A World-Renowned Chef Runs Rhinebeck’s Gorgeous Spa Restaurant

Led by Culinary Institute alum Charlie Palmer, Willow brings fine dining to Mirbeau Inn & Spa.

Led by Culinary Institute alum Charlie Palmer, Willow brings fine dining to Mirbeau Inn & Spa.

The culinary scene in Rhinebeck shows no signs of slowing down with newcomers like Lucky Dragon and Golden Russet Café & Grocery joining the ranks along Market Street and Mill Street. The latest addition is Willow by Charlie Palmer at Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck — a 50-room resort set on 2.8 acres in the center of the village’s historic downtown. This restaurant marks Chef Palmer’s first upstate New York venture, where he oversees all food and beverage operations at Willow including in-room dining, the light-fare venue Aqua Terrace, Willow Bar, and catering.

Opened in September 2019, Willow by Charlie Palmer showcases its namesake chef’s signature progressive American Cuisine, with seasonal products from local Hudson Valley farms taking center stage. “Great food begins with great ingredients and treating them well,” says Chef Palmer, a Culinary Institute of America alum. “Our approach to cooking is getting simpler. It’s focused on bringing the true essence of the ingredient out and not masking it.”

Charlie Palmer

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Among the menu highlights are whole grilled Maine lobster with an assortment of farm-stand sides, Hudson Valley foie gras, filet mignon au poivre sourced from local farms, and Hudson Valley summer corn pancakes. The menu also includes several Mirbeau signature dishes, including grilled oysters and the Mirbeau burger. A robust wine list complements the menu and a separate selection of lighter fare and appetizers is available for guests seated at the bar.

At the helm is Executive Chef, Thomas Burke. A Westchester native, Chef Burke honed his skills at prestigious restaurants like The French Laundry and Le Bernardin before joining the Mirbeau team from Connecticut’s award-winning Tavern at GrayBarns. “You can build great spaces, but it’s about the talent,” Burke says. “We’ve put together a great team for this project and are thrilled to become part of this community.”

From its open-air back deck, guests at Willow are treated to “forever-wild forest” views of willow trees, the inspiration for the restaurant’s name. The interior is inspired by the 1920s Paris scene. “It’s chic and refined, mixed with modern and contemporary styles,” says Jonathan Dal Pos, vice president of Mirbeau Companies.

Willow will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily to the public as well as to resort guests.

Open daily 7–10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun–Thurs, 5–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat, 5–10 p.m
46 W Market St, Rhinebeck, 877.647.2328

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Willow by Charlie Palmer


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