both were quite good, the NY strip was undercooked despite my colleague’s specifications, and both were a bit chewy for my taste. It should be noted, however, that both of them enjoyed their meals and had they alerted our server to the cooking mistake, I am sure it would have been corrected.
After the main course, we enjoyed hot coffee and chocolate lava cake about which, I am unashamed to admit, I have fantasies on a fairly regular basis.
Service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was lively as couples, families and students indulged in Friday evening freedom.
Wheatfields also offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan menus for patrons with dietary restrictions. The price is surprisingly doable for such high quality food, although if you are a poor college student like me with limited disposable income, it’s a once-in-awhile treat.