Hikers, shoppers, and locals have discovered The Village Blend in Sloatsburg, a place to relax with coffee drinks, muffins, pastries, sandwiches, and seasonally changing soups. 845.712.5585
With its creekside views and cozy ambience, Binnekill Tavern in Margaretville is both rustic and romantic. Chef Bryan Calvert’s kitchen serves up inspired fare: local trout salad, authentic schnitzel, and skillet chicken, to name a few. 845.586.4884
It’s all about delicious, healthy eating at New City’s Peach Pit, where ultra-fresh smoothies, chia pudding bowls, wheatgrass shots, and just-squeezed juices rule the menu. 845.708.5312
Lodger / Photo by ©Mollie McKinley
On Liberty Street in Newburgh, Lodger serves as an arts and events space, a restaurant, and a classroom and kitchen lab. Head over for Sunday brunch, or make a reservation for one of their weekly events, like a North African/Moroccan dinner.
Slide into a banquette and enjoy Italian classics like linguine with lobster sauce and seafood capellini at Rocco’s Fine Dining & Bar, an upscale spinoff of the New Paltz pizzeria just next door. Thursday night is family style! Dessert specials to try: strawberry Napoleon and salted caramel crunch cake. 845.255.7464
Cajun-style seafood boils in a spicy butter bath, drunken clams, and fried oysters are hot stuff at The Boil Shack, Albany’s latest go-to. Check out the daily poke bowl lunch specials, brimming with ahi tuna, seaweed, pickled ginger, and other spicy morsels. 518.621.1888
The Den of Marbletown, Kingston’s teddy bear museum, has upgraded their on-site café to a full-fledged restaurant. Papa Bear’s Kitchen serves a menu that combines rustic Italian, French bistro, and American comfort food. Vegan options available! 845.687.6441
Papa Bear’s Kitchen / Photo by Nan Bress
Our Pick: A Cup of the Valley Coffee & Tea Festival
Marriott Pavilion, Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park
April 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., $17
Now in its second year, A Cup of the Valley brings together some the Valley’s most well-known coffee roasters and cafés, as well as vendors selling baked goods, pottery, and more. In addition to a latte art competition (open to all, so start practicing) and a Japanese tea ceremony, several vendors will hold exhibitions throughout the day on everything from the roasting process to brewing techniques. Bring a notepad!
