Guest Blog by Erin Mullen, Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Member Service & Event Manager
When visiting the Lake Champlain Region, travelers may discover that one of the many quirks of life in the Adirondacks is that businesses are not always called by their current name. Locals often refer to current businesses and business buildings by old names. This is not done as a slight to the new business, but out of a sense of nostalgia for what the person remembers enjoying in years gone by.
In Ticonderoga, this is certainly the case for the restaurant, Foraging Bear. Foraging Bear is not a new restaurant. It opened in 2018 under the name, Olive’s Ti Pi. The term “Ti Pi” is a nod to a restaurant that operated in that location in the past.
This fall, Olive’s Ti Pi decided to revamp. A new name, new menu and new décor were all in line for a brand relaunch at this Ticonderoga staple. With this in mind, members of the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce team paid Foraging Bear a visit to sample their updated menu, enjoy their comfortable atmosphere, and see all of the recent changes they have been busy implementing!
Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted and shown to our seats. My first impression was how warm and welcoming the new décor was. Sticking with the bear theme, the decorations fit right in at an Adirondack restaurant. The second thing I noticed was how well the Foraging Bear team complied with New York State’s COVID-19 guidelines. Tables were well spaced, all staff (as well as all customers stepping away from their table) were wearing face masks and everything looked clean, safe, and sanitary.
Our menu sampling began with a side salad for TACC President and CEO’s daughter, Alyssa and an appetizer sampler for Matt and I. The salad looked fresh, while the appetizers were a collection of classic restaurant starters. What sets their appetizers apart from the pack, is Foraging Bear’s “Bear Sauce”. Bear Sauce is a creamy dip with a roasted red pepper flavor so good that you will want to dip EVERYTHING in it!
Up next was a sampling of lighter fare options. We were given a selection of slow roasted pork tacos, an open face meatball sandwich, and an open flank steak sandwich. While all three options were delicious, by far our favorite was the pork tacos. They were flavorful and unique. Not something you would find just anywhere. The meatball sandwich was a delicious nod to Olive Ti Pi’s menu and the steak sandwich was perfectly cooked and seasoned.
For main courses, Alyssa enjoyed a plate of chicken tenders with Bear Sauce, while Matt and I sampled the meatloaf and mashed potatoes. This was comfort food at its best! Just like Mom used to make, Foraging Bear’s meatloaf is a classic presentation that will bring you back to your childhood.
Our dessert sampling included New York style cheesecake, apple pie cheesecake, and tiramasu. While the cheesecakes were both a delicious end for any meal, the tiramisu knocked it out of the park! Make sure you don’t leave Foraging Bear without eating dessert…or taking one with you for later!
Our dining experience was a very small sample of what Foraging Bear has to offer. Their menu has other select offerings of soups, salads, appetizers, lighter fare, pizzas, entrees, specials, and desserts. Foraging Bear will offer a rotating menu seasonally and will feature farm to table options. They also have a wonderful selection of beers and wines that will pair nicely with any meal. Foraging Bear’s complete menu can be found on their website.
Overall, our dining experience at Foraging Bear was terrific. The atmosphere was relaxed, the service was attentive, and the food was delicious. No matter what name you call it, Foraging Bear is a must try. I can bearly wait to go again!
The Ticonderoga area and the greater Lake Champlain Region offer a number of other dining options. For a complete listing of Ticonderoga restaurants, please contact the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce. While you're in the area, be sure to check out our beautiful attractions and outdoor adventures!
