HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Table for One at the Monday Night Vegan Buffet at Garden Cafe in Woodstock

I finally went to the Monday Night Buffet at the Garden Cafe, a vegan restaurant in Woodstock. I have blogged about the Garden Cafe before so I knew the food would be delicious. I made the reservation for one, and was told it would be best for me to arrive at 6pm to beat the mad rush. Hmmm. There are only 5-6 tables there so I figured they just don't want a solo diner taking up too much space before it gets packed. I can understand. I eat quick anyway.

The food was delicious! I started with the creamy coconut soup, which had a hint of banana. The soup was very sweet, and kind of reminded of porridge I once had in India. It was incredible. I had 2 bowls. I wonder if Pam, the owner, would give me the recipe. Every Monday nigh, the Garden Cafe serves a different menu. You can also order a la carte off the menu if you prefer.  The buffet included filo quinoa turnovers, tandoori vegetables, sauteed kale, curried chick peas, ginger peanut tofu salad, mesclun salad, and for dessert pear cobbler. All for $17. I think I ate too much, but since the food is so good for you, I don't feel that guilty.

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at the Garden Cafe website to get updates on the Monday Night Buffet menu. Be sure to make a reservation too. Garden Cafe, 6 Old Forge Road, Woodstock, NY. (845)  679-3600. I am going to try to stick to my Meatless Mondays resolutions this year. 

Healthy & delicious dinner at Fez Cafe in Saugerties on a quiet Winter night

UPDATE: FEZ closed for business on August , 2012, but the good news is that owner Chef Niels Nielsen has opened up a new restaurant in uptown Kingston called Duo Bistro at 50 John Street.

My husband and I had a very delicious and healthy dinner at Fez Cafe in Saugerties last Sunday night. I hadn't eaten there since August. After our yummy Mediterranean/Moroccan meal, we decided that we should try and come here more often. I wish they were still open for lunch. Saugerties was very quiet last Sunday night, but that never stops us from enjoying date night. 

Tom started with the Mezze special. I had the cream of cauliflower soup. I'm usually not crazy about cauliflower, but this soup was really good. It was very rich and spicy. I think it was the dash of roasted paprika oil that made it extra good. For my main course I ordered the veggie sampler with an extra side of couscous. Everything on the vegetable platter was really fresh and tasty. He ordered the Fez Salad with a chicken and lamb kabob since he was very hungry.  They really cook with love here. I think it is one of the best kept secrets in Saugerties. You can follow Fez Cafe on Facebook or visit their website. Fez Cafe, 71 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY (845) 247-7198.

7 Date Ideas for Celebrating Valentine's Day in the Hudson Valley

 

Looking for something fun to do on Valentine's Day in the Hudson Valley? 

1. Music lovers: Check out Blind Pilot with special guests The Barr Brothers at the Bearsville Theater performing on February 14th. 

2. Ice Skating date: Try the Kiwanis Ice Skate Rating rink in Saugerties. Kiwanis Ice Arena is the perfect place for an afternoon or morning date, especially if you are on a budget.

3. Valentines Dinner: For $65 splurge you can enjoy a special 5-course dinner at Depuy Canal in Stone Ridge  on February 14th from 5 pm - 9 pm.

4. Chocolate Lovers: Diamond Mills is having a Chocolate Lovers brunch on February 12th, the Sunday before Valentine's Day. 

5. Free & easy: Grab a thermos of hot cocoa and take a romantic walk along Poets Walk in Rhinebeck.

6. Don't have a date? Surprise someone you love with cupcakes! JJ's Rockin Cupcakes in Kingston sells them by the dozen.

7. Get your heart going with a yoga class at the newly named Woodstock Yoga/Downtown Shakti studio.

If you are looking for restaurant ideas, check out my "Restaurants I Love" category.