What’s the secret sauce behind the success of culinary and craft beverage purveyors in New York’s Hudson Valley region? Filomena E. Fanelli, CEO/Founder of Impact PR & Communications, Ltd. and a Hudson Valley resident has the pulse on the secret sauce behind the success of culinary and craft beverage purveyors in New York’s Hudson Valley region.
Many would consider the plentiful farm-to-table options, as well as proximity to the Culinary Institute of America and its pool of alumni, to be reasons for the Hudson Valley’s stronghold as a sought-after spot for foodies and beverage brands to sprout from. However, one seriously undercelebrated strength is the region’s culture of collaboration. Since the pandemic, these Hudson Valley hotspots have buddied up to bring flavor and flair to delighted visitors in the know.
DUTCHESS COUNTY
Since opening at its new Poughkeepsie location, boasting views of the Hudson River, Farmers & Chefs has put an unrelenting focus on using farm fresh produce and local meats in its dishes, and on featuring libations with Hudson Valley roots. When Covid-19 hit the restaurant industry hard, Chef and owner John Lekic, who also has two identically named food trucks on top of the brick-and-mortar he runs, didn’t take his eye off this passionate approach. Instead, he invested back in, purchasing a vertical container garden system from Israeli agri-tech brand Vertical Field. So, what did Lekic do with the 20-foot garden that sits directly outside his restaurant? In addition to growing kale, lettuce and herbs, Lekic dried out basil, fennel, nettles and peppermint and created a powdered, nutrient-rich base to infuse into his line of vegan ice creams, which have quickly become fan favorites.
Also in Poughkeepsie, Revel 32° – an award-winning event venue that happens to be the Hudson Valley home of celebrity Chef David Burke, who is the site’s preferred caterer – has used partnering and pop-ups as a way to stand out and deliver delightful offerings to guests. One such example was Alma, a temporary restaurant concept it offered up this fall to rave reviews, from local Chef Mike Polasek of Simply Gourmet Catering. Revel 32° welcomes further collaborations, due to popular demand, this year.
ORANGE COUNTY
The Hudson Valley has become an epicenter for innovation, especially when it comes to food and drink, so it’s no surprise that two local leaders in the industry – that are no stranger to creativity and experimentation – joined forces to bring drinkers an unmatched twist on classic cocktails.
Angry Orchard, in collaboration with Spirits Lab, the region’s newest craft distillery, recently launched a line of cider-inspired cocktails featuring the Orchard’s award-winning cider and Spirits Lab’s small-batch spirits. New ones are rolled out seasonally, so imbibers can treat themselves to crafty concoctions, including Cranberry Sauced, a drink that blends tart cranberry with notes of fresh apple, orange, and orange zest. Perfectly served on the rocks or topped with Prosecco, Cranberry Sauced is made with Spirits Lab Vodka, Angry Orchard Crisp Cider, Orange Liqueur and Orange Essence, on draft at Angry Orchard in Walden and in bottles exclusively at the Spirits Lab in Newburgh.
PUTNAM COUNTY
Brewster’s Clock Tower Grill, owned by Rich and Cassie Parente, has become a hospitality hero for the restaurant’s commitment to supporting even more farms and Hudson Valley providers than ever before since Covid-19 hit, including Maple View Farm, Cooper’s Daughter Spirits and McGrath Cheese Company. The focus on locally sourced ingredients has elevated themed offerings, from Taco Tuesday to Chinese Takeout, and added a decidedly ‘think local’ flair that has kept patrons happy and area farmers feeling super supported.
Joining forces – whether to grow greens, invent new products, concoct cocktails, create exciting pop-ups or simply to support local – is clearly the Hudson Valley way.
