HudsonValleyGoodStuff

The Kitchen Sink--A Dieter's Worst Nightmare

Here is one of the most outrageous desserts I have seen in my lifetime. It is served at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Resort at Disney. I didn't eat, but the group dining next to me ordered it and let me take a photo. When you order this, the waitresses turn the lights and sirens to make a special announcement about it. Wish I could find something this decadent in the Hudson Valley. Anybody got any ideas? 

Mom's Night Off: Who's Got the Best Rotisserie Chickens? Boiceville IGA

I can't remember who told me about the Boiceville IGA's Rotisserie chickens a few years ago. I think it was a concerned friend. Every Wednesday night, they have a special called "Mom's Night Off" which could be deemed sexist because there are plenty of Dads out there who do their share of the cooking. My husband is not one of them unfortunately so I love shopping at the Boiceville IGA on Wednesdays. For $6.99 you get a very tasty chicken, 1 pound of store-made salad, and a 2-liter of Adirondacks soda. While you are at the deli counter there, check out the roast beef. It's the best I've tasted around here. Other excellent rotisserie chickens can be found at Sam's Club in Kingston, NY (huge and tasty) and also Sunfrost in Woodstock (petite and garlicky). Boiceville Market is located right across from Onteora High School on Route 28. (845) 657-2695.

Day Trip: Tannersville--Fondue and Ice Climbing

I was a bit dissapointed by the winter storm last night. We only got wet rain. We decided to take a little car ride up to Hunter Mountain to see if they fared any better. There was so much snow, we couldn't even walk down the sidewalk. It is in the melting process though. Could not resist stopping off at The Last Chance Restaurant for a little snack. The Fondue for Two was amazing! The fruit was very fresh and the chocolate was perfectly bittersweet!  On the ride back, along route 23a, I spotted a couple crazy ice climbers. The Last Chance restaurant (http://www.lastchanceonline.com).

New York City Day: Titanic Artifact Exhibition & French Prix Fixe!

Today my friend Rosemary and I had our bi-annual girls' day in the city.  She lives in Yonkers so she took Metro North to get there. I took Trailways round-trip for the mid-week same day bargain fare of $38 round-trip. I'm starting to like Trailways better than the train.  It was a very smooth ride. The bus was half-empty so nobody sat next to me. And there were no delays. Port-Authority also seems less crowded and chaotic than Penn Station.

Since Rosemary is a self-described "Titanic freak" she wanted to see the Titanic Artifact Exhibition at Discovery Times Square Exposition Center. (The rep there said it will probably run until March 2010).  I'm not as obsessed as she is, but she treated me as a birthday present so I was happy to check it out.  I think Titanic fans will not be disappointed. The exhibit wasn't too crowded as it was a Tuesday. It took us a little over an hour to see the entire exhibit. You will see original belongings of White Star Line passengers such as brushes, purses, jewelry, perfume bottles, and suitcases.  Rosemary was so impressed with the First Class China that she purchased a replica set at the gift shop (conveniently located at the exit).  My favorite things: cooking oil, dollar bills, replica bunk beds, and the touch-able iceberg! After reading the menus from the Titanic, I had worked up an appetite. We walked to Cafe Un Deux Trois, which was close-by. They have delicious French bistro fare. I used to eat here for special occasions when I lived in the city with my husband. I had a birthday dinner here a few days before 9/11. That was the last time I ate here, and it's comforting to know that the restaurant is still there and serving great food. The best deal on the menu was the $19.95 prix fixe. I was too engrossed in conversation to take pictures of the food, but trust me it was good! We both had the prix fixe: pate de campagne, salmon bernaise, and profiterole. The ride back on Trailways was comfortable and uneventful. Made the usual stops-New Paltz, Rosendale, Kingston, Woodstock. and continued on. For more information on the Titanic Artifact Exhibit visit http://www.discoverytsx.com/nyc/exhibitions.php. Cafe Un Deux Trois, 123 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036. (212) 354-4148.

Saugerties Village Diner: Yummy Budget Breakfasts & Friendly Service

If you are looking for an old school neighborhood diner where everybody knows your name, the coffee is really good, and the prices are budget friendly, then stop by the Village Diner in Saugerties. I have been going here for years. It's a great rainy day breakfast place. Last week I stopped by and had a veggie omelet with cheese, a breakfast special. I was so hungry that I totally forgot about taking a photo. (I had to fast for a blood test and as you can surmise by my love for food, I'm not good at fasting!) It's a cozy place. They also have dinner specials and week night specials like "Pasta night" sometimes. Saugerties Village Diner, 140 Main Street, Saugerties, NY 12477. (845) 246-7747.

Christmas Lights Spectacular in Saugerties!

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One of my favorite holiday rituals in the Hudson Valley is to drive around on a really chilly night to check out all the over-the-top Christmas light displays.  It kind of reminds of my days in Astoria when it seems as though neighbors try to out-decorate each other this time of year.  Tonight we decided to check out Saugerties-by-night for a change. Saugerties looks extra cool when it is all lit up, and one turn led us to this Christmas Light jackpot! This display is on the corner of Malen & Finger Street. It is sponsored by Seaman's Park. That's all the info I have at the moment. Anybody know anything else about this place? What are a few other not-to-miss holiday displays in the Hudson Valley?

Happy Birthday Hudson Valley Good Stuff!

About a year ago I started this blog to share my favorite Hudson Valley haunts with the world, and it has become a Happiness Project of sorts.  This year I'm planning on revamping the design, adding more content, and offering advertising opportunities. I will still only blog about businesses and places that meet the Hudson Valley Good Stuff criteria. Off to work I go!  Happy New Year!

Circus Cafe: Comfort food & Cotton Candy in Saratoga Springs, NY

Cotton Candy for dessert!  

Vegetable Napoleon at Circus Cafe

 This was my 2nd dining experience at Circus Cafe in Saratoga Springs.  It's got a little something for everyone. It's dark enough for couples, but festive and loud enough for kids.  The menu has a wide variety of American comfort food (Big Top Chicken Pot Pie, Homemade Country Meatloaf) and Italian dishes (Shrimp Marinara and Italian Chicken Pasta), including a Gluten-Free menu for kids and adults. For my main dish I had the Vegetable Napoleon, which was delicious. My husband had the Italian Chicken Pasta. If you dine here with kids, save room for some cotton candy for dessert!  And, save money for the cool t-shirts they sell. "I Tame Lions" is my favorite one!  Circus Cafe, 392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. 12866. (518) 583-1106. http://www.circuscafe.com.

Roosevelt Baths & Spa: Mineral Bath--Saratoga Springs, NY

 

 
 

Happy New Year!  I just got back from a mini-vacation in Saratoga Springs.  Every year I go to Saratoga Springs for a winter weekend because as chilly as it is up there, it's the perfect place for a winter weekend getaway.  (It was 10 F our first night there). Part of our weekend ritual is to visit the Roosevelt Baths & Spa inside the Saratoga Springs National Park to experience a mineral bath.  I was very surprised to see that the spa has invested some money in refurbishing the place. The new lounge is so spacious and luxurious compared to the previous lounge, which had a doctor's waiting room feel. I thought  I only had a mineral bath, which cost $25-$30 depending on if you add aromatherapy essential oil to it. (In the spirit of the New Year, I had the Detox Synergy. It is not a big deal really. The attendant just squirts a little oil in the bath before leaving you to soak for 20 minutes). Don't mind the murky water. This is the real McCoy. Even though it looks like chicken bouillon, it feels really nice to just soak in the tub.  I always feel energized and relaxed afterwards. After 20 minutes, you get a knock on the door and a hot towel.  I love this place!  It's a good place to go for a girls weekend away or for a couple who like to spa. To check out all their services, visit them at http://www.gideonputnam.com/Spa.aspx. Be sure to book in advance during the holidays. They get busy!