Restaurant at Woodcliff gets $1.2 million update. See inside
The Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Perinton has unveiled a $1.2 million renovation of its restaurant, which has been rebranded Horizons Modern Kitchen + Wine Bar to reflect its new look and culinary approach.
The resort-style hotel was built in 1987; the Syracuse-based Widewaters Group has owned it since 2006. Since the pandemic, the company has invested $6 million in improvements, said Corey Dooley, general manager. Guest rooms were redecorated in 2021 and the spa is now being updated.
The main attraction of the space remains its panoramic hilltop view, which encompasses the Rochester skyline in the distance.
What's new
∎ A walk-in wine room, visible from the lobby, showcases its wine offerings: more than 300 by the bottle and 17 by the glass. (The restaurant won best-of awards for its wine program from Wine Spectator.)
∎ New décor and furniture incorporates the trend toward earthy tones; tablecloths are no longer used. Fire features add drama, particularly at night.
∎ The menu retains its focus on American cuisine, including several steaks, but now incorporates seasonality and local sourcing. Seafood arrives from Boston daily. Some international flavors reflect the culinary background of Craig Beasley, the restaurant's new executive chef, who has worked in high-end hotels in London, Dubai, Hawaii and elsewhere.
∎ The bar is more open to the view and has new, comfortable lounge seating. It focuses on spirits, including 167 bourbons and whiskeys, and also has a rotating selection of eight New York State craft beers on draft. Happy hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, brings 25% off wines by the glass, $6 draft beers and $3 off signature cocktails. Wednesday's happy hour also features 25% off wines by the bottle.
∎ Guests can now enjoy drinks outside amid the gorgeous setting. An outdoor seating area has Adirondack-style chairs around a fire pit and another is in the works.
∎ Live music is featured in the lounge on Fridays and Saturdays, but has shifted away from jazz piano. It now rotates between two house bands: The Swooners and Roses & Revolutions.
∎ The restaurant and the ballroom will continue to host bountiful holiday brunch buffets. Regular Sunday brunch service, including bottomless mimosas, will begin May 21.
∎ It has a new private dining room that can accommodate up to 40 people.
If you go
Woodcliff Hotel & Spa is at 199 Woodcliff Dr. in Perinton. It is open for breakfast and dinner daily. The bar and lounge opens at 4 p.m. each day. There is free parking in a large lot in front of the building. The restaurant is fully accessible to wheelchairs.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Horizons restaurant at Woodcliff gets $1.2 million renovation
