At The Statler Hotel, we are excited to be part of Cornell’s Administrative Professionals Day Ice Cream Social. It is one of our favorite traditions and an opportunity to share a sweet treat with colleagues we work closely with while also meeting new faces from across the Cornell community. You can learn more about the event here: https://events.cornell.edu/event/administrative-professionals-day-ice-cream-social-8855

This year, we are bringing something a little unique, ube cookies. Ube is a vibrant purple yam from the Philippines, known for its sweet, nutty flavor and celebrated for its unique taste, iconic color, and cultural significance in Filipino desserts. Lean  more about ube here: https://www.kapwagardens.com/blog/more-than-a-trend-the-history-of-ube

Ube is also making an appearance on our new catering lunch buffet menu, Pacific Rim, and we are thrilled to offer a preview through these cookies. Explore the menu here: https://statlerhotelcatering.menusaccess.com/

We look forward to celebrating, connecting, and of course treating you!

Pictured below is our ube cheesecake bites.

This winter, the Evergreen Mule brings a festive, cozy feel to events, while spring welcomes the light and refreshing Bloom and Fizz. These rotating bar enhancements allow us to keep our event offerings fresh and relevant throughout the year, giving every gathering a sense of place and season. It is just one more way The Statler Hotel helps turn great events into unforgettable experiences.

Introducing our newest beverage enhancements and their recipes:

Winter: Evergreen Mule

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka (optional)
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2–3 oz ginger beer (to top)
• Garnish: fresh cranberries, sprig of rosemary

Spring: Bloom & Fizz

Ingredients:

• 0.75 oz St. Germain (optional)
• 2.5–3 oz Poema Cava (or any dry sparkling wine) (optional)
• 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz elderflower simple syrup
• Tonic water (to top for mocktails)
• Garnish: edible flower

This is just a sneak peek of what is to come. Our culinary team is currently hard at work reimagining breakfast, dinner, and meeting refreshment menus as well, ensuring every part of your event experience is both memorable and delicious. We can not wait to share more soon.

Sneak peak at catering lunch buffet menus: 2026 Catering Lunch Menus

View current menu offerings: https://statlerhotelcatering.menusaccess.com/

Thomas Gisler, Director of Food and Beverage

With an incredible amount of international experience, Chef Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. Originally from Altdorf, Switzerland, Chef attended Hotel School Lucerne, Switzerland and graduated in 1988. His career started in Orlando, then to Japan, South Korea and Germany with Hyatt Hotels and back to the United States in Cooperstown, New York. Through these experiences, Chef has developed excellent training skills and a solid understanding of cost/inventory control. With his passion for Food and Wine, he wanted to get into the glamor of serving guests and work with great individuals and getting to eat and drink "professionally." He loves it when celebrities show up and be able to show off the capabilities of his team. He is grateful for having seen much of the world while working in some of the finest hotels worldwide in amazing cities. These are wonderful memories that have created the exceptional leader that he is today.

Anthony Bourdain was a huge inspiration to Thomas. He had the privilege to cooked dinner with Anthony while on his promotional tour for his best-selling book "Kitchen Confidential" at the Hyatt in Cologne, Germany. Thomas recollects, "Ever since, he has been one of the most inspiring people in my life. A great quote from Anthony "If you're 22, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel - as far and as widely as possible."

When asked what his most significant achievements are, Chef's response was, "Bringing up three great daughters that I love hanging out with and a beautiful wife that I am still happily married to, after a long career in the Hospitality Industry covering several continents." But those most influential in his life were his parents who taught him his key guiding principles: Honest, genuine, thoughtful, and caring. The advice that he offers to our students is, "No one learns to drive in the back seat. Step up!"

Eric Szymczak, Executive Chef

Chef Eric leads The Statler Culinary Team, aided by a wealth of experience in the hotel industry and dedication to teaching and learning in the kitchen. His own educational journey began at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, which gave Chef Eric a strong base knowledge of the culinary arts and the discipline needed to lead robust teams.

Throughout his career, Chef Eric has had dynamic and rich experiences, touching nearly every aspect of the culinary industry. The only industry Chef Eric has not touched is working on a cruise ship! Though he would say serving for 4 years in the US Navy is close enough. From the hospitality standards of The Ritz Carlton to the resilience achieved after working under unrelenting French chefs, Chef Eric has learned many lessons along the way.

American author Fran Leibowitz once said, "I really think that musicians and cooks are responsible for the most pleasure in life." This has always resonated with Chef Eric because food is instant happiness. You take a bite of something and immediately feel joy. No food brings Chef Eric more "joy" than pizza. He often says, if you see him and he is not eating pizza, he is thinking about where he can get some!

Living in Ithaca for the last ten years, Chef Eric and his wife have sown roots and are in the process of raising two young boys. When Chef Eric is not in the kitchen, you can find him cherishing time with his family!

Both Chef Thomas and Chef Eric embody The Statler Hotel’s values, especially the commitment to OWN IT! Whether mentoring students, refining menus, or creating memorable guest experiences, they take pride in their work and lead by example.

We are honored to have these two exceptional chefs and the next time you dine at Taverna Banfi or attend an event at The Statler Hotel, know that every detail is touched by their passion, purpose, and pride.

Modern style meets Finger Lakes charm, unveiling your new Statler meeting experience. Inspired by Cayuga Lake and local gorges, the design features ripple-patterned carpets, walnut finishes, coffered ceilings, and warm, natural textures. Upgrades include flexible foyer seating, built-in buffet counters, enhanced lighting, and sleek AV in every room. Whether a networking session or a full-day meeting, our new spaces are designed to impress and elevate your experience.

Renovation Features

Fresh New Look, Inspired by Nature

- Warm wood tones, copper accents, and lake-inspired carpet designs create a cozy, modern atmosphere

Easier to Navigate

- Wider corridor, enhanced lighting, and strategic door placements make moving through the space more comfortable and accessible

Smarter Meeting Rooms

- Updated AV with Bluetooth/HDMI, digital signage, dimmable lights, and sleek glass doors for added privacy and natural light

Elegant Finishes

- Touches of quartz, walnut, and stylish fabrics bring a refined, polished feel to every room

Image: Conference Foyer & Entry Corridor

Image: Meeting Room Corridor and Room C

Full AV Features

Conference Foyer/Entry Corridor and Meeting Room Corridor

- Wall-mounted 75" screen supporting hotel video and group welcome signs or branding (located in entry corridor)

- Wall-mounted 55" screen supporting posted hotel event schedules (located in conference foyer)

- Distributed audio system for background music, or local announcements

- Audio sources can be connected via a Bluetooth Receiver, 1/8” TRS jack connection or microphone receptacles

- Ceiling speakers in the Conference Foyer and Entry Corridor are zoned to allow them to operate together or as separate zones

Room A and Room B

- Wall-mounted 85” screen, one in each room

- Content can be played from a wireless video interface or with an HDMI connection

- ZOOM/Video conferencing soundbar with integrated camera, loudspeaker, and microphone

- Wall mounted touch screen controller to control the video conferencing soundbar

Room C

- Wall-mounted 85” screen

- Content can be played from a dedicated computer, wireless video interface or with an HDMI connection

- Distributed audio system to provide audio playback of the video content listed above, background music, or local announcements 

- Audio sources can be connected to the installed speaker system via a Bluetooth Receiver or 1/8” TRS jack connection

- Ceiling microphone system to provide an in-room audio feed to the ZOOM/video conferencing system

- Two PTZ cameras to provide an in-room video feed to the ZOOM/video conferencing system. One camera will be used to capture the presenter and one camera will be used to capture the audience

- Wired control panel for the AV system

Room D

- Wall-mounted 100” screen

- Content can be played from a dedicated computer, wireless video interface or with an HDMI connection

- Distributed audio system to provide audio playback of the video content listed above, background music, or local announcements

- Ceiling microphone system to provide an in-room audio feed to the ZOOM/video conferencing system

- Wireless microphone system with one handheld transmitter and one belt pack with a lavalier microphone

- Two PTZ cameras to provide an in-room video feed to the ZOOM/video conferencing system. One camera will be used to capture the presenter and one camera will be used to capture the audience

- Wired control panel for the AV system

Room E and Room F
(Two rooms joined by an airwall to allow for one large room or two rooms)

- Two wall-mounted 98” screen, one in each room

- Content can be played from a dedicated computer, wireless video interface or with an HDMI connection

- Distributed audio system to provide audio playback of the video content listed above, background music, or local announcements

- Two ceiling microphone systems to provide an in-room audio feed to the ZOOM/video conferencing system

- Wireless microphone system with four handheld transmitter and one belt pack with a lavalier microphone to be shared between the two rooms

- Four PTZ cameras to provide an in-room video feed to the ZOOM/video conferencing system. Two cameras per screen. One camera will be used to capture the presenter and one camera will be used to capture the audience

- Wired control panel for the AV system

Amphitheater

(AV upgrades only)

- Two 85” flat panel displays for audience and one 43” flat panel display for the presenter

- One 7,000-lumen laser projector

- Lectern PC for presentation/screen share

- New Miller’s Millworks teaching lectern. 2 lectern desktop monitors, document camera

- Zoom conferencing via Zoom Rooms or user laptop running Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc.

- Plug in laptop for local presentation, Zoom screen share, presentation recording

- Laptop wireless presentation/screen share via Zoom Room

- Three new Panasonic pan/tilt/zoom cameras

- All cameras simultaneously visible in Zoom Room. Single switchable camera feeds to user laptop & lectern PC

- Five suspended Shure ceiling microphones to capture audience voices for videoconferencing & recording

- Two digital wireless clip-on, and (6) digital wireless handheld microphones for voice amplification, videoconferencing & recording

- AV system controlled by two touch panels. One for the presenter on the teaching lectern and one touch panel for the AV technician in the AV booth

- Zoom Room controlled by two separate touch panels for user & technician

- Cable cubby houses laptop cables and power outlets on the teaching lectern

- Assistive Listening System for ADA compliance

- Zoom Room PC, Lectern PC. AV technician booth PC
 

Begin your planning today and contact our sales team at 607-254-2678 or via email at ha-statlersales@cornell.edu

Alternatively, you can access our Request for Proposal (RFP) page here: https://statlerhotel.cornell.edu/meeting-events/plan-your-event

Welcome to  summers in Ithaca, where the waterfalls sing, the food is fresh, and every trail leads to something unforgettable. If you're booking our your stay at The Statler Hotel, you're not just reserving a room — you're unlocking a curated experience of one of New York’s most magical small cities.

Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a midweek recharge, Ithaca is a whole vibe in the summer, and we’re thrilled to show you around.

Waterfalls & Wild Trails

Ithaca isn’t just gorges in name — it’s gorges in every direction. With your NYS Empire Pass (included in our Ithaca is GORGES package), you’ll have free access to state parks like:

• Buttermilk Falls: Take a morning hike up the stone staircases and cool off in the natural swimming hole below.
• Robert H. Treman: Chase waterfalls, literally. The dramatic drop of Lucifer Falls will leave you speechless.
• Taughannock Falls: Perfect for a golden-hour picnic with a view taller than Niagara.

Eat Like a Local

Summer in Ithaca is a chef's kiss. Think:

• Farmers market breakfasts by the lake
• Outdoor dining with Finger Lakes wine
• Farm-to-table fare just steps from The Statler

On the Water

Cayuga Lake is calling! Paddleboard, kayak, or take a sunset cruise. Prefer dry land? Catch free live music at Stewart Park or sip iced lavender lattes along the waterfront trail.

Stay Where It All Begins

Located on Cornell University’s campus, our hotel puts you in the heart of it all — with luxury accommodations, award-winning service, and the kind of insider access you only get from a team who lives and breathes Ithaca.

When you book the Ithaca is GORGES package, you get:

• Complementary parking
• NYS park pass
• Cornell store coupon
• Bottle of wine
• $25 Regent Lounge credit
• Local postcard + stamp

Don’t Just Visit — Savor the Summer! Book your stay and get ready to fall in love with Ithaca in its best light.

1. Capture the first day of class with a picture in front of the STATLER HALL sign. 

2. Write a heartfelt card to a professor because the Dean’s Student Advisory Board (DSAB) bribed you with a cookie. 

3. Have your picture taken with Touchdown at the Cornell Hotel Society (CHS) Pinning Ceremony. 

4. Volunteer for Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC). 

5. Collect candy around the Statler during DSAB’s Halloween Trick or Treat.  

6. Embark on the annual American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Immersion trek. 

7. Develop your ability to identify wines and earn a cork graduation cord from Professor Stanley through Cuvée. 

8. Listen to strong female speakers with Women's Leadership in Hospitality (WLIH). 

9. Indulge in a cup of coffee from the HEC Coffee cart. 

10. Participate as a mentor for new students in the Hotel School Mentorship Program (HSMP).  

11. Take a trip outside to study under Dean Meek’s Tree. 

12. Attend a Cornell Real Estate Club (CREC) Roundtable in the ​​Sack Family Conference Room. 

13. Seek resume/cover letter assistance from the Career Peer Advisors before applying to jobs. 

14. Join Crème de Cornell to become a food photographer. 

15. Participate in a DSAB Table Talk. 

16. Listen to a nightclub owner speak at a Cornell Nightlife Hospitality Club (CNHC) meeting. 

17. Compete in a design challenge with The Grid.  

18. Participate in a philanthropy event organized by Hotelies Serving Society (HSS). 

19. Talk with Victor Younger at a National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) event. 

20. Explore the Newark or JFK Airport with the Air & Sea Hospitality Club. 

21. Brew your own beer with Big Red Brewing. 

22. Indulge in a smoothie at Mac’s Cafe. 

23. Submit a Semester Smoothie at Mac’s Cafe. 

24. Finish spending the rest of your BRBs on energy drinks at Mac’s Cafe. 

25. Endure a 20+ minute line for a Mac’s Cafe sandwich. 

26. Order a full Mac’s Cafe pizza to share with your friends while studying. 

27. Attempt to solve Terrace’s ridiculous burrito bowl lines as a Service Operations project. 

28. Eat an orange chicken burrito bowl every week at Terrace. 

29. Book a hotel room as an expensive, yet effective, study area. 

30. Wear solely a Statler robe when heading from your hotel room to the front desk. 

31. Arrange a meeting with the General Manager, Arthur Keith, of The Statler Hotel to discuss the hotel industry. 

32. Sneak a workout in the hotel lobby gym. 

33. Enjoy truffle fries at the Regent Lounge. 

34. Network over drinks with a professor at Regent. 

35. Relax and unwind with drinks with friends at Regent after your 4 pm class lets out. 

36. Have your own signature cocktail or food item featured on the Regent Lounge menu. 

37. Order the delicious duck dish at Taverna Banfi. 

38. Opt to valet your car at Statler Hotel when going to Taverna Banfi for a touch of luxury (but make sure to tip!). 

39. Enjoy brunch at Taverna Banfi on the weekend. 

40. Host a club or Greek-life event in the Statler Ballroom. 

41. Network with industry professionals during Hotelie Weekend in New York City. 

42. Table with a club at Tsai Atrium to maximize foot traffic. 

43. Receive free cookies and coffee from a club in the Tsai Atrium. 

44. Have leadership roles in every Hotel club to proudly display your face on every board when entering Statler Hall. 

45. Reserve the Club Room located under the stairs for a meeting and realize too late that only computers with HDMI compatibility can be used to project your presentation. 

46. Utilize your club’s locker to safely store your wine kit. 

47. Join a Hotelie club and make your way up to President. 

48. Coordinate an alumni event for a club. 

49. Run an alumni panel. 

50. Dine at Establishment and enjoy your friends’ cooking. 

51. Have a friend apologize to you for failing to make a reservation at Establishment. 

52. Contemplate adding a dessert to your Establishment menu but realize it can only negatively impact your grade. 

53. Enjoy a CHS Faculty Student Dinner at Establishment. 

54. Disappoint the chefs by mixing up sugar and salt in the culinary labs on accident.  

55. TA for Establishment for the food, the money and the camaraderie, but mostly the camaraderie. 

56. Make friends with the dishwasher at the culinary lab kitchen. 

57. Reserve a room at Nestle Library for a study session and proceed to not study. 

58. Fuel your studies with coffee at Nestle Library. 

59. Get yelled at for eating your lunch in the Nestle Library (clean up afterwards). 

60. Freak out when you procrastinate printing an assignment until just before class and your laptop doesn’t connect to the printer. 

61. Sport your Hotelie pride with a Hotelie sweatshirt. 

62. Confuse your classmates by wearing a suit to class for no reason. 

63. Visit Big Red Threads when you forget to pack a blazer. 

64. Snag free company merch at a Hospitality Career Fair. 

65. Distribute 10+ resumes at the Real Estate Career Fair. 

66. Receive candy from Professor Varney at her office or classroom. 

67. Engage in a case debate with Professor Sherwyn or Professor Wagner in Business Law and win. 

68. Watch Professor Roberts do a magic trick. 

69. Learn the art of crafting cocktails from Professor Miller. 

70. Learn the proper way to enjoy a meal at an Etiquette Dinner hosted by Director Susskind. 

71. Accidentally break a wine glass in HADM 4300: Introduction to Wines. (Opa!) 

72. Impress others by confidently ordering from a wine list after taking the wine pairing class. 

73. Embark on the journey of HADM 4375: Introduction to Fermented Grains, Hard Ciders, and Sake. 

74. Lose money on the Casinos class trip to Del Lago Resort & Casino. 

75. Embark on the cruise trip during February break for the Cruise class; alternatively, enjoy a cruise over Spring Break if unable to secure a spot in the class. 

76. Utilize the elevator safety procedures learned in Facilities Operations when stuck in an elevator in the school or hotel.  

77. Enroll in a non-HADM class conveniently taught in Statler. 

78. Locate the hidden HADM 4300 wine cellar. 

79. Secure a spot on the leadership board in Financial Modeling for achieving the fastest modeling time. 

80. Become a Teaching Assistant for DDLS in the fall to engage with the speaker afterward. 

81. Maintain perfect attendance and professional attire while taking DDLS. 

82. Experience the inconvenience of your laptop running out of battery during class in STL 265, resorting to taking notes on your phone or with pencil and paper. 

83. Listen to a guest lecture during class and follow the speaker on LinkedIn afterward. 

84. Attempt a ServSafe exam without studying for it (because you know to wash your hands before cooking). 

85. Engage in enlightening discussions at a Dean’s Dinner featuring a DDLS speaker in the Banfi Castello room. 

86. Apply to become a Dean’s Assistant. 

87. If unsuccessful in becoming a Dean’s Assistant, apply for the Dean’s Student Advisory Board. 

88. If unsuccessful in becoming a part of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, set up a time to chat with the Dean. 

89. Get the Dean to remember your name (for a positive reason). 

90. Participate in a Hack-a-Thon to challenge yourself. 

91. Attend or assist with the Anabel’s Grocery Fundraiser at Terrace. 

92. Casually crash a networking event you weren’t invited to with hopes of free food. 

93. Make the most of the Communication Center for writing or presenting support. 

94. Drop into 180 for an interview prep session. 

95. Actively network at the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship. 

96. Attend job advising sessions at Statler 180 whenever you need a job or internship. 

97. Consult a friend for guidance on tackling a case interview. 

98. Get professional headshots taken in the Park Atrium. 

99. Continue the grind by moving to Duffield Hall after Statler Hall closes. 

100. Complain about having to leave Statler for a class at Ives or Uris Hall, even if it’s just 20 feet away. 

101. Run to the Cornell Store between classes to pick up a textbook. 

102. Meet a friend by the Chrome Statue of Herakles between Statler Hotel and Uris Hall, Ithaca’s most famous naked man. 

103. Make a snowman under Herakles.  

104. Bring cookies across the street to the long-suffering engineering students in Duffield Hall. 

105. Lend your knife set to your forgetful friend and remember to secure the knives upon their return. 

106. Share a locker with a friend to avoid purchasing a lock. 

107. Pass on your knife set and textbooks (if they still exist) to the next generation of Hotelies. 

108. Receive a free inspirational book (“Lead with Hospitality” by Taylor Scott or “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara) after listening to one of the authors speak. 

109. Carry a wine kit around and frequently get mistaken for a musician. 

110. Immerse yourself in the Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP) with the aim of becoming Student General Manager. 

111. Learn about hotel operations (and how to park Land Rovers) by working at the Statler Hotel. 

112. Assertively claim a bench for a group project in the Student Lounge. 

113. Recharge with a power nap on a couch of the Student Lounge. 

114. Grab a snack at the George B. Mallory ’54 Student Lounge snack machine. 

115. Become a TA for your most challenging class. 

116. Hold Office Hours and no students show up. 

117. Apply for the Phil Miller Legacy Award. 

118. Wow your roommates with your new cooking skills in your dorm room/apartment. 

119. Showcase your newfound cocktail skills acquired at Establishment as a party bartender. 

120. Master the art of formally opening a bottle of wine. 

121. Master the art of napkin origami by folding for an hour straight. 

122. Master the art of making a bed and always employ hospital corners. 

123. Study abroad with your Hotelie friends during your junior spring semester. 

124. Decide whether to refer to your major as “Hospitality” or “Hotel Administration”. 

125. Attend an acapella concert at Statler Auditorium. 

126. Meet with the CEO of one of the Core Four (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG). 

127. Work on a group project, where the work is delegated, and no one ever meets face-to-face. 

128. Join a study group that meets once and never again. 

129. Catch up with a professor over a Mac’s Cafe coffee. 

130. Awkwardly ride the elevator with a professor. 

131. Stand up for your Hotelie pride and reputation on Sidechat. 

132. Create a captivating "Day in the Life of a Hotel School Student" video on TikTok and tag #161ThingsStatler. 

133. Attempt to write a song about being a Hotelie and abandon the idea when you realize “Hotelie” doesn’t rhyme with anything. 

134. Create your LinkedIn profile and hit 500+ followers. 

135. Have fun watching a first-year get lost looking for the correct elevator to the 5th floor. 

136. Confuse a friend trying to pick you up by attempting to describe which entrance of Statler to pick you up from. 

137. Fail to use the Bin Labs for a class that requires specialized software when a class is using all of the computers for an exam. 

138. Rent a computer from the Bin Lab when your laptop stops working. 

139. Discover the forgotten staircase outside of 391 during your senior year. 

140. Accidentally attempt to fill your water bottle on the third floor and realize there’s no water bottle filler. 

141. Launch a slinky down the Park Atrium stairs. 

142. Enjoy going to the bathroom in peace at one of the forgotten bathrooms. 

143. Give a tour of Statler Library to a family member or friend and make up an answer when they ask you where the books are. 

144. Master navigating the maze connecting Statler Hotel to Statler Hall. 

145. Accidentally find yourself in the Receiving elevator. 

146. Take a stumble on the Tsai Atrium stairs. 

147. Explore the two Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) lounges out of curiosity. 

148. Experience the thrill of riding the stage up in the Statler Auditorium. 

149. Get a tour of the building facility with Danny and enjoy the views from the roof. 

150. Research the hospitality symbolism of the pineapple. 

151. Sign off your emails with "Yours in Service" to embody hospitality values. 

152. Find solace by crying inside a walk-in fridge. 

153. Order food delivery from Collegetown to Statler, because otherwise, it would take a whole twenty minutes to pick it up. 

154. Contemplate a career in finance but reconsider after realizing the hours are even worse than hotel operations. 

155. Miss class due to a Superday or interview opportunity. 

156. Discover the Guided Eyes dogs in the Tsai atrium. 

157. Enjoy ice cream from the CHS End of Year Ice Cream Truck. 

158. Sneak a champagne bottle from Hotelie Prom under your gown during graduation for a celebratory moment. 

159. Try for a real estate minor to obtain a blue cord at graduation. 

160. Experience the magic of Hotelie Prom and sing along to "Hotel Room Service" by Pitbull. 

161. Watch the Homecoming Fireworks from the terrace of the Silver Birch Suite on the 5th floor of Statler Hall Tower. 

Early Spring Blooms & Scenic Strolls
Witness nature come to life with early spring blooms along picturesque trails and stunning waterfalls. Some must-visit spots include:

• Taughannock Falls State Park – Home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S.
• Robert H. Treman State Park – A haven for hikers and waterfall chasers.
• Buttermilk Falls State Park – Perfect for a leisurely walk or a scenic picnic.
• Cornell Botanic Gardens – Immerse yourself in vibrant gardens and peaceful nature trails.
• Cascadilla Gorge Trail – A beautiful hike right in the heart of Ithaca.
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology – A birdwatcher’s paradise.

Sip & Savor in Finger Lakes Wine Country
Spring is an excellent time to explore Ithaca’s wineries and breweries, offering some of the best sips in the region:

• Sheldrake Point Winery – Enjoy lakefront views and award-winning wines.
• Treleaven Wines – A local favorite with fantastic wine and live music events.
• Six Mile Creek Vineyards – A hidden gem known for its unique Finger Lakes flavors.
• Hopshire Farm & Brewery – A craft beer haven blending local ingredients with rich flavors.
• Salt Point Brewing – The perfect stop for a refreshing pint after a day of exploring.
• Ithaca Beer Company – A must-visit for beer lovers, featuring locally crafted brews.

Unique Ithaca Attractions
For those looking to add a little adventure and culture to their trip, consider:

• Southern Tier Balloon Tours – Soar above the stunning landscapes in a hot air balloon.
• State Theatre of Ithaca – Experience live performances in a historic venue.
• Hangar Theatre – Enjoy world-class productions in an intimate setting.
• Press Bay Alley & The Commons – A hub of local shops, cafés, and vibrant city life.

Ready to Plan Your Ithaca Getaway? Book your stay at The Statler Hotel and experience the best of Ithaca this spring!
 

Each year, Taverna Banfi, the signature restaurant of The Statler Hotel at Cornell University, brings its A-game to the competition. In 2024, they took home 1st place for the Best Meat Chili.

This year, Taverna Banfi will be featuring a new chili recipe, Ezra's Inferno, a flavorful recipe that perfectly balances heat and heartiness.

Want to taste the chili for yourself? Check out the recipe below and bring a taste of Taverna Banfi’s dish to your own kitchen!

Ezra's Inferno Chili

Yield: 1 Gallon

Ingredients

Peppers

• 1 tbsp Dried Pasilla Powder
• 1 tbsp Dried New Mexican Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Habanero Powder
• 2 Fresh Poblano Peppers
• 4 Fresh Jalapeño Peppers
• 2 Fresh Green Bell Peppers
• 1 Fresh Habanero Pepper

Meats

• 4 lbs Smoked Tri-Tip Steak
• 3 lbs Ground Brisket
• 1 lb Bacon

Beans

• 1 can Black Beans
• 1 can Cannellini Beans
• 1 can Kidney Beans, pureed

Spices

• 1 tbsp Whole Cumin
• 1 tbsp Whole Coriander
• 1 tsp Whole Star Anise
• 1 tbsp Mexican Oregano Powder
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

• 2 Anchovies
• 2 tbsp Marmite
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 can Tomato Paste
• 1 can Crushed Tomatoes
• 5 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Espresso Powder
• 2 oz Dark Chocolate
• 2 Yellow Onions, diced
• ½ bunch Chives, minced
• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 tbsp Bourbon
• 2 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
• 8 oz Chicken Broth
• 1 tsp Sambal (Hot Sauce)
• 1 cup Sour Cream

Instructions
Prepare the Flavor Base:

• In a blender, combine anchovies, marmite, soy sauce, tomato paste, and espresso powder. Blend on high until smooth. Set aside.
• Smoke the Meat:
• Smoke the tri-tip at 205°F for 14 hours. Once fully cooked, trim excess fat and finely chop the meat.
• Caramelize the Onions:
• In a large rondeau or steam kettle, cook onions over medium heat, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized. Deglaze with water as needed.
• Add garlic and oregano, cooking until fragrant.

Cook the Peppers & Spices:

• Stir in diced fresh and powdered chiles, cooking for 2-4 minutes until the mixture begins to stick to the pan.
• Brown the Meat:
• Add ground brisket, cooking until fully browned.

Simmer the Chili:

• Stir in the prepared flavor base, smoked tri-tip, and all beans. Cook on low heat until beans are almost tender.
• Add crushed tomatoes and cider vinegar, then continue cooking for approximately 2 hours until beans and beef are fully tender. Add water if necessary.
• Finish & Adjust Seasoning:
• Stir in sour cream, bourbon, brown sugar, sambal, salt, black pepper, and additional vinegar to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed until flavors are well-balanced.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 week to allow flavors to develop further.

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