A Newbie's Guide To New York's Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
Over 150 top restaurants throughout upstate New York's Hudson Valley region are participating in this year's Restaurant Week from Nov. 4-17 presented by Valley Table magazine. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week features culinary bounty of the region with prix fixe menus and gives diners the opportunity to enjoy exceptional dining at a fraction of the normal cost. There's something for every foodie appetite ranging from Argentinean, French, German, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican and New American.
With dozens of word-class wineries, distilleries, a renowned cooking school, and a rich network of farms and cheese makers in the area, restaurants in the Hudson Valley have access to an array of local ingredients and produce to showcase on their menus. This popular event, spanning 114 miles and seven counties, is among the largest Restaurant Week events in the country.
Each year, the week brings together farmers, chefs and local purveyors to support the local economy and showcase the farm-to-table movement that makes the Hudson Valley a premiere culinary destination. And around 200,000 diners crisscross the valley to dine at participating restaurants. Two exciting newcomers to the event are Purdy's Farmer & The Fish (a farm-to-table establishment in North Salem) and Restaurant 1915 & Blue Roof Tapas Bar at the historic Bear Mountain Inn.
With hundreds of lodging options throughout the valley, Restaurant Week visitors can choose from quaint bed and breakfasts to country inns and hotels. The Bricktown Inn is a charming Victorian Bed and Breakfast, circa 1885, located on the banks of the Hudson River in the Village of Haverstraw. The Inn has recently been renovated to include all modern amenities while maintaining the integrity of beautiful original architectural features such as a mahogany staircase, over 10-foot ceilings and plaster moldings. Rooms at the Bricktown Inn have been artfully decorated with an eclectic mix of magnificent antiques and family heirlooms, giving each room its own personality. Designed for comfort of guests, the parlor also holds a baby grand piano which guests are welcome to play.
From day trips to multi-day excursions, tourists can also add onto their Hudson Valley Restaurant Week adventure by also visiting local vineyards, nature preserves or museums. Get an early start on holiday shopping, visit the Culinary Institute of America, stroll along the Hudson River, or hit the hiking trails. During the fall season, farmers markets are bursting with color and the fresh flavors of the autumn harvest, including: fresh picked apples, pumpkins, squash, greens, local meats, cheeses, and breads. Wine lovers can also make their way through the region to sample the valley's effervescent sparkling wines, refreshing whites and approachable reds.
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week was first established in 2006 with 70 participating restaurants. With the growing interest in farm-to-table dining and an emphasis on local eating, Hudson Valley's culinary scene is constantly evolving. For many restaurants, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be done through Open Table online. Restaurants operate their normal business schedule, so call the restaurant directly to confirm hours and details.