Best Of Hudson Valley 2011: Best Restaurants, Food, and Drink in the Hudson Valley, Upstate NY

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» Editors’ Picks: Food
» Editors’ Picks: Drink
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» Readers’ Picks: Restaurants by Cuisine
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Little Treat with Big Taste

Moxie Cupcake, New Paltz
About a year ago, these flavorful treats began filling the dessert cases of bakeries, cafés, and other eateries around the Valley; they became so popular that owner Josie Eriole was soon able to buy a storefront, in which she now bakes and sells them. Prepared from scratch, these homemade cupcakes are made almost entirely of locally sourced, organic ingredients, and Eriole uses only fair-trade chocolates. A favorite among HV staffers is the Cherry Darling: chocolate cake filled with a tart cherry middle and topped with butter frosting, chocolate shavings, and a chocolate-covered cherry. • 845-255-2253

Beer Dinners

Aroma Thyme Bistro, Ellenville
“We treat a lot of our beer like wine,” says Aroma Thyme owner/chef Marcus Guiliano. And he showcases his best vintages with monthly, five-course dinners for up to 30 people, pairing special, rare beers with his signature dishes. On Oct. 21, he features the Ithaca Beer Company line, and Nov. 10 honors Sierra Nevada’s 30th anniversary beer list. The food, of course, is seasonal, so there may be some Montauk-caught fish, a cheese course, fall vegetables, and even a dessert/beer pairing. And sometimes, he offers a sixth course. “There is a rep from the brewery at every dinner, and he or she might bring something special,” Guiliano says. • 845-647-3000; www.aromathymebistro.com

Burritos

Armadillo Bar & Grill, Kingston
Tucked away near the historic Rondout district, this friendly Tex-Mex spot is run by Merle Borenstein, who opened it back in 1986. Armadillo features Southwestern and Mexican cuisine with a Nuevo Latino twist. All items are made to order using fresh ingredients — even the salsa is created in-house, says Borenstein. The menu includes everything from tostados to tacos, enchiladas to fresh fish, and what Borenstein refers to as Armadillo’s “bodacious burritos.” There’s a big variety: grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, pork tenderloin; vegetarians often choose the black bean, goat cheese, and avocado burrito. • 845-339-1550; www.armadillos.net

Nouveau Bistro Dish

Fried Artichoke Hearts at Bistro Lilly, Goshen
Longtime Goshen residents Rose and Anatoly Shevchuk opened this intimate, 34-seat café last year. Bistro Lilly offers lunch and dinner in a relaxed, lovely setting with a menu that includes seared scallops and grilled New York strip steak. One dinner favorite: the crispy baby artichokes and herbed aïoli appetizer. Rose explains the dish’s origin: “I love artichokes, and someone once mentioned they had tasted something like this, so we experimented and created the dish.” The ’chokes are quartered, seasoned, and delicately fried. “They’re not greasy, which makes them so delicious. And we include our ‘secret’ remoulade-style sauce,” she says. • 845-294-2810; www.bistrolilly.com

Sandwich Shop

Lola’s Café & Catering, Poughkeepsie
Stroll the Walkway Over the Hudson and you’ll spot Lola’s below on the Poughkeepsie side of the span. CIA grad and owner Edward Kowalski launched the eatery in 2005. It features simple breakfast fare like egg sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, but the main offering is lunch. The café — with only five tables, plus counter seating; take-outs are popular — features daily specials and super sandwiches with a twist. Favorites include the grilled butter steak sandwich, ahi tuna pita, and Lola’s yummy spicy peanut noodles, which one employee calls “our signature dish.” The café offers soups, salads (the strawberry chicken salad is especially delightful), wraps, pastries, and more. Customers have described the marinated portobello mushroom sandwich as “amazing.” Lola’s catering has won awards, and to satisfy its many loyal customers, Edward and his wife Laurie have also opened Crave Restaurant & Lounge next door, for leisurely evening dining. • 845-471-8555; www.lolascafeandcatering.com

Wings

McGillicuddy’s, New Paltz
At McGillicuddy’s, you can choose from 21 bone-pickin’ varieties of wings. Like it hot? They offer “red hot BBQ” all the way up to “volcanic.” If you prefer international-flavored fare, try sweet Thai chili, Jamaican jerk, wasabi Dijon, or General Tsao. Or get creative with coconut peanut or raspberry chipotle. Can’t decide? Create a platter of your two faves and dine in wing heaven. Don’t forget: The cost is dropped to 40 cents per wing during Wing Night on Mondays. • 845-256-9289; www.cuddysny.com

Thing to Happen to Mac ’n Cheese:

BBQ Pulled Pork Mac ’n Cheese at Twisted Soul Food Concepts, Poughkeepsie
This exciting little food joint was opened in 2007 by CIA grad Ira Lee, who formed his menu around the soul food he grew up eating, but with a multicultural twist of flavors he’s discovered over the years. Everything about this particular treat screams down-home comfort food — thick, belly-filling mac-and-cheese mixed with tender, savory pulled pork and a tangy barbecue sauce. Even a small serving is adequately satisfying. Vegetarians can try the tofu option — which is so flavorful that carnivores will even enjoy it. Wash it down with a lavender-infused lemonade for a truly Southern-inspired treat. • 845-454-2770; www.twistedsoulconcepts.com

Place to Be Part of the Horsey Set

Charlotte’s Restaurant, Millbrook
Whether you’ve just finished a rousing game at the Mashomack Polo Club or a riding lesson at Fox Ridge Equestrian Center, the best place to unwind and enjoy a meal is at this Zagat-rated eatery. Charlotte’s uses local, in-season ingredients in its menu selections, which change daily, and the wine and beer list includes both local and international favorites. During the winter, a glowing fireplace provides a cozy environment, but the outdoor patio opens once the weather warms up, with views of rolling hills and a nearby horse farm. • 845-677-5888; www.charlottesny.com

Panini

Café Bocca, Poughkeepsie
Owner Erik Morabito launched this eatery in the Mount Carmel neighborhood of Poughkeepsie three years ago at a site that was once an Italian family deli. With exposed brick walls, rotating displays of art by local artists, and a stay-and-linger vibe, the café has become a favorite of both locals and day-trippers visiting the nearby Walkway Over the Hudson. “The neighborhood has turned into a real Little Italy; it’s very exciting,” says Morabito, who adds that crowds are expected for the second-annual Taste of Little Italy event, slated for Oct. 2 this year. Café Bocca’s menu changes daily, and many regulars recommend their parade of panini served on ciabatta rolls — you can choose from more than half a dozen. Among the melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches: breaded eggplant panini with peppers, cheese, baby greens, and balsamic vinaigrette; and tuna salad panini with capers, mayo, celery, field greens, and tomatoes. • 845-483-7300; www.cafebocca.net

Wedding Cakes

McKinney & Doyle Fine Foods Café and The Corner Bakery, Pawling
Whether you prefer tall and towering or subtle and sweet, the bakery at this well-known café creates a fine selection of cakes for your special day. Winner of this coveted title for the second year in a row, the bakery features a large selection of decadent delights including mousse cakes in raspberry, espresso, Oreo, and other flavors; unique options such as banana chocolate chip or Mandarin orange; and simple favorites like strawberry shortcake, hazelnut cake, and black forest. • 845-855-3707 (bakery); 845-855-3875 (café); www.mckinneyanddoyle.com

Non-Chicken Wings

Tofu Buffalo Wings at Northern Spy Café, High Falls
High Falls’ Northern Spy Café has been serving up crave-worthy vegetarian fare — along with innovative meat and seafood dishes — since 1993, in an “upscale country” setting. The “free-range tofu wings” have long been the café’s “most popular dish,” according to owner George Nagle. Made from organic, extra-firm tofu that has been pressed, floured, and deep-fried, the “wings” are tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce and served with homemade blue cheese dressing and celery sticks. (Rumor has it that the tofu is first frozen, giving it a denser, more meat-like texture). Recently the restaurant diversified its wings offerings to include Asian-style sesame and Mexican chipotle. • 845-687-7298; www.northernspycafe.com

’Round the Clock Munchies       

Palace Diner, Poughkeepsie
Since it’s close to Marist College and St. Francis Hospital near Poughkeepsie’s historic downtown, the crowd at the Palace Diner on any given day might include everyone from students to surgeons. (You’ll even find menu choices named for the college — one, the Marist Sandwich, is humongous; it brims with turkey, corned beef, and plenty of toppings.) The Palace — opened by mom and dad Maria and Nick Vanikiotis and still run by the family — has been a local favorite since 1981. In the mood for a late-night egg cream, or a salade Niçoise at noon? From ribs to rugala, the Palace serves up what you want, when you want it — ’round the clock and seven days a week. There’s a full-service bar, and — for a perfect late-night or early morning pick-me-up — custom-made pastries and desserts, plus coffees from around the world. • 845-473-1576; www.thepalacediner.com

Thing to Happen to a Pretzel (part 1)

Pretzel Rolls at Twisted Foods, Rosendale
Imagine a big, tasty Bavarian pretzel — but instead of being twisted, it’s shaped into a plump roll; baked with herbs and seasonings; sliced in half; and filled with homemade, flavored cream cheese. Sounds good, right? The spread comes in a variety of flavors; we recommend the cheese infused with avocado, garlic, artichoke, and lemon. These delicious little rolls are perfect for a light breakfast, brunch, or lunch, whether you’re on-the-go or you decide to sit and stay at the bakery/bistro’s historic building on Main Street. • 845-658-9121

Thing to Happen to a Pretzel (part 2)

Bavarian Pretzel and Obatzda Appetizer at Gunk Haus, Highland
Try this German bread-and-spread, and you’ll never go back to those greasy mall pretzels again. Homemade, soft, chewy pretzel bread is served with obatzda, a traditional Bavarian cheese spread made of Camembert, Gorgonzola, beer, and savory spices. As an appetizer, it’s light enough to not spoil your meal, yet hearty enough to prepare your stomach for all the tasty brats, schnitzel, and other Bavarian entrées you can handle. • 845-883-0866; www.gunkhaus.com

Wood-Fired Pizzas

Cosimo’s Trattoria, Poughkeepsie
There’s pizza; and then there’s pizza — and the wood-fired, brick-oven pies at this Italian eatery are oh-so-good. Choose from a variety of gourmet pies: sausage with roasted peppers, caramelized onions, tomato basil sauce, provolone, and mozzarella; marinated eggplant with Roma tomatoes, calamata olives, roasted garlic, mozzarella and goat cheese; or the Quattro Stagioni, with smoked ham, olives, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, mozzarella, and tomato basil sauce; there are others, too. • 845-485-7172; www.cosimospoughkeepsie.com

Vegan Ice Cream

The New Confectioner, various locations in Dutchess and Ulster Counties
Vegan foods often get a bad rap, with many people assuming no animal products equals no flavor. But these sweet little ice cream treats put that rumor to rest with flavors such as Turkish chocolate coffee, pistachio, and — office favorite — strawberry rhubarb. The company lists about 15 different frozen desserts (plus a handful of sorbets), each one blending a velvety smooth texture and palate-pleasing (and freezing) taste. • 845-661-4902; www.newconfectioner.com

Vegan Cookies

Vegan O’Brien Baking Company New Paltz
Vegan baked goods seem to run the risk of being compared to cardboard. So what’s a sweet-toothed herbivore to do? Thankfully, we’ve got Vegan O’Brien Baking Company’s chocolate-chip cookies. Crafted by Manhattan transplant Evan O’Brien, these giant cookies are 100 percent animal-free — tapioca starch and a vegetable oil-based spread are swapped in for eggs and butter. Not to mention they’re chewy, chocolatey, and mighty rich, just like their counterparts. O’Brien also offers a peanut chocolate-chip version for the especially nutty.
Based in New Paltz, O’Brien doesn’t yet have a storefront — though he’s hoping to expand. “It’s in the far back of my mind,” he jokes. For now, you can find his sweets at various shops in New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, and Manhattan for about $3 per cookie. A warning: “It may be vegan, but it’s still loaded with sugar and calories,” O’Brien reminds us. Fortunately, just one of these bad boys is enough to fill you. We recommend dunking them in a tall glass of cold milk (soy, of course). • 845-234-5755; www.veganobrien.com

Addition to the High-End Chocolate Scene

Heidi & Arthur Chocolatiers, Valley Cottage
“The magic of chocolate” is what father-and-daughter team Arthur Wartenburg and Heidi Caren attribute to the success of their family-run artisanal chocolate business. Made with Belgian or French chocolate (and presented in lovely lime green and brown packaging), their hand-formed confections run the gamut of flavors, from apple pie à la mode to tequila lime, whisky gunpowder ganache to Chinese five-spice truffles. “We specialize in unusual flavors and designs you won’t see elsewhere,” Caren says about their constantly changing menu. Chocolate connoisseurs can order these serious sweets online. • 845-267-2666; www.heidiandarthurs.com

New Pizza Joint

Grimaldi’s, New Paltz
As the latest outpost of Zagat’s “Best Pizzeria in New York,” it’s no surprise that Grimaldi’s (which opened in August 2010) is the Valley’s favorite new pizzeria. Just like the Brooklyn original, this upstate locale “keeps it simple,” according to co-owner Adam Monteverde, which means a limited menu of coal-fired brick-oven margherita pizza (they make their own cheese), salad, and calzone — all from fresh, locally sourced ingredients — and no credit cards, delivery, reservations, or slices. And (thankfully) no blocks-long lines here: the classy parlor boasts a huge dining room (with red checkered tablecloths, natch) and a low-lit bar where you can often catch live music on the weekends. • 845-255-3800; www.grimaldis.com

Creative Sushi Rolls

Sakana Japanese Fusion, Nanuet
This romantic and modern Rockland County sushi destination serves up super-fresh sushi along with an extensive menu of Japanese standards, such as teriyaki and noodle soup, and Thai, Hawaiian, and Chinese-inspired fusion dishes. Their special rolls menu is extensive, with extremely creative combinations — vegetarian, low-carb (rolled in cucumber instead of rice), and dozens of fancy fish creations with unique ingredients like tempura lobster and wasabi caviar. Diners love the Manhattan vibe, and though it’s somewhat pricey, it’s well worth a splurge. • 845-623-2882; www.sakanafusion.com

Ribs

Billy Joe’s Ribworks, Newburgh
Diehard barbecue fans are a tough bunch and they’re just as likely as not to extol the virtues of a roadside ’cue stand. And we can’t blame ’em — we’ve done the same thing in these very pages. So when the big ’n flashy Billy Joe’s opened on the Newburgh waterfront earlier this year, we knew it would be a hootin’, hollerin’ good time, but we weren’t sure how the ribs would measure up. Turns out, they are fall-off-the-bone fabulous! Meats are hand-rubbed three times and you can order either the standard pork ribs or the more unusual beef ones. Throw in reasonable prices, big portions, line dancing, craft beers, and stunning river views and you’ll be hollering yee-haw all the way home. • 845-565-1560; www.ribworks.com

Use of $1

Turkey sandwich at Overlook Farm Market, Newburgh
Oven-roasted turkey — made fresh each morning — is hand-sliced, tucked between two slices of whole wheat bread, and dressed up with lettuce, tomato, a little mayo, maybe a bit of cranberry sauce — all for a buck. This family-owned farm market/bakery/deli gets kudos from us for offering a recession-busting healthy lunch — as well as for their straight-from-the-fields selection of fruits, vegetables, honey, flowers, and other delights. And don’t forget to  pick up some apple crisp for dessert — just 75 cents. • 845-562-5780; www.overlookfarmmarket.com

Barbecue Feast

American Glory BBQ, Hudson
It’s a regular menu item, but it’s far from a regular meal. The Glorious Feast serves up six different meats on a platter. You and your hungry friends and family can tuck into pulled pork, Texas hash, sliced brisket, St. Louis ribs, spare ribs, and Tallahassee turkey drumsticks, accompanied by four “Big Pot” sides and cornbread, all for $80. Not enough? You can also add a roasted half or full chicken for $8 or $15 more. “Do the math,” the menu challenges you — that’s a mountain of BBQ for $20-$25 per diner for four people. If you’re still hungry, you should see a dietitian — and maybe a cardiologist. • 518-822-1234; www.americanglory.com

Fruit Liquors and Liqueurs

Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, Warwick
Year after year, this charming little micro-batch distillery performs the most fabulous feats with local fruit. Their renowned Pear Brandy once again won Double Gold at a big international wine competition this year, while their liqueurs made from black currants, apples, grapes, and sour cherries also continue to be fruity favorites. And their line of Doc’s hard draft ciders? Let’s just say their national reputation is well deserved. But don’t take our word for it. The attractive post-and-beam tasting room is open daily year-round from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and you can catch free musical performances most weekend afternoons (or sometimes a bigger concert in the evenings). The café serves a variety of salads, sandwiches, and pizzas for lunch, so all in all, this is definitely a day trip that bears fruit — or at least a lot of fun. • 845-258-4858; www.wvwinery.com

Fruit Beer

Peach Wheat at Cave Mountain Brewing Company, Windham
This bustling brew pub on Windham’s Main Street caters to skiers and everyone else with its soaring space, beautiful burgers, and ever-popular craft beers. While there are six mainstays always on tap (they brew their beer just one barrel at a time), it’s the seasonal brews that really get the gossip going. And the stand-out? The peach wheat. Described by devotees as “super smooth,” it has a bold peach flavor and aroma, with just a touch of spice. All’s peachy keen when you saddle up to the bar and order a pint of this one. • 518-734-9222; www.cavemountainbrewingcompany.com

Place to Lift Your Spirits

Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery, Gardiner
This small-batch distillery, which became the state’s first whiskey distiller since Prohibition when it opened about a decade ago, continues to attract more and more attention, both regionally and internationally. And no wonder — their spirits rack up award after award and all are made without added flavor or color. Whether you’re going for one of the renowned Hudson brand whiskeys (we like the moonshine corn whiskey), a vodka, or aged rum, you can’t go wrong by stopping by the appealing, barrel-filled tasting room/store in the woods. Or take a tour, where you can oogle the copper stills and learn all about the distilling process. And now, you can top off this unique experience with a one-of-a-kind meal. Opened in 2010, the Tuthill House at the Mill Restaurant & Tavern serves lunch and dinner seven days a week in the historic 1788 gristmill. We’ll drink to that. • distillery: 845-633-8734; www.tuthilltown.com, restaurant: 845-255-4151; www.tuthillhouse.com

New Brewery

Crossroads Brewing Co., Athens
You know you’re good when you start winning awards before you’re even open for business. Crossroads, the dream-come-true brewpub started by Wappingers Falls native Janine Bennett and her business partner, Kenny Landin, was named the Best Craft Brewery in the Hudson Valley at the TAP New York beer and food festival at Hunter Mountain, three months before it moved into its home — Athens’ former opera house. Crossroads also won a bronze medal for its Outrage IPA — a seven-percent acohol India pale ale — in the category for best individual craft beers in the Hudson Valley, plus it won the John Calen Memorial Award for the best English-style pale ale in the state. “Winning was a huge surprise,” says Bennett. At the time, they were offering growlers of their beer, the work of brewmaster Hutch Kugeman, at a tasting room in Athens. “We were just happy to be at TAP, but the awards were a validation that we are doing the right thing.” That “thing” now includes a line of 10 beers — five regular taps and five seasonal — plus two homemade sodas and six New York State wines. Additionally, they offer a pub-style menu of burgers, wings, and such — much of it made using ingredients from local purveyors. Landin and Bennett met in Queens, where he owned a drywall company; she was a special education teacher, and each wanted to do something else. “We both love craft beer and live music, and we wanted to start fresh,” she says. “We were at a crossroads, which is where we got our name.” • 518-945-2337; www.crossroadsbrewingco.com

Beer Story

Frost & Justice at Keegan Ales, Kingston
There are lots of great stories behind many of the Valley’s ever-growing number of locally crafted brews (and of course, drinking beer can lead to some world-class stories, too), but this is really a tale to toast to. A long time ago, before Beacon was even a city, the villages of Matteawan and Fishkill Landing had a legendary battle of the brews going on — and it was getting nasty. You were either a Frost Ale “Frostie” or a Justice Brewery “Man of Justice.” Finally, the wives of prominent brewer-businessmen J. Arthur Frost of Matteawan and Irving J. Justice of Fishkill Landing secretly combined their husbands’ recipes to bring peace to the communities. The result was an immensely popular brew from the Frost & Justice Brewing Company — which was busily serving until Prohibition. (In addition, Frost went on to become the city of Beacon’s first mayor). Fast-forward 90 years; when the Beacon Theatre recently was being renovated someone stumbled upon the original recipes of the beer company in the basement tunnels between the former Dibble Opera House (which became the Beacon Theatre in 1934) and the Hotel Melzingah. In honor of 4th Wall Productions moving to the theater, Keegan Ales craft-brewed a special batch of the F&J beer for a big fund-raiser this past June. And the folks at 4th Wall promise that, once everything is said and done, the Beacon Theatre will house a brewery tap room serving Frost & Justice. • 845-331-2739; www.keeganales.com

New Restaurant/Singles Scene:
Bull and Buddha, Poughkeepsie
845-337-4848; www.bullandbuddha.com

Appetizers:
Double O Grill, Wappingers Falls
845-297-7625; www.doubleogrill.com

Bagel:
New Paltz Bagel Café, New Paltz
845-255-4594

Bread:
Bread Alone, Rhinebeck
845-876-3108; www.breadalone.com/rhinebeck-cafe

Buffalo Wings:
Planet Wings, Kingston
845-340-9464; www.planetwings.com

Burger:
Woody’s All Natural, Cornwall
845-534-1111; www.woodysallnatural.com

Chili:
Andy’s Place, Poughkeepsie
845-452-2525; www.gotoandysplace.com

Chocolate Treat:
Lucky Chocolates, Saugerties
845-246-7337; www.luckychocolates.com

Diner:
Eveready Diner, Hyde Park
845-229-8100; www.theevereadydiner.com

Deli:
Rossi’s Deli, Poughkeepsie
845-471-0654; www.rossideli.com

Pizza:
Pizza Barn, Accord
845-626-2300; www.thepizzabarn.webs.com

Ice Cream:
Holy Cow, Red Hook
845-758-5959

Pasta:
Milanese Italian Restaurant, Poughkeepsie
845-471-9533; www.milaneserestaurant.com

Cup of Coffee/Latte:
The Crafted Kup, Poughkeepsie
845-483-7070; www.craftedkup.com

Soup:
Crew, Poughkeepsie
845-462-8900; www.crewrestaurant.com

Sandwich:
Jack and Luna’s Café, Stone Ridge
845-687-9794; www.jackandlunas.com

Tapas:
Elephant, Kingston
845-339-9310; www.elephantwinebar.com

Beer:
The Gilded Otter Brewing Company, New Paltz
845-256-1700; www.gildedotter.com

Cosmo:
Gigi Trattoria, Rhinebeck
845-876-1007; www.gigitrattoria.com

Martini:
Blue Martini, Newburgh
845-562-7111

Happy Hour:
Bull & Buddha, Poughkeepsie
845-337-4848; www.bullandbuddha.com

Irish Pub:
Mahoney’s, Poughkeepsie
845-471-7026; www.mahoneysirishpub.com

Sports Bar:
Darby O’Gills, Hyde Park
845-229-6662

Margarita:
Cafe Maya, Wappingers Falls
845-632-3444; www.mayacafecantina.com

Mojito:
Karma Lounge, Poughkeepsie
845-473-4294; www.karmalounge.us

Winery:
Millbrook Vineyard & Winery, Millbrook
845-677-8383; www.millbrookwine.com

Wine Bar:
36 Main Restaurant and Wine Bar, New Paltz
845-255-3636; www.36main.com

American:
American Bounty, Hyde Park
845-471-6608; www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/bounty

Barbecue:
Max’s Memphis Barbecue, Red Hook
845-758-6297; www.maxsbbq.com

Chinese:
China Rose, Rhinecliff
845-876-7442; www.chinaroserestaurant.com

French:
Le Canard Enchainé, Kingston
845-339-2003; www.le-canardenchainesrestaurant.com

German:
The Mountain Brauhaus, Gardiner
845-255-9766; www.mountainbrauhaus.com

Greek:
Yanni’s, New Paltz
845-256-0988

Indian:
Suruchi, New Paltz
845-255-2772; www.suruchiindian.com

Italian:
Aroma Osteria, Wappingers Falls
845-298-6790; www.aromaosteriarestaurant.com

Japanese/Sushi:
Tokyo Sushi, New Paltz
845-255-1335

Mediterranean:
Serevan, Amenia
845-373-9800; www.serevan.com

Mexican/Latino:
Gaby’s Café, Ellenville
845-210-1040; www.gabyscafe.com

Seafood:
Gadaleto’s Seafood, New Paltz
845-255-1717; www.gadaletos.com

Steakhouse:
Sapore Steakhouse, Fishkill
845-897-3300; www.saporesteakhouse.com

Thai:
Lemongrass Thai Cuisine, New Paltz
845-256-0161

Vegetarian:
Luna 61, Tivoli
845-758-0061; www.luna61.com

Bistro:
Main St. Bistro, New Paltz
845-255-7766; www.mainstreetbistro.com

Brunch:
The Thayer Hotel at West Point, West Point
845-446-4731; www.thethayerhotel.com/dining/brunch

Breakfast:
Main St. Bistro, New Paltz
845-255-7766; www.mainstreetbistro.com

Cheap Eats:
Soul Dog Café, Poughkeepsie
845-454-3254; www.souldog.biz

Comfort Food:   
Stefano’s Ristorante, Wappingers Falls
845-297-9300  

Dessert:
Pastry Garden, Poughkeepsie
845-473-5220; www.thepastrygarden.com

Late Night Dining:
Double O Grill, Wappingers Falls
845-297-7625; www.doubleogrill.com

Lunch Spot:
Babycakes Café, Poughkeepsie
845-485-8411; www.babycakescafe.com

Special Occasion Dining:
Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
845-452-9600; www.ciachef.edu

Restaurant With A View:
Shadows on the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
845-486-9500; www.shadowsonthehudson.com

Romantic Dining:
Shadows on the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
845-486-9500; www.shadowsonthehudson.com

Waterside/Alfresco Dining:
Shadows on the Hudson, Poughkeepsie
845-486-9500; www.shadowsonthehudson.com

Albany:   
Jack’s Oyster House, Albany
518-465-8854; www.jacksoysterhouse.com

Columbia:
Mexican Radio, Hudson
518-828-7770; www.mexrad.com/Hudson.htm

Dutchess:
Terrapin, Rhinebeck
845-876-3330; www.terrapinrestaurant.com

Greene:
Bells Café, Catskill
518-943-4070; www.bellscafeny.net

Orange:
Nina, Middletown
845-344-6800; www.nina-restaurant.com

Putnam:
Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill, Cold Spring
845-265-5582; www.tuscangrill.com

Rensselaer:
Casey’s Restaurant, Rensselaer
518-463-3318

Rockland:
Xaviar’s, Piermont
845-359-7007; www.xaviars.com

Ulster:
Aroma Thyme Bistro, Ellenville
845-647-3000; www.healthconsciousfood.com

Westchester:
Crabtree’s Kittle House, Chappaqua
914-666-8044; www.kittlehouse.com