If the restaurants listed don’t have a website we’re providing a phone number.  Otherwise, just click the restaurant’s name for information about reservations, hours, location & phone number. An asterisk (*) means there’s a review of the restaurant right here on our website.

DUTCHESS COUNTY

Pine Plains Area

Pine Plains Platter - Chef Kelley Jefferson, along with Irene and Jack Banning took over the old Mountain Cow Cafe in Pine Plains in December and within days it was already getting “rave” reviews. Delicious breakfasts…great sandwiches & soups…the best coffee around and terrific take home dinners that make you wonder “why bother cooking at all?” (open 7am-3pm, 7 days a week)

Agriturismo in Pine Plains. Mark Strausman’s (of Fred’s Restaurant in Barney’s NY) popular new farm-to-table restaurant in Pine Plains.  ONLY open on Friday and Saturday nights (reservations suggested) and all-day Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m, serving pretty much anything you might desire. (Rural Intelligence Review)

Stissing House in Pine Plains, NY.  Owners Michel & Patricia Jean (formerly of the Soho bistro “Provence”) have brought a touch of the South of France to the Hudson Valley.  Located in the beautifully renovated 18th century landmark inn  – it’s a local favorite for either romantic dining in  front of one the many fireplaces or a relaxed evening in the historic tavern.

*Lia’s Mountainview in Pine Plains (our review).  Authentic southern Italian cuisine rules at this family-owned restaurant.  A favorite of locals and weekenders alike.  (“The only restaurant in the area that I have loved consistently for 26 years. — Joan) 

*The Red Devon in Bangall, NY – The “greenest” farm to table restaurant in the Hudson Valley.  (Our bar menu review) and  (Our brunch review)

*Wild Hive Bakery & Cafe - Clinton Corners, NY (Our review)

Another Fork in the Road – Milan, NY (Rural Intelligence Review)

Red Hook – Rhinebeck – Hudson River

*Mercato Osteria - Red Hook, NY.  If you ask me…the best, most authentic Italian food you can find in the Hudson Valley (Our review)

Gigi’s Trattoria - Rhinebeck, NY.  A Hammertown (and Bill Clinton!) favorite in Rhinebeck.

Terrapin in Rhinebeck, NY

Aroi Thai Restaurant -  Rhinebeck, NY

Arielle Bistro in Rhinebeck, NY

Calico in Rhinebeck, NY

Sabroso in Rhinebeck, NY

*The Rhinecliff Hotel Restaurant – Rhinecliff, NY (Our review of the Rhinecliff)

Flat Iron - Red Hook, NY

Elephant Wine Bar in Kingston, NY.  Cozy, modern Spanish tapas bar (Best of Hudson Valley 2009).

American Bounty Restaurant at Culinary Institute - Hyde Park, NY

Millerton Area

No. 9 in Millerton, NY from the former owners of The Bottle Tree (Check out review from Rural Intelligence)

*Manna Dew Cafe & Wine Bar - Millerton, NY (Our review)

Oakhurst Diner in Millerton, NY.  The old Millerton Diner on the main drag has been transformed.  Combining “cool” with “comfort” these smart new owners are featuring old diner favorites with a new twist. Phone: (518) 592-1313 (Review from Rural Intelligence)

Irving Farm – Millerton, NY

Taro’s – Millerton, NY (great pizza!) Phone: (518) 789-6630

*Aurelia in Millbrook, NY – (Our review of Aurelia)

Serevan – Amenia, NY

COLUMBIA COUNTY

The Farmer’s Wife in Ancramdale, NY at Rt. 3 & 82 (518) 329-5431 – popular for breakfasts, take-out & catering

Blue Plate in Chatham, NY (Rural Intelligence Review)

The Greens, Copake Country Club, Copake NY (read our review)

Baba Louie’s - Hudson, NY (R.I. Review)

Swiss Hütte – Hillsdale, NY (R.I. Review)

Local 111 -  Philmont, NY (R.I. Review)

Swoon Kitchenbar – Hudson, NY (R.I. Review)

Miller’s Tavern - West Taghkanic, NY  920 Rt. 82 (near Taconic Pkwy).  (518) 851-7230 – Friendly, neighborhood tavern/restaurant (at the same location as the old Wooden Nickel.)

BERKSHIRE COUNTY – MA

The Old Mill in South Egremont, MA – (413) 528-1421 (Rural Intelligence Review)

John Andrews Restaurant - Egremont, MA (Rural Intelligence Review)

Cafe Adam - Gt. Barrington, MA (Rural Intelligence Review)

Aegean Breeze – Gt. Barrington, MA (Rural Intelligence Review)

Baba Louie’s – Gt. Barrington, MA (Rural Intelligence Review)

Route 7 Grill – Gt. Barrington, MA – Our Hammertown G.B. manager, Danielle, loves this place (great barbecue!).  On Route 7, South of Gt. Barrington.

Rouge Restaurant & Bistro – West Stockbridge, MA

Red Lion Inn Restaurant - Stockbridge, MA (Rural Intelligence Review-Courtyard)

*Bombay Bar & Grill - Lee, MA (Our review) (Rural Intelligence Review)

Dream Away Lodge – Becket, MA (fun, funky & fabulous)

LITCHFIELD COUNTY CT

Falls Village Inn  – Falls Village, CT  “all that it should be…an authentic gathering place for locals and visitors…warm and welcoming…with simple, fresh and local food and drink.(read our entire review)

Black Rabbit Bar & Grill – in Lakeville, CT is the latest restaurant to occupy this space (last tenants were Chives & Cafe Giulia) Unfussy casual menu.  Great burgers and a great bar.

LeLaurentis Brasserie - Lakeville, CT. (NEW)  “When was the last time you went to a French bistro where the most expensive entrée was $20…If you still relish the cuisine of Julia Child, you will be very happy here.” (Rural Intelligence Review)

Cafe Giulia – Now at 329 Main St. in Lakeville.  New favorite of locals and weekenders alike. Owner/Chef Robert Willis was most recently chef at Manna Dew Cafe in Millerton.  A warm, friendly restaurant with a definite Italian flair.   (Rural Intelligence Review)

Country Bistro – Salisbury, CT.  Phone: 860.435.9420.  Charming bistro in Salisbury.  Delicious soups, sandwiches and entrees with a French twist.

The Woodland - Lakeville, CT.  Phone: 860.435.0578  One of the most consistently good (and crowded) restaurants in the area.

Chaiwalla – 1 Main Street, Salisbury, CT 860.435.9758‎  peaceful atmosphere, wonderful light fare, great art exhibits and of course great tea. A perfect Saturday or Sunday afternoon.(read more…)

Pastorale Bistro & Bar - Lakeville, CT

Like many of you, I love food and I really enjoy going to a great restaurant.  So, it’s with a real sense of delight that I’ve been noticing what’s been going on in and around Pine Plains.  Over that last few years it seems more and more local restaurants are working in close harmony with local farms in our area.  The farm-to-table movement is clearly one that’s resonating with both “foodies” and food providers in this part of the Hudson Valley.

The whole area around Pine Plains is dotted with farms that provide organic and/or sustainably grown products to local restaurants; Sol Flower Farm, Herondale Farm and Chaseholm Farm to name just a few.  From beets to beef; from cheese to chicken, restaurants around here don’t have to go more than a few miles to find the best produce available…we’ve got it all right here!  In conversations with local restaurants owners like Mark Strausman (Agriturismo), Patricia & Michel Jean (The Stissing House), Job Yacubian (The Farmer’s Wife), Julia Widdowson (Red Devon), Tim Cocheo (No. 9) and most recently, Charlie Norman (Mountain Cow), this is clearly something they have embraced with delicious results.

So where is Yountville you may ask?  It’s smack dab in the middle of California’s Napa Valley and is the home of the famous French Laundry restaurant.  It’s a small town with about the same population as Pine Plains, located in a beautiful valley and about the same distance as Pine Plains is from the nearest big city.  After the French Laundry made their mark, more great restaurants came: Ad Hoc (same owner as French Laundry), Bouchon and Domaine Chandon.  As one California magazine put it: “To stroll downtown Yountville today is to thumb through the pages of a Zagat guide.”

Of course, we’re not Yountville yet.  The Slow Food, Farm-to-Table and Sustainable Farming movements are still developing their roots here in our area but I’m telling you, as long as we continue to support these restaurants and local farmers, I’ve got a really good feeling about where all of this is going.

Remember…you heard it here first!

Click here to see an example of local farm sources for Red Devon!

Jerry and his wife, Iva, moved to our area 7 years ago from NYC after spending only weekends here for several years. Like so many of us, they dreamt of being able to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and create a sustainable life in the country. Not everyone is able to do it but the Peele’s have…and with great success!

Herondale Farm is a well-respected mixed livestock certified organic farm and is one of a very few “pasture-based” farms in our area.

“It was a dairy farm and we have gradually transformed the barns and pastures to accommodate the new inhabitants—our British White and Murray Grey cattle, our Berkshire and Berkshire cross pigs and our Cornish cross rock chickens (along with a motley crew of guinea hens and laying chickens who patrol for flies and ticks). We like to raise healthy and happy animals, who spend as much time as they want in the pastures… In essence we are trying to turn back the clock—to produce meat and poultry that tastes as good as it did several decades ago before farms got turned into factories…
Our chickens are a seasonal business, from spring through late fall, to ensure that they have grass as a big part of their diet. The pigs have access to the barn in the winter to stave off the cold, and they eat a lot of alfalfa baleage in the winter as well as an organic grain and soy mix. For the rest of the year they are rooting up marginal fields or woodlots. And the cows graze the fields as long as the grass grows, after which they enjoy the alfalfa baleage and hay that we put up for the winter.”  — Jerry Peele

Herondale’s Farm Store is open all day on weekends BUT if you call or go to the farm and ring the buzzer…someone will always be available to help you.

In addition to meats, Herondale has also teamed up with Andy Szymanowicz of Sol Flower Farm (a CSA) to provide fresh, seasonal, flowers and organic produce for the farm store…apples, carrots, cabbage, chard, kale, squash, arugula and Brussels sprouts are still available fresh from the fields.  And, they carry local honey from Kathy Blackshaw at Pine Hill Farm.

Store Manager, Christine Herrington, introduced me to a few of the happy animals at the farm. They really are happy and content and treated with care.  Christine told me that even when they load cattle to move them to a different pasture…they’re never prodded or hit… “How would you like it if someone slapped your butt like that?”, Christine said with a smile. “With some gentle leading they eventually go where you want them to go.”

A guilty carnivore, I left the farm feeling better about eating organic meat but worse about the fact that I often unknowingly (and knowingly) support corporate factory-farms.  It’s sometimes hard to avoid buying meat that is raised inhumanely but with Herondale Farm right in my own backyard, it’s now hard to come up with a good excuse to keep doing it.

Click here to see a great article on how to avoid factory-farm food.

Herondale Farm
90 Wiltsie Bridge Rd
Ancramdale, NY 12503-5112
(518) 329-3769
www.herondalefarm.com

[click photos to enlarge]

This riveting film is a cautionary tale that connects the dots with an upbeat style and skillfully untangles the twisted knot of farm policy, lobbying, engineering, and corporate greed that has drastically altered the landscape of American farming and the food we so readily consume.

Where food comes from is especially important to many of us here in the Hudson Valley where farming is a way of life for so many.  We’ve been on the buy/grow/eat local band-wagon at Hammertown for a long time and we’re hoping this film might help to alter the way everyone thinks about food and where it comes from.  Check out the film’s website…sign their petition to support healthy food choices now!

Food, Inc. will be at Upstate Films in mid-July.  If you live in the Berkshire area, Food, Inc. is currently playing in Gt. Barrington at Triplex Cinema. (click for showtimes)

- SATURDAY –

Morning: Load your bikes on the car.  Head over to Millerton to have breakfast or just pick up a cup of coffee or Latte at Irving Farm to take with you as you stroll through the Millerton Farmers Market (from 9 am – 1pm).   There’s a fantastic assortment of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, organic meats and cheeses and more.  Also make sure you check out our new Hammertown “showroom” in the Gilded Moon Framing shop a few doors down from Irving Farm on Main Street.  Unload your bikes and hit the trail…the Harlem Valley Rail Trail for an hour or so.  (Trailhead is located between Taro’s and Harney Tea)

Afternoon: Take a drive northwest over to Gallatin for a visit to Coach Farm.  They don’t give tours anymore but you CAN watch them milk the goats at 3 pm everyday.  If goats aren’t your thing head south instead for a visit and tour of any one of these 3 Dutchess County wineries:

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
26 Wing Rd., Millbrook. 800-662-WINE.
Farm winery and vineyard with views of the Hudson Valley. Nationally  recognized wines, Chardonnay, Tocai Friulano, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Tours and tastings daily, June–Aug, 11am–6pm.
Visit: www.MillbrookWine.com

Cascade Mountain Winery & Restaurant
835 Cascade Mountain Rd., Amenia. 845-373-9021.
A farm winery with tours and tastings, award winning wines and a critically acclaimed restaurant. Visit: www.CascadeMt.com

Clinton Vineyards & Winery
450 Schultzville Rd., Clinton Corners. 845-266-5372.
Picturesque farm winery and vineyard, acclaimed estate-bottled white wines, champagne, cassis and dessert wines.
Tours and tastings year round. Visit: www.ClintonVineyards.com

Evening – Dinner in Amenia
For Dad’s who love a great steak in warm, relaxed and friendly surroundings the De La Vergne Restaurant in Amenia is the place to go (located at the top of De La Vergne Hill on Route 44 between Amenia & Millbrook).  Delicious food, attentive service and generous portions make this a favorite of locals & weekenders alike.  (reservations suggested – call 845.373.9972)  Visit:  www.thedelavergne.com for more information.

Serevan, just down the hill from De La Vergne, would be the choice for Dad’s preferring something a little more formal & eclectic.  Featuring Mediterranean & Middle Eastern inspired dishes, Serevan was called a Mediterranean Oasis by Chronogram Magazine and was also named one of the top ten restaurants in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine .  (reservations suggested – call 845.373.9800) or Visit:  www.serevan.com

- SUNDAY -

Morning: A hearty Brunch at the Red Devon in Bangall, NY.

Morning/Afternoon: Book a Tee Time for Dad (and for youself if you play*) for a round of Golf at Copake Country Club (518.325.4338). In fact, they have a special Father’s Day offer – A free cigar or cocktail for all Fathers, as well as free greens fees for all dads if their sons and/or daughters play a round with them. Then be sure to make a reservation at the club’s restaurant, the Greens, for dinner (call 518.325.0019).   Technically, Copake is in Columbia County but this public course is so gorgeous (overlooking Copake Lake with the Berkshires in the distance), challenging and fun… and restaurant is so good… we had to make an exception! 

Late Afternoon/Evening: Meet Dad back at the Copake Country Club.  Have a drink out on the deck overlooking the golf course before dinner and relive that birdie he got on the 8^th hole (and the 35% you got off that fabulous Alex Sofa you special ordered at Hammertown)!

Dinner at The Greens. You might not have heard of this restaurant but it really is very good.  Anyone familiar with John Andrews Restaurant in Egremont, MA will appreciate the fact that their former Chef, Glenn Strickling, is now creating equally wonderful American cuisine at The Greens.  Entrees ranging from Pan Roasted Strawberry Grouper, to Slow Roasted Bar-B-Q Baby Back Ribs, to Saffron Risotto with Asparagus, Sugar Snap Peas, Grilled Shrimp & Shaved Parmesan make this a “must try” restaurant (and their Lunch and Bar Menu is terrific too!)  Check out the menu here:  www.copakecountryclub.com/dinner

*SUNDAY FOR THE NON-GOLFERS

Morning/Afternoon: Visit one or both of our Hammertown stores in Dutchess County  (Rhinebeck & the Barn in Pine Plains).  After visiting our Hammertown Rhinebeck store, take some time to stroll around the Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market and then drive over to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds for the Crafts Fair which features more than 300 of the finest juried artists and craftsmen from across the U.S.  Rain or shine, 10 am – 5 pm.  If you’re in our Pine Plains store, get over to Thompson Finch Farms in Ancram…the strawberries are perfect NOW!

Dinner (or Brunch) at Flat Iron in Red Hook, NY.  This new restaurant is north of Rhinebeck on Route 9 (7488 South Main St) in Red Hook. The menu offers steaks, seafood and a unique burger selection (like the duck burger: ground duck with a fried egg on top, sprinkled with duck cracklins.) Hudson Valley Magazine & Chronogram both loved this restaurant.  Flatiron uses the freshest locally grown produce available.  Whether you want a burger at the bar or a gourmet dinner, check it out. Visit their website for directions and menus:  www.flatironsteakhouse.com Phone: 845.758.8260

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• 3 TBS. soy sauce
• 1 TBS rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 5 TBL peanut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 TBL grated fresh ginger
• Pinch dried red chile flakes
• 6 oz. fresh shitake mushrooms, stemmed, cleaned and thinly sliced
• 2 TBL dry sherry (or dry white wine)
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 10 oz. spinach, stemmed, washed, and coarsely chopped
• 1 lb. dried orzo
• 2 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 lime, cut into small wedges

Directions:

1.   Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.   In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 2 TBL of the peanut oil.
2.   Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.   When the pan is hot, pour in 1 ½ TBL of the peanut oil and after a few seconds, add the garlic, ginger, and chile flakes.   Stir for 20 seconds, making sure that the garlic doesn’t burn.   Add the mushrooms and stir-fry until they soften, 2 to 3 minutes.    Add the sherry or wine and cook for another 30 seconds.   Season with salt and pepper and transfer mixture to a bowl.
3.   Reduce the heat to medium, heat the remaining 1 ½ TBL peanut oil in the pan, and add the onion.   Season with salt and then sauté, stirring often, until the onion is soft and slightly caramelized, 9 to 10 minutes.   Add the spinach, cover the pan, and steam, shaking the pan occasionally, until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.    Remove and discard the garlic from the mushrooms, put the mushrooms back in the pan, and toss.   Remove from the heat and season lightly with salt and pepper.   Reserve until needed.
4.   Cook the orzo in the boiling water until it’s just tender, about 9 minutes.   Drain it well and put it in a large bowl.  Add the mushroom mixture, soy vinaigrette, scallions, and sesame seeds (if using) and toss.  Taste and season.   Serve hot, warm , or at room temperature, with lime wedges to squeeze over the pasta.

Serves 8 to 10 as a side dish; or 4 as a light supper or lunch

Click here for printer-friendly recipe!

Visiting working farms, farmstands and farmers markets is a wonderful way to teach kids (and yourself) about where food comes from, how it’s grown and what happens to it after it leaves a farm.  We featured Columbia County farms and farmstands last week.  This week we’re focusing on Dutchess County.

Check out this Dutchess County Farm Fresh Guide (published by Dutchess County Tourism).  There are so many things to do and places to go that you and your entire family will enjoy.  The guide includes farms, restaurants, farmers markets, accomodations, art galleries and suggested itineraries.  Just click the image on the left.

With metropolitan New York within commuting distance, development pressure has increased dramatically in Dutchess county, and with that the effort to keep large areas of farmland available for agricultural use becomes more critical.  The good news is that the Dutchess Land Conservancy is reporting that as of now, they have successfully protected over 30,000 acres of farmland, wetlands, scenic views and wild life habitat.  Click the image to the right to see what land has already been protected and then visit Dutchess Land Conservancy to see how you can participate in protecting open spaces for future generations.

Things you can do right now…

• Buy produce from local farmstands or farmers markets when in season
• Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
• Meet farmers in your area so you know who’s growing your food
• Go to your grocery store and ask them to carry locally grown produce and fruit
• Eat foods in season
• AND, frequent restaurants that use local and/or organic ingredients.  Here are a few in Dutchess County that we know of.   If you have more to add to the list, just let us know.

Dutchess County Restaurants which Feature Local Ingredients

Gigi’s Trattoria – Rhinebeck, NY
Bread Alone – Rhinebeck, NY
Flat Iron – Red Hook, NY
Red Devon – Bangall, NY
Mercato – Red Hook, NY
Another Fork in the Road – Milan, NY
Stissing House – Pine Plains, NY
Serevan – Amenia, NY
The Rhinecliff Hotel Restaurant – Rhinecliff, NY
American Bounty Restaurant @ Culinary Institute – Hyde Park, NY
Wild Hive – Clinton Corners, NY
Madalin’s Table – Tivoli, NY

Of course there’s something universal about food — we all have to eat — but there’s also something wonderful going on right now, across the country and, in particular, here in the Hudson Valley.   It’s almost a celebration of local food.   There is a new curiosity about it:  Where to find good food,  why it tastes the way it does,  how it’s prepared…is it healthy and most importantly…where does it come from.

As you all know, we, at Hammertown, are big supporters of our local farms and farmers.  They have been instrumental in preserving our beautiful surroundings which remind us every day how blessed we are by nature and its bounty.   But, like most rural areas within a few hours of a large city, there is the constant threat of careless development that can change the rural character and economy of a place forever.   Right now in the U.S., every minute of every day, we lose two acres of agricultural land to development. Family farms in our area are disappearing while the demand for food (locally and globally) increases.   Yes, everyone’s using all the buzzwords and talking about sustainable & local and slow food but there is no local food without local farmland.

The good news is there are ways we can all help to preserve our farmland…to make sure Old MacDonald KEEPS his Farm.

One group that is determined to protect farmland across the entire country is American Farmland Trust. You might have seen their bumper stickers on the counter when checking out at Hammertown Barn: “NO FARMS NO FOOD”.   Another great local organization is the Columbia Land Conservancy.   You can also help to support local farming by buying Hudson Valley Fresh dairy products at your local grocery store (if you don’t see it…ask for it).   This time of year we can buy fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets.  We can also pick them or grow them ourselves.   There’s a lot we can do, we just have to do it.

This week we’re featuring local farms and farm products in Columbia County.   Click the link below or the image above for a map and listing of Farms & Farm Products  from the Columbia Land Conservancy.   It’s a great resource for finding local farms and produce in your area.

NEXT WEEK:  Dutchess County

Make a visit to a local farm or farmstand part of your weekend!

—————-

Yep…strawberry season is upon us.  Within the next week or so those luscious, sweet, red berries will be ready for picking.  There are lots of places to pick but OUR pick is Thompson Finch Farm in Ancram, NY.

Everyone loves Thompson Finch…including the very “picky” Martha Stewart.  These strawberries (as well as blueberries and raspberries later in the season) are not only delicious…they are also organic.  Read our blog from last June when we last visited Thompson Finch Farm for more details.  Check out Thompson Finch Farm’s website for more information as well.

This year…we’re suggesting you make a trip out of it…a  Road Trip.  On your way to or from picking strawberries at Thompson Finch Farm, here are some of our favorite stops for breakfast, lunch or brunch no matter where you’re coming from.   (Of course, at some point, we’re hoping you drop by Hammertown Barn in Pine Plains, for a little shopping!)

FROM THE NORTH:

• The Bottle Tree in Ancram.  Route 7 across from the Ancram Town Hall.  Phone 518.329.0444.  Open now on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm only.  Read our brunch review here.

FROM THE SOUTH:

• Red Devon in Bangall, NY.  Phone: 845.868.3175.  Go to their website for hours and directions.  Serving breakfast and lunch every day except Tuesday & Wednesday.  Read our brunch review here.
• Wild Hive in Clinton Corners.  Open Tuesday – Sunday, 9-5.    Read our review by clicking here.

FROM THE WEST:

• Another Fork in the Road in Milan, NY.  This is the newest hotspot in the area.  Route 199 about 1.5 miles west of the Taconic Parkway.  845.758.6676.  Open Thursday – Saturday and Monday: 7am – 2:30pm ; Sunday 8am- 3pm.  Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.  Read Rural Intelligence’s review here.
  
• Mountain Cow in downtown Pine Plains, NY.   518-398-0500.  Open for breakfast & lunch.  Joan’s pick for the best coffee around (it’s also Free Trade) AND they’ve got free wireless internet.

FROM THE EAST:

• Country Bistro in Salisbury, CT.  10 Academy St.  in Salisbury, CT (across from Best & Cavallero Real Estate) Phone: 860.435.9420.  Open for breakfast & lunch (and takeout).  Great cafe with a French flavor…wonderful sandwiches, soups and specials  (and wine).  No website.
• Irving Farm in Millerton, NY on the main drag.  Open everyday for breakfast & lunch and Fri/Sat until 10pm.  A favorite spot for all ages for coffee, sandwiches, salads, free internet and just plain hanging out.

HAVE FUN!!

Ingredients:

• 4 whole boneless &  skinless chicken breasts
• 2 green peppers, sliced thin
• 1 red pepper-sliced thin
• 1 red onion, sliced thin
• Juice of ½ lemon 1 tsp. salt
• 1 celery stalk, cut in half

Vinaigrette -

Blend together:

• 1 tsp. paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 TBL minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 1-1/4 cups olive oil
• ½ cup lemon juice

Directions:

1.   In a saucepan combine juice of  ½ lemon, salt and celery with about 3 cups of water (enough to cover chicken when added).   Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.   Add chicken, and poach for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until done.   Cool.
2.   Cut chicken…I cut diagonally into ½”  slices.
3.   Toss together the chicken, vegetables and vinaigrette.   Salt and pepper to taste.
4.   Serve chilled.