By Kathryn Matthews

Winter 2012 is going out with a whimper—actually, with this week’s temperatures hitting the lows 70s—more like a whisper…  But, hey, all the more reason to step out during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, which spans seven New York counties, and lasts two full weeks, from March 18^th to 31^st.

Now in its sixth year, participating restaurants pay tribute to local, seasonal bounty. You’ll have a chance to eat local, drink local and make merry at any one of 200 participating restaurants…  On offer: $20.95 three-course lunches and $29.95 three-course prix fixe dinners.  For more details, see my Red Hook Observer article: Eat Local: It’s Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.

Happy eating!