The Perfect Pairing
The Perfect Pairing
Ellicottville combines a variety of flavors and activities to make your visit double the fun
Like a barbecue on a sunny August day, a hot cup of tea and a great book, or marshmallows over a campfire, some things are just better together. If the idea of combining a couple of things you like to create an experience you’ll love has you feeling inspired, then read on! There are many perfect pairings in store for you this spring in Ellicottville, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or have a great time with a group.
COCKTAILS AND… AXE THROWING?
Ratchet Hatchet at 5 East Washington Street combines all that is fun about an outing with friends - seasonal cocktails, delicious food, and even Sunday brunch - with an activity that is as challenging as it is entertaining: axe throwing!
Owner Nate Woodruff is pleased to share that Ratchet Hatchet’s move to a new location, which opened this past fall, has been a great change and invites all to check out the new space. “The bar and the axe throwing area is separated by a brick wall… it’s enjoyable to sit at the bar where it’s not overly loud and get together with a group,” Woodruff explained. The new location features three double target bays and one single target bay, which can accommodate groups of two to 25 people. Axe throwing can be reserved online at www.theratchethatchetellicottville.com, though walk-ins are welcomed if space is available.
No reservations are needed to enjoy a cocktail or a meal at Ratchet Hatchet. Woodruff explained that the menu, especially the cocktail menu, changes seasonally. “Right now we offer seven different flatbread pizzas, some handheld sandwiches, and also some shareable appetizers for the table,” he said. Featured cocktails include some smoked cocktails, like the Maple Manhattan, a Kentucky Mule, Black Bourbon Smash, Peach Old Fashioned, and more. “The Peach Old Fashioned is definitely one of our more popular sellers right now,” he noted.
If axe throwing and brunch is the pairing you’re after, look no further. Every Sunday from 10:00am-2:00pm, Ratchet Hatchet is serving up breakfast handhelds and flatbreads, hot and cold caffeinated beverages, mimosas by the glass or pitcher, Bloody Marys, and more.
In addition to axe throwing and great food and drink, Ratchet Hatchet features another perfect pairing by adding live music to one’s experience. On Saturday from noon-5:00pm, Steve Paladin will be performing at Ratchet Hatchet. Check out the website for upcoming live music dates.
A GLASS OF WINE AND A SWEET TREAT
The Winery of Ellicottville at 14 Monroe Street is the destination if your idea of the perfect pair includes a glass of wine and a sweet treat! Winery owners Sam and Beth Sheehy have been pleased to serve and sell select confections from nearby Watson’s Chocolates at 27 Washington Street. Not only are Watson’s Chocolates available to purchase, but the Winery of Ellicottville features a wine and chocolate pairing that includes four chocolates and four wine samples.
Beth Sheehy said that this collaboration has been very well received over the years and is a popular item on their menu. “A lot of times, people will come in after dinner or during the afternoon, and it’s the perfect little sweet treat,” she said. Current wine and chocolate pairings include a chocolate covered pretzel paired with EVL White, a dark chocolate covered marshmallow paired with the Bubbly Riesling, a black forest truffle paired with the Pinot Noir, and a raspberry cream truffle paired with EVL Red.
ADD IN A LITTLE PAMPERING
Sheehy said the Winery has partnered with Anew Beginning Massage and Spa for several years to offer one of the best pampering pairings around! She and Leah Rusiniak of Anew Beginning, who is celebrating her 15th year in business, have joined forces through the Girls Day Out package, which has been a great collaboration over the years. The package includes a half-hour grape sangria facial with a warm foot treatment at the spa (9 Monroe Street), followed by a trip across the street to the Winery for the wine and chocolate pairing.
“Most people that visit Ellicottville are coming from an hour plus away and to have more reasons to come mingle and actually chat with your friends is nice,” Rusiniak said. While many spa experiences don’t always allow multiple people/treatments in the same room, Rusiniak noted that “this package can allow both friends to be in the same room for a little bit of chit chat.” To book this fun and relaxing package, contact Anew Beginning at 716-699-2508. After receiving the facial and foot treatment, guests will receive a certificate to present to the Winery for their wine/chocolate pairing.
Anew Beginning, a woman-run business with three massage therapists and two estheticians, provides a full range of pampering services, including facials, glycolic peels, therapy wraps, salt glows, therapeutic massages, reflexology, and more. To see the full range of services, visit www.anewbeginningny.com. “We did implement online booking, so the Girls Day Out package can be booked online,” Rusiniak said.
For Sheehy, being able to collaborate with other Ellicottville businesses, like Anew Beginning and Watson’s Chocolates, is the best thing about owning a business in Ellicottville. “In a small town like Ellicottville, everyone is rooting for each other and everyone has each other’s backs as business owners and are collaborating,” she said. “We’re constantly trying to think of ideas to work together and get people in town to frequent all of the businesses, not only bars and restaurants, but the retail shops as well as the salons and spas. It really is nice to collaborate, and we’re always looking to do that.”