» Articles from September 2008

Reprinted with author's permission

Right now we could all use a laugh.  Thank goodness we’ve got another Liza Donnelly cartoon to post!  This one is from her latest book, “Sex and Sensibility”.  We still have a few signed copies at the Barn in Pine Plains!

In the last few days, all we’ve heard is bad news and blame…there’s plenty of both to go around.  No one has all the answers…but one thing is certain: We’ll get through this together by supporting each other — our neighbors, our friends and our local farmers & businesses.  Local shopping saves money, gas, the environment and now, maybe even your sanity!

Come visit Hammertown to feel better; sit down with Liza’s book, relax in a big chair or a comfy sofa — even if it’s just for an hour or just to look, you’ll feel better when you leave than when you came in.  We’ll always be happy to see you!

Nearly a week has passed since the Hammertown Family celebrated the marriage of our staff blogstress (and theatrical composer/lyricist), Mary Murfitt, to celebrity hairstylist (she does Rhonda’s and my locks along with other celebs who choose to remain anonymous), Bonnie Hundt of Hylton-Hundt Salon.

Mary and Bonnie were officially married July 21st in California while Mary directed and performed in her hit show, Oil City Symphony. A simple “back home” celebration was planned for the Fall and the whole Hammertown family, along with other friends and family, helped pull the event together. We gathered at my home in Ancramdale where the bounty of the Hudson Valley and the blessing of good weather welcomed friends and family alike. It was a beautiful, magical day for us all.
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September 26th @ 6:30pm & 27th @ 4:00pm, 2008

Ethnic Cooking Class using local ingredients.

Do you love the bounty and freshness of Hudson Valley grown produce and the diversity and flavors of ethnic cuisine? Home School Chef, Sung Uni Lee, & Hammertown Barn invites you to a unique and memorable opportunity to learn how to cook ethnic dishes with regional foods. You will gain an understanding of the healing power of food, insight into different cultures and cuisines, and unlock your own creative potential.

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These days things can get pretty heated when you talk politics.  It seems everyone’s got an opinion. And, you know what?  Everyone still has a Constitutional Right to have one in our country.  So in that spirit, we’ve decided to let our customers voice their political preferences with our Cast Your Vote with Fishs Eddy promotion.

We’re carrying Fishs Eddy new Republican and Democrat coffee mugs which were recently featured in New York Magazine’s “Best Bets”.  Democratic mugs include the “mugs” of Bill Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barack Obama, Al Gore to name a few. The Republican mugs feature George Bush (both of them), Newt Gingrich, Herbert Hoover and others.

From now until Election Day, each mug purchased counts as one vote.  We’ll keep track of how many of each mug we sell and will give you updates on our website as to who is leading in the highly inaccurate Hammertown Poll.  We will also be donating 15% of all mug sales from now until November 4th to the League of Women Voters of New York.

The League is strictly nonpartisan; it neither supports nor opposes candidates for office at any level of government.  Since 1920 it has strived to improve our system of government and impact public policies through education and advocacy.  The League makes a difference because of the energy and passion of thousands of members around the country who work together to achieve their goal of “making democracy work”.

As a service to our readers, we will be featuring important information such as deadlines for voter registration, polling places and debate schedules, in upcoming blogs and emails.

So come on into any of our three Hammertown stores and get political…cast your votes now!

I’ve been dining at Lia’s Mountain View for over 24 years….Trust me to say, other than The Woodlands, in Lakeville, CT, this is the most consistent and trusted restaurant in our area.  It’s been Zagat Rated since 2002.  For me, eating at Lia’s is more than a dining experience.   It’s seeing a room filled with local people, knowing the wait staff from their other jobs in town, and adoring the wonderful Mirto family (Nick, Maria and Vinnie) who run this special place.  It feels like being invited into the family’s kitchen.  To me, a visit to Lia’s is comfort…great, simple Italian family food.

Eggplant Parmigiana

I moved to Pine Plains over 25 years ago, and that is when I began eating at Lia’s.  A few times a month, it was a family meal for us. Gregg loved the Penne ala vodka, Dana would always order a shrimp cocktail…and ravioli or share my favorite, Eggplant Parmigiana, with me.   And the tradition continued.  I remember the first time we brought Jamey, my son-in-law to dinner there…it was like bringing him home to the family. And, it was the same the first time we brought Lillie, my granddaughter, to eat there.

Nick & Joan

So, when my friends Bonnie and Mary and I visited Lia’s last Thursday night it was once again a little trip down memory lane for me…and for Bonnie.  She’s been going to Lia’s for almost as many years as I have.  Nick Mirto, the family chef, came out to say hello to all of us.

Sun-dried Tomato Crusted Chicken

Chicken Piccata

Nick has created some incredible dishes (aside from my eggplant parmigiana).  Bonnie loves Nick’s Chicken Picatta — it’s not on the menu but he’ll make it for her; Mary said her usual favorite is the Chicken Vivace (which she says she dreams about sometimes) but thought she’d try something new.  Thursday night features a Complete 3-Course Dinner Special for only $15 which Mary got.  One of the entrees was Sun-dried Tomato Crusted Chicken w/thyme cream sauce and she went for it “like a duck on a June bug” (that’s her quote, not mine).  All of the very generously-sized entrees (we each had enough for lunch the next day) are served with salad … ask for the honey mustard dill dressing.  Everything was absolutely ….delicioso!!

Eating at the Mountain View is special…it’s real, it’s authentic….and, like other things in ones’ life, is a place that will always bring back memories of good times, good food, and the great people at this very special restaurant. If you haven’t eaten at Lia’s Mountain View…start now and begin creating your own memories.

Weekly specials: Tuesday - Prime Rib (with mashed potatoes, veggies and salad); Wednesday - Pasta Night, all you can eat (with salad and garlic bread); Thursday - Complete Dinner (with soup, salad, choice of 3 entrees, coffee & dessert); Sunday - 3-Course Prix Fixe Dinner (with soup or salad, choice of appetizer & entree).

Check out their website: www.liasmountainview.com for more information