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

Didi Barrett (Hammertown Customer & Candidate for State Senate) with Joan Osofsky. Photo by B. Docktor (see all photos from the party here)

It seemed like everyone turned up for what is becoming the Harbinger of Autumn Event in our part of Dutchess County.  (Click here to see Dan Shaw’s story & photos on Rural Intelligence) And everyone was clearly in a festive and generous mood.

In total the event raised over $26,000 for Berkshire Taconic’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund which provides critical emergency assistance for families in our local area.  These funds help people in desperate situations to get through until things turn around for them.

Food and Drink were provided by these fantastic local businesses:

• The Stissing House (Pine Plains)
• Amazing Real Live Food (Pine Plains)
• Agriturismo (Pine Plains)
• No. 9 (Millerton)
• Job Yacubian of The Farmer’s Wife (Ancramdale)
• The Greens at Copake Country Club (Copake)
• The Pines Inn (Pine Plains)
• Magnolia Bakery (NYC)
• Rosenthal Wine Merchants (Shekomeko)

And talented photographer, B. Docktor, snapped some incredible photos of the event.  Click here to see all of them!

]]> http://www.hammertown.com/2010/10/the-hammertownberkshire-taconic-benefit-a-fabulous-fun-evening-for-all/feed/ 0 http://www.hammertown.com/2009/05/edible-hudson-valley-magazine/ http://www.hammertown.com/2009/05/edible-hudson-valley-magazine/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 16:41:12 +0000 Joan http://www.hammertown.com/?p=7708 In a time when many big newspapers and magazines are folding or shrinking, Edible Hudson Valley is an innovative breath of fresh (and sustainable) air!

If you’re  passionate about food…about where it comes from…how to prepare it…where you can find it…this is a magazine you’ll want to read cover to cover.  Focusing on the local and seasonal foods of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, this quarterly magazine’s stated mission is to be “the definitive guide to discovering and enjoying food… across ten counties that stretch from the Catskills south along the river’s banks to the cliffs of The Palisades”.  That’s a tall order but if the premiere issue is any indication, I think they just might be able to do it.

The magazine is beautifully designed with wonderful photographs and content promoting  community and sustainable living.   It’s filled with  information about local markets, restaurants, educational programs, farmers’ market locations and wonderful recipes using local, seasonal foods.  The first issue also happens to feature three of our local favorites:

• The Red Devon (in Bangall NY)
• Rory Chase & Peter Destler of The Amazing Real Live Food Co. (those yummy cheeses we sell here at the Barn)
• Wild Hive Cafe in Clinton Corners (read Edible Hudson Valley article here)

Edible Hudson Valley is part of Edible Communities, Inc. — a network of award winning magazines which celebrates local foods season by season.  Co-founded by Tracey Ryder and Carol Topalian, this publishing and information services company is committed to creating editorially rich, community-based, local-foods publications in distinct culinary regions throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

“Through our publications, supporting websites, and events, we connect consumers with family farmers, growers, chefs, and food artisans of all kinds. We believe that every person has the right to affordable, fresh, healthful food on a daily basis and that knowing where our food comes from is a powerful thing.  We are a for-profit, member-driven corporation – individuals who own our publications are local-foods advocates and residents of the communities they publish in – a business model that not only supports our values, but also preserves the integrity of our member publications and the communities we serve.”

You can pick up copies of Edible Hudson Valley at Hammertown Barn in Pine Plains or click here for other locations.

Check out these websites for more information -

To find out more about Edible Hudson Valley, click here:
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/hudsonvalley/

To subscribe, click here:
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/hudsonvalley/index.php?/subscribe/subscribe-to-hudson-valley.htm

Keep looking here for updates of our favorite local providers of everything in our area…painters, plumbers, massage therapists, restaurants and clothing…you name it.  When we say support your local community, we mean everyone!

This week featuring –

• (NEW!) Wild Hive Farm, Bakery & Cafe – The word is out on this wonderful cafe in Clinton Corners! Rural Intelligence has written it up; my good friends, Barry and Rosey Lyons Chase raved about it; and my son, who knows Don Lewis, the proprietor and long time Union Square Green Market veteran, told me to get there and check it out. And, now I’ve been there and I’m saying it’s wonderful!! Read more…

• Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Extended at the Stissing House.   Call them for details 518.398.8800
  

• Caroline Phipps http://www.carolinephipps.com , Health Counselor;  Helping each of us become our “better” self through diet and nutrition and exercise.  Caroline is located in the Pine Plains area and offers complimentary local consultations.  Sign up for her monthly newsletter – “RESPECT YOURSELF: BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE” mailto:caroline@carolinephipps.com

• Mobile Massage Studio, Susanna Churton R.N. & LMT.  Have Table, Will Travel.  Everyone deserves a massage!  Check out our blog here…

• Herondale Farm, Ancramdale, NY. 90 Wiltsie Bridge Road
  Ancramdale, NY 12503.  info@herondalefarm.com.  Committed to raising livestock in an environment of sustainable agriculture.   Their livestock and pastures are all certified organic.   Chicken, beef and pork.   Email them to find out where you can buy or when their farm store is open.   Find out more about them on their website…and check out their recipes.  They are good. Their chickens are served at The Stissing House and Red Devon.

• Ixl Health & Fitness, 3667 Route 9G, Rhinebeck, NY  845 876-4100.  The gym of choice for the girls at Hammertown…Rhonda, Beth and Jessica…and you all look great!! They love the gym, the spin class, and the trainers.  Check it out.

]]> http://www.hammertown.com/2009/02/join-us-in-supporting-our-local-economy/feed/ 1 http://www.hammertown.com/2009/01/the-rhinecliff-deluxe-re-deux/ http://www.hammertown.com/2009/01/the-rhinecliff-deluxe-re-deux/#comments Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:36:22 +0000 Auntie M http://www.hammertown.com/?p=4607 We’d been hearing great things about the recently renovated Rhinecliff Hotel & Restaurant for some time so both Joan and I were eagerly anticipating checking it out for our blog.

We arrived around dusk.  The Rhinecliff is at the very bottom of the street with only train tracks separating the hotel from the Hudson River.  Surrounded by a few inches of snow, the hotel looked warm and inviting as we got out of the car.  You could almost imagine what it must have looked like in the mid-1850s (it’s early hey days) to weary travelers as they got off the train.  The icy Hudson flowing past just on the other side of the tracks was a stark contrast to the comfort awaiting inside.

Entering through the Bar area we saw local regulars sitting at the Victorian oak bar, laughing with each other and the bartender.

Just beyond is the dining room.  Both rooms are comfortable yet stylish with a brassierre kind of feel using lots of warm wood tones with a fireplace at one end and a view of the Hudson from the windows.

James Chapman, one of the two British-born brothers who own The Rhinecliff, greeted us.  James and his brother, David, fell in love with the old (and infamous) Rhinecliff Hotel not long before it finally became so dilapidated it had to close  its doors 2003.   They decided to take on the challenge (and expense) of restoring the hotel to its former glory.  Now 5 years and $5 million later, they have done it…beautifully.

- THE HOTEL -
Before we had dinner, James graciously gave us a tour of 2 of the 9 guest rooms.  No cookie-cutter design here!  Each room is unique and (this might sound like an oxymoron) luxuriously minimalist.  A simple white duvet on the kingsize bed, a crisply upholstered white chair looks clean and almost modern against the old worn brown of the wide-planked floors and wooden blinds…and there’s that Hudson River again!

One of the many interesting things about the renovation was that the  Chapman brothers decided to use old bits and pieces of the old hotel as clever features throughout the renovation.  For example, each bed is made out of saved timbers and beams from the old hotel so no two are the same; a sink countertop was made from a finished 3-inch thick slice of an old tree that had to be removed during demolition; a hanging piece of metal artwork behind the reception desk on the second floor had been a tangled chunk of fencing where the parking lot was now located.

And of course, EVERY room, including the large banquet room, has a balcony with a spectacular view of the mighty Hudson and on this particular night…a gorgeous sunset to boot!

(click photos to enlarge)

- THE RESTAURANT -
The dining room is really lovely yet very relaxed. The restaurant features the bounty of the Hudson Valley, cooked and served with classic European elegance and gusto.  A graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of America, The Rhinecliff’s Chef Rei Peraza has established himself as one of the country’s leading culinary stars.

Truthfully, there were so many things that sounded good on the menu for the day (which appears below) we had a hard time choosing. We started with Parsnip Chips with pink peppercorn salt.   Very tasty.  Crunchy and sweet and perfect to have with a cocktail or glass of wine before dinner.

Joan and I also shared a Winter Salad, made with chicory, frisee salad, black radishes and mustard vinaigrette.  Neither of us had ever had black radishes before.  They’re 3-4 inches in diameter and not as spicy as a regular radish.  Similar flavor to jicama and really delicious!

For my entree, I ordered the Grilled La Belle Rouge Chicken, served with preserved lemon vinaigrette, prosciutto, fried olives & sauteed tomatoes.  This was wonderfully moist, flavorful and perfectly seasoned!  The fried olives and prosciutto gave it a nice rich taste.  I was a little afraid the olives might overwhelm it but not at all.

Joan ordered the Shepherd’s Pie which was presented in its own cast iron dish.  The flavor was more complex than other shepherds pies either of us had experienced.  This one, made with beef short rib and cassis reduction had a delicate sweetness to it and the gruyere potato puree top was beautifully browned.  Perfection!  We both swore we were going to take half of our meals home with us…didn’t happen!

Our server (like the other employees at The Rhinecliff) are local residents who are friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.  In fact, one of the things James has stressed since he and his brother bought The Rhinecliff is that it was and should remain a functioning and affordable place for the town’s residents to go.   James used to live in New York City…he is now a full-time Rhinecliff resident and intends to remain so.  Now that’s “keeping it local”…something we really love at Hammertown.

In that local spirit they offer weekday specials like the Winter Wine Dinner series.  Last Wednesday was “Italian Extravaganza” which featured a three-course gourmet Italian dinner by Chef Rei, with amazing wine pairings (which alone were worth the $49.95 price).   Next up is “Robert Burns Supper – HAGGIS, Scotch & Ale tastings, live music” on February 8th, then of course, a very special menu for Valentine’s Day. They also have weekly Sunday Jazz Brunch.

Click here for more about The Rhinecliff’s  Banquet and Catering Services.

We loved The Rhinecliff Hotel & Restaurant and we hope you will too.   If you go make sure you tell them HAMMERTOWN SENT YOU!

Click to enlarge sample dinner menu

Here’s their info:

The Rhinecliff (Hotel, Restaurant & Catering)
4 Grinnell Street
Rhinecliff, NY  12574
Phone: 845.876.0590
Website: www.therhinecliff.com

Stissing House in Pine Plains, NY – (518) 398-8800 www.stissinghouse.com

Aurelia in Millbrook, NY – (845) 677-4720

The Bottle Tree in Ancram, NY (518) 329-0444   www.thebottletree.net

Manna Dew in Millerton, NY – (518) 789-3570  www.mannadew.com

Lia’s Mountainview in Pine Plains - (518) 398-7311 www.liasmountainview.com

The Red Devon in Bangal, NY – (845) 868-3175  www.reddevonrestaurant.com

Mercato in Red Hook, NY – (845) 758-5879

Rouge Restaurant & Bistro, West Stockbridge, MA – (413) 232-4111 www.rougerestaurant.com

Aroi Thai Restaurant in Rhinebeck – (845) 876-1114  www.aroirestaurant.com

Gigi’s Trattoria in Rhinebeck – (845) 876-1007 www.gigitrattoria.com

Arielle Bistro in Rhinebeck – (845) 876-5666   www.ariellebistro.com

The Rhinecliff Hotel in Rhinecliff, NY  – (845) 876-0590 www.therhinecliff.com/dining.html

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

The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA – (413) 298-5545  www.redlioninn.com/rli/dining.html

Cafe Adam in Gt. Barrington, MA – (413) 528-7786   www.cafeadam.org/

Local 111 in Philmont, NY – (518) 672-7801  www.local111.com/

Swoon Kitchenbar in Hudson, NY – (518) 822-8938   www.swoonkitchenbar.com/

I am thrilled to announce that the Stissing House in Pine Plains is going to be open for lunch on Sundays. Michel and Patricia Jean, former owners of Provence Restaurant in the Village, have been at the Stissing House for a few years now. The atmosphere is so welcoming and the food is as comforting. Last night I had a wonderful bowl of French Onion Soup and the Trout Grenobloise entree…just perfect!

The Stissing House is not just a restaurant…it’s an early 19th century hotel that has been restored to a simple elegance that allows you a real escape for an hour or two from all the craziness around us.

The Sunday Brunch menu offers fun, French food like Fondue as well as Escargots, Pan-Seared Confit Leg and Terrine Maison plus more traditional items like Eggs Benedict, Omelets and Organic Burgers — whatever you choose, you’ll feel transported to a charming Provencal bistro in minutes. C’est Délicieux!

Then complete your Sunday with a drive to Hammertown Barn in Pine Plains…just a mile East of Stissing House.  What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon…some fondue, a glass of wine and some holiday shopping. Please visit Stissing House.  Introduce yourself to the staff and let them know you’re on the Sunday Hammertown Road trip.   And, don’t forget, their dinners are great too!

Eggplant Parmigiana

I moved to Pine Plains over 25 years ago, and that is when I began eating at Lia’s.  A few times a month, it was a family meal for us. Gregg loved the Penne ala vodka, Dana would always order a shrimp cocktail…and ravioli or share my favorite, Eggplant Parmigiana, with me.   And the tradition continued.  I remember the first time we brought Jamey, my son-in-law to dinner there…it was like bringing him home to the family. And, it was the same the first time we brought Lillie, my granddaughter, to eat there.

Nick & Joan

So, when my friends Bonnie and Mary and I visited Lia’s last Thursday night it was once again a little trip down memory lane for me…and for Bonnie.  She’s been going to Lia’s for almost as many years as I have.  Nick Mirto, the family chef, came out to say hello to all of us.

Sun-dried Tomato Crusted Chicken

Chicken Piccata

Nick has created some incredible dishes (aside from my eggplant parmigiana).  Bonnie loves Nick’s Chicken Picatta — it’s not on the menu but he’ll make it for her; Mary said her usual favorite is the Chicken Vivace (which she says she dreams about sometimes) but thought she’d try something new.  Thursday night features a Complete 3-Course Dinner Special for only $15 which Mary got.  One of the entrees was Sun-dried Tomato Crusted Chicken w/thyme cream sauce and she went for it “like a duck on a June bug” (that’s her quote, not mine).  All of the very generously-sized entrees (we each had enough for lunch the next day) are served with salad … ask for the honey mustard dill dressing.  Everything was absolutely ….delicioso!!

Eating at the Mountain View is special…it’s real, it’s authentic….and, like other things in ones’ life, is a place that will always bring back memories of good times, good food, and the great people at this very special restaurant. If you haven’t eaten at Lia’s Mountain View…start now and begin creating your own memories.

Weekly specials: Tuesday – Prime Rib (with mashed potatoes, veggies and salad); Wednesday – Pasta Night, all you can eat (with salad and garlic bread); Thursday – Complete Dinner (with soup, salad, choice of 3 entrees, coffee & dessert); Sunday – 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner (with soup or salad, choice of appetizer & entree).

Check out their website: www.liasmountainview.com for more information