Bagel Sandwich at Kingston Bread Lab
Kingston
Based out of Rough Draft Bar & Books, this micro-bakery has developed a fervent following for its small-batch, naturally leavened breads and bagels even though it is only open on Saturdays. Each bagel is hand rolled, boiled, and baked by the KBL team, which uses flavors that range from everything, sesame, poppy, and plain to specials like za’atar.
Bagels are available by the dozen, but the real deal is sandwiches like The Sussman, a concoction of pastrami lox, pickled kohlrabi (made in house), and scallion cream cheese. Other standouts include whitefish salad and, of course, egg sandwiches. And don’t worry about sleeping in: pickup doesn’t start until 9 a.m.
Ramen Tuesday at Commissary!
New Paltz
On Tuesdays, this vegan café from the folks behind Lagusta’s Luscious serves ramen and transforms from Commissary! into Ramissary! The clever creations vary each week, but no matter which ingredients they include, the bowls are always beautiful and full of flavor thanks to additions like house-made hot sauce, smoked tahini broth, fried seaweed, fresh corn, and so much more. Even those who are gluten-free can indulge with brown rice ramen noodles.
Risotto of the Day at Barbaro
Millbrook
Powered by the same team behind Cucina in Woodstock and Market Street in Rhinebeck, relative newcomer Barbaro has been serving reliable Italian cuisine in Millbrook since November 2018. As the cold weather sets in, the restaurant’s risotto is one of the best ways to warm up.
Creamy, aromatic, and filling, the dish is never dull with recent preparations like scallops with tomato, local Espelette chilis, and chorizo, for a little Basque influence.
Pizza at Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company
Catskill
Voted “Best Restaurant in Greene County” by readers in our 2019 Best of Hudson Valley Awards, Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company offers a vast selection of Italian fare, pub food, and brews. But without a doubt the victory is at least in part due to the pizzas, which come in classic combinations like chicken, bacon, ranch and roasted peppers, and tomato with spinach and portobellos.
Don’t sleep on the specials either — breakfast pizza with scrambled eggs and cheeseburger pie keep things interesting.
Donuts at Cider Belly Doughnuts
Albany
Yes, yes, we know — apple cider donuts are all the rage this time of the year (have you checked out our list of the best ones around?), but why not take them to the next level? Capital Region favorite Cider Belly Doughnuts features an astounding selection of dolled-up donuts like The Venetian, an apple cider donut with cappuccino glaze, and The Mutha’ Pucker, a vanilla cake doughnut with lemon glaze.
Aside from the daily selection, Cider Belly also has more than 300 flavors that rotate in and out of its cases, so no two trips will be alike.
