Hakan Chocolatier
Hudson Roastery
4 Park Place, HudsonModeled after the combination coffee shop-wine bars Carolyn Palmieri and her husband found abroad, the new Hudson Roastery has indulgent offerings for any time of day. In the morning, house-roasted organic coffee and fresh-baked croissants (shipped frozen from France!) greet the day, before the menu transitions to wine, cheese, and charcuterie from 2pm on. Ten of Hudson Roastery’s wines have a permanent spot on the menu, while the rest rotate regularly; all are available by the glass ($9-14) or the bottle ($32-$54). To pair with the accessible wine offerings, Hudson Roastery’s cheese and charcuterie board is an affordable $18.
Terrain & Table Dinner at Stone Ridge Orchard
Terrain & Table, an immersive outdoor dining experience with local, sustainable food and pastoral views by the duo behind the Farmhouse Project, is back and doing its rounds. Monthly events held across the Catskills and Hudson Valley feature a different location and chef each time, but the throughline is always food at the source on sites like farms and vineyards. On August 21, Terrain & Table will pop up at the 200-year-old Stone Ridge Orchard for a dinner amidst the apple trees prepared by Cheryl Perry and Lizzy Sing-Brar. Perry, a former restaurant and bakery owner, founded the Slow Food-centric Red Barn Studio, a center for culinary learning and special events. Australian-born, of Indian and Polish descent, Sing-Brar brings multicultural approach and “Chopped” chops to the table. Things kick off at 3pm with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. Tour the farm and enjoy a cider tasting before heading up the hill for a dinner with a side of Catskills views. Tickets are $225.
August Food Festivals
While some events are remaining virtual this year (like the annual finger-licking Rib Fest, which is slinging online deals August 20-22), 2021 sees the return of several of the region’s food festivals. The Putnam County Wine & Food Festival kicks August off on August 7-8. Sample ciders, spirits, and wines from New York and beyond, while grooving to live music. This weekend-long festival features seven artists and over 50 vendors. Find something you like? Purchase a bottle or a case on the spot for sippin’ all year long.In the 19th century, the Shawangunk Ridge, which towers majestically behind the Village of Ellenville, was famous for its wild blueberries. Whole train cars were filled with these foraged little sapphire berries and carted down to New York City markets and beyond. Decades after the last train stopped running, Ellenville still celebrates its purple patch with an annual Blueberry Festival, returning this year on August 14. Eat fresh berries by the fistful, or try any number of prepared delicacies from pies and tarts to jams and liqueurs. There will also be other food and craft vendors in this free event, which takes over Canal Street from 9am to 4pm.
Also on August 14, the New York Snow Crab Festival brings Fresh Alaskan Snow Crab to the Patterson, along with other food vendors, hot air balloon launches, lawn games, wine, and beer. The event happens during the Victory Cup Polo Match and Balloon Festival. For more tasty crustaceans that weekend, scoot down to Brotherhood in Washingtonville for the fourth annual HV Seafood Wine + Brew Festival. The historic winery site gets a New England seaside town makeover, with shellfish galore, lobster rolls, baked clams, shrimp, and international seafood dishes like ceviche and paella, plus live local music and vendors.
While not explicitly a food festival, there’s plenty to chow down on at the Dutchess County Fair, which takes over the Rhinebeck fairground August 22-27. Launched in 1842, the Dutchess Fair has a storied legacy. Over the years, it has grown into a six-day blowout that has earned its place as the second largest fair in all of New York. After you’ve had all the 4H demonstrations and carnival rides you can stomach, fuel up on food from one of the scores of vendors. Don’t forget the funnel cake as you enjoy the live music from acts like local “The Voice” star Ian Flannigan and 2021 “American Idol” winner Chayce Beckham.