HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Lucky Chocolates Expands: Smoothies, Juice Bar, Paninis & Salads

Rae Stang, the owner and chocolatier of Lucky Chocolates invited me over to check out their new expanded cafe, and sample a delicious Hudson Valley salad. Last month Lucky's added soups, paninis, and fresh salads to their menu so now you can stop in for lunch, not just exquisite organic locally made chocolate. I tried the Spring salad, which had apples, pecans, romaine lettuce, dried cranberries, and asked for goat cheese instead of gorgonzola. You can design your own salad here, or add a topping to one of the Lucky salads.  I haven't had a juice or smoothie here,yet, but I heard they are delicious. Two juices were named after loyal regular customers:  Daisy, the co-owner of DIG Boutique nearby. ("Fresh as a Daisy") "Let's Be Frank" is named after Frank, who owns Frank & Company Fine Jewelers store, also on Partition Street.

I asked if I could get a salad named after Hudson Valley Good Stuff. Rae said she'd think about it, but I'd have to come in more often to meet the regular customer criteria. Hmmm. Well, I guess that is motivating.  The salad was tasty and fresh so I would definitely come back when I'm in Saugerties and in the mood for a light and healthy lunch.  I'm a busy woman though, but it could take me a while to get my name on Lucky's Chalkboard. Lucky Chocolates, 115 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY (845) 246-7337

The New Mirabella's in Saugerties: Yummy stuffed burgers, pizza, dinner specials & fun vibe!

Last Friday I was in Saugerties for First Friday so I went to check out the new Mirabella's restaurant. (The former Mirabella's was just down the street in a very small bar and restaurant space). It was packed at 7pm, but we were seated in a roomy wooden booth.  The side dining area is very spacious and inviting. The bar area is darker, and the bar scene was very lively with people watching sports on TV. You can see that a lot of work went into making this new place, and from what I could tell, the locals and weekenders are happy to have another new place to hang out at. (I'm sorry I forgot to take a place of the interior. Next time!)

We ordered a ceasar salad and cordon blue bits to start. The salad was huge, and the cordon blue bits turned out to be fried balls, that tasted like cordon blue, but had the consistency of mashed potatoes. The honey mustard dressing was really good though, and we ended up enjoying them even though we were expecting something a little meatier.

I decided to go for one of the dinner specials, sauteed scallops with sweet potato risotto and spinach, which came with a small cup of soup. (My daughter swiped my soup! If I remember correctly it was potato leek, and the first spoonful was creamy and good). Tom had the mozzarella stuffed cheeseburger with garlic. It was really tasty and juicy, and I made him cut it open so you could see the cheese-inside.  The dinner special was delicious. I've never had sweet potato risotto, and it was very flavorful. I liked the scallops, and the spinach was also good.  I would have loved a little more spinach.  My daughter really enjoyed her 2 slices of pizza too. We were way too full for dessert!

The food came out very quickly, and our server was very sweet. It's a noisy place to eat, but I do like the fun friendly Saugerties vibe here! I would definitely return. If you like Bloody Marys, go there on Sundays when they have a Bloody Mary Bar Buffet for $5.50. Mirabella's, 117 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY (845) 246-7417

Where to have Easter Brunch in the Hudson Valley: 7 ideas from HVGoodStuff.com

 

Carving Station at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern in Saugerties. Photo credit: Michael Nelson Photography

 It is hard to believe Easter is almsot here. Here are 7 restaurants that will be serving Easter Brunch in the Hudson Valley. With any luck by the time you get to enjoy your Easter brunch, you will be able to see the grass again.

1) Gunk Haus in Highland. If you love German food, you will love the Easter menu specials at Gunk Haus: Wiener Schnitzel, Lamb Sausage, Fresh Roast Turkey, Weisswurst, and Loaded Waffles. Leave your diet behind!

2) Peekamoose Restaurant in Big Indian will be open from 3pm to 8pm on Easter Sunday, and lamb will be on the menu.

3) Duo Bistro in uptown Kingston. My love for Duo Bistro is no secret. They will be open for Easter Brunch from 10 am through 3:30pm, and open for dinner from 5:30 pm-10pm. Follow them on Facebook for menu/event updates.

4) Phoenicia Diner on Route 28 in Phoenicia will be open for Easter Brunch, but they don't have their specials up yet. I love their big breakfast skillets, omelets, and soup! The portions are very generous, and the atmospher is casual mountain diner chic!

5) Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern is Saugerties will be serving a "bountiful Easter Brunch" on Sunday, March 31st. $39 for adults, $18 for children 12 and under. Children under 4 are free. (They have kids buffet too, fyi).  If you are looking for a fancy buffet with carving stations, made to order omelet station, and a pasta station, this is the place!

6) Garden Cafe in Woodstock is a perfect place for vegans to go on Easter Sunday. They will be open until 2pm for a yummy vegan lunch.

7) The Village Tea Room & Bake Shop in New Paltz will be fixing Southern Style Easter Ham (from Northwind Farm Tivoli NY) with collard greens, biscuits and gravy. They will be open at 8am Easter Sunday. You can also order from their regular menu that day. (I wrote a review for LoHud's food blog about The Village Tea Room in March 2011).

Wishing everyone a happy and delicious holiday!