Sidle up to the Smoothie Bar at The Studio @ Beacon, a boxing-bicycling hotbed with a foodie soul. We can’t decide between Mint To Be (packed with locally sourced kale and spinach) and coconut-charged Avocolada.
301 Main Street, Beacon; 845.765.1144; www.thestudioatbeacon.com
Smoothie Bar at The Studio @ Beacon / Photo by Billy Carpio and Hudson Design
Essie’s Restaurant will be showcasing the brews of newcomer, Cousins Ale Works Brewery, in Dutchess this month. Expect some soulful pairings by CIA-trained Chef Brandon Walker at this beer dinner on May 6.
14 Mt Carmel Place, Poughkeepsie; 845.452.7181; www.essiesrestaurantpk.com
Feel like you’re on a Caribbean getaway at Rockland’s recently opened Kastel Bar & Restaurant. Munch on the Creole Fritay platter, with fried plantains and malanga fritters, topped off by curry chicken with black rice.
19 Main St., Haverstraw; 845.786.2381; www.kbarrestaurant.com
Kastel Bar & Restaurant / Photo by Director BASED
The cocktail crowd has been flocking to Crawford Craft, a re-envisioned Orange County watering hole. Enjoy some short-rib, pork, or fish tacos while you’re at it.
82 Main St., Pine Bush; 845.524.4926; find them on Facebook
Fine-tune your taste buds for the Gardiner Cupcake Festival. There will be live music, children’s activities, and of course sweet treats in flavors like salted caramel, honey cinnamon, and good old-fashioned chocolate.
May 19; 699 State Route 208, Gardiner; 845.255.5300; www.gardinercupcakefestival.com
Tie dye cupcakes at Gardiner Cupcake Festival / Photo by Meghan Graham
OUR PICK: Hudson Valley Wine and Chocolate Festival
May 5–6; Patterson Recreation Center, Patterson
At this year’s event, which is Kentucky Derby-themed, taste the finest chocolate, wine, spirits, cider, and craft beer from around the region while wearing your best race-day garb. There will be additional vendors with goods like honey, olive oil, and crafts, plus food trucks parked onsite, a chocolate fondue bar, and prizes awarded to the best Kentucky Derby hats in the crowd. The event is expected to sell out, so buy your tickets in advance. Sat, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sun, 1–4 p.m. $35 at door; $10 for designated drivers. 65 Front St, Patterson; 845.278.7272; find them on Facebook.
