More “Food Finds” in the Hudson Valley…
Joan had been hearing about the Red Devon Restaurant and Market in Bangall, NY for some time so she thought we should go check it out for lunch. And of course, that’s what we did.
Many of you might have known the Stage Stop Restaurant in Bangall — a large rustic country restaurant and pub. It was known for large portions and an extensive James Cagney memorabilia collection (the actor owned a farm just down the road). Stage Stop closed several years ago and was subsequently purchased by Julia & Nigel Widdowson of Millbrook, NY. The Widdowson’s are very active in land conservation and environmental advocacy and in fact, own a small herd of Devon beef cattle raised strictly on grass…thus the new restaurant’s name. Their transformation of the Stage Stop — in look, cuisine and intention — is extraordinary.
We spoke with Red Devon restaurant manager, Kelley Jefferson, who is a product of the Culinary Institute. She explained the restaurant’s commitment to being an environmentally responsible business by using only locally-grown and seasonal ingredients in their food preparation. We also learned that the physical renovation was “green” as well. Local carpenters used old local barn wood to create a new dining room; refrigerators are in the basement to save energy and water is cooled geothermally.
Gardens behind the restaurant will supplement produce provided by local organic growers and Herondale Farm in Ancram will be one of several farms (including the Widdowson’s) which will supply humanely-raised chicken, beef, pork and lamb.
Now…about the food in the Cafe… It’s fabulous! We had the Red Devon Chili…it comes topped with Grafton Cheddar and Creme Fraiche. The spicyness is just right with a nice soft and slow burn at the end that doesn’t make you sweat or cry. Not a surprise when we learned that Chef, Jim Jennings (formerly of Bois d’Arc in Red Hook), is a Texas native with an impressive resume. We had gorgeous green salads that were incredibly fresh and the bread…well that’s another great surprise. The BREADS! Their pastry chef, also from the Culinary Institute, makes EVERYTHING right there…fresh daily. From Bagels to Brioche; from Challah to Quiche to Cookies to Desserts….oh my!
Currently, only the Cafe Market is open. Breakfast is served from 8 am – 11 am weekdays (all day on weekends) and Lunch, weekdays from 11 am – 3 pm.
The Market (open from 8 am – 6 pm) carries all sorts of food specialties and their own soups (and chili!), roasted chicken, pot pies, etc. are available for takeout. The Cafe Market is closed on Wednesdays.
The main restaurant is expected to open by May and you can be sure Joan and I will be making another trip to Bangall then!!
Click the link below for more about The Red Devon…
http://www.abouttown.us/dutchess/articles/winter07/reddevon.shtml
Red Devon Restaurant & Market 108 Hunns Lake Rd. Bangall, NY 12506 (845) 868-3175
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My best friend and I will be in the area July 21 or 22. We would like to have at least one lunch and dinner with you.
Do you still have any of the James Cagney memorabilia?