CLUB SCENE:
GATHERINGS BY DESIGN

8 Bridge Street
Phoenix, NY
315-695-3950
http://www.gatheringsbydesign.biz

See Map

by Maryann McKinley

Central New York has a lot to offer anyone who’s looking for great food and great fun, if you know where to look. I found a gem in Phoenix, an attractive village on the banks of the Oswego River. There’s a little something for any time of day at Gatherings, with a great down home kitchen, big screen TV to watch your favorite teams, the best bands in central New York, and the kind of people you’ll want to get to know. It’s close to everywhere, just three miles up Route 57 from the intersection with Route 31. You’ll enjoy the easy, pretty drive, right along the river.

Gatherings by Design is a natural outgrowth of New York State’s canal culture. The Oswego River is also the Oswego Canal, connecting the Seneca River, Oneida Lake and the original Erie Canal with Lake Ontario. It’s one of the few rivers in North America that actually flows north. Back in the late 1800’s when the canal system began operating, travel time and shipping costs dropped dramatically, and allowed towns along its path to prosper. Phoenix is one of those towns, with Lock 1 of the Oswego Canal right in the center of the village. Gatherings by Design has been in its spot at Bridge and State Street, in one incarnation or another, for more than a hundred years, welcoming boaters, travelers and locals to its friendly tavern atmosphere. It’s a piece of history!

The menu is full of home made deliciousness. There are plenty of excellent basics, from munchies to burgers and fresh-cut fries to a full selection of sandwiches to make your mouth water – reubens, grilled chicken, steak, hot turkey, even a fantastic grilled cheese, just like mom used to make. For those of us who are want a little green in their life, try the chef salad, buffalo chicken salad, or the BLT salad. The hugest wings around will carry you though any NASCAR race or football game. Or if you’re out for a boat cruise, a group of civic-minded local kids, the Bridge House Brats, will take your order while you’re making your way through Lock 1 and deliver it boatside in no time at all. All tips go to community schools, kid’s organizations and charities, so remember to be generous!

But back to the homemade goodness. Gatherings is known for so many dishes, but the corn chowder tops the list. Even kids who don’t like soup come back for seconds of this steamy hot, rich, buttery concoction. It’s a great way to warm up! If barbeque is more your fancy, the pulled pork rivals any Kansas City rib joint. Homemade side dishes include delectable mac and cheese, real mashed potatoes, and everyone’s summer favorites, crispy delicious cole slaw and salt potatoes. It’s home cooking without the fuss, and all of the friendliness.

Lunch specials change daily – Wednesday is usually something Italian, Thursday is beef tips over noodles or another warm, yummy dish, and Friday brings the famous fish fry, fresh haddock fillets that you’ll swear are just out of the ocean. There’s a customer appreciation complimentary buffet and half price drinks on Sunday for the races! Be sure to check out the amazing tavern tables and stools. They belong in an old English tavern, with seats big and heavy enough for a medieval giant. The lion claw feet add to the impression that these are stools fit for a king!

Gatherings by Design isn’t just the best food; it’s also become central New York’s premier place to see the best bands. On Saturday, July 8, it’s “The Dog” in the house! Your favorite disc jockey from FM 105.1 hosts six bands for a full evening of entertainment. The rest of the time, there are different bands several nights of the week, bringing the hottest rock from Seemless, Grey Tide, Undergang, Caustic, Stone Soul Foundation, Inner J.D., SinPusher, Muzzlestamp, and so many more. There’s plenty of room in the downstairs bar to sit and enjoy, dance, or hang with your friends, or if you’d like to chat during the set, head upstairs. There’s a big party room with closed circuit TV so that you can watch the action downstairs, but still have a conversation. It’s a great date night! Check their website for schedules - http://www.gatheringsbydesign.biz.

If you’re planning a bigger gathering, check out the catering service. The full menu is available for your event large or small, or you can ask for any dish on the planet and the talented kitchen will make it magically appear, better than you remember. The upstairs party room is available with full bar, separate rest rooms, prep kitchen and upper floor outside deck, for 70 people or so. There’s enough room for tables, band, dancing, or just about anything. If you have Gatherings by Design cater your party, the room is complimentary, or you can rent the room and bring your own. Showers, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor parties, Super Bowl – they’re a lot more fun when Kathy and company do the cooking!

Supporting the community is important to the close-knit clan at Gatherings by Design. They keep the neighborhood close with two big golf outings in May and September (sign up early, they fill up fast!), poker runs, and ongoing support for Dollars for Scholars, the Phoenix High School wrestling team, and other local civic organizations. The whole family is involved – hosts Kathy and Paul Meyers, her mom, grandmom, the kids, nieces, chef Evie and all the staff who have become like family welcome everyone with a big smile, whether you stop in for a cold beer, warm meal, or just want to relax with friends.

Gatherings by Design is located at 8 Bridge Street in Phoenix at the corner of State Street, just down from the famous drawbridge. It’s a quick drive from Route 31, a block off Route 57. The big parking lot is in back, so use the State Street entrance. You can stop in for a bite to eat, a cold brew, or great entertainment Monday through Saturday 11:00 am to close, and Sunday noon to close. Call 315-695-3950 for information, or visit on the Internet for menus and band schedules at http://www.gatheringsbydesign.biz.

Don’t forget to vote in Table Hopping’s first annual Best of CNY poll. Enter by August 23 to be sure your favorites are recognized! Questions? Comments? Send email to mcmar01@yahoo.com - and have a great month!