Category Archives: Hudson Valley

Poughkeepsie’s Culinary Cornerstone: The Artist’s Palate

Posted on July 9, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Poughkeepsie, NY, a once-thriving river town on the Hudson, but long economically depressed, is often our gateway to upstate New York, via the Metro North train. But when we first bought our farmhouse in Dutchess County, there … Continue reading →

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Luna 61: Clean Vegetarian “Speaks” Good Asian

Posted on June 20, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews After a recent meal at Luna 61, a 17-year-old eclectic vegetarian restaurant in Tivoli, New York, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that husband-and-wife owners Debra and Peter Maisel, were able to deliver what I hadn’t been … Continue reading →

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Bloom Times in the Hudson Valley

Posted on May 25, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Every year is different, but as springs go, 2012 has been quite the rollercoaster in the Hudson Valley. After virtually no winter, March shattered records for warmth, remained unusually dry and generated historically early blooms — plum trees, … Continue reading →

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Go Down to CrossRoads (in Hillsdale)

Posted on May 15, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews “Farm-to-table” has become a buzzword for many restaurants in the Hudson Valley — and around the country. And while it’s a great trend to support, using local and/or organic ingredients doesn’t always guarantee a great dining experience. One Hudson Valley … Continue reading →

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Off the Beaten Foodie Path: Another Fork in the Road

Posted on April 14, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Surprise parties?  Cringe.  Surprise visits (as in “I’m downstairs in the lobby!”)?  Uh-uh. Don’t you dare.  Surprise gifts?  Unless you know my taste and size—I’d rather you didn’t… Obviously, I’m not big on surprises—unless they’re delicious. Our … Continue reading →

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Hot Off the Press: The Ramps Cookbook…

Posted on March 22, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews …and we’re in it! Our photographs of harvesting and preparing ramps at our upstate farmhouse (taken by Christopher) and glimpses of his secret backwoods foraging spot (pages 2-3); and, my ramps recipe, Wok-Braised Ramps, (pages 26-27), are featured … Continue reading →

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Rite of Spring: Ramps Return

Posted on March 19, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews On St. Patrick’s Day, tender, emerald green ramp shoots finally peeked out of my special upstate patch, a happy harbinger of spring — and good eating to come. I’ll check back in a couple of weeks to … Continue reading →

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Spring Into Hudson Valley Delicious

Posted on March 14, 2012 by upstatedowntown

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 … Continue reading →

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Tivoli Bread & Baking Scores with Multigrain

Posted on February 5, 2012 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews Ace baker Mike Gonella, owner and quarterback of Tivoli Bread and Baking, our go-to bakery upstate, got into the spirit of Super Bowl Sunday today, fashioning his famous multigrain bread into a carb-based football likeness.

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Birthday on the Hudson

Posted on December 16, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews Most years, I’ve hinted broadly­—and often bluntly—to my husband Christopher about how I’d like to celebrate my birthday.  (OK…so I’m a control freak who hates being disappointed).  This year, however, otherwise preoccupied, I surrendered the fate of … Continue reading →

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