Kate CollinsIthaca Journal
While spring is in the air, the calendar seems stuck on winter.
But as Ithacans know, the region's local food options never hibernate. While we're still months -- and a few degrees --away from sidewalk dining and u-pick produce, there’s plenty of casual eats to be found in upcoming weeks.
Here’s upcoming events to get you out and keep your stomach full and warm during the remaining weeks of winter.
1. February Firehouse Flapjacks
The Danby Volunteer Fire Company is raising funds for new Jaws of Life equipment in a most delicious way: a hot, hearty breakfast featuring pancakes, French toast, sausage, scrambled eggs and home fries. Pick up your eats to go, or drive thru then sit inside.
If you can't make it, you can still donate to help raise funds for the life-saving equipment.
- What: Drive-thru Pancake Breakfast
- When: Sunday, Feb. 19, 8 – 11 a.m.
- Where: Danby Volunteer Fire Company, 1780 Danby Road, Ithaca
- Cost: $10 per plate
2. Fastnacht Day
Treleaven Wines in King Ferry is bringing Fastnacht Day to the Finger Lakes by serving up fastnachts on Tuesday, Feb. 21. A Pennsylvania Dutch take on doughnuts, fastnachts are traditionally enjoyed only the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of the Christian season of Lent.
- What: Fastnacht Day
- When: Pre-order online through Feb. 19, pickup 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21
- Where: Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road, King Ferry
- Cost: $1.50 per Fastnacht, $13 per dozen; prices for specialty flavored doughnuts vary
3. Trumansburg Winter Farmers Market
For the first time since its start more than two-decades ago, the Trumansburg Farmers Market has added a weekly Winter Market. The new winter market, which launched earlier this month and includes more than a dozen local vendors, is held from 4 - 7 p.m. Tuesdays, through April 11.
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4. Doug's Fish Fry ToGo
Since 1982, Doug's Fish Fry has been Upstate New York’s favorite fish fry. Get a taste when Doug's famous seafood and fries when its famous charitable food truck returns to Ithaca on Friday, Feb. 24. Portions of the day’s sales will benefit Caroline Elementary PTA.
- What: Fish fry benefit
- When: Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Where: CFCU Community Credit Union, East Hill Branch, 1022 Ellis Hollow Road, Ithaca
- More: See menu and order online before you arrive
5. Authentic Jerk
Chase away the chill with the spicy, savory flavors of real Jamaican food at Authentic Jerk's pop-up event on Friday, Feb. 24. The pop-up will be held at Center Ithaca and will feature main dishes like BBQ chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and more, all served with two sides. Save room for desserts, including fried plantains and sweet festival dumplings.
- What: Jamaican food pop-up
- When: Friday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Center Ithaca, Ithaca Commons
- More: Check out Authentic Jerk on Facebook
6. Ithaca Winter Farmers Market
Ithaca's bountiful and beloved Farmers Market has expanded its Winter Market at Triphammer Marketplace: this season, the market included two full atriums full of local vendors, outside the ReUse Center and Ithaca Bakery. The Winter Market is held from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Saturday through March 23.
- What: Ithaca Winter Farmers Market
- When: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., through March 23
- Where: Triphammer Market Place, 2255 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca
- More: Vendor list updated every by 8 a.m. Friday
7. Alley Cat Cafe
Since 2018, Alley Cat Cafe has given cat lovers their fix – the Cat Room is filled with adoptable cats from Browncoat Cat Rescue – while serving up handcrafted drinks, sandwiches, soups and yummy baked goods. Alley Cat recently relocated to a new location at 112 N. Cayuga St. in downtown Ithaca and is open daily except for Mondays. For $5, you can also get your kitty fix by visiting the purring kitties in the Cat Room.
- What: Alley Cat Cafe new location
- When: Open Tuesday through Sunday, see website for specific times
- Where: 112 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
- More: Alley Cat recommends booking your Cat Room time in advance
8. Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off
Now in its 25th year, the Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off is bringing back the heat on Saturday, March 4. The popular event, held on and around the Commons, showcases the hottest and tastiest chili creations from over 40 area restaurants, along with local brews, wines and ciders. Purchase your tickets in advance or the day of the event (cash only); there's also the VIP Experience available for those who want to avoid lines.
- What: Ithaca Commons
- When: Saturday, March 4, 12 - 4:30 p.m.
- Where: 112 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca
- Cost: $10 - $20, or $40 VIP Experience
