This is by no means a complete listing of great places to eat in our area but they are restaurants our trusted Hammertown “Foodies” can vouch for. If you have suggestions of your own please tell us about it. We’ll check them out and add them to the list.
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One of the best things about summer in the Hudson Valley is the access we have fresh local and organic produce. We’ll be keeping this article up on our site for the summer and will be adding to it as we find more sources of wonderful Hudson Valley bounty. Please let us know if you have a favorite market or farmstand you frequent and we’ll add it to our list!
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This week we’re featuring Dutchess County in our No Farms No Food Series (see Eat The View). No matter what the weather, you can plan a whole weekend around Dad right here in (or near) Dutchess County.
Morning: Load your bikes on the car. Head over to Millerton to have breakfast or just pick up a cup of coffee or Latte at Irving Farm to take with you as you stroll through the Millerton Farmers Market (from 9 am - 1pm). There’s a fantastic assortment of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, organic meats and cheeses and more. Also make sure you check out our new Hammertown “showroom” in the Gilded Moon Framing shop a few doors down from Irving Farm on Main Street. Unload your bikes and hit the trail…the Harlem Valley Rail Trail for an hour or so. (Trailhead is located between Taro’s and Harney Tea)
Afternoon: Take a drive northwest over to Gallatin for a visit to Coach Farm. They don’t give tours anymore but you CAN watch them milk the goats at 3 pm everyday. If goats aren’t your thing head south instead for a visit and tour of any one of these 3 Dutchess County wineries:
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
26 Wing Rd., Millbrook. 800-662-WINE.
Farm winery and vineyard with views of the Hudson Valley. Nationally recognized wines, Chardonnay, Tocai Friulano, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Tours and tastings daily, June–Aug, 11am–6pm.
Visit: www.MillbrookWine.com
Cascade Mountain Winery & Restaurant
835 Cascade Mountain Rd., Amenia. 845-373-9021.
A farm winery with tours and tastings, award winning wines and a critically acclaimed restaurant. Visit: www.CascadeMt.com
Clinton Vineyards & Winery
450 Schultzville Rd., Clinton Corners. 845-266-5372.
Picturesque farm winery and vineyard, acclaimed estate-bottled white wines, champagne, cassis and dessert wines.
Tours and tastings year round. Visit: www.ClintonVineyards.com
Evening - Dinner in Amenia
For Dad’s who love a great steak in warm, relaxed and friendly surroundings the De La Vergne Restaurant in Amenia is the place to go (located at the top of De La Vergne Hill on Route 44 between Amenia & Millbrook). Delicious food, attentive service and generous portions make this a favorite of locals & weekenders alike. (reservations suggested – call 845.373.9972) Visit: www.thedelavergne.com for more information.
Serevan, just down the hill from De La Vergne, would be the choice for Dad’s preferring something a little more formal & eclectic. Featuring Mediterranean & Middle Eastern inspired dishes, Serevan was called a Mediterranean Oasis by Chronogram Magazine and was also named one of the top ten restaurants in the Hudson Valley by Hudson Valley Magazine . (reservations suggested - call 845.373.9800) or Visit: www.serevan.com
Morning: A hearty Brunch at the Red Devon in Bangall, NY.
Morning/Afternoon: Book a Tee Time for Dad (and for youself if you play*) for a round of Golf at Copake Country Club (518.325.4338). In fact, they have a special Father’s Day offer – A free cigar or cocktail for all Fathers, as well as free greens fees for all dads if their sons and/or daughters play a round with them. Then be sure to make a reservation at the club’s restaurant, the Greens, for dinner (call 518.325.0019). Technically, Copake is in Columbia County but this public course is so gorgeous (overlooking Copake Lake with the Berkshires in the distance), challenging and fun… and restaurant is so good… we had to make an exception!
Late Afternoon/Evening: Meet Dad back at the Copake Country Club. Have a drink out on the deck overlooking the golf course before dinner and relive that birdie he got on the 8th hole (and the 35% you got off that fabulous Alex Sofa you special ordered at Hammertown)!
Dinner at The Greens. You might not have heard of this restaurant but it really is very good. Anyone familiar with John Andrews Restaurant in Egremont, MA will appreciate the fact that their former Chef, Glenn Strickling, is now creating equally wonderful American cuisine at The Greens. Entrees ranging from Pan Roasted Strawberry Grouper, to Slow Roasted Bar-B-Q Baby Back Ribs, to Saffron Risotto withSugar Snap Peas, Grilled Shrimp & Shaved Parmesan make this a “must try” restaurant (and their Lunch and Bar Menu is terrific too!) Check out the menu here: www.copakecountryclub.com/dinner
*SUNDAY FOR THE NON-GOLFERS
Morning/Afternoon: Visit one or both of our Hammertown stores in Dutchess County (Rhinebeck & the Barn in Pine Plains). After visiting our Hammertown Rhinebeck store, take some time to stroll around the Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market and then drive over to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds for the Crafts Fair which features more than 300 of the finest juried artists and craftsmen from across the U.S. Rain or shine, 10 am – 5 pm. If you’re in our Pine Plains store, get over to Thompson Finch Farms in Ancram…the strawberries are perfect NOW!
Dinner (or Brunch) at Flat Iron in Red Hook, NY. This new restaurant is north of Rhinebeck on Route 9 (7488 South Main St) in Red Hook. The menu offers steaks, 
seafood and a unique burger selection (like the duck burger: ground duck with a fried egg on top, sprinkled with duck cracklins.) Hudson Valley Magazine & Chronogram both loved this restaurant. Flatiron uses the freshest locally grown produce available. Whether you want a burger at the bar or a gourmet dinner, check it out. Visit their website for directions and menus: www.flatironsteakhouse.com Phone: 845.758.8260
HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
This week’s recipe originates from a new cookbook that just arrived at the stores: FRESH, 350 Recipes that Celebrate the Season. It’s another wonderful cookbook from Fine Cooking Magazine. This recipe is delicious and seasonal…use that gorgeous spinach from your own garden!
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Last week we talked about the importance of preserving farmland in the Hudson Valley and how we can all play an important part. Luckily, what we can do is not only seriously important, it’s also seriously delicious and fun.
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