Lakeview House - Orange Lake, NY

It was a long, cold, harsh, and snow covered winter.  Now, it is full blown summer weather in the Northeast and for the very first time, I was a passenger in a cool convertible as a friend and I headed off on a sunny weekend and went out to lunch.  

Sun shining, breeze blowing, little green sports car and conversation flowing.  

I'd been to The Lakeview House on Orange Lake this past winter during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week and wanted to return and try dining al fresco.  My friend was agreeable and so our lunch trip begins.

We are seated in a shady area and can clearly see the lake.  Once in awhile a boat or jet ski goes by, but mostly all is a bit quiet and peaceful.  We are given regular menus and a list of specials to choose from, but first a cocktail.  A blend of ingredients, one of which was lemonade, with an adult upgrade. Refreshing without the bite of too much alcohol.

Soup. Yes, soup.  While some may think weather dictates the menu, I can always eat soup and this seafood carrot and ginger cup of goodness was well worth breaking the conventional rules of reserving soup for winter.

Shrimp Tacos

Fabulous smoky and vibrant flavors come from the shrimp seasoning then are cooled by the fresh greens and avocado in every bite.  The shells are so filled with ingredients they try to escape out the top and back of the shell while you are eating.  This is a two handed, full concentration needed effort and exactly what I hoped for when I ordered the dish.  Fully satisfying.

Salad with Grilled Chicken

With a selection of dressings, the salad appears to be both a generous portion of veggie and chicken. I'm certain if the contents of the plate were weighed, one might be surprised by the total.

Orange Lake

For whatever reason, I wanted to walk right down to the dock, take my shoes off and swing my feet in the water.  I'm sure this behavior would be frowned upon, but the urge was there.

Cappuccino

Again, making a choice that may not seem to fit with the season, I had a lovely cup of cappuccino. Indulgent? Perhaps.  After all, this is a leisurely lunch treat, not a workday where you simply shove food in as fuel to get you through the day.

Creamsicle Pie

Finally, the most memorable course of the meal and one that could arguably be called the most seasonally appropriate, a huge slice of Creamsicle Pie.  Graham cracker crust layered with orange sherbet and vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream and orange slice. STOP! It was insane. Delicious, creamy, refreshing and genius.  I've since had food dreams of the Creamsicle Pie.

With full bellies and content with our chat we said farewell to The Lakeview House and left feeling Fed Well.  I am glad to have revisited this local gem and dined outside.

 

Quick Breakfast

I can't tell you how many times I have stood in front of an open refrigerator door or the pantry and just wanted a tasty food item to simply jump out at me, ready to go, easy to eat while satisfying my craving for either a particular flavor or simply the need to chew.  Sometimes, you simply have to be creative.

I gathered a wrap, a banana, the peanut butter and chocolate syrup.  In the past, I have substituted Nutella for the peanut butter and syrup.  I have also used honey instead of chocolate.  Thing is, you can do this with whatever ingredients you like and as a bonus, it is just as portable as a pre-packaged granola bar or breakfast bar.  

It only takes a minute to prepare yourself a health snack or breakfast that will leave you feeling Fed Well.

Pizza Plus in Pine Bush

Dough, sauce and cheese.  The fewer the ingredients, the more important they are in providing a perfect pizza.  I don't know the secret recipe at Pizza Plus and it may very well include more than 3 delicious ingredients, but what I can share is, I'm glad to have them and so far, fabulous flavors!

A few months ago, my older son and I attended the Pine Bush Chamber of Commerce meeting held in Pizza Plus' restaurant and I was able to sample the following dishes:

Again, seemingly simple foods brought together to create a harmonious bite.  The meats and cheeses were just the right texture and the olives were salty goodness.  A great finger food for networking with local business owners and their representatives.

Fresh salad.  Colorful, bright, and a nice combination of peppery, savory and the sweet burst of grape tomatoes.  Nice.

I also appreciate the attention to detail in setting up a buffet.  Flowers, display signs and an orderly flow all make it seem like an indulgence rather than a simple business meeting.  Extra points for caring.

But really, when all is said and done, the taste of the pizza is really what matters and Pizza Plus handles the scrutiny my son and I give their offering.  The dough was perfect, not charred, but cooked and the sauce is sweet and delicate with cheese that passes the stretchy test.  A nice chew and yes, we went up a second time for more.

Toppings, toppings and more toppings with endless combinations available. 

Daily specials keep things lively.  Note: this photo is now a bit outdated so call ahead  or check their website here and confirm what today's special really is and so you are not let down.

Overall, we loved Pizza Plus and have been back on our own.  We also look forward to future take out.  Welcome to the neighborhood Pizza Plus and thanks for leaving us feeling Fed Well.