To say that Whiteface Lodge is an imposing structure is an understatement. The magnificent log building that I would classify almost as an edifice, sits at the Western edge of Lake Placid on the corner of Whiteface Inn Lane and Route 86. Inside one will find an incredibly designed hotel and restaurant, completed in 2005, constructed partially of local timber milled on property during construction. Of course, some of the immense logs are from the Western United States and are simply magnificent, spanning some very large areas of the hotel. Very impressive, indeed.

Whiteface Lodge
Whiteface Lodge

My most recent experience at Whiteface Lodge was lunch in Kanu Lounge. Located on the second floor, overlooking the courtyard between the lodge and their spa building, with a nice view of the outdoor refrigerated skating rink, the atmosphere is both relaxing and casual. One could definitely walk in any time, dressed in jeans and a sweater, and never feel out of place. Despite the Lodge's reputation for the finest of everything, it never feels ostentatious in any way.

Kanu Bar
Bar at Kanu - Whiteface Lodge

The Kanu Lounge menu offers diners a less formal dining atmosphere than KANU dining room on the other side of the second floor. Menu items include salads such as Whole Leaf Caesar, which is what I ordered with an added order of grilled chicken breast. Topped with delightful thin sourdough crostinies, the salad was presented beautifully with the perfect amount of dressing. Those who've read my previous blogs may remember my affinity for the perfect amount of Caesar dressing. Guess you could say I'm an afficionado of sorts about Caesar salads.

Kanu Caesar
Kanu Caesar Salad

Additional offerings on the KANU lounge menu include a huge burger made with the locally well-known organically, pasture-raised Kilcoyne beef. Kilcoyne's website describes their beef: "No hormones or antibiotics are used and the farms practice farming methods that are in keeping with an all natural, eco-friendly philosophy". The KANU burger is topped with lettuce, onion, sharp cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon and is served with hand cut fries. One of our party ordered it and it looked as good as it was reported to be.

Kanu Burger
Kanu Burger

Upon entering the second floor you'll be greeted by the open portion of the kitchen, which includes a magnificent stone pizza oven, fired with wood. The lounge menu offers a couple of their famous wood-fired pizzas - Margherita and Charcuterie. Other entrees include Chicken Saltimbocca, Grilled Atlantic Salmon and Grilled New York Strip Skewers.

Desserts at Kanu are original and scrumptious. From decadent Triple Chocolate Mousse, Flourless Chocolate Cake all the way to Ginger and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth very nicely.

Kanu's beer and wine list is impressive, as is the extensive Single Malt Scotch collection, available also as tasting flights. Hmmmmm - I just may have to try the Scotch flight tasting some evening! I love Scotch

If you're craving a snuggly Adirondack atmosphere in which to while away the hours over a leisurely lunch, definitely give Kanu Lounge a try. You can have a preview of their lounge

menu here. 

Kanu Lounge
Kanu Lounge