Fine Dining

Tuscan Grill
89 Main St.
Cortland, NY 13045

Contact: Joseph Hage
Phone: (607) 756-5744
Web site: www.tuscangrill.net

Seating Monday through Thursday 11 am to 9 pm
Seating Friday and Saturday 11 am to 10 pm

Lunch entrée prices range from $5.00 to $8.00
Dinner entrée prices range from $15.00 to $26.00 (expect slightly more for market-priced seafood)

Description:

Come dine among friends in the grand tradition of Tuscan hospitality.

Tuscany, a region along Italy’s sun-drenched west coast, brings to mind rolling hills, ancient vineyards, open-air markets, and a comfortable way of life that is grounded in centuries of tradition. Joe Hage’s Tuscan Grill restaurant is a little slice of Tuscany transplanted in Downtown Cortland. In the summer, the storefront is transformed into a garden, where Joe grows tomatoes and basil. The Tuscan Grill’s two chefs (whom Joe calls "incredibly talented") make nearly everything from scratch. Steaks are cut to size at the restaurant; fish are flown in from Boston as soon as they are caught, and are usually less than 6 hours out of the ocean.

The menu consists of traditional Tuscan fare: Pollo di Parma, Gnocchi alla Vodka (potato and ricotta dumplings in a red vodka cream sauce), Ragu Orecchiette; spaghetti and meatballs are nowhere to be found. In order to take advantage of the freshest ingredients, the menu changes seasonally. Food isn’t the only focus at the Tuscan Grill, however: Joe’s aim has always been to bring culture and diversity to Cortland. Many people have the perception that they must travel to Ithaca or Syracuse to find fine dining, but out-of-towners have been quicker to catch on than Cortland residents: Joe says that about 70% of his business comes from businesses that wine and dine their clients and from non-locals looking for a nice meal. This is one fine dining atmosphere that isn’t designed to be exclusive, and Joe keeps the restaurant’s prices relative to the local environment.

Joe decided early on not to advertise the Tuscan Grill because he wanted to create a small, quaint place, but word-of-mouth is spreading and the feedback from diners is overwhelmingly positive. Between the stunning mural on the walls and graceful place settings, the restaurant offers a simple and classy atmosphere. The menu extends an invitation to all comers: "Tuscan locals have a reputation for enjoying the simple beauty of life by appreciating distinct flavors, emotions, and friendships. Let us help you explore these pleasures as you dine among friends in the grand tradition of Tuscan hospitality."

Interview with Joe Hage, April 25, 2007