Hilltop Hanover farm: Pumpkin Day and Autumn Square dance on Saturday Oct. 22nd

October 21, 2016October 21, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights, NY will be hosting “Pumpkin Day” at the farm on Saturday October 22nd. The farm stand will be open and there will be pumpkin picking from 10am to 4pm and tours of the farm from 10am to 2pm. There will be a theatrical performance at 3pm called “Slightly Strange Fairy Tails”.

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Starting at 4:30 to 7 pm there will be a square dance at the farm (tickets required). The farm host a square dance with the band The Resonators and live caller, Liz Slade. The farm asks you to bring your own picnic dinner and have some fun. There will be a cash bar and a bake sale as well.

Tickets for the Square dance: $10 adults, Kids $5 (ages 5-18) . Reservations are required for the square dance.

Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center is a working crop farm and environmental educational facility and acts as a educational center teaching the methods of sustainable farming.

Come on out and enjoy the day at this beautiful farm.

For tickets and information :

http://www.hilltophanoverfarm.org

Hanover Hilltop Farm

1271 Hanover Street Yorktown Heights NY tel 914 962 2368

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Camelot: a fresh adaptation of the classic musical at Westport Country Playhouse

October 19, 2016October 19, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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The legendary musical “Camelot” featuring Tony Award winner Robert Sean Leonard is currently being staged at the Westport Country Playhouse in Westport Ct. The musical is based on the novel “The Once and Future King”by T.H. White, which retells the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The musical Camelot which opened on Broadway in 1960 and written by Lerner and Lowe starred Richard Burton, Julie Andrews and Robert Goulet. It was the recipient of four Tony Awards.

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The story involves King Arthur of England and his ascent to the throne. There he wants to create a new society of men, where differences are not settled by battle and war, but by courts of law. He wants to bring peace to the land and creates a brotherhood of Knights whose mission it is not to bring war but to spread out and do good and noble deeds. Camelot is born and with it is the idealism of a better world. It is in this setting that King Arthur meets and weds Guinevere, and later is joined by Sir Lancelot. It is this relationship that becomes a love triangle and threatens the very foundation of Camelot.

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The current production is a fresh and innovative look at the classic musical. The entire production has been streamlined from the original and the story moves along easily during the 2 hour performance. I have seen other productions of Camelot which are heavier and slower paced. This production seems lighter, fresh and breathes new life into this classic. Almost all the Lerner and Lowe songs are present in the production. As part of the thinning of the story, some of the better known characters such as Merlin are absent.

The performances by the actors are superb! Robert Sean Leonard as King Arthur is magnificent and it is no wonder he is the recipient of several Tony nominations and a Tony Award. He brings a bounty of emotion to the role which was felt by the audience especially at the end of Act 2. Britney Coleman is delightful as Guinevere, as her acting and amazing vocal talents light up the stage. Excellent performances were also given by the rest of the cast including Stephen Mark Lukas as Lancelot and Patrick Andrews as Mordred. A wonderful job by David Lee who adapted the book, and Mark Lamos for his direction. The cast was greeted by an enthusiastic standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance.

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Performances run through November 5th 2016.

for tickets and more information including videos:

http://www.westportplayhouse.org/

Westport Playhouse

25 Powers Court Westport Ct

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Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: A must see spectacular Hudson Valley event!

October 17, 2016October 17, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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This is a fantastic event that you must experience and will certainly get you in the Autumn spirit. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze has returned to historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton On Hudson. This is one of the country’s most extensive displays of lit Jack O’Lanterns.

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The grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor are transformed into a Halloween fantasy landscape with over 7000 lit and carved Jack O’Lanterns. Each one is hand carved It is an extraordinary sight.

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Upon entering under the lit arch you follow along the Pumpkin Promenade, and over the “Pumpkin Zee” Bridge, a lit marvel of craftsmanship. Under the bridge is a sea of underwater creatures all carved into pumpkins. Everywhere you look there is some new detail to admire. You pass an amazing sea serpent and enter the amazing “Pumpkin Planetarium” with its constantly changing light show.

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Your path wanders through such great creations as the circus train, Headless Horsemen display, witches and their cauldron, spiders, skeletons and so much more. The tour ends back near the Manor House itself which has been transformed into a dramatic backdrop for a constantly changing light show. This is really amazing and you must experience this event. See slide show below !!

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There is also a tent serving drinks and snacks and a tent filled with Blaze related gifts.

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Tickets: In advance only !! $20 adults ($25 Saturdays), $16 Children (3-17) ($20 on Saturdays) Under 3 free TICKETS ARE FOR SPECIFIC TIMES. See website (Below) for dates and time availability.

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Dates available: Nov. 3-6, 10-13, 19-20, 25-26

http://www.hudsonvalley.org/

KEE OYSTER HOUSE: Old New York Dining Experience comes to White Plains

October 16, 2016October 17, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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There is a new restaurant in White Plains that brings to the local dining scene a touch of old New York City with an elegant and urban vibe. Three Westchester natives opened KEE Oyster House to bring New York’s famed oyster history back to life by serving a dazzling array of seafood items as well other menu options from the land. The food is all super fresh (no frozen food) and prepared simple and pure to allow the taste and the freshness of the food to really stand out. Everything we sampled was top quality with ample portions.

Upon entering you know you are in a special restaurant. The interior design uses painted dark wood, high ceilings and large tall windows, black and white tile floor in the bar area and Edison bulb lighting. The effect is to replicate the feel of a New York City restaurant in the early 20th Century. A beautiful long marble bar serves top notch specialty cocktails as well as a large wine menu and 20 types of single malt scotches and craft beer flows from seven taps. Guests can eat at the bar and I witnessed some enjoying large plates of fresh oysters with their drinks.

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I sampled the Pomegranate Martini as well at the Oyster House Amigo. I highly recommend these cocktails. Also at the bar diners can enjoy a bag of freshly made potato chips.

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If you enjoy the seafood, this the place for you. A delightful menu with an emphasis on favorites as well as some unique and fresh options. There are hot or cold Seafood Towers which are loaded with clams, oysters, crab meat shrimp and lobster. Any of the items in the Seafood Tower can also be ordered separately. There is nice range of starters with salad, Roasted beets, Chowder and even ribs are available.

Starters: I tried the grilled oysters which were delicious and had a pure and lovely essence of the sea. I was transported briefly to a seaside cafe. Also fantastic was the Oysters Rockefeller with a light crust and creamy spinach filling. A comforting and satisfying way to start the meal.

Grilled Oysters

Oysters Rockefeller

The Shrimp with grits was another tasty choice and the grits provided a nice contrast to the fresh shrimp. The Fried Calamari was a little spicy with its chili aioli and crusty coating, and again was very tasty.

Shrimp with Grits

Calamari

Main Course: There are 6 seafood selections and 5 meat selections on the entree menu. My entree was a 2 1/2 pound steamed lobster (sizes are 2 to 3 1/2 pounds) which is split and deshelled for you table side. You can really taste the freshness of this classic dish. My dish was so large, it really can be shared.

Lobster

Another mouthwatering and healthy entree is the Roasted Halibut with a grape tomato stew. The halibut was perfectly prepared, light and delicious. No frozen seafood is used and fresh seafood is sourced daily and it makes a big difference in taste. All dishes are a la carte with side dishes available at additional cost. I sampled the scrumptious Grilled Asparagus and the Roasted Cauliflower with brie cheese. A nice complement to the entree.

Halibut in a grape tomato stew

Dessert: Don’t leave without trying the homemade and classic desserts. We sampled the Apple Cobbler and the Key Lime pie and both were a nice sweet way to round out our meal.

Apple Cobbler

Key Lime Pie

KEE Oyster House is a special restaurant with the feel, atmosphere and high quality of a top restaurant in Manhattan. Not feeling the trip into Manhattan to dine? Then KEE delivers the NYC dining experience right in the heart of White Plains. A warm and lovely atmosphere with top notch service and great food is why this new gem should be on your list of spots to dine.

Both Lunch and Dinner served. Reservations are suggested. Private dining room available.

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KEE OYSTER HOUSE

126-128 East Post Road White Plains New York tel: 914 437 8535

http://www.keeoysterhouse.com/

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Hilltop Hanover Farm:Come to a special Farm to Table Dinner at the farm

October 12, 2016October 12, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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A very special evening awaits! On October 19th at 6pm to 10 pm, The Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights present a Farm to Table Dinner at the farm. The evening will feature Westchester and area farmers and chefs in a rustic small plate Farm to Table dinner under a tent at Hilltop Hanover Farm.

Broken Bow Brewery of Tuckahoe N. Y. will be providing local craft beer and guests will be able to taste foods and small plates from the following restaurants and farms:

Farmer and The Fish, Peter Pratt’s Inn, Birdsall House, L’Inizio, Bella Cucina Maria, Ladle of Love, Cafe of Love, Suzanne’s Table, Sweet Grass Grill and Tomatillo, Pound Ridge Organics, The Mill, Red Barn Bakery, Baked By Susan, Campbell Meats, Hudson Milk Company, Fishkill Farm, Glynwood Farm, Sprout Creek Farm Cheese, and Harvest Moon and Orchard.

The proceeds from this event will support the Brett Alcaro farmer scholarship fund for young farmers trained at Hilltop Hanover and a college fund for his two small children. There will also be a silent auction.

So come out and have a great meal, a unique dining experience, and support a good cause.

Tickets are $75

for tickets and more information:

http://www.hilltophanoverfarm.org/event/brett-alcaro-memorial-farm-to-table-dinner/

or tickets can be purchased at the main office at the farm.

Hilltop Hanover Farm

1271 Hanover Street Yorktown Heights, NY

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Beekman Arms Inn: History lives at this charming historic inn

September 30, 2016September 30, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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There is something very unique about staying in a historic hotel or inn. Each of these places are unique as they have hosted a part of our history. The Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck N.Y. is one of those special historic inns that has been a witness to the history of not only the Hudson Valley but America as well.

Located right on Rt 9 in the heart of Rhinebeck, the Beekman Arms has been in operation since 1766 and lays claim to the title of “America’s Oldest Inn”. During the American Revolution the Inn hosted George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Benedict Arnold (who was a General in the Continental Army at the time). In the 20th Century, President Franklin D. Roosevelt completed several of his major political campaigns with a speech from the front porch of the inn.

We recently had the opportunity to stay an evening in the inn while visiting the charming village of Rhinebeck. Upon opening the door you know you are in a special place. The ceilings are low, the floors are clad in wide plank hardwood and the public rooms on the first floor are intimate. There is the reception area and a comfortable parlor with fireplace and next to that is a cozy room that looks part sitting room, part library with its wood paneling and wing back chairs.

The main floor also houses the Tap Room which is the original part of the inn which dates back to its origins as a tavern. The room is clad in wood paneling, wide plank wood floors, a long bar and wooden chairs and tables. The large hearth dates from 1704. The Tap room is the meeting place in Rhinebeck for locals and visitors to enjoy an ale or a cocktail with friends. The walls are adorned with historic photos and prints which remind one of the history that has taken place within these walls.

The historic Tap Room

Also on the first floor is a several small dining areas, the main dining room, and the garden greenhouse where we enjoyed our continental breakfast. The greenhouse was a charming spot to enjoy coffee overlooking the garden.

The Greenhouse overlooking the garden and front lawn

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Our room was on the second floor, up the charming but steep staircase. The room was very charming, clean and comfortable. It had a poster bed with quilts, 2 chairs for sitting and reading, a small desk, a non working fireplace, a Keurig coffee maker, and a small television. The ceiling is low at just about 7 feet which reminds you that you are in an antique building. The bath was modern and updated. The floors are over 200 years old and they will creak, but that is just part of the charm of the hotel. The room was air conditioned. A decanter of sherry and two glasses are also provided.

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Down the street the Beekman Arms also owns the Delamater House and Conference center which is a collection of seven guest house buildings. The Delamater House dates back to 1844 and was designed by the famous 19th century architect, Alexander Jackson Davis whose designs dot the Hudson Valley and was responsible for such famous buildings as Lyndhurst in Tarrytown.

The beautiful Delamater House (1844)

The village of Rhinebeck has a charm of its own with its Antique barn, farmers market, cool shops and great restaurants. It is also a great place to stay and explore this area of the Hudson Valley with its wineries, farms, hiking, and historic venues. If you love history and unique properties, than check out the Beekman Arms.

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Beekman Arms

Route 9 Rhinebeck NY tel: 845-876-7080

http://beekmandelamaterinn.com

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A look back at the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival 2016

September 29, 2016September 30, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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The Greenwich Wine and Food Festival presented by Serendipity Magazine that took place on September 24th was a big success with 200 hundred vendors serving food, wine, hard cider, spiked seltzer, spirits and lots of great food from restaurants in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. It was a fantastic event filled with cooking demonstrations, cooking and drink competitions and music.

If you missed this event, here are some of the highlights from the 2016 festival. If you are a foodie, this should be on your “to do” list for next year.

Delicious food to sample

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Burger Battle Winners:

Cask Republic (Stamford, Norwalk) won the Judges Choice.

Bareburger won the People’s Choice vote.

Top Bartender Showdown:

Eastend (Greenwich ) won the Judges Choice.

The Ultimate Sandwich Takedown:

Judy’s Bar + Kitchen (Stamford) won the Judges Choice.

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The festival was a great time and Roger Sherman Baldwin Park which overlooks Greenwich Harbor is a wonderful venue for this event. We hope to see you there next year !

Ziggy Marley with his cookbook

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You should be Dancing! Saturday Night Fever comes to the Westchester Broadway Theater stage

September 28, 2016September 28, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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Saturday Night Fever,the musical comes to the Westchester Broadway Theater stage. This musical adaption of the 1977 movie which starred John Travolta was adapted for the stage and premiered in London in 1998 and on Broadway in 2000. It has enjoyed numerous tours, and revivals around the world. It now comes to Westchester and runs through January 29, 2017.

The story (inspired by a 1975 article in New York Magazine by Nik Cohn) follows the life of 19 year old Tony Manero (Jacob Tischler) of Brooklyn, who lives with his family in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. He is stuck in a job with no future and is caught up in the economic malaise that was the late 1970s. With his father laid off from his job and his brother questioning his path into the priesthood, Tony and his friends turn to dancing as their escape.

We follow Tony’s exploits as he displays his talents on the floor of the 2001 Odyssey club where he absorbs the admiration of his fellow club goers. Here he meets Stephanie Mangano (Alexandra Matteo) a 20 year old dancer who has moved away from the neighborhood to Manhattan where she is looking to transform herself. Tony is intrigued by her dancing ability and her boldness in leaving Brooklyn and her old life behind. They find as they practice for a dance contest that they have more in common then they originally thought.

Tony’s gang of friends and his family are all woven into the story as well as Tony discovers he really is “going nowhere” and must make decisions about his future.

The musical score including all the Bee Gees hits (“Staying Alive”, “Jive Talking”, “You should be Dancing”, Night Fever” ) are all here including songs not in the movie. The arrangements of some of the songs have been changed which makes them fresh and more interesting and in some cases the lyrics have more impact in the context of the story.

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Set design by Michael Bottari makes full use of the WBT stage and included are a bridge which spans the back of the stage and frames the story, the Manero’s kitchen which appears from below and then disappears below stage, the disco, and other locals from the story.

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The cast is large with both main players and ensemble singer/dancers. Michelle Dawson who last appeared in Man of La Mancha returns to the WBT stage lends her vocal talents to several musical numbers including “Nights on Broadway”. Lead actors Jacob Tischler and Alexandra Matteo are excellent in every aspect of their performance and the chemistry between them is quite convincing. Directed by Richard Stafford who does an excellent job bring the characters to life.

All in all a fun musical that is family friendly and is a treat not just for fans of the film but anyone who enjoys a story of struggle,self discovery and of course great dancing.

Get out your dancing shoes and boogie over to the Westchester Broadway Theater in Elmsford.

(all photos provided by Westchester Broadway Theater)

Tickets (includes dinner) run from $56 to $84 depending on performance date chosen.

For tickets:

tel: 914 592-2222

http://www.broadwaytheater.com

Westchester Broadway Theater

One Broadway Plaza Elmsford New York

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Tredici North: a stylish new restaurant serving innovative Italian fare

September 27, 2016September 27, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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There is a new Italian restaurant in Purchase NY. that is not to be missed. Tredici North has a swanky and creative edge combined with modern elegance. The beautiful space has three distinct areas, a first floor dining room, a beautiful and uniquely designed bar area, and a second floor which houses an intimate dining space.

Modern and elegant dining area

The bar provides a striking focal point with its earthy wood counter, copper bar stools, and a wall behind the bar that uses reclaimed tiles from a roof in Italy to create a large striking fan pattern.

Bar area

Upstairs, the 13 step under lit stairway leads you to the second dining room and creates the feel that an exclusive dining space awaits.

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Tredici North won “Best Of Westchester” 2016 by Westchester Magazine for their Italian dishes and for the culinary talents of executive chef Giuseppe Fanelli. Chef Fanelli has perfected his craft while working in many top Manhattan restaurants, and has been featured on such television programs as the Travel Channel’s “Man Finds Food” with Adam Richman and he was culinary champion on Food Network’s hit series “Chopped”.

I had the pleasure of dining at this cutting edge restaurant recently and I foudnd out what all the buzz was about.

Cocktails: Tredici North has an extensive wine list from which to choose, but the cocktails have an appeal of their own. The “Flaming Scorpion” is sweet libation of juices, rum and vodka that is potent as it is tasty. It is served in a tiki style tall glass. The cocktail is served tableside and the waiter actually lights the drink on fire. Very cool ! It is quite the show and a great drink. Some of the other interesting drinks sampled at our table was the “Sun’s out/Guns out”, and the smooth and delicious “Gin Joint”.

The Flaming Scorpion

Appetizers: The Angry Lobster is a fantastic presentation with a 1 pound Maine lobster pan fried with meyer lemon, white wine, roasted garlic, red chili flakes, and a grilled corn on the cob as a side. Can you say decadent? A great dish that can be shared as well.

The Angry Lobster !

Another great dish is the fried Calamari (with a twist!) . This dish is firecracker hot and served with celery and gorgonzola cheese. It was hot and spicy, crispy (not soggy of chewy) and scrumptious.

Calamari

The “Inside Out Meatballs” are a specialty and very popular and are panko encrusted beef, pork and veal meatballs that are stuffed with fresh mozzarella and ricotta cheese and served in a homemade marinara sauce. Delicious. irene-075

Another top starter is the grilled Polpo. Tender Portuguese octopus grilled and served over frisse salad, grilled peaches, fennel, balsamic glazed pork belly and pesto. This dish clicked all the boxes, savory, sweet, smoky and so fresh. A great combination of ingredients.

Polpo

All the pastas are made fresh in house, so we just had to sample some. The Pasutice is a triangle shaped pasta with Maine lobster, tarragon, shaved asparagus, roasted grape tomatoes and a touch of cream. This dish is true comfort food at its very best. Order a dish and have everyone at the table have a taste.

Main Course: The main courses we enjoyed continued to impress everyone at our table. Try the Organic Salmon, lightly smoked with olives, tomatoes, feta and a banyuls (wine) vinaigrette. Fresh, healthy and so Mediterranean. Another choice was a special menu item that evening, the Veal Valdostana. An enormous slice of veal served on the bone with a superb sauce and spinach.

Organic Salmon, lightly smoked

Veal Valdostana

The last entree choice was the Kobe Beef Ravioli which again was made with homemade pasta and filled with braised Kobe beef, caramelized onions and fontina in a brown butter and thyme reduction. A wonderful dish that is full of flavor but not too filling.

Dessert: Save room for the imaginative desserts. I can vouch for the “Drunken Monkey”, which is walnuts bananas served with flamed dark rum and poured over banana and chocolate gelato. Fire and Ice was another hit with berries and Longford vanilla ice cream. Eat this soon after serving as it will begin to melt on you! The “Nutella Lasagna” is a special dessert as well and is composed of hazelnut and chocolate whipped cream in between layers of chocolate wafers and chopped hazelnuts. So good! Also sample the fresh Carrot cake and Coconut cake.

Tredici North has combined innovative cooking, beautiful interior design and a friendly and attentive wait staff . The combination made for a evening of great dining. Tredici means “thirteen” in Italian and there is nothing unlucky about this newest dining treasure in Westchester. Enjoy!

Tredici North

578 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, New York tel: 914-997-4113

http://www.tredicinorth.com

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Dine on “Hudson Valley Mediterranean” at Gigi Trattoria in Rhinebeck

September 19, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

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The village of Rhinebeck is a real gem in the heart of the Hudson Valley. With its history, shops, galleries, architecture and fine dining, it is a great day or weekend destination. Gigi Trattoria is one of the restaurants that should be on your “to dine” list if you are in the area. Gigi Trattoria is the perfect place to eat with its innovative Mediterranean menu and emphasis on sourcing its ingredients from a host of local Hudson Valley growers and purveyors.

irene-aug-sept-390 Laura Pensiero is the owner and creative force behind Gigi, is a chef, a nutritionist, and an author of three cookbooks. Gigi Trattoria opened in 2001 and was one of the first restaurants in the Hudson valley to source the bulk of its ingredients from local farmers, growers, ranchers, and purveyors.

Her book “Hudson Valley Mediterranean: The Gigi Good Food Cookbook” showcases her passion for fresh local ingredients as well as her approach to healthy and flavorful eating.

Starters: We started with a dish that could easily be an entree as well. The Gigi Skizza is a flatbread pizza topped with fresh ingredients. We sampled the Bianca Skizza which was a perfectly executed blend of shaved pears, fig compote, goat cheese mozzarella, arugula and truffle oil, sitting on a thin crispy crust. This combination of sweet, creamy and savory toppings in contrast to the crusty dough was a real delight.

Bianca Skizza

The Caesar Salad is a nice take on the classic with red and green romaine, homemade caesar dressing, razor thin slices of fresh parmesan cheese, and ciabatta croutons. A real nice and healthy choice for an appetizer.

The Main Course: the homemade pastas are available as an entree or in smaller portions. Gluten free brown rice penne is a nice substitute if requested. I indulged in the mouth watering tagliatelle with beef and pork ragu and fresh ricotta. This was pasta was an excellent choice as it was made fresh in house and it simply melted in your mouth. A real comfort food.

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Our main entree was the Fazio Farm chicken with summer succatash which was light, fresh and a healthy choice. It was pan roasted with sweet local corn, fava beans, cherry tomatoes and summer squash. I also ordered a side of quinoa tabbouleh which is a fine example of a healthy grain with a fun and tasty twist. It was a perfect pairing.

Fazio Farm Chicken with summer succatash

Quinoa tabouleh served in a metal bowl

There is a list of interesting cocktails which we did not sample on this visit. The staff made suggestions for wine pairings at each course and we were happy they did as they truly complimented our meal. There is a happy hour at the bar from 5-6pm several nights a week.

The restaurant which is housed in a former commercial space right in downtown Rhinebeck has three separate dining areas. The outside space is sunlit and faces the street and is great way to spend the afternoon or evening. Large umbrellas shield diners from the sun. The bar room with has seating as well and large windows illuminate the space. The rear dining area is a long rectangular space with warm color palette for the walls and floor which echo the Mediterranean theme.

The walls are also adorned with art from local artists which reflect the artistic vibe not only of the menu but the Rhinebeck community as well. Indeed as we dined, a local artist whose works were on display was enjoying a drink in the corner of the bar. The staff was plentiful , very friendly and attentive. Menu changes seasonally.

For a fresh modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine, you need to dine at Gigi Trattoria in Rhinebeck.

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Gigi Trattoria

6422 Montgomery Street Rhinebeck New York ( easily accessible via the Taconic State Parkway)

phone: 845-876-1007

http://www.gigitrattoria.com/

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