Summer is a great time for fresh fruits and vegetables across Upstate New York, and several new menu items at Turning Stone Resort Casino’s new 7 Kitchens buffet reflect this abundance.

Chef de Cuisine Dustin Tuthill said the new items incorporate the very best the region has to offer.

“Summer vegetables in this part of the state are always fresh and delicious—so many choices, so many beautiful products,” he said. “We really have gone out of our way to get some of these flavors and incorporate them into the items we make available to guests every day.”

No. 1 on the list of summer items: A fresh tomato salad with vine ripe tomatoes at the antipasto station. Dustin said this salad stands out for its simplicity—it is served with nothing more than olive oil, sea salt, and fresh basil. Another item that incorporates local tomatoes: Tomato pie, a local delicacy that is like focaccia bread with sweet tomato sauce, pecorino Romano, and fresh basil on top.

Elsewhere in the buffet, at the Comfort Station, guests can find fresh sweet corn prepared with butter, sea salt, and parsley. Dustin said all the corn is locally sourced.

If anybody knows about the bounty of summer in Upstate New York, it’s Dustin. He grew up on a farm north of Rome in Lee Center, and always tended a huge garden with fresh vegetables. Now, at Turning Stone, Dustin has access to all the best produce in the region—a privilege that guests enjoy every time they come in to dine.

“Summer harvest is something that benefits everyone around here,” he said.

There are other new items on the menu at 7 Kitchens this summer. At the American Station, guests can find corn dogs in honor of the summer holidays. At the Mexican station, Dustin’s team will serve al pastor-style tacos. At the Italian station, there will be arancini with pancetta.

The way Dustin sees it, regularly working in new items keeps the experience of eating at 7 Kitchens exciting.

“We’re focused on being creative every day,” he said.