Ideas for Hudson Valley around New Paltz - Chefs on Fire?
Hello hounds: So the BF is based in the Catskills for a few months and I am looking forward to exploring the area. Sunday night we are staying at Minnewaska Lodge or is it (Winnemaska?) in Gardiner - outside of New Paltz. Any ideas for dinner? I am thinking Chefs on Fire? We don't want to drive too far in the dark. And I don't think we want to spend hundreds on Depuy Canal House since we're already dropping bucks on the Lodge. He already tried The Main Course in New Paltz.
I would greatly appreciate your advice on this exciting new area for us!
Also, although non food related. Last weekend when we were moving him in I noticed some look-out points where cars were parked but can't recall where they were exactly. Anyone know? We were driving from Kerhonkson to New Paltz so 44/55 maybe? What could be better than going to a Lovers' Lane type look-out place on HALLOWEEN!?? I mean, I've seen the movies. I know what happens to people up there!!
THANKS!!
chowgal
Oct 30, 2004 11:16AM
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Never been to Chefs on Fire, but have you considered the Mountain Brauhaus (basically right across from the Minnewaska Lodge)? If you like German fare, check it out. At least head there for a beer some night. In New Paltz, a local favorite is Bacchus- head into the village on 299. Bacchus is on Route 32 (turn right) JUST around the corner on the left. Great food and they feature hundreds of beers from around the world. Hmmm... sensing a beer theme!
As for the drive, you're right. Head left out of the lodge on Routes 44/55. You'll drive past several park entrances and go several miles. There is a great overlook on your right- can't miss it, there are always people pulled over there!
If you don't mind driving a little bit (1/2 hour tops), check out the village of Montgomery. They have a couple of great restaurants worth trying- Wildfire Grill, Il Tesoro (a bit pricier) and 88 Charles Street Cafe. I included a link to a restaurant review on the Wildfire Grill but I'm not sure if you have to register to see it. Worth it, though.
Enjoy your time in the area!
Link: http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2...
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We did end up going across the Street to Mountain Brauhaus and really didn't like it. The service could not have been warmer or friendlier, but the food was really sort of gross. HUGE plates of overprocessed meat with gummy gravy. The exceptions: Spaetzle was really quite nice and the red cabbage and sauerkraut were pretty good. The apfel struedul was very, very good. Nice schnapps selection. I am not that experienced in German fare, but this food was really not to my liking.
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Hmmmm, that's too bad. I've always liked the wienerschnitzel there, but then I haven't been there in years. We prefer the Swiss Country Inn up the road a jog.
The original Clove Cafe closed, and is now under new ownership...I know nothing of it under its current incarnation, but was once one of our favorite restaurants...it's across the street from Egg's Nest in High Falls.
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The newest version of the Clove is closed as well.
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Chefs on Fire is good, although from what I've heard it's gone downhill over the past year or so. Mountain Brauhaus and Swiss Country Inn (both on Rte 44/55) are also both very good. Il Stazione in New Paltz has excellent Italian food, and is more romantic than either of the aforementioned places.
The hairpin turn on Rte 44/55, while quite picturesque, isn't a great "Lover's Lane spot" because cars coming down the road will shine their lights RIGHT into your car...the little lot beyond the pedestrian overpass is a safer bet. Or better yet, just make out in your room!
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I'm a big time chow fanantic originally from Woodstock and living in Manhattan for the last 10 years and for my money I'd drive to High Falls at Clove Cafe, its across from some other restaurant that I forget the name of but its great! Ambiance isn't all that but the food is the best I've had upstate, anywhere!
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We visited some friends Sunday AM and they too suggested Clove and we were poised to go; but alas we were too lazy and just wandered across the street from the lodge and went for german food at Mountain House - what a [huge] plate of slop. Learned a lesson. I'll be heading back soon and will try Clove.
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Get the scalloped potatoes with blue cheese thingy, oh my friggin' god!
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sorry but the Clove Cafe is out of business. I would suggest the Locust Tree in New Paltz. $35 , 3 course prix fixe dinner and bar menu, really nice husband and wife team running it.
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