Tacos at La Cabañita
763 Main St, Poughkeepsie, 845.452.7544
Since 2003, this family-owned, casual Poughkeepsie spot has been religiously churning out traditional Oaxacan food, so it’s only fitting that it relocated its operation to a 100-year-old church. After more than a year renovating the space, the Pinelo-Cardena family finally reopened La Cabañita’s doors with a revamped menu. There are lots of great options from mole to tamales, but at three for $9, the tacos stole our hearts. Al pastor and fish tacos must be ordered as a set, which fans surely won’t mind; but those looking to mix things up can put together their trifecta as desired: carnitas, tinga (shredded chicken), beef tongue, chorizo, and steak. Stop in from 4-6 p.m. during the workweek, and tacos drop to $2 a pop. La Cabañita is closed on Tuesdays.
Salmon at Lis Bar / Photo by Lis Bar @lisbarkingston
Steelhead Salmon Steak at Lis Bar
240 Foxhall Ave, Kingston, 845.514.2350
We did it, everyone. Winter has come and gone, now we can celebrate with all of the new seasonal menus cropping up at restaurants throughout the Hudson Valley. On April 4, Lis unveiled its newest offerings, and we’ve been digging them. Beet pasta and a slew of new cocktails number among the recent additions, but the crowd favorite has been the steelhead salmon steak. Steelhead, which is actually a species of rainbow trout that behaves like a salmon, has a flavor that falls somewhere between these two fish. Livened up with a fresh dill cream sauce, the steaks are cooked until crisp and rounded out with sliced asparagus and crunchy, puffed wild rice. Enjoy them on a warm evening at Lis Bar’s outdoor patio.
Mother’s Day Treats at Caked Up Café
40 S Main St, New City, 845.499.2929
Well-known for crafting wildly creative desserts (chicken and waffle cupcakes, anyone?) and providing sweets to all kinds of celebrities (Rihanna and Alex Rodriguez, among others), this Rockland County bakery has got the baked goods for mom this month. Surprise her with a box of assorted breakfast treats or go straight for the gold with a few chocolate raspberry croissant muffins. Of course, Caked Up does custom orders — something parents celebrating their college student’s graduation later this month will also want to keep in mind.
Crispy Garlic Spareribs at McKinney and Doyle
10 Charles Colman Blvd, Pawling, 845.855.3875
This is one of those “Need we say more?” types of dishes, except that we actually do need to say more, because these pork ribs are tossed in a peach glaze and served with Brussels sprout kimchi. Sweet and spicy with just a little bit of crunch, they’re part of McKinney and Doyle’s new seasonal menu which rolls on May 15 — you might want to make reservations now.
Ice Cream at Stewart’s Shops
Various locations
If you only know Stewart’s as a gas station, you are sorely missing out. Ice cream fans know that this local chain has some of the richest ice cream around and at an affordable price, too. The selection of flavors prioritizes standards like mint chocolate chip and Death by Chocolate done right. Last month, stores rolled out the limited edition spring flavors with gems like Cookie Dough Rumble. Don’t bother digging for chunks of frozen dough in this one, however. This twist on a classic features cookie dough-flavored ice cream with chocolate cookie crumb swirls. Order a sundae, then dress up your scoops with as many toppings as you’d like.
