Noshing in November
GOSHEN — Cooler November weather is warming up appetites all around the Hudson Valley.
And according Orange County's Tourism Office, a wide variety of venues have plenty of delicious recipes on tap to satisfy every craving.
Check out the host of fabulous foodie fun on the events calendar at www.orangetourism.org, a testament to the plentiful harvest from the farms of this huge growing region.
Pair some country adventures with fabulous dining experiences at wineries, historic attractions, cozy eateries and fine restaurants.
Area's bounty
From the Hudson to the Delaware, talented Orange County chefs are putting their signature on the area’s bounty. Some of the finest dining establishments have signed onto Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, a popular regional event that brings diners the chance to try out new restaurants and savor gourmet luncheon and dinner delights at discounted prices through Nov. 17.
Locally, the fall harvest will be highlighted in eclectic American, Mediterranean, and Italian fare at well-established restaurants with stellar reviews as well as some brand new stars.
Don’t worry about extra calories; work them off at the Bear Mountain outdoor ice skating rink, or explore the expansive grounds at Storm King Art Center where the 2013 season has been extended to Dec. 1.
Traditional food
The aromas of a Thanksgiving feast cooked over an open hearth at Museum Village on Nov. 9 and 10 will alert your appetite the moment you set foot in the Visitor’s Center. Soon after, you’ll be giving thanks for having the chance to taste the delicious traditional slow-cooked dishes at this event, in addition to watching their old-fashioned preparation. This Pilgrim-like culinary adventure is the perfect prelude to a leisurely family fun discovery quest through the entire 19th century village.
More traditional food fun’s on the menu at the Blarney Station Irish Pub and Restaurant in Warwick. Their Irish-style Sunday brunch will take you back to the old sod. Unique selections like Boxty, an Irish-style potato pancake, Soda bread French Toast and Irish Banger sausages will have everyone’s eyes smiling, Irish or not.
Wineries
Ready for some holiday cheer? Wreath Fineries at the Wineries opens the weekend of Nov. 23 and 24th. Sample local wine and tapas portions of holiday goodies at 14 wineries along the Shawangunk Wine Trail as you decorate a grapevine wreath with ornaments provided by the wineries. Line up a designated driver so you and your friends can taste it all and enjoy the magnificent Hudson Valley views along the way.
Pick up all the wines and hard cider you’ll need for your Thanksgiving table and holiday gifts to boot.
The event is also given on Dec. 8, 9, 14 and 15.
Two of the six Orange County locations have restaurants where you can schedule a sit-down meal during your self-guided tour:
Vinum Café, located in a charming 1839 building on the grounds of Brotherhood (America’s Oldest Winery), offers fine dining, a café menu and a fantastic Sunday brunch from noon to 4 p.m.
At Warwick Valley Winery, the aroma of freshly baked bread will entice you to nosh on the Pané Café’s delicious pizza, sandwiches and farm fresh salads served on Fridays and weekends.
While you'll in town
Location, location, location! It has lots to do with three new not-to-be missed eateries in three charming villages.
Savor the ambiance of historic Warwick when you sip a cup of tea at Charlotte’s Tea Room. Enjoy gourmet soups, sandwiches and baked scones or a four-course luncheon in one of the lovely themed rooms at this Victorian home. Anyone thinking bridal shower?
With so many craft beer makers taking this area by storm, what better place than the Orange County seat to seat Craft 47. Their excellent selection of local and obscure craft brews pairs perfectly with specialty new American Tapas and small plates. Make this trendy Goshen establishment your next stop for light fun fare.
Known as a mid-19th century health retreat, Cornwall is a natural setting for a healthy fast food restaurant. Woody’s farm-to-table operates like an old-fashioned burger joint but sources its ingredients from local farms. Try a grass-fed beef burger topped with neighboring Edgwick Farm’s goat cheese, or order a vegan, organic or gluten-free dish.
It’s ideal for locavore family dining.
Essential information
Here's contact information for the businesses mentioned in this article:
Museum Village, Monroe. 845-782-8247, www.museumvillage.org
The Blarney Station, Warwick. 845-986-1509, www.theblarneystation.com
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. www.hudsonvalleyrestaurant.com
Bear Mountain Ice Skating Rink. 845-786-2701, www.bearmountainicerink.com
Storm King Art Center, Mountainville. 845-534-3115, www.stormking.org
Wreath Fineries at the Wineries. 845-256-8456, www.shawangunkwinetrail.com
Vinum Café, Washingtonville. 845-496-9001, www.vinumcafe.com
Pané Café, Warwick. 845-258-4858, www.wvwinery.com
Charlotte’s Tea Room, Warwick. 845-988-9499, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlottes-Tea-Room
Craft 47, Goshen. 845-360-5253, www.craft47.com
Woody’s Farm to Table, Cornwall. 845-534-1111, www.woodysfarmtotable.com
A comprehensive list of attractions, lodging and events are all at www.OrangeTourism.org.
For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com, or call 800-762-8687.