Best Hudson Valley Wines (Right Now)

Posted on September 25, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews

Here at Upstate-Downtown, we’ve been distracted lately by some unruly house guests, namely Irene and Lee. And while we didn’t fare as badly as our neighbors on the west side of the Hudson River, in the Catskills, or to the north, in Vermont, we took a far greater hit than most in New York City, replete with extended power outages, roof leaks, flooded basements, downed trees and general mayhem.

But life goes on, and taking a break from drying out our basement a couple of weeks ago, I once again served as a  judge at the Hudson Valley Wine and Spirits Competition (2011), which took place at the 10th Annual Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY.

There were some surprising results.  Continue reading →

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At the Stove: Five Easy Pieces

Posted on August 31, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews

Where farmers’ markets, farm stands and gardens bloom….our late summer go-to dishes are fresh, flavorful, healthful  and, most importantly, easy to cook.  Produce at peak flavor needs little manipulation.  For tips on choosing produce, see “Pick of the Late Summer Crop”.  Most of these dishes (corn being one exception) can be made in advance and served at room temperature.     Continue reading →

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Happy Trails!

Posted on August 25, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews

My husband Christopher and I love to hike. That’s why we were excited to explore The Hyde Park Trail in Dutchess County, New York.

A 16-mile trail system, encompassing local parks and a nature preserve, wends through the Town of Hyde Park.  Superimposed upon this network of trails, however, is “The Hyde Park Trail”, which refers specifically to the nine-mile through-trail, linking several National Historic Sites: Vanderbilt Mansion; the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt (Val-Kill), FDR’s Top Cottage and Roosevelt Farm Lane.    Continue reading →

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Pick of the Late Summer Crop

Posted on August 19, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews

Ahhh….the days of summer are passing ever so quickly. Why?  How?  I ask these same questions every year. At the start of summer, it seems we have all the time in the world.  Eight weeks later—we find that we’re fast rolling toward a season’s end.  So, while I can, I’m indulging in a last passionate fling….with late summer produce. Continue reading →

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Awash in Local Suds: Terrapin’s NY Craft BeerFEST

Posted on August 12, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews

Despite a rainy Saturday afternoon, spirits were high at the recent New York State Craft BeerFEST, hosted by Terrapin Restaurant in Staatsburg, NY (Dutchess County). It was a sold out crowd…

2011 NY Craft BeerFEST

Continue reading →

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Spa Therapy: Lavender Fields Forever

Posted on August 11, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews

Lavender Fields sugar scrubLavender Fields sugar scrub (back)

Complimentary beauty products tend to expire on my dresser—unopened.  This lack of curiosity, I attribute partly to my no-fuss, no-frills approach to grooming: other than sunblock and lipstick, my face is naked.  The other reason? I have hyper-sensitive skin that often reacts even to hypoallergenic-labeled products.

Then, I recently received two samples from Lake Austin Spa Resort’s new LakeHouse bath and body lines: the “Lavender Fields” Body Scrub and the “Gifts of the Garden” Shea Body Butter.  It just so happens that I love lavender.  I had never used a body scrub at home (too lazy!), but one sweltering afternoon, after an especially taxing week, I decided to make it an event.  Complete with husband and cocktails…       Continue reading →

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A Thirst-quenching Summer Tonic

Posted on August 7, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews

Lillet Blanc and Tonic

This summer’s relentless heat and humidity has stretched into August, a happy reason to sip some cooling “silly season” cocktails.

The ideal summer drink should “invigorate, restore, refresh or stimulate”— Webster’s literal definition of “tonic” — but without a high alcohol content, which can make you feel hotter than it already is. And, naturally, it should also bring some compelling flavors to the palate.

The Americano (see previous post) achieves this.  Another one of my favorites is a Lillet and Tonic.     Continue reading →

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St. Andrew’s Café: Green Kitchen Back Story

Posted on August 4, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews

St. Andrew's Cafe: two star green certified

St. Andrew’s Café, one of five teaching restaurants at the Culinary Institute of America’s leafy campus in Hyde Park, New York, became Dutchess County’s first two star certified green restaurant in 2009.  My husband and I recently enjoyed a lovely meal here; see my Rural Intelligence review.  But, what does being “green” mean for chef-instructor Dwayne LiPuma, an associate culinary arts professor, who oversees the student-staffed restaurant?? LiPuma shares the back story…    Continue reading →

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Cheap Thrills: Produce. Produce. Produce.

Posted on July 22, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Kathryn Matthews

Montgomery Place farm stand heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes at Montgomery Place Orchard farm stand

Easy, healthy summertime eating is ripe for the picking at farmers’ markets right now.  A bright note in a still-floundering economy, farmers’ markets offer real value—both dollar-wise and nutritionally.  We value this farm-to-plate connection.  And with rising food and fuel costs, we don’t take farmers’ markets for granted.

For nearly three decades—starting with the Union Square farmers’ market—greenmarket farmers’ markets have been a local food resource throughout New York City.  More recently, farmers’ markets have spread throughout Dutchess and Columbia counties in the Hudson Valley, as I reported in my New York Times article.

It’s all good.  We are particularly enamored with two stands… Continue reading →

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Americano Cocktail: Italian for “Refreshing”

Posted on July 19, 2011 by upstatedowntown

By Christopher Matthews

Americano Cocktail, upstate-style

If you like the Negroni,  try its “parent” cocktail, the summer-friendly Americano…. Continue reading →

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