It is that special time of the year again, when the best of Hudson Valley restaurants come together to open their doors to locals and travelers alike, with the promise of amazing meals at reduced prices. Ah, yes, it’s Restaurant Week.
Millbrook Winery
Starting with the opening ceremony, the natural beauty and success story of Millbrook Winery made it the ideal location for the festivities, where a small crew of flat-footed New Yorkers ventured deep into the autumnal paradise of Dutchess county. We had a chance to forget our afternoon appointments and get lost in the romance of one of our greatest treasures, the Hudson Valley. “Restaurant week” works, it is a proven concept that allows restaurant goers to try those eateries they keep meaning to visit and never quite make it to. It’s also a chance for chefs to connect with a new audience and let their food shine before fresh eyes.
To jump-start this year’s November line up, Valley Table Magazine, along with Dutchess Tourism, put together a gathering of participating chefs and purveyors from around the Hudson Valley to give us a taste of what to expect…
Sprout Creek Farms cheese offering
First, a venison stew with incredible depth of flavor from Terrapin – Rhinbeck’s New American style gem. Next black wax-coated cheese from Adam’s Fairacre Farm, and fresh cooked bacon & kale pizzas from Cosimos; two successful and sizable chains that were born and bred in the region. Wash it down with Keegan Ale (Kingston’s premier brewery) or a Millbrook Cab Franc and you are having a great afternoon.
Great beers brewed in Kingston, NY
To top it off, there were skillfully baked apple and berry pies from participating chefs and fresh-brewed coffees from local roaster Irving Farm.
This is exactly the type of united effort this amazing region needs to gain more attention for its culinary and agricultural excellence. New restaurants are continuing to pop-up and, more importantly, continuing to stay open.
Cage-Free Foie Gras with dried apricot from Hudson Valley Foie Gras
If you’re in the city, rent a Zip Car or hop on the Metro North’s Hudson Line and breath the fresh air while adventure dining in a foreign county. If you live along the Hudson, get out of your cozy home and enjoy a well-cooked meal you don’t have to clean up after, and support your community. Cheers!
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