Chef Sean Agate
Chef Sean Agate was born and raised in the Finger Lakes (Homer, NY). He spent several years as an apprentice training under Chef Monroe Duncan in VA Beach. He traveled and cooked in many Mediterranean countries as well as many Caribbean Islands. Locally, he worked at Mirbeau in Skaneateles, starting out under Chef Morrow – who he has great admiration for. He started as the Chef D’Cuisine and advanced to Executive Chef.
Chef Sean has a strong desire to see the Finger Lakes area develop and become the next major food and wine region. He is very focused on local seasonal foods, and likes to take advantage of local dairy, produce, and meats. Chef Sean has concentrated lately on linking together contemporary and exotic American cuisine with local products prepared with traditional and unique cooking methods that set him apart. Being a boutique hotel chef requires him to address the needs of many different pallets.
About the DiVINE Kitchen and Bar in Seneca Falls. It is located in the Hotel Clarence; which many people with a history in the area will remember as the Gould Hotel. The Hotel has 48 rooms and is located in Seneca Falls – near the Women’s Rights National Historic Park and the New York State Canal.
Chef Agate’s menu summarizes his philosophy: “we are passionate about preparing fresh local foods that promote the Finger Lakes unique bounty. Our menu showcases contemporary and regional American cuisine. Many of our dishes have distinct rustic flavors, derived from the use of our BBQ Smoker and Wood-fire Grill. Our food is designed to be bold and primal, yet elegant and comforting.
He reinforced this in our discussion with him as he said he sees two kinds of audiences and can serve both. The comfort food seekers – very Americana and the foodies who are willing to adventure off to “new worlds” benefitting from some classical preparation techniques that he uniquely uses such as the Sous vide equipment. We tried the veal cheeks and the short ribs which had been cooked under vacuum and in a carefully monitored hot water bath for over 72 hours and then finished with a unique sauce and a side of cornbread and applesauce.
The two styles of food complete the uniquely paired styles of décor/theme in the Hotel Clarence. Playing on one large wall is the Christmas Classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life” – all in Black and White – and that, perhaps is the segue to the black and white minimalistic and contemporary décor in the main dining room.
The restaurant’s beverage program is affordable with classic cocktails, ice-cold beer and an eclectic wine list that includes the New York wine country and global wine market.
HOTEL CLARENCE
DiVINE Kitchen and Bar
108 Fall Street
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Reservations: 315-712-4000
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