HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Scenes from Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Tour of Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern in Saugerties

Diamond Mills Hotel and Tavern hosted a fine Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for local media and supporters on February 7th. Owner Tom Struzzieri, Mayor of Saugerties Bill Murphy, County Executive, Mike Hein, Kenneth Adams, president and CEO/Comissioner of Empire State Development gave brief speeches about the journey of constructing Diamond Mills Hotel and Tavern.  Adams suprised them with an eagerly awaited check for $780,000.00, apologizing that it wasn't one of those huge super-sized cardboard checks that make for a good photo opportunity. It was the real thing though, which is what matters most.

After the Q & A, owner Tom Struzzieri and Brigid Walsh, the director of marketing and special events, gave us a tour of the hotel. I have dined at the Tavern before, but I had yet to see a room, let alone the Tower suite, so I was eager to follow along.

"It's cozy and sophisticated," said Kelly Myers, Town Supervisor of Saugerties upon entering a standard room. Bob Yerick, former Saugerties Mayor also joined us, adding his humor at every opportunity. "I could fall asleep here!" he said as we ooh and ahhed over the bed int the Tower Suite. Every room has a stunning view of the falls over the Esopus Creek.

 Walsh showed us a conference room that can be rented for workshops or meetings, and gave us a sneak peek through the kitchen. All in all, it was a fun event. The speeches weren't too long, and it was a great chance for me to check out the new hotel and meet other media and tourism professionals  who happen to follow Hudson Valley Good Stuff too.

If you would like to see more photos I took of this event, friend me on Facebook using vanessa@hudsonvalleygoodstuff.com to find me as HudsonValley GoodStuff.com. 

 

 

Where to watch Superbowl 46 while you eat yummy food in the Hudson Valley!

 

Though I love Superbowl snacks, I've never been interested in the game.  If I did love Superbowl Sunday, I would spend it at one of these Hudson Valley restaurants:

Main Street Restaurant at 244 Main Street in Saugerties has 4 TV's, 2 HDTV's, free snacks at the bar, and half price appetizers during the game, draft specials and more!

Hurley Mountain Inn in Hurley--Besides eating very yummy bar food, one fan will win $10,000.00 just for showing up at the Hurley Mountain Inn according to their Facebook page and website. Read my blog post about this place here.

Hickory BBQ Smokehouse on Route 28 in Kingston has 4 TVs at the bar and there are a few nice wooden booths near it. Read my blog post here to see my favorite foods here.

Superbowl Party at Aroma Thyme will have championship prices for the championship game. There will also be vegan dishes too. Call early and reserve because there are very limited seats at the bar.

 Go Giants! Yes, "Go Giants!"  I love this Suggestion Box clip from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, a native of Saugerties by the way.

Don't forget to tell them you heard it from Hudson Valley Good Stuff!

 

 

The Tavern at Diamond Mills: A delicious flatbread, gourmet burger & a Manhattan vibe in Saugerties

My husband surprised me by taking me to Diamond Mills, the new luxury hotel in Saugerties for our wedding anniversary. I have seen Diamond Mills in all phases of construction over the past few years. My first impression when I set foot in the Tavern at the hotel was, "Wow! Where the heck am I? Where did all these people come from?" My husband told a staff member that he felt like he was in the Twilight Zone. "You're not the first person who has said that," she said with a smile.  I think she knew that he meant that in a good way. You feel like you are in a chic Manhattan steak house, without all the pretention that goes along with eating in a fancy Manhattan steakhouse.  

To start I had a small plate seared scallops. They melted in my mouth. I also ordered a small plate of crab cake. The crab cake was small, but very tasty. Tom ordered the Tavern Salad. I ordered the flatbread with potato and asparagus as my entree. It was very filling! Tom had the Burger, which he was very impressed with. He kept oohing and ahhing about the burger sauce. For dessert, we shared the Hudson Valley sampler. It felt like everyone knew it was our anniversary which made the meal extra special.  

Our server Victoria was very friendly and patient with our questions.  A few of the food runners seemed a little stressed out, but first week jitters are to be expected at any new restaurant or hotel, especially an ambitious one like Diamond Mills.

As we were leaving, I spotted a local politician entering the bar there. By summer time, the Tavern plans on offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Right now, they are only serving dinner. For more information visit the Diamond Mills website.  

 

Wild Hive Farm Store, Bakery & Cafe in Clinton Corners: Country Cool Farm to Table Menu & Maybe a Celebrity!

The Wild Hive Farm Store is a very cheery organic cafe in Clinton Corners, the only place to eat in this little town. I could tell by the fancy organic take-home food that the menu was going to be farm to table healthy. They serve breakfast all day, but I was in the mood for lunch so I ordered a grass-fed burger with local cheddar cheese and a side salad. My husband had the veggie burger. We started with the soup. The vegan broccolie rabe and cheddar for me. He had the potato bacon. Both were served piping hot and yummy! For dessert I couldn't resist Erika's Chocolate Oatmeal Bar. It was very good, and not overly sugary, which leads me to believe it was probably healthy (gasp!)  

A staff member there tells me that celebrities come to Wild Hive Farm often, especially during the spring and summer months. (Naomi Watts has visited before). While I was there I saw two tall blonde women sporting sunglasses who certainly looked and acted like celebrities, but I could not recognize them. Anyway, with its understated vibe, I can see how it would be a fun place to relax and people watch. They also do catering. I enjoyed eavesdropping on a catering meeting going on at the table next to me. Wild Hive Farm, 2411 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners, NY. (845) 266-5863.

Chamonix Bridal Boutique: Cute Wedding & Party Dresses for Chelsea Clinton Guests or Wannabes

Like many Hudson Valley residents, I was very excited to hear that Chelsea Clinton chose the beautiful town of Rhinebeck as her wedding location. Last month, I visited Chamonix Bridal Boutique in Rhinebeck. It's a small boutique, but they have a great selection of wedding dresses, prom dresses, mother of the bride, destination wedding dresses, or special event dresses for weddings. (Angelique, Joli, Bari Jay are the main designers). Sweet sixteen party girls can also find cute dresses here.

Co-owner Heather Graham says that she is not sure if any of Chelsea Clinton's guests have shopped at her store yet as certain customers are more secretive than others. Graham says that there has definitely been more traffic in her store since the news of Chelsea Clinton's wedding broke, and the "buzz" in Rhinebeck is definitely noticeable. If you have been invited to the big event, and have yet to make your wardrobe selection, it's not too late to visit Chamonix. Check out their website or visit them at Chamonix Bridal, 32 E. Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY. 845-876-6999. 

Meatless Mondays: Gigi Trattoria in Rhinebeck

 

Skizza asparagi e uova(Skizza with asparagus and egg)
Gigi Hudson Valley/Leonardo Frusteri

 In my on-going quest to eat healthier, I will be blogging about restaurants in the Hudson Valley that offer delicious vegetarian options for Meatless Mondays, a healthy eating initiative by lead by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Although I don't think I'd be able to be 100 percent vegetarian, I can be meatless on Mondays. Gigi Trattoria has a wide selection of healthy Mediterranean dishes on the menu. Many of them are vegetarian, or can be adjusted to be meatless. "I think 'Meatless Mondays' is a great initiative linked to getting American to eat more healthful and sustainable plant foods," says Laura Pensiero, owner of Gigi Trattoria, and author of "Hudson Valley Mediterranean" (HarperCollins, 2009). (You can find a lot of tasty vegetarian recipes in her cookbook including Gigi Cider Doughnuts and Spring Vegetable Stew). Trained as a nutritionist, she finds that following the Mediterranean cuisine is the most pleasant way to eat healthy. She shares the same sensibility with executive chef Wilson Costa of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

 

The Gigi Team works hard to include locally grown produce in the menu. When she is not running the restaurant, Pensiero likes to visit the local farms, keeping a pulse on what's growing and what's in season. "This is a very energizing time for the food and agriculture business in the Hudson Valley," says Pensiero.

 

Some of the most popular vegetarian appetizers at Gigi Trattoria include the Hudson Valley Mediterranean cheese plate, a skizza (pictured above). Catering events keep them busy as Gigi Trattoria caters private dinner parties to weddings. If you prefer a no-fuss take out dinner, Gigi Market at Greig Farm has oven ready appetizers and entrees, you can just heat up for your guests. (Let them believe you've been taking cooking classes!)

 

Kathy Freston wrote a great article on Meatless Mondays in the Huffington Post last year, in which she discusses the benefits of going meatless for one day a week. To learn more about the Meatless Monday campaign go to the Meatless Monday website.  Do you practice Meatless Mondays? Where do you dine? What do you cook?

 

Gigi Trattoria is located on Montgomery Street in Rhinebeck, NY. (845) 876-1007.

 

 

 

Advice from the Wedding Guru of Hudson Valley Weddings

Mount Gulian Historic Site, Beacon, NY. (above)

 

Hudson Valley wedding sites
Cole Hill Farm Estate in Marbletown

Since June is prime-time for weddings, I interviewed Judy Lewis, a.k.a the Wedding Guru, and owner/founder of Hudson Valley Weddings, a directory and resource for everything wedding related in the Hudson Valley, for advice on how to plan the perfect Hudson Valley wedding, and the perks of getting married in the Hudson Valley. 

 

HVGS: For couples who are thinking about planning a wedding in the Hudson Valley, what are a few key things to consider in terms of planning?

 

Judy Lewis: Parties work best and are the most fun when they follow the style of the people making them. Don't try to imitate. Don't try to outdo. Don't try to show off or be who you're not. Look at yourself and decide what kind of event you enjoy attending and what makes you comfortable. Then, go ahead and plan an event that reflects who you are.

When selecting a wedding date (and other associated events), make sure not to conflict with dates that are "no no's" (e.g., Roman Catholics: no Marriages during Holy Week. Jewish: No Saturday or holy day weddings) or which will make attending the affair more difficult. You might avoid a holiday weekend if many your guests live far away.

 

Educate yourself. Read as much information as you can about planning a wedding. HudsonvalleyWeddings.com is an excellent source and its' free! Attend several bridal shows to see "what's out there" and ask questions of friends and family who have recently planning events.

 

HVGS: What are the perks of getting married in the Hudson Valley? Overall is it less expensive than planning a wedding in say Manhattan?

 

 

JL: The Hudson Valley offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an elegant, elaborate hall, a rustic barn, a breathtaking view, all of these and more are available in the Hudson Valley. There are certainly less expensive places to hold a wedding in the Valley; choices that are not available in New York City. But, more importantly, most venues will give you more bang for your buck as compared with venues in Manhattan.

 

HVGS: What is a question that a bride or groom always asks the Wedding Guru?

 

JL: The  most frequently are asked of the Wedding Guru are questions about money, budget, and who pays for what. Most people need to function within some budgetary parameters, so it's a challenge to plan a beautiful event, while staying within financial constraints. Because families often need to negotiate, this is a place where planning and organization, plus compassion and compromises are absolutely necessary. The Wedding Guru advise s that you open and keep open lines of communication amongst all those involved in planning and that you set a budget and stick to it!

 

HVGS: Are there any trends you see in Hudson Valley weddings? Are people opting for more casual affairs to save costs?

 

JL: It should come as no surprise that the recession is impacting many of the popular wedding trends for 2010. Couples are hosting more intimate weddings, with  fewer guests,  mostly just immediate family and very close friends. Backyard, at-home weddings have always been a popular choice, but they are even more so, now. These events can be more casual and couples can opt for less expensive choices, like a barbecue, which is perfectly acceptable for a backyard wedding, but wouldn't "work" at the country club.   "Backyard" weddings need not be "at home." They can be held at a local park, beach, or barn. "Throw up" a tent to ensure against inclement weather. Thrill your female guests by allowing them to wear flats in lieu of heels. And, as for the guys, they'll love you for not making them wear a tux.

 

Another continuing trend speaks to the fact that residents of the Hudson Valley have always been and continue to be in the forefront of the eco-friendly movement and they naturally apply these principles toward planning their weddings. They have come to realize that nothing need be sacrificed in order to keep a wedding earth-friendly. They have found that it just takes a little more creativity and perhaps a bit more work.

 

They choose recycled paper invitations and organic flowers. They host the ceremony and the reception at the same venue, so that guests needn't drive from one place to another. The eco-friendly couple may choose to arrive on bicycles, or in a horse-drawn carriage. The products they choose are all checked carefully to make certain that they are ecologically "correct." Supplies (food, flowers, etc.) Food from local vendors are given preference and leftovers are donated to a homeless shelter, the flowers and decorations go to somewhere they can be reused and/or enjoyed.

 

The bride may have her bridesmaids opt either to wear a dress that they already own, or to buy one that can be worn again. Many such brides will also put their gowns on-line for resale at one of web's resellers, such as HudsonValleyWeddings.com.  

For couples who want to plan such a wedding, I suggest the Wedding Guide article "Planning a Green, Politcally and Socially Conscientious Wedding and then check our HudsonValleyWeddings.com's "Green Weddings" category at "Green Weddings" for vendors who will fit the bill.

 

HVGS: What are a few ideas for something a little less traditional than a sit-down catered wedding dinner?

 

JL: The selection  of "traditional" Hudson Valley venues runs the gamut from period homesteads, classic villas and country manors, estates, historic homes, intimate rooms, rental halls, hotel ballrooms, restaurants, private golf-yacht-country clubs, outdoor or at-home weddings, wedding "emporiums," bed and breakfasts, inns and wineries, to seasoned barns, parks, and gardens.  

For the real nonconformists there are trains, hot air balloons, zoos, museums, art galleries, arboretums, ships, yachts, and old-fashioned river boats. The less conforming a site is, the more difficult it will be to plan. Nevertheless, I advise couple to go for it and have fun and to check out the Wedding Guide article on HudsonValleyWeddings.com Called " Choosing Your Wedding Location, a cornerstone decision"

   

HVGS: Are Hudson Valley weddings on the rise? Anything else you'd like readers to know?

JL:  The Hudson Valleywas "discovered" by bridal couples quite a while ago, so the Valley is no stranger to people from all over who are looking for a special place to hold their weddings. What surprises me is that after twenty-two years in the area, I am still being introduced to new venues with which I am not familiar. I suggest that couples visit "Find A Vendor" on HudsonValleyWeddings.com, often, as new venues and new merchants are added almost daily. Wedding in general have slowed down during this recession,  but they're on the upturn again.

Mohonk Preserve, New Paltz, NY, 

Hudson Valley Green Drinks: Eco-curious network with the Eco-serious

 I attended my first Hudson Valley Green Drinks eco-schmooze event at The Rhinecliff Hotel. The Rhinecliff is a really beautiful historic railroad hotel right next to the Rhinecliff Amtrak train station. It recently became an offical "green certified" hotel. Before the live webcast ("The State of Local Food"), one of the owners gave a group of us a tour of the hotel, noting all the green remodeling that took over five years to complete. We also got to see a cozy romantic standard room there (one of the 9 rooms). Ear plugs are available in every room for those guests who might be bothered by the train whistles though that is definitely part of this hotel's charm. It was nice to meet a few green drinkers. I fall into the "accidental vegan" category, but I'm trying to be greener these days. It's good to know where the eco-serious folks go. The next Hudson Valley Green Drinks event will take place at The Would Restaurant in Highland on June 9th. 

Cool Places for Kids Birthday Parties in the Hudson Valley

 

   

The Hudson Valley has a lot of great spaces to host kids birthday parties. I find hosting a birthday party outside the house takes away some of my party planning stress. 

Here is a list of places I've partied at:

The Little Gym, Kingston--It's a simple birthday program, but a surefire kid pleaser really no matter how old your child is. The gym room is bright and spacious and very safe.Parties last 90 minutes. The first 1 hour is spent in the gym doing activities and/or structured free play depending on what you want. There is a balance beam, parallel bars, large wheel shaped cushions, a gigantic mat, rings, parachute play, and an inflatable trampoline--(the most anticipated event as seen in the top photo!). Afterwords there is pizza and juice for the kids. (If you want enough pizza to feed the adults too, just order it through them and pay for the extra pies). Approx. $200 covers 12 kids plus membership fees. (Additional guests are $12 each). Birthday girl or boy gets a cute Little Gym t-shirt too. You bring your own cake and goody bags, and anything else you want. They pack the gifts away and tie balloons on the goody bags for you. The staff are all very energetic. The Little Gym also offers camps and Parent Survival Nights.Check out their website for more info here The Little Gym (845) 382-1020.

Skate Time 209 Roller Rink & Skateboard Park, Accord--I have been to this roller rink, but never had a party here. I'm hoping someone I know will host a party here. They have a beautiful rink and skateboard park. Skatetime 209, (845) 626-7971.

Henry Hudson Planetarium, Albany.--This was a bit of a wild-card. It is an-hour away, and I was a bit nervous as I remember having major planetarium-phobia as a kid. All the kids had a great time. Henry Hudson Planetarium. (518) 434-0405. 

Excel Gymnastics--Saugerties. It is a fun place to host a birthday party, especially if you have a budding gymnast. It has more of a rugged professional gymnastics feel with chalk available near a lot of the apparatus. There is a cool foam pit, a huge bouncy trampoline. The only con is that they can have two parties simultaneously so if you prefer a totally private party for your group, it may not be a good fit. You bring your own food. Exel Gymnastics (845) 336-0706.

Local Firehouses---I was once invited to a birthday party at a local firehouse.  The mom who hosted it was a volunteer EMT, but according to her anybody can rent the hall for a party for a fee. (I think it was around $200). Probably not all firehouses can offer this, but worth looking into.

McDonald's--I went to a fun party at the McDonald's in Kingston on Albany Avenue. The kids had a blast on the equipment and a staff member brought a Ronald McDonald cake. If you are on a budget, this is a good deal. $7 per child.

The Childrens School of Yoga, Monroe--I attended one of their classes, but haven't been to one of their birthday parties (yet!). It could be a good choice if your child loves yoga or you want something a bit mellow. Check out Childrens School of Yoga website for more info. 

What are other great birthday venues in the Hudson Valley?

Hickory Barbecue and Smokehouse on Route 28: Corned Beef, Fresh Salads, and Live Music

 
 
 I couldn't resist the Corned Beef sign at Hickory BBQ on Route 28 today, St. Patrick's Day. The food is really tasty here, and there are way too many temptations on the menu--pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket, sourdough onion rings. Even though the barbecue meat is their specialty, the salads are the freshest I've tasted around. We split a chopped salad with goat cheese to start, and I was pretty impressed. No limp lettuce here! My husband ordered the Corned Beef and Cabbage, and I had the grilled vegetable wrap with gouda cheese and a baked sweet potato with maple butter, and kale as sides.

The kid's grilled cheese sandwich was made with thick slices of white bread, and I managed to resist stealing a bite! We got there before the St. Patrick's Day revelers did so it wasn't crowded, but I'm sure it will get crowded later on. The BBQ also does catering, and has live music on the weekends. Take-out is available too. Not sure if celebrities dine here, but the owner looks like Ashton Kutcher. Hickory BBQ and Smokehouse, 743 Route 28, Kingston, NY. (845) 338-2424.