Henry's at the Farm in Milton, NY

I have been a fan of Hudson Valley Restaurant Week and Valley Table magazine for a long time.  Restaurant week not only allows, but pushes me, to try new restaurants and maybe even try new dishes, or add to my list of favorites places to go.  Sometimes, you also have to choose the right dining partner because let's face it, dining out is not one size fits all and if it were all restaurants, cafes, and eateries would simply be the same.  So, for this experience, it was me and my shiny, new, daughter-in-law.  

Let's just pause a moment and honor the fact my daughter-in-law not only agreed to have dinner with me, alone, without my son, but dare I say I think we both truly enjoyed the evening.  I truly think she is witty, insightful, understanding and a great companion for dinner.

We both have fairly busy schedules, and decided a Monday night might be the best option, which can be a challenge as many restaurants are closed.  However, we were quite happy to find Henry's at the Farm was not only available, but high on both of our lists for places we want to get out and try.

So many options - both food and cocktails - with local suppliers carefully listed inside

The HVRW Menu

We dined fairly early, but by the time we left the dining room was full!

Lovely libations ranging from sweet to smoky with many featuring locally sourced ingredients as well.

A lovely bite of warmed bread - caraway seeds, a "light" rye with creamy, dreamy butter.

Sometimes a dipping oil just doesn't work.

The conversation goes everywhere, just as it would when two people gather for a meal - we talk about work, friends, health, family, shopping, and the upcoming holidays.  The quiet pauses are not uncomfortable, nor long, and the exchange is equally balanced, without pressure.  Sometimes, when we are with the right people, the time just passes, the topics come easily and before you know it, the first course arrives.

Millstone Farm Salad - heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta and more from the regular menu

Butternut Squash Soup with Goat Cheese from the HVRW menu and the Soup of the Day

We both enjoyed and finished our first courses.  When I do that, I know I have set myself up to not be able to finish my main course, but I will tell you I gave it my best shot!

 Murray's Farm Glazed Chicken Breast from the regular menu with mashed potatoes, roasted sunburst squash.

Pumpkin ravioli with brown butter from the HVRW menu

Yep, I had to take half home because not only was I semi-filled from the first course, but I wanted dessert!

A Brownie Martini as big as your head from the regular menu

Fig Ice Cream - one of the many dessert options offered from the HVRW menu

At the end of the meal, I know this is an establishment I would return to and bring other family members or friends.

And so, mother-in-law/daughter-in-law dinner winds down, although we still have about a 45 minute ride home to chat through, and the conversation continues to be an easy volley between two women.  We do not need to be solely identified by our roles in relationships.  Yes, we have a common love of her husband/my son, but we are also people with thoughts, opinions, and experiences to share.  I look forward to many more meals and of course, feeling Fed Well together.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Launch - Fall 2018

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week runs from October 29 - November 11 at over 200 Hudson Valley restaurants.  Click here for details.

The Valley Table and Hudson Valley Restaurant Week sponsors held the 2018 Fall Kick-Off event at Tuthilltown Spirits.  Those in attendance consisted of restaurant owners as well as their team members, food bloggers/writers, and special guests, with booths, displays and workshops offered by local vendors, purveyors, and various industry professionals.  Visitors could take a distillery tour, learn the techniques behind ice cream making, cast iron cooking, sausage making & smoking, crafting farm to glass cocktails, wine blending, cider & cheese pairing, as well as meet author, Andrew Friedman, author of many titles including his latest,  "Chefs, Drugs and Rock & Roll."  

Many took advantage of the whiskey tasting and tour of the distillery.

Go ahead, scroll through all the yummy images below and my goal is to make you feel just a twinge of hunger, desire to go out to eat and okay, a smidge of envy at my being able to attend this wonderful Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Launch!

 

Bartender Taylor, mixes a Fig Old Fashioned and adds a cherry garnish by request.  The cocktail was smooth and of course, featured Hudson Baby Bourbon, a very popular choice among guests.

Passed appetizers were prepared and served by Bridge Creek Catering of New Paltz

 Dates with bleu cheese wrapped in bacon

 Butternut Squash Soup Shooters

Bruschetta with bacon

Janet Crawshaw

Opening remarks were given by Crawshaw and she introduced the guest speakers.  She also stressed her support for the slogan associated with this season's event, "EAT Local  DRINK Local LOVE What's on your table."

Tuthilltown Founder - Ralph Erenzo

For those who may not know, Ralph Erenzo, is known for his passion and support of fair distillery laws, in particular the Farm Distillery Act as well as providing visitors with a detailed and colorful history of the successful business including the initial vision to where Tuthilltown Spirits is today.  Erenzo, in his signature fedora, conducted tours with the same fervor and information he would during a traditional tasting.

Hudson Whiskey Brand Associate, Jacob Tschetter

The day also included a mixology session with Tschetter.  Guests were given a few industry tips and treated to a cocktail recipe which can be served hot or chilled featuring the Maple Cask Rye.

A wonderful few hours were spent immersed in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, but the real treat is when you visit a participating restaurant and are able to truly enjoy the work and passion put into each dish.  Traditionally, I love eating in the Orange, Dutchess or Ulster County area and may try something new this season - perhaps Butterfield...I look forward to being Fed Well and loving what is on my table during HVRW for Fall 2018.  

The Vault in Beacon, NY

With a fabulous errand to run in Beacon related to my son and his future bride's wedding, I was happy to meet my future daughter-in-law then go out to dinner. Just the two of us.  She's lovely and I want to start dispelling the belief that all mothers-in-law (m-i-l) are crazy, difficult, tough to get along with in general and all of the other negative stereotypes.  Although we may not agree on every single subject in life, I feel I have a great mother-in-law, and so I'd like to think a positive relationship is possible.

We strolled until we stopped in front of The Vault.  We'd both noticed this restaurant in the past, but hadn't had a chance to try it.  Now was the time.

Although it was cool, cloudy and grey, we could certainly see ourselves returning when the warmer weather does finally arrive.

We loved the idea of ordering a few plates to try and share!  We've already eaten a number of meals together, so I have a feel for her tastes, but it's still fun to navigate the menu, say what each of us would like to try and see how the compromise unfolds.  Truly, I am open to most things with only the lamb sliders as a request.

We are seated with others in the front windows and a few of these tables are filled with a large party before we leave.

The Southwest Salad

The salad includes the best marriage of taco and salad ingredients and flavors without meat.  Corn, beans, guacamole, cheese and crispy tortilla strips all over fresh greens.  Yum!

Meatballs

One of the top comfort foods, ever, is the meatball.  The Vault did a really great job in size, sauce, the cheese and overall flavor.  Very nice and yes, they are memorable.

The Burrata

I never spell burrata right the first time.  However, I've never had a burrata I didn't like.  This particular dish was a special and included figs, balsamic reduction drizzle, toast and arugula to hit all the notes I love - soft, crunchy, salty, sweet - delish.

Lamb Sliders

A very generous serving size of lamb is included in this particular dish.  The sauce reminded me in some ways of one I might use for pulled pork or even (and this is not an insult) Sloppy Joe's.  Something very familiar I just can't seem to name, but like a warm hug from your favorite aunt.

ALMOND JOY PIE

The dessert deserves all caps.  I did commit one m-i-l error and ordered this bit of decadence without checking if my future daughter-in-law even likes coconut.  I was so excited by the idea I couldn't contain myself.  The pie also included chocolate chunks, and swirling a forkful through the sauces on the plate then having a bit of ice cream was the perfect eating method for me.  Just loved this and yes, I ate the cookie.

I loved this evening.  The conversation flowed easily and the pauses felt appropriate rather than awkward silences that needed filling.  A lovely meal, at just the right pace, and I left feeling Fed Well (I hope she did as well).

HVRW at Fin & Brew in Peekskill

Ah, spring in the Hudson Valley - even better, spring in the Hudson Valley for Restaurant Week on the Hudson River at Fin & Brew at Charles Point Marina in Peekskill with like-minded food bloggers and Valley Table magazine.

I was the only one who had previously eaten at Fin & Brew, so I was aware of the second floor location.  However, the other members of our group commented it was a bit confusing to find the restaurant.

The view is absolutely gorgeous.  A cell phone photo on a gray March day simply do not do this any justice, but imagine how amazing the sky will be on a clear summer evening, as the sun begins to dip behind the mountain.  Lovely.

A special Restaurant Week menu with specialty cocktails (with quite catchy names).

I did ask the story behind the "What About Todd" and it is their version of a Hot Toddy.  Clever.

John Sharp, one of the owners, was able to stop by our table and welcome us to the restaurant.  The group asked a few questions about the future vision of the space and we were told more additions will be coming, likely over the summer, so stay tuned.

Paper Plane

Glinda

I enjoyed the Glinda with prosecco, white rum, white cranberry juice and sage simply syrup.  It was light and allowed me to enjoy my meal without any sugary overkill.

Us

We are a group who are quite passionate about the local food scene and it was an absolute pleasure to dine with others who are enthusiastic about taking photos of their food, share their favorite local restaurants and experiences.  Fabulous!

The Bread Basket

I share this image with you because my darling Mr. is always sadly disappointed when a restaurant no longer offers bread.  This one also had the creamiest butter.  Something about simple.

Mussels next to New England Clam Chowder

I enjoyed the chowder so much! I am a soup lover to begin with, but this version was wonderful.  The creamy, satiny broth; fresh clams; salty, crispy bacon; tender potatoes and herbs all came together to harmonize in each spoonful.

OCTOPUS

I have previously enjoyed the octopus and Fin & Brew so I went with the chowder.  However, it was very tempting to revisit what you know you loved - as well as not ask your new acquaintance for a bite.

FRIED CHICKEN

Many of us oogled over the fried chicken and from what we were told - it was everything you could hope for with crispy skin, tender meat, a delicious biscuit. Mmmm.  When was the last time you had real fried chicken?

Personally, I loved the switch up in the menu.  Sometimes, restaurants participating in Restaurant Week select a menu for the event and repeat it each year.  It is refreshing to see something quite unexpected.

Shellfish Garganelli

This was my entree and I can't stop thinking about it.  Yes, I ate it all and yes, every aspect of it was perfect.  For me, it was exactly the right amount of beautifully seasoned sauce, the breadcrumbs were crispy toasty, the seafood was tender, and the pasta (a new shape for me) was a lovely al dente.  So happy with my choice.  I have previously had a great steak here and most of my co-diners ordered the cod, which also received great reviews.

Jane's Ice Cream

I do not know who Jane is, but thank you for this lush, creamy dessert.  Bourbon barrel maple syrup and peanuts over the smoothest vanilla ice cream was a lovely finish.  I was lucky to taste a bite of the cheesecake which was another wonderful option!

We went around the table and shared a bit about our own local, favorite restaurants - great idea as we all live in different areas. 

After our meal we were given a tour of the space and many positive comments were made regarding the design choices from the original brick to light fixtures and artwork.

It was a bonus to make new connections and I left feeling content and Fed Well.

Brunch at the Hoot Owl

Friends who have lived in the Pine Bush area for more than say, 30 years, have said it is a bit hard for them to embrace the idea of heading to the Hoot Owl restaurant because of memories they associate with the former business.  Please, let it go.  If you are really nervous, start with a weekend brunch, and you will let go of all of your fears.

Brunch begins with a cocktail.  In addition to a lovely specialty cocktail menu, the Hoot Owl's full bar offers mimosas (in this photo is the Blood Orange) and Bloody Mary's or your cocktail of choice.

The atmosphere on a cold, dreary, gray, February morning was warmed by the lighting of a lovely fire.

The menu options are a range including hearty fare and traditional dishes mixed with modern options.  Want an addition or to customize - most requests are absolutely no problem.

Strawberry pancakes above were served with a bit of fruit and my friend asked for an additional two over easy eggs - no problem.  Though I did not try her dish, the plate was clean when it was removed which to me is the best sign of a favorable review.

I selected my meal mostly based on the wonderful, whimsical name, "Green Eggs and Lamb."  Who could resist?

Look at all of this food! A bit of a side salad, scrambled eggs, pita, and the best lamb sausage patty I have ever eaten.  Okay, maybe I've never had a lamb sausage patty, but honestly, the texture, seasoning and amount of cooking were everything I could have hoped for with no reference.  The eggs.  Oh, those eggs.  It sounds so simple, but haven't you had eggs which were just not cooked properly?  These were pillowy, light, yet no runny, watery, undercooked feel.  Heaven.  The herbs were fresh and added the "green" in the Green Eggs without the overdone grassy mouth feel.  And those potatoes with peppers - just the right cripness and served HOT as they should be. The entire plate was well thought out with various temperatures, textures, savory and sweetness.  I almost didn't want to eat the rest of the day for fear of ruining the memory and other food just not living up to this level.

What did we talk about? Well, as you can imagine we touched on a bit of what's going on in the world today and how folks are reacting on social media.  It's a minefield out there.  The two of us do not exclusively share identical points of view on a variety of topics, but we emphatically agree most people who are creating posts regarding their feelings are creating further divides and typically reacting quite harshly.  We talked about the joys of simply scrolling by inflammatory posts without the need to comment, fan the flames or argue.

We talked about family.  And, most importantly, we talked about how delicious our brunch was and left feeling Fed Well.

Village Market & Eatery in Gardiner

Post yoga class with my future daughter-in-law, and she suggested we head over to the Village Market & Eatery in Gardiner for calmbucha.

Um, ok.

Well, to learn a bit more, I had to turn to Google.  It seems Kombucha is or can be, a fermented tea which is lightly effervescent, likely has a yeast component, and is finished with a fairly sweet taste.

Calmbucha it seems is a brand.  According to their website, 

"Based in New Paltz, we craft bubbly organic kombucha in small batches, with flavors inspired by locally sourced ingredients, served on tap throughout New York's Hudson Valley.

Our raw, premium beverage begins as a sweet organic tea before it's fermented with probiotic & yeast cultures converting the organic cane sugar and caffeine into nutritive, healing and energizing properties. We then creatively enhance the brew with the highest quality herbs, spices, and fruits, producing the refreshing and invigorating drink that you now enjoy!"

Indeed.  Seemed the perfect post yoga liquid refreshment.

Turns out, we also needed solids to refuel and shush my grumbly belly.

I left the decisions up to my future D-I-L and we each had a Black Bean Quesadila which is 2 scrambled eggs with freshly prepared salsa and Jack cheese.

It was a lovely meal and for me, the best part was chatting it over with the young lady my son will marry.  Yes, we talked a bit about the wedding plans, but I always enjoy her company and seems we can talk about a myriad of topics without having to come back to the details of the future nuptials. 

The atmosphere was a bit of wit splashed with tongue-in-cheek.  Laugher could be heard among the various diners, who seemed to range in ages and interests, as a village eatery seems it should.  The paper menu includes a touch of edgy, dark humor with a cover quote, "The best coffee around..." - Guys across the street.

And while the coffee is self-serve, ask for help with the flavored syrup.

I left feeling Fed Well and am likely to return.  Maybe I'll see you there.