Recommendations for an Indecisive Diner During Restaurant Week

Eek! More than 100 restaurants to choose from!

Restaurant week is March 15 to the 28. I love trying new things and traveling new places. Where should I go? I'd like to mix it up with a little bit of romance, a casual lunch near Kingston and maybe a day trip that last weekend.

Where are you going and why?
What are the best spots on this list?
Who sources local foods?
Discuss!

Tags: restaurant, week

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Permalink Reply by Meghan E. Murphy on March 10, 2010 at 6:05pm

I will kick this off with a big shout out to Susan and Jerry Crocker of Back Yard Bistro in Montgomery. They're awesome HVFN members and even better chefs. I've been there four times, and I'm always rocked by the deliciousness. The small bistro is very romantic. Plus they source locally! Two big thumbs up.

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Permalink Reply by Kristin Nelson on March 10, 2010 at 8:50pm

I was going to suggest Backyard Bistro, but I see you beat me to it :)

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Permalink Reply by Janet Crawshaw on March 13, 2010 at 4:38pm

Jerry and Susan are great. The Restaurant Week website lists a lot of the menus, but did you see the Times Herald Record's piece--where 3 or 4 chefs talk about a dish they are offering? The braised short ribs with roasted onion bread pudding, fennel and five-spice mole that Erik Johansen has in store at the Iron Forge Inn sounds awesome. Bear Cafe Eric Mann's Hudson Valley duck confit with honey-braised red cabbage--sounds yummy too. And the chicken and sausage dish at La Stazione in New Paltz is only making my decision harder.
Thanks for providing this forum Meghan. Can't wait to read what you find.

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Permalink Reply by LaurenPapot on March 13, 2010 at 4:53pm

I can speak up for Beso in New Paltz. I had a perfect dining experience there on my birthday - everything was delectable, from the bread and olive oil that started us off, to the choice beer selection and special drinks, and of course, the entrees themselves. I believe that many of their ingredients are locally supplied, and many foodstuffs (such as cheeses) are made on site. The service was also outstanding. In short, I recommend it very highly :-)

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Permalink Reply by LaurenPapot on March 13, 2010 at 5:01pm

36 Main in New Paltz - I stop in from time to time for appetizers and wine. Good atmosphere, best in summer when you can sit on the patio, appetizers have been fabulous and eclectic, though I always feel a bit like I'm paying through the nose for their wine selection.

Thanks to Meghan, I recently tried the Tea Room, which was so charming. Dessert was definitely the highlight, with homemade marsh mallows, chocolate mousse and cream puff.

La Stazione - also very nice atmosphere. I've never dined outside, though they have what seems to be a spacious patio in the warmer months. Delicious, indulgent Italian comfort foods. I recommend the gnocci paired with Hobnob pinot noir. It brings out a wonderful vanilla flavor that I have been unable to replicate with other food-wine pairings.

What's good outside of New Paltz? I've been searching the list today but much like the OP, I hardly know where to start.