HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Cool race alert: Shamrock Race in Kingston on March 11th!

The Shamrock Race in Kingston on March 11th is short (2 miles) and flat!  For more information visit shamrockrunners.org. Here is a video I found on YouTube from last year's race.

 

 

O'Leary's Restaurant (Painted Bistro) in Red Hook: New American dishes, beautiful paintings & upbeat artist vibe

I had a delicious dinner at O'Leary's Restaurant in Red Hook a few weeks ago. The restaurant will soon be changing its name to Painted Bistro. My foodie friend Lorrie recommended it to me long time ago. I think the new name is fitting as the beautiful paintings by Mark O'Leary give it a very artist ambiance, and doesn't feel like a dark pub. The small room next to the restrooms is a make-shift art studio. It looks like the artist got up and left in the middle of a painting. (Sorry I didn't take a photo of this). 

I started with the steamed artichoke, and Tom had the fried calamari. Both appetizers were very good. I would have preferred an overstuffed artichoke with a lot breadcrumbs and gooey cheese, but I suppose a steamed artichoke is healthier. We also shared a delicious caesar salad.

For my main course I ordered the mushroom burger and Tom had the real thing, the bistro burger. Our server mentioned three different desserts, and then insisted we get the apple tart. He winked at us, which I took as a signal that the other desserts were so-so. Anyway, I'm not one to argue with an opinionated server.  The restaurant doesn't have a real website at the moment. O'Leary's Restaurant, 7100 Albany Post Road, Rhinebeck, NY (845) 758-2267

HV Energy Works in Accord: Wonderful massage in peaceful country setting & angel cards!

Update: December 2012: Energy Works has moved to 3555 Main St. Stone Ridge, NY

HV Energy Works in Accord invited me to experience a massage at their new Accord location. It is set in a quiet house on Route 209. They are renting the space at an acupuncture center now so there are lots of herbs on display in the waiting room. I filled out paper work, met Marielle, the co-owner and massage therapist who led me to the cozy massage room. It was a wonderful massage! I felt so relaxed and invigorated afterwards, and she used lovely aromatic oils.  

After my massage, Marielle asked me if I wanted to pick a few angel cards. I had never heard of angel cards. Each card has a word on it (a message from an angel I gather). My words were respect, love, play so I left with a short mantra to ruminate over too.

Besides facials, body work, and Reiki, HV Energy works offers waxing, including Brazilian bikini waxing. Marielle says that she uses special imported blue wax from Belgium for this specialty service. To learn more about HV Energy Works visit their site or call them at (845) 687-3311. I'm very happy to have them aboard as a Hudson Valley Good Stuff sponsor, and look forward to experiencing another treatment there, perhaps their salt glow body polish scrub treatment.