If you’ve ever wanted to try some of the Hudson Valley’s best restaurants, now is the time to do it. Starting this week through November 13, more than 200 local restaurants will be participating in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, a bi-annual event that includes three-course dinner menus for $29.95. With so many tantalizing options in the region, how ever will we choose?
Ramiro’s 954
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Why: To add a little Latin spice to your weeknight dining options, head over to Ramiro’s 954 for the area’s best Latin cuisine. “We try to create a unique experience,” said Chef Ramiro Jimenez. “We want to give diners a little bit of Latin culture and flair since there are not many other restaurants in the area like us.”
What You Need To Try: “My food is about flavors and textures,” Jimenez explained. “We offer a great variety.” To start, order the Empanadas de Picadillo – “my mother’s recipe,” said Jimenez. Next, choose the Carne Ropa Vieja (pictured above), a traditional Cuban dish featuring tender braised, shredded skirt steak with peppers and onions or the Pernil Con Mojito, a non-traditional serving of a classic Puerto Rican dish featuring slow braised pork shank with a tomatillo-avocado sauce and garlic mojo.
Ramiro’s 954
954 Rt. 6
​Mahopac, NY 10541
ramiros954.com
845-621-3333
Liberty Street Bistro
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Why: Opened just four months ago, Chef Mike Kelly is confident in his craft. “Hands down, we’re serving the best food in the area,” Kelly said. With delectable options such as Roasted Cauliflower Soup or Wild Mushroom Risotto, diners are in for a treat.
What You Need To Try: Kelly recommends starting with the “Bacon and Eggs” salad, cleverly named for the lardon and poached egg on top. The Pan Roasted Chicken (above) should be your next stop, with butter poached radishes and braised green lentils. For dessert, indulge in the warm Cornbread with house-made vanilla ice cream. “I think these dishes reflect the culinary skill and creativity of one of the finest kitchens in the Hudson Valley – they require finesse to execute,” Kelly said.
Liberty Street Bistro
97 Liberty Street
Newburgh, NY 12550
libertystreetbistro.com
845-562-3900
8 North Broadway
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Why: Overlooking the Hudson, 8 North Broadway is a Mediterranean restaurant drawing inspiration from locally sourced seafood, free-range beef, hormone-free lamb and poultry. “One of the main things that sets us apart is we really try to give our entire menu, or most of it, in a restaurant week fashion so diners can get a true feel about what experience we want to put forth,” said Chef and co-owner Constantine Kalandranis. Yummy offerings on their menu include Feta Cheese And Potato Croquettes with Harissa-Yogurt Aioli and House Made Lamb Dumplings.
What You Should Try: To start, Chef Kalandranis recommends the Mediterranean dips, accompanied by cured olives, pita and local cheeses (pictured). Moving on to the entrée, diners “have to try the Sizzling Spanish Octopus, one of our family favorites!” Kalandranis said. “The Oysters and Branzino also rock.”
8 North Broadway
8 N. Broadway
Nyack, NY 10960
8northbroadway.com
845-353-1200
Hudson House River Inn
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Why: Housed in an historic 1830s inn, Hudson House offers culinary comforts like Butternut Squash Ravioli and Spinach Lobster Mac and Cheese. “HVRW is the perfect time to revisit as a regular customer or try us and become a new one,” said Regina Bei, Vice President for the Bei Restaurant Group. “At Hudson House we have formulated HVRW menus that are a true reflection of our regular menus.”
What You Need To Try: Two of Hudson House’s classic appetizers make appearances on their HVRW menu – the Lobster Bisque and the Maryland Crab Cakes. “I always refer to these as guest cult favorites. They have been on our menu since day one so it is truly a treat for guests to be able to try them,” said Bei. For entrees, Bei recommends the Coriander Seared Sashimi Tuna or Chianti Braised Shortribs — they are “both divine”– but she has a hard time narrowing down selections, noting that all menu items are sure to please.
Hudson House River Inn
​2 Main Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
hudsonhouseinn.com
845-265-9355
