Author Archives: upstatedowntown

Ramp Fest 2013 in Hudson, NY

Posted on May 10, 2013 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Here at Upstate-Downtown, it’s no secret that we’re crazy for ramps — those pungent wild spring onions ripe for picking this time of year. And we’ve written extensively about them, from foraging, preparing and cooking and pairing with … Continue reading →

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This Spring, Clean Out the Plastics

Posted on March 8, 2013 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews “Plastics.” One of my all-time favorite movie quotes, the famous “one word” of advice for young Benjamin Braddock in “The Graduate”, has only become more prescient over time — plastic rules our modern daily life, on a scale that … Continue reading →

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The Dead Rabbit…Going Live

Posted on February 8, 2013 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews As a history buff — not only of 19th century America and the Civil War, but also of libations — I was immediately intrigued by a preview invitation for The Dead Rabbit, a highly anticipated new drinking establishment … Continue reading →

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Healthy Twist for Cocktails: Korean Red Ginseng

Posted on December 13, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Ginseng, with its herbaceous flavor profile and some new, drink-friendly forms — not to mention its purported healthful attributes — could be the next hot bar ingredient. At a launch event last week for Korean Ginseng Corp (KGC), three top … Continue reading →

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Black Twig: Tennessee Apple, Thriving on the Hudson

Posted on November 13, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews As Thanksgiving approaches, the harvest is winding down quickly in our corner of the Hudson Valley. Looking back, 2012 was mostly a banner year for produce (depending on location, of course — a late frost hit some). Despite being … Continue reading →

Posted in At Our Farmhouse, Beer + Cider, Farm Stands, Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Farms, Local Food | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Affordable Bordeaux? You Bet

Posted on October 14, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews For most folks, “Bordeaux” and “affordable” are two words rarely mentioned in the same sentence. Considering the prices (and media ink) that the top Bordeaux wines — the “Grand Cru Classé”— fetch internationally at auction or in wine futures, this is understandable. Beyond the pocketbook of most wine consumers, they run from around … Continue reading →

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Locavore Passion at Murray’s in Tivoli

Posted on September 17, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Eating real food that nourishes the body is important to us.  And when we learned that there was a newly installed chef—Amy Lawton—at Murray’s in Tivoli, Dutchess County, we were thrilled. We’ve often found that women in … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Health, Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Farms, Local Food, Restaurants, Travel, Wellness | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Despite Tough Vintages, Some Hudson Valley Wines Shine

Posted on September 13, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews In one sense, the 2012 Hudson Valley Wine and Spirits Competition was like Ground Hog Day: as usual, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery  took home multiple honors, winning Winery of the Year, and picking up not only Best White … Continue reading →

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Roma on the Hudson

Posted on August 30, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews As the fast-waning days of summer soon shift to autumn, we look forward to tasting the change of seasons at Mercato Osteria & Enoteca, interpreted by chef-owner Francesco Buitoni. A talented chef who continues to cook at … Continue reading →

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Spice Rave in Rhinebeck: Cinnamon Indian Cuisine

Posted on August 26, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews The Hudson Valley’s agricultural bounty has attracted many passionate chefs and restauranteurs, who are offering creative farm-to-table cuisine, mostly riffs on classic American, French bistro or Italian.  Yet for other ethnic cuisines in our region, the experience … Continue reading →

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