Elephant and the Dove
Elegant but Casual Mexican Joint Delights in Skaneateles
By Julie McMahon
Upon entering Elephant and the Dove, a friendly server as well as a chic, bohemian atmosphere awaits, and the restaurant promises great cocktails and tasty Mexican morsels.
We walked in and were seated within 10 minutes on a snowy Thursday evening. Thus, our night started off on a great foot.
We noted the really solid cocktail and beer program — beers included a good selection of local craft and imports from Mexico. The cocktail list featured “originales” (specialty items created by the bar) as well as “classicos.”
We went for the “classico” Mexican mule (a spin on the classic ginger beer drink made with tequila cashing in at $10) as well as a margarita made with guava and sugar around the rim ($11). The cocktails were great; we ordered a second round. With both, we enjoyed the strong flavor of tequila balanced with the flavors of the drinks. They weren’t watered down at all and even as the ice melted, they retained their flavor. We both remarked on how much we liked our drinks.
After much discussion over the menu — it featured appealing appetizers, a wide variety of tacos, some burritos, as well as soups, salads and entrees. We wanted to get a decent spread — we opted for nachos ($15) to start.
They came out almost immediately and towered a full four inches high of crispy corn tortilla chips, queso, pickled peppers, guacamole, pico de gallo, crema and cilantro.
The queso and guacamole were the stars of the dish. The queso was warm and an almost sweet cheesy layer amid the veggies and chips. A large dollop of guacamole topped off the huge platter and tasted of garlic and cilantro, a nice cooling element to the nachos. There was enough of each topping to get a good bite every time.
However, we decided this plate of nachos was far too big for two people and should come with a warning. At the price tag, this made sense, but this one is best for a table of four or more.
Waiting a short time for our entrees to be delivered, we appreciated the feel of the joint, which occupies a large space on East Genesee Street in Skaneateles that feels cozy and warm. The seating is spacious. Our table of two could have easily fit four.
The aesthetic of the place is beachy and bohemian. It’s beautifully decorated, with large unique mirrors and pieces of art. From the pillows and cushions on the seats to the lighting, you can tell a lot of thought went into the décor.
As Latino music plays on the speakers lightly, you may even feel transported.
For our entrees we ordered bang bang shrimp tacos ($17), which came with three on a plate, and the chipotle chicken quesadilla ($16), which was generously topped with frizzled onions.
The bang bang shrimp tacos were not too spicy but were nonetheless doused in a flavorful sauce that mixed nicely with the crema served on top. The shrimp were breaded and fried to a nice temperature and texture, and the tacos were layered with a cabbage slaw that added a good crunch and flavor to the soft taco shell. Each bite was full of texture and flavor. Three tacos were plenty filling with the appetizer.
The quesadilla came stuffed with breaded and fried chicken tenders doused in a chipotle sauce and melted with cheese and crunchy onions within the shell. The smoky chipotle flavor jazzed up the chicken tender with a medium level of spice and left us licking our lips. It was served with a crema to cut the heat. This dish was also a decent size and we walked away with some leftovers to boot.
We also ordered a few side dishes that were noteworthy. We got rice, black beans, and Mexican street corn, which all came in decent sized bowls. The beans were classic Mexican refried frijoles, and the rice came spiced with a full-bodied flavor. The corn was yummy and charred with the classic flavors of elote, and came served off the cob, which made it easier to eat.
By the time we’d made it through half our entrees and dipped into the sides, we started to lean back and set down our forks and knives.
Satisfied, we were convinced that Elephant and the Dove delivers a unique dining experience to Central New York with bold flavors and hearty portions.
Elephant and the Dove
315-685-2123
9 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles, N.Y. 13152
Monday, Thursday, Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
(Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)