Author Archives: upstatedowntown

@ Triomphe at Breakfast

Posted on January 10, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews On this bright, freezing cold Monday morning, I was at Triomphe in the Iroquois New York Hotel,  a luxury boutique hotel (across from the Royalton) on West 44th Street, for one reason only: The Waffled French Toast … Continue reading →

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A Tale of Two Lawns

Posted on September 6, 2010 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Most of the time, from early spring until snow cover, my neighbor’s lawn would easily win a beauty contest with our’s. The reasons are simple: like many Americans, he is passionate about the look of his lawn, and … Continue reading →

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Estancia “Meritage”, Vertically

Posted on August 23, 2010 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Some 22 years ago, a group of American vintners founded the Meritage Association (Merit+Heritage=Meritage, rhymes with Heritage), aiming to promote American wines blended from the traditional Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Estancia was … Continue reading →

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For Tiny Hands

Posted on August 9, 2010 by upstatedowntown

by Kathryn Matthews Do you have friends who had a baby first, then married later?  We do.  No judgment!  On occasion, though, we’ve found ourselves stumped as to the “perfect” wedding gift—one that was stylish, practical and child-friendly.  No longer.  … Continue reading →

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Croft Pink Port Proves Prescient

Posted on August 5, 2010 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews I had cynical thoughts after hearing about the release of a rosé Port last year. “Pink” Port? Another Johnny-come-lately attempt to cash in on the rising rosé tide hitting these shores in recent years, I speculated. Nevertheless, … Continue reading →

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Corn, Simply (and Perfectly)

Posted on August 3, 2010 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews August is peak corn season in the Hudson Valley. We just had the “butter and sugar” variety from Gill Family Farm the other day, purchased at the Montgomery Place Orchards’ farm stand in Red Hook, NY, and it … Continue reading →

Posted in At Our Farmhouse, Home Cooking, Local Food | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Planting My Fork Here

Posted on August 2, 2010 by upstatedowntown

by Kathryn Matthews A man who isn’t afraid of vegetables is a man who gets my attention. And I’ll make a point to see him.  I may have found that special man (with Chris’ blessing, I promise!) in Jamie Perry, … Continue reading →

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Got Grass-Fed Dairy?

Posted on July 31, 2010 by upstatedowntown

by Kathryn Matthews I’d love to love dairy, but it doesn’t love me. Let me count the ways: bloating, gas, sinus congestion…etc. So, in what may seem like a counter-intuitive move—and the jury’s still out!—I decided to try Maple Hill … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Health, Local Food | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Cardinal Nation @ Citifield

Posted on July 30, 2010 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews The St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most storied, successful baseball franchises  — only the Yankees have won more World Series — draw fans from far beyond the Gateway City. As the first and, for some time, the only major … Continue reading →

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Just Desserts (on Martha Stewart Radio)

Posted on July 28, 2010 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Occasionally I “appear” as guest on Martha Stewart Radio’s show, Living Today, hosted by Mario Bosquez (part of the Sirius Satellite Radio network). Every Wednesday, the show features a wine segment (“Winesday) at 3:30 pm, when an invited wine expert brings in a few wines geared … Continue reading →

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