Brian's Backyard BBQ - Middletown, NY

Friday night, date night for the Mr. and me.  Location - his choice, but he's not sure where he wants to go.  

"What do you feel like having," I ask.

"Some place with ribs."

I am not a ribs or wings kind-of-gal.  I'm not sure if it's that it is simply so messy, so much work for so little food or what the problem is, but I prefer to use fork and knife unless it is a hamburger and french fries (plus tearing the meat off the bone with my teeth just can't be made to look dainty or delicate).  BUT, I can work with his request for ribs.

"What about Brian's Backyard BBQ," I suggest and we look up the online menu.  I am happy with the idea of a margarita and know everything else will work out.

Off we go.  

Any place that serves barbecue or smoked foods and orders of meat on the bone is likely to be on the casual side and Brian's is no exception.  We are given paper menus that are meant to be taken home so we can keep the advertising information.  I took one home to share with our grown sons, but really, they didn't need it either since they could look at the online menu (just like you can by clicking here).

The dining room is not very busy, but it is early on a Friday night and they are expecting a live performance at 9 p.m.  We are typically early birds, dining between 6 - 7 p.m. since we are at our jobs by 7 a.m.  Moving on to that margarita...

Have I ever mentioned that in addition to carbs, I am addicted to salt?  Oh how I love salt.  I sometimes joke I could have a block mounted in the house for snacking.  I love to see the margarita's glass rim heavily coated.

"Let's split an appetizer," I suggest and of course the Mr. leaves the decision up to me.  He knows after 27 years of marriage plus another 4 together of dating, that I know what he does and doesn't like to eat or at least what he is and is not willing to try.

Most folks like fried foods and really, the cooking method can make almost anything taste great so I order the oysters with a remoulade dipping sauce.  They were sizzling hot and just needed a pinch more salt (surprised?)

The pace suits us just fine.  We like to have a little bit of time to talk and digest before moving on to the main course and at the same time, we don't want to feel forgotten.

For me, well, I may have given a clue earlier, but I had the hamburger and fries.  I still dream about the perfectly cooked potatoes that had a balanced crispy exterior and fluffy white interior.  The fried onions were grown locally in Pine Island and the burger was prepared medium-well as requested.

Now, you may remember how this all started...the Mr. said he wanted ribs.  The funny thing is, he ordered brisket.  Not at all the same.  Even funnier, I knew that was what he really wanted. Remember, 27 years of marriage.  Two people get to know each other eventually.  At least it wasn't chicken.  I also could have predicted those baked beans as a side choice - the macaroni and cheese, well, it was on the list of possibilities.  I tried the pasta and the beef and yes, the brisket was a winner.  Delicate in texture, it broke apart easily and the best part for me what that the first taste was not pure smoke.  I prefer the smoke to be the second or even third flavor I am aware of rather than having it assault my taste buds.  On the other end of the spectrum, the macaroni and cheese, while traditional was somehow not very exciting.

Casual, comfortable and relaxed.  Probably the 3 best words to describe Brian's.

We've certainly grown, culinarily speaking, since we were teenagers and Friday nights were a guarantee that pizza would somehow be on the menu.  As young parents, Friday nights probably also meant pizza with our little family.  When we took back date nights, we started heading out for the trendy restaurants and now, it's back to comfort and whatever mood strikes.  We are enjoying our journey together and are Fed Well.

The Village Tea Room Restaurant and Bake Shop in New Paltz

Now a semi-annual tradition, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is my favorite time to discover new restaurants, dishes and cocktails. 

Learning about The Village Tea Room Restaurant and Bake Shop in New Paltz was the result of dining out this past spring and completing a survey for Valley Table magazine with a generous gift certificate as the prize.  I asked around and also learned the son of one of my dear friends is an employee and we were double motivated to try it.

The day was the typical mix one can find during spring in New York; blazing sun and warmth one moment, breezy and cool rain storms and rainbows to follow.  We seemed to stand in the center line when we arrived with the sun at our backs. Quaint. Picturesque.  I was drawn in immediately and anxious to be inside.

As we drew closer to the front door, I loved seeing the outdoor dining space and promised myself that someday I would return when the weather was nicer and more predictable.

Even when I do a bit of investigative work by checking out reviews, websites, social media and thoughts from friends, the best part really is just trying it out myself.  The moment I open a new restaurant door, I am anxious for the smells, can't wait to see the interior, the menu, the customers and staff. The Village Tea Room offered many treats for the eyes:

How lovely to offer a listing of local farms, vineyards and distilleries!  It makes the diner truly feel as if they are contributing to an entire community by simply supporting one restaurant.

The blackboard is flanked by two sets of shelves lined with colorful bottled beverages and though I am not a huge fan of wine, I appreciate the inclusion of area vineyards as part of the available drinks.

For me, a cocktail is always the way to go and I have trouble deciding.  A champagne cocktail?  A twist on a Cosmo?  What should I do?  Ask the server.

It came down to the champagne cocktail of the Rhubarb Gin Collins.  I went with the gin from Tuthilltown Spirits.

I can't say I've ever described a beverage as beautiful, but this simply was, in both appearance and taste.  The playfully pink swirled straw was a whimsical touch, but the smooth gin taste reminded one the beverage was quite adult.

So many dining options.  I worried a restaurant which included "tea room" in the name would be too frilly, or less substantial in some way.  However, the Charcuterie Plate featuring duck proscuitto, soppressata, beets and cornichons was the hearty starter we craved and a perfect portion for the Mr. and me.  Being able to use our fingers and arrange the foods as we liked was unexpected and satisfying.

The dining room would dim and brighten as the sun and clouds continued their battle.  For me, it presented a challenge for photographing our plates.  

A full menu offers vegetarian options, tapas, light meals and we were also offered specials.  We both broke from our normal routines.  Spoiler alert:  the Mr. did not order chicken.

Our main courses arrived and I the aromas of our freshly prepared meals permeated the room.

For the Mr., a beautifully prepared steak with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes that were the perfect balance of creamy and starchy, with heirloom carrots.  I am always offered at least a bite of his meal so I can share any opinions I may have in this blog.  On this occasion, I asked if he would mind if I had a second forkful of each item.  Delicious and well prepared.  

I went for what some may consider a simple meal, but those are sometimes the most difficult to create. Penne pasta with fresh pesto.

A beautiful meal and I made sure to eat less than half of my generous serving to ensure a bit of room for dessert.  The other half of the business name is after all, "Bake Shop."

We order tea and coffee with milk and creamer respectively and a huge platter is brought out with cups, saucers, pitchers and pots.  The fussiness was well appreciated.

I have developed a crush on salted caramel in the last year or so and so the salted caramel cake seemed an obvious choice.  I truly enjoyed the large granules of salt mixed with the chocolate frosting.  All grocery store snack aisles should include places for cookies, crackers, chips and sugar/salt combo treats.

The Mr. rarely orders dessert and when he does, it is usually his favorite apple pie.  Tonight, he really stretched himself and ordered a cream puff.  It may be hard to distinguish scale in the photograph, but the pastry was bigger than the average sized fist.  It was perfectly balanced, the custard was creamy and flavorful.  I have to admit, I sampled more than one bite and wondered if I had ordered the wrong dessert or if everything he ordered really was better?

When paying the bill, I could hear a bit of clatter coming from upstairs and tempting smells filled the air.  The kitchen and an additional dining room were on the next floor and I resisted the urge to ask if I could check it out.  I will be back.  I am sure of it.

We had a lovely date night and fabulous food.  How lucky we are to live in the Hudson Valley and be able to enjoy the luxury of eating out and being Fed Well?  We are thankful and head home before the rain begins and the light fades not only behind the clouds, but into night.

Kelley Jean's in Goshen

The term, "ladies night" seems to have been tarnished to the point I hesitate to use it when describing a dinner date exclusively with my female friends I have known since elementary school.  Ladies night sounds like it involves raunchy or "Girls Gone Wild" behaviors and really, if one of us drops an "F-bomb" or two when passionately telling a story, that is the extent of the potential for an R rating evening.  In fact, the hour we meet (6 p.m.) is enough to prove we are not hard core and really are out to chat and share a good meal. We did try to plan this excursion around seeing a school friend, but that part didn't work out.

Only 1 of us has been to Kelley Jean's before and I have to admit, I was quite pleased by the building and location.  As I take a photo of the exterior, a couple arrives behind us and offers to take a group photo of us. We are happy for the opportunity and I have to say, I love that they were only mildly technologically challenged using my phone's camera and more than willing to take a few extra shots in case we weren't wildly in love with some of our poses.

We have a reservation, but on this particular evening it seems it would have been fine if we just showed up seeking a table for 4.  

Outside patio dining seems to be an option and is something to keep in mind as the season continues to change and the sunshine lasts a little longer each day.

Cocktails to begin the evening include 2 raspberry/lemon drinks, my Cosmopolitan and a glass of wine. Cheers!

Stories of teen children, grown children, college-aged children and their adventures.  A parent never stops worrying, being concerned, comparing notes and checking with other mom's they trust.  Learning to drive, social media privacy, studying abroad, and the acceptable age gap between dating boys and girls are just some of the topics.

Irish Loaded "Nachos"

Our appetizer of waffle fries topped with cheese, corned beef and scallions arrives.  A welcome change from typical choices and being able to pull from the community plate allows us to determine our individual portion size.  The fries are crisp and the corned beef tender.  I'm not a huge fan of this particular cheese variety, but it does allow for generous dipping.

When dining out with my family, they are quite accustomed to taking a photo of their own plate with my phone.  I only hesitate for a second with my friends, who are familiar with the Fed Well blog, and ask them to indulge me as well.  No flash is used to disturb other diners and by passing the phone, it keeps the activity fairly low key and at minimal distraction to anyone sitting nearby.

I ask our server which are the most popular dishes and the first dish she names is the Bacon Cheeseburger. A list of specials are also available in addition to a menu with options ranging from eggplant ravioli to hanger steak and wraps.

Salmon topped Cesar Salad

Cobb Salad with Chicken

 Kelley Jean's Bacon Cheeseburger

Cali-Burger:  Burger, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and mayo.

We are all happy with the taste and generous portion sizes.  Additional dressing was requested and brought over fairly quickly, drinks were offered and/or refilled and we were checked on once we started eating.  

Not in any rush, we were able to relax and continue socializing without feeling the pressure of a long line of customers waiting for our table.  The bar area began to fill, but the atmosphere remained one of a restaurant rather than a sports bar.  

No table dancing, loud inappropriate swearing or behaviors were exhibited during our "Ladies Night." With no room for dessert, we divide the check equally and are disappointed to not see our classmate. Doesn't mean we didn't have a great time.  We are already considering where our next evening out adventure and destination may be from a short list of area restaurants.  Our stories will continue during the drive back to our cars and we feel Fed Well.  

Return to Ward's Bridge with Friends

My theory about life is that our journeys are a series of circles; we repeat patterns and relationships until we either learn a lesson and can move on or we are ready to begin the next circle.  I have found myself connecting with people, sometimes several times, before allowing a casual acquaintance time and space to grow into a friendship.  Plants need sun, good soil, water and food to grow.  People, well, they can be a thousand times more complex if allowed, but really, the water and food part are a great start.  Strangers who meet at a party are likely to mingle over food and drink, a bit of forced socializing, but the opportunity is available.  

Sharing a meal or a casual coffee with someone is a fundamental way to begin and probably why so many decide on the ritual for dating.  It can be great for a casual job interview or business meeting and yes, adult double dates.  Just because either the women or men or 2 couples decide to be great friends, it doesn't always automatically translate into the other half of the duo also falling madly in love.  Best to test the waters together over dinner.

A friend and I had been having a few meals together and decided we'd try going out as couples.  The place? The Ward's Bridge Inn in Montgomery was an agreed destination and the ironic aspect was we gave the couple a gift certificate to the restaurant for their recent shared birthday celebration, otherwise known as the Party of the Year 2013.  Part of the circle perhaps?

The Mr. and I arrived first and were seated in the atrium dining room.



The golden glow of sunset filled the space and while I considered it beautiful from my angle, it was a jarring glare into the eyes of diners facing the wrong side of the room.  




Real flowers on the table, soaking in the last rays of the day.  Maybe spring really has come to New York after all!








We were promised the light would soon change, but if we couldn't stand it could change tables.  We agreed to wait it out and look over the menu.

Our beautiful server had the most amazing eyelashes.  Who notices such details?  I do.  And I sometimes feel the need to comment on it as well.  Yes, we had a few minute discussion about whether they are real or fake and why people may assume they are artificial.  My social pendulum swings from wanting to be left alone like a hermit to talking with strangers about almost any random topic, but enough about me.

 Filters, Instagram and Facebook.  I take a quick photo of the drinks the Mr. and I ordered.  A pear martini and his go to Corona.  Yum and cheers to Friday!

Our dates arrive and we even align in seating with women on one side and men on the other.  Both duos order steamed clams as an appetizer.  

Some clams have fallen out of the shell and so we pick through and discard the empties, dip bread into the luscious broth and exchange stories. Words volleying across the table with everyone having a turn at speaking or smiling and nodding.

Salad.  A choice between garden or Caesar.  I always hope for salad to be included with a dinner entree.  Many remain surprised when I order mine without dressing.  This has nothing to do with calorie counting as I simply prefer to actually taste the ingredients of my salad.  To compromise, I accept our server's offer of a lemon wedge so I may squeeze the fresh and acidic juice on as food lubricant.  Everything is crisp and fresh.  For a moment I worry I will be too full for my meal after the clams and salad.  The moment passes as we continue sharing stories and a secret or two (ok, no real secrets were shared, lesser known tales may be more accurate, but it added some flair to the piece - don't you think?).

Guess what the Mr. ordered for dinner?

Chicken Marsala.  

Shrimp and Lobster Risotto for me.

The lobster serving size was generous though mostly claw meat, the shrimp and corn were sweet and tender and the broth was nicely flavored.  Was the rice a bit too al dente or was that my own preference? The flavor of the dish was wonderful.

The specials included a leg of lamb dinner which both parties in the other couple ordered.  They remarked on the tenderness of the meat and perfect texture of the potatoes.  

"Would anyone care for any coffee or dessert?"

It may be a pain in the neck to cart around the large serving platter of desserts, but yes, the marketing technique works quite well.  One couple will share the warmed caramel apple pie served with ice cream and the other asks for the pecan pie also served a la mode.

 

The Mr. tells an involved story with details and though I've not only heard it a number of times, I was around to experience the tale first hand.  The difference tonight is he has the chance to share it again with fresh ears and so I sit back and enjoy my dessert.  We were the apple pie couple and I especially loved the ice cream with flecks of vanilla bean.

Feeling full and a bit sleepy, I suggest it is time to call it a night.  No sense dropping hints or being coy.  A fabulous evening meal was shared by 4 individuals and I will remember it leaving me feeling Fed Well.

Wildfire Grill in Montgomery, NY during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Spring 2014

Every year I make sure I participate in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week and this spring is no exception.  I narrowed Sunday lunch choices down to either Torches on the Hudson River in Newburgh or Wildfire Grill in Montgomery and put it up for a vote on Facebook.  Off to Wildfire...

Click here for the link to Hudson Valley Restaurant Week

Though the sun was bright and the sky brilliantly blue; the air screamed, "It is still winter and don't you forget it."

I loved the corks in the window of the dining room that was being used for a private surprise 60th birthday party.

We are seated in one of the high tables by the windows and by the time we left, the only seats available were at the bar.   



The decor may be described as eclectic.  A few seemingly African inspired statuettes, wine bottles and pewtery stars with multi-colored jewels and lights.  We are presented with both regular and Restaurant Week menus.  After I ask about the Bacon Bourbon Swizzle written on the blackboard behind the bar I am given a cocktail book.

Presenting, the Bacon Bourbon Swizzle - complete with local Tuthilltown Basement Bitters.  It was absolutely perfect and I watched the bartender as she squeezed fresh orange juice into the glass.  I have to say, that put it over the top for me.

To start, a smooth and creamy Lobster Bisque accompanied by a basket of warm and sliced baguette with a wedge of butter.

Lunch is served.  A short rib sandwich with horseradish and onions on a Ciabatta roll.  The crispy fries are dusted with salt, fresh and hot.

A chicken wrap also accompanied by the fabulous fries.

Who ordered what?  Can you guess?  Yes, the Mr. had the chicken, of course.  I stole a forkful just to taste.It was well seasoned, yet could have had a bit more dressing.

A short list of errands to follow lunch and so I ask for my chocolate torte be packed to go.  Off to buy a frame for a photo of a newt I took last year in the garden, and the week's groceries.  

With one meal barely behind us, I am planning our Sunday dinner with our man-cubs and our older son's girlfriend and we end the night watching Disney's, "Jungle Book." What could be better?  A Sunday of being Fed Well.