The Half Moon in Hudson hosts another popular night of music at its restaurant and pub on March 8 at 8 p.m. with performances by Dublin-based guitarist Cian Nugent, Nova Scotia’s Nap Eyes, and guitarist/composer Alexander Turnquist. Eat, drink, and enjoy some tunes. 518-828-1562; www.thehalfmoonhudson.com
Once sold only at farmers markets, fairs, festivals and the like, Pied Piper Pies now has its very own brick-and-mortar shop in Highland Falls. The new shop offers the Piper’s same great sweet and savory pastries, but goes a step further with the addition of espresso, cappuccino, teas, soups, salads, and pie shakes. (Choose from among six to eight varieties of sweet pie, and staffers will blend your selection with ice cream and top it off with whipped cream. Yum!) 845-446-2030; www.facebook.com/piedpiperpies
Renowned chef and restaurateur Gray Kunz — his Manhattan restaurant, Lespinasse, earned four stars from the New York Times, and he’s been inducted into the CIA’s Restaurant Hall of Fame — returns to New York with the opening of Salt & Char in Saratoga Springs. This modern steakhouse features farm-raised beef from regional purveyors, as well as lighter fare like sustainably sourced seafood and organic chicken dishes, and redefined steakhouse sides like crispy polenta fries. As of press time, the opening date is slated for April or May.
Meat lovers, rejoice! Barb’s Butchery is now open seven days a week. The city of Beacon’s favorite butcher also has expanded its hot food menu — it’s now available every day — and an additional Sunday brunch menu that varies from week to week. Say bye-bye to Meatless Mondays. 845-831-8050; www.barbsbutchery.com
