This restaurant, as most people in the Hudson valley know, has closed down. But, because I have dined here and also because rumor has it , it will be opening elsewhere, I'm still doing a review.
Twist didn't have much as far as main courses were concerned. It was the same general thing you could get at any upscale Hudson valley restaurant. Their appetizers however were spectacular. This was another time where I ordered just from the appetizer side of the menu.
The appetizers were very good. Over priced for what they were but still good. The atmosphere was really what we were paying for. They had a nice outside dining area that was lit by white lights and it was such a beautiful night that it gave it a magical ambiance.
The dessert was a lemon curd which was very tart and delicious. If this restaurant does reopen this might be something worth trying. But right before the restaurant closed its doors, it created a bacon, chocolate and banana dessert that in hindsight, I wish I would have been able to try.
If this establishments reopens its doors, this is a cute place to take a date for a nice night out.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Krishna Grocery on RT 9
This is a little Indian grocery store that also offers food to go. On Monday and Fridays they have a special where you get soup as well for the same price. Now I don't know much about Indian food, but I know good food when I eat it. For those people who like spice and want something out of the ordinary this is the place for them. I enjoyed the meal I had here and for 5$ there was even more than enough to take home so others could enjoy it. There are so many different things to try and the choices change daily.
Stop in for a meal that has been made for you or to buy some of the fine quality ingredients to make it on your own if you have the culinary skill.
Stop in for a meal that has been made for you or to buy some of the fine quality ingredients to make it on your own if you have the culinary skill.
Saigon Cafe
This is an adorable restaurant that is located very close to Vassar College. It seats only a few tables and has one guy who I think is the owner who serves. I have been here several times and every time the food has been great and come very quickly. It is also very reasonably priced and offers specialty smoothies. It specializes in Vietnamese food and has soup, sandwiches, and dessert to accompany with all of the other stereotypical foods you would hope to find at an Asian establishment.
If you are in the area and are eating on a budget or just want great food at a great price give Saigon cafe a try. Its the best hole in the wall joint I've been able to find in my three years living here.
If you are in the area and are eating on a budget or just want great food at a great price give Saigon cafe a try. Its the best hole in the wall joint I've been able to find in my three years living here.
Crave
Let me just start this blog by saying EAT HERE. Immediately. Even if you don't want a full meal, at least stop in for an appetizer or a drink.
We chose to get every appetizer they offer and not one of them disappointed. Included in these but certainly not limited to,was octopus in a red sauce, Caesar salad, and grits. The entire table and the one beside it was full of our appetizers. We were able to finish everything and although we were full, we still wanted more.
CAESAR 9
Grilled romaine/ Imported Parmesan/ garlic crouton
SHRIMP & GRITS 12
Cajun spiced shrimp, cheddar grits, smoked tomato vinaigrette
PORK BELLY 11
Ginger-miso puree/ apple radish slaw/ soy pudding
FOIE GRAS 17
grilled brioche/ blackberry port reduction
DUCK CONFIT RISOTTO 11
Duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, truffle butter & crispy leeks
PAN SEARED SCALLOPS 12
Roasted cauliflower/ saffron butter/ crispy andouille
OCTOPUS 12
Red wine braise/ warm chickpea salad/ grilled tomato
The dessert menu wasn't anything different or spectacular so I didn't choose to order anything. I'm sure the dessert was good, but it just didn't have anything that stood out for me from any other restaurant in the area.
The drinks however, are SPECTACULAR. I tried the Pineapple upside down cake martini and it was easily the best martini I have ever had in my life!
Stop in for a drink at the very least. Completely worth Every cent.
We chose to get every appetizer they offer and not one of them disappointed. Included in these but certainly not limited to,was octopus in a red sauce, Caesar salad, and grits. The entire table and the one beside it was full of our appetizers. We were able to finish everything and although we were full, we still wanted more.
CAESAR 9
Grilled romaine/ Imported Parmesan/ garlic crouton
SHRIMP & GRITS 12
Cajun spiced shrimp, cheddar grits, smoked tomato vinaigrette
PORK BELLY 11
Ginger-miso puree/ apple radish slaw/ soy pudding
FOIE GRAS 17
grilled brioche/ blackberry port reduction
DUCK CONFIT RISOTTO 11
Duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, truffle butter & crispy leeks
PAN SEARED SCALLOPS 12
Roasted cauliflower/ saffron butter/ crispy andouille
OCTOPUS 12
Red wine braise/ warm chickpea salad/ grilled tomato
The dessert menu wasn't anything different or spectacular so I didn't choose to order anything. I'm sure the dessert was good, but it just didn't have anything that stood out for me from any other restaurant in the area.
The drinks however, are SPECTACULAR. I tried the Pineapple upside down cake martini and it was easily the best martini I have ever had in my life!
Stop in for a drink at the very least. Completely worth Every cent.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Hyde Park Brewery
This was honestly a very mediocre experience. For having such an amazing location it doesnt really seem to do much to earn it. This place seems to be relying on the fact that they serve alcohol to overcome the fact that the food is far from impressive.
Lets start with the nachos and buffalo wings. This shouldnt be something that is overly complicated to complete well. Its bar food at a bar. It took a while to get our servers attention, but once an order was placed it took almost as long to get to us as our drinks. The nachos and buffalo wings were pretty good but nothing that is worth bringing up unless a restaurant review is being done.
The main course I ordered was strip steak with garlic butter, mashed potatoes and green beans. The steak showed up over cooked and cold. The garlic butter on it however was quite good. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were out of a box and had the same grainy texture. They also sat on my plate in one big cold mound. The green beans were this army green color and tasted like they were from a can
This was a truely disapointing meal. I have not returned since and have no plans to.
Lets start with the nachos and buffalo wings. This shouldnt be something that is overly complicated to complete well. Its bar food at a bar. It took a while to get our servers attention, but once an order was placed it took almost as long to get to us as our drinks. The nachos and buffalo wings were pretty good but nothing that is worth bringing up unless a restaurant review is being done.
The main course I ordered was strip steak with garlic butter, mashed potatoes and green beans. The steak showed up over cooked and cold. The garlic butter on it however was quite good. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were out of a box and had the same grainy texture. They also sat on my plate in one big cold mound. The green beans were this army green color and tasted like they were from a can
This was a truely disapointing meal. I have not returned since and have no plans to.
Amici's
The bread that they serve at Amici's is awesome and is paired beautifully with the oil they drop off at the table. The only thing that was more enjoyable with the oil was the garlic knots. If you go to Amici's I highly suggest ordering the garlic knots.
For my entree I ordered the crab, corn, and pablano pepper stuffed shells that were topped with a crab vodka sauce. This was an amazing dish and the portion size was perfect. I was able to eat my bread, my entree, and order dessert and leave full but not so full I felt ill. I love restaurants that allow you to sample several parts of their menu without regretting it or missing out on anything.
Dessert started out positively but then took a turn for the worse. We ordered spumoni which was alright. It tasted as if it might have come from a prepackaged box. A few bites in, a hair was discovered and this quickly ended our dining experience.
Over all, the food was delicious enough to consider coming back. The managers attempted to rectify the issue by offering a different dessert but ended up just taking it off the check. The experience was also heightened by the addition of a coupon I had received that took $18 off the tab. So especially with this taken into consideration, it was a pretty good evening.
For my entree I ordered the crab, corn, and pablano pepper stuffed shells that were topped with a crab vodka sauce. This was an amazing dish and the portion size was perfect. I was able to eat my bread, my entree, and order dessert and leave full but not so full I felt ill. I love restaurants that allow you to sample several parts of their menu without regretting it or missing out on anything.
Dessert started out positively but then took a turn for the worse. We ordered spumoni which was alright. It tasted as if it might have come from a prepackaged box. A few bites in, a hair was discovered and this quickly ended our dining experience.
Over all, the food was delicious enough to consider coming back. The managers attempted to rectify the issue by offering a different dessert but ended up just taking it off the check. The experience was also heightened by the addition of a coupon I had received that took $18 off the tab. So especially with this taken into consideration, it was a pretty good evening.
Kavos
Even calling to place the order began a bad experience. He started by apologizing that he didn't have any of the things we had ordered and started asking for a second chance even before we had given this establishment a first chance.
After we had figured out what they actually DID have and placed our orders we ended up having to call 4 times to check on our meal. The first time, they said it was about to leave.
The second time, they said it was about to leave and they were having a problem with the lamb. Side note: they don't even serve lamb there. It even states it on the menu. So.. what issue are they having with the thing that they don't even carry?
The third time, and this is about an hour and a half in, they stated it was about to leave ( again?) and they told us we would get free things and that "we would be taken care of".
The final time we called, the person on the other end said that our food had left 15 minutes ago (the place is 5 minutes away) and so our entire meal was comped because now the driver was lost on top of everything.
So a whopping 2 hours later, we received our gyros and fries. It was still relatively warm and the food wasn't bad at all. But after waiting that long for the food it wasn't worth it. In order for me to order from them again, they would have had to have delivered the most amazing gyro in the history of gyros. However my Roasted pepper, mozzarella, basil and chicken gyro was good but not 2 hours and 4 phone calls good.
After we had figured out what they actually DID have and placed our orders we ended up having to call 4 times to check on our meal. The first time, they said it was about to leave.
The second time, they said it was about to leave and they were having a problem with the lamb. Side note: they don't even serve lamb there. It even states it on the menu. So.. what issue are they having with the thing that they don't even carry?
The third time, and this is about an hour and a half in, they stated it was about to leave ( again?) and they told us we would get free things and that "we would be taken care of".
The final time we called, the person on the other end said that our food had left 15 minutes ago (the place is 5 minutes away) and so our entire meal was comped because now the driver was lost on top of everything.
So a whopping 2 hours later, we received our gyros and fries. It was still relatively warm and the food wasn't bad at all. But after waiting that long for the food it wasn't worth it. In order for me to order from them again, they would have had to have delivered the most amazing gyro in the history of gyros. However my Roasted pepper, mozzarella, basil and chicken gyro was good but not 2 hours and 4 phone calls good.
Coppolas
I've only eaten here once. The first time that I chose to eat here was because of how beautiful the building is. The outside has many doors and when I arrived all of them but one was locked so I wasn't sure which to enter. Once I got inside I looked over the menu and was impressed by the various foods they offered but none of them really stood out from every other Italian restaurant in the area.
I finally settled on getting a 4 cheese calzone. Like the menu, it was huge but not very different from anything else that is available in Poughkeepsie. One of the only upsides to this restaurant was that there are so many locations now, that if you want sub par Italian food specifically from Coppolas, you can do it anywhere in Poughkeepsie. But couldn't you have already done that?
I finally settled on getting a 4 cheese calzone. Like the menu, it was huge but not very different from anything else that is available in Poughkeepsie. One of the only upsides to this restaurant was that there are so many locations now, that if you want sub par Italian food specifically from Coppolas, you can do it anywhere in Poughkeepsie. But couldn't you have already done that?
Cappaccino
Cappaccino has a great location right on RT 9 going south towards the Galleria mall. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the food is great. They have daily lunch specials that are enough for two meals and most of them are under $7.
The first time I dined there, it was for lunch and the restaurant was entirely empty. It was during the week and just as they had opened so I will assume that was the reason for no other patrons. They do have a private parking lot that often does have a lot of cars in it for dinner service. During my first visit,I had the gnocci with a cream sauce, bacon, and peas, a real traditional italian sauce. The portion they gave me was certainly worth the 6.95 that was paid for it. I was able to take leftovers home that I later enjoyed a second time.
The next time I joined them for lunch, they had more people which is always a good sign. This time I ordered a shrimp scampi pizza. Although it said "personal size" it was a full 12 inch pizza. This was one of the best pizzas I have enjoyed in the area as far as shrimp scampi is concerned. It was also reasonably priced for such a large "personal" portion and served as several meals.
Now that Cappaccino has become yet another "coppolas" who knows how the food will go. I am hoping that it will remain the same but with the name change more than likely will come a change in everything else.
The first time I dined there, it was for lunch and the restaurant was entirely empty. It was during the week and just as they had opened so I will assume that was the reason for no other patrons. They do have a private parking lot that often does have a lot of cars in it for dinner service. During my first visit,I had the gnocci with a cream sauce, bacon, and peas, a real traditional italian sauce. The portion they gave me was certainly worth the 6.95 that was paid for it. I was able to take leftovers home that I later enjoyed a second time.
The next time I joined them for lunch, they had more people which is always a good sign. This time I ordered a shrimp scampi pizza. Although it said "personal size" it was a full 12 inch pizza. This was one of the best pizzas I have enjoyed in the area as far as shrimp scampi is concerned. It was also reasonably priced for such a large "personal" portion and served as several meals.
Now that Cappaccino has become yet another "coppolas" who knows how the food will go. I am hoping that it will remain the same but with the name change more than likely will come a change in everything else.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
South Side Restaurant
I chose to stop at this restaurant because I had always noticed it but never heard any buzz. I stopped in on a thursday afternoon and was greeted by an empty hostess station. After waiting a few moments a young women who turned out to be my server. I was seated at a 5 top which seemed a bit much since I was dining alone.
The booth I was seated in was a Dale Earnheart booth. I'm not a nascar fan but even if I was, i wouldnt understand the correlation between Dale Earnhearts, a diner, and the picnic style fense they had set up for seperating the tables and the steareotypical italian music that was playing in the back ground wasnt bringing it all together for me either.
After briefly looking over the menu, i chose a melon martini that was promptly brought to me. The upfront flavor was decent but the taste afterwards was almost rancid. For my entree I ordereed the honey dipped fried chicken. The chicken was overfreid and dry. The sweet potato fries were quite good, but for what I paid it wasnt worth it. Both things I ordered at lower menu prices than what showed up on my bill.The server was sweet and I actually had the owner and additional servers check in on my table.
Although the people seemed nice enough, the food just didnt meet the price they were charging for it. That and the innacurate menu prices and the random "theme" it didnt cut it for me.
The booth I was seated in was a Dale Earnheart booth. I'm not a nascar fan but even if I was, i wouldnt understand the correlation between Dale Earnhearts, a diner, and the picnic style fense they had set up for seperating the tables and the steareotypical italian music that was playing in the back ground wasnt bringing it all together for me either.
After briefly looking over the menu, i chose a melon martini that was promptly brought to me. The upfront flavor was decent but the taste afterwards was almost rancid. For my entree I ordereed the honey dipped fried chicken. The chicken was overfreid and dry. The sweet potato fries were quite good, but for what I paid it wasnt worth it. Both things I ordered at lower menu prices than what showed up on my bill.The server was sweet and I actually had the owner and additional servers check in on my table.
Although the people seemed nice enough, the food just didnt meet the price they were charging for it. That and the innacurate menu prices and the random "theme" it didnt cut it for me.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Momo Fuku
Stepping into the noodle bar was rathe rdifficult. FFrom the hostess stand to the door was packed. We pushed our way in and waited to be seated. The restaurant was set up in a very informal open table family style. you sit where you find room and wait for someone to take your order. We had about a twenty minute wait before we were seated, but the tables were turned and cleaned with an amazing quickness
Our orders were taken in a very timely manner and we ordered the chilled spicy noodles with spinach and cashews. We also tried the steamed pork buns and shitake buns. To drink my mother and I had a yuzu and lichi slushy. At five dollars for something barely bigger than a shot glass and ten dollars for a large it was over priced. The rst of the food was more reasonable and the tasting menu was the best value by far.
The slushies we ordered were quite good but not worth the price. They also tasted like they had sake in them and that wasnt mentioned in the description. I may have been mistaken but if not that might be something to note.
The steamed pork and shitake buns were stellar. The shitake were a little dry for me and a few had the consistancy of jerky but the flavor was on point. The pork were so tender and fatty. These were my favorite of the two.
They were not lying when they said the chilled spicy noodles were spicy. I honestly didnt take them seriously enough when I saw that word used to describe them. This was easily one of the hottest things I have ever eaten. If these were served warm I think that it would be overwhelming. The nuts were actually paired well with the noodles and assisted in cooling.
Once the noodles were finished apple pie truffles were ordered. These were apple caked, rolled into balls, and then dipped in custard and then white chocolate. They were a little dry and I honestly wasnt impressed with them. The end of the meal could have ended on a more positive note.
Over all, It was an interesting experience and one that I'm glad I had. I would suggest going here and certainly trying the spicy noodles if spice is your thing and the pork buns definitely. This is a great place to stop in for a bite and a fun time.
Our orders were taken in a very timely manner and we ordered the chilled spicy noodles with spinach and cashews. We also tried the steamed pork buns and shitake buns. To drink my mother and I had a yuzu and lichi slushy. At five dollars for something barely bigger than a shot glass and ten dollars for a large it was over priced. The rst of the food was more reasonable and the tasting menu was the best value by far.
The slushies we ordered were quite good but not worth the price. They also tasted like they had sake in them and that wasnt mentioned in the description. I may have been mistaken but if not that might be something to note.
The steamed pork and shitake buns were stellar. The shitake were a little dry for me and a few had the consistancy of jerky but the flavor was on point. The pork were so tender and fatty. These were my favorite of the two.
They were not lying when they said the chilled spicy noodles were spicy. I honestly didnt take them seriously enough when I saw that word used to describe them. This was easily one of the hottest things I have ever eaten. If these were served warm I think that it would be overwhelming. The nuts were actually paired well with the noodles and assisted in cooling.
Once the noodles were finished apple pie truffles were ordered. These were apple caked, rolled into balls, and then dipped in custard and then white chocolate. They were a little dry and I honestly wasnt impressed with them. The end of the meal could have ended on a more positive note.
Over all, It was an interesting experience and one that I'm glad I had. I would suggest going here and certainly trying the spicy noodles if spice is your thing and the pork buns definitely. This is a great place to stop in for a bite and a fun time.
Apple Pie Bakery Cafe
Being a CIA student, I've been fortunate enough to be present as the cafe slowly changes. Some of the changes such as changing the breakfast burrito to a breakfast biscuit caused a small stir but it wasn't a catastrophe. The problems arose when breakfast disappeared entirely. Shortly after dinner was replaced by soggy sandwiches and cream soups. Why 2 cream soup options? Who knows. Even as a student Ive received no answer to these changes. At least now you can get a soup, sandwich and a drink for your swipe.
The lattes are my favorite attraction. I think they are a bit over priced and the food is pretty good but you have to go during lunch period in order to get it. The pulled pork sandwich is delicious. It is served on pumpernickel bread, with coleslaw and bbqsauce and served with sweet potato chips.Its over priced but you are paying for the talent of the CIA students and the privilege of eating on our beautiful campus. Its paying for the name and the atmosphere.
I would suggest eating here if you want to just enjoy the campus and while you are here I would suggest taking a tour. A new featured bread, pretzel, bagel, latte and granita is available every 2 days so that keeps things interesting and makes it worth stopping by every so often.
The lattes are my favorite attraction. I think they are a bit over priced and the food is pretty good but you have to go during lunch period in order to get it. The pulled pork sandwich is delicious. It is served on pumpernickel bread, with coleslaw and bbqsauce and served with sweet potato chips.Its over priced but you are paying for the talent of the CIA students and the privilege of eating on our beautiful campus. Its paying for the name and the atmosphere.
I would suggest eating here if you want to just enjoy the campus and while you are here I would suggest taking a tour. A new featured bread, pretzel, bagel, latte and granita is available every 2 days so that keeps things interesting and makes it worth stopping by every so often.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Soul Dog
Hot Dogs made FANCY
http://www.souldog.biz/menu.html
My experience with Soul Dog was great. What impressed me even more than the food, shockingly enough , was that they offered so many gluten free options. With gluten free diets becoming more and more popular, I think that this is spectacular that the owner has taken this into consideration.
Now, Lets talk about what's really important. The FOOD. The endless combinations of toppings they offer for their hot dogs is astounding. They have typical toppings of course, but what peaked my interest, was the Thai peanut sauce with scallions. This hot dog was such an interesting choice. Both the texture and the flavors were mind blowing. Who ever came up with this deserves a prize. Unlimited Hot dogs with the peanut sauce! Yes. That is a fitting prize.
This restaurant is small but the fun and festive feeling of the inside completely makes up for any space issue you may find. There is still plenty of seating and the quaint size makes this one of the typical great food in a hole in the wall place.
Eat here! That's my final word.
http://www.souldog.biz/menu.html
My experience with Soul Dog was great. What impressed me even more than the food, shockingly enough , was that they offered so many gluten free options. With gluten free diets becoming more and more popular, I think that this is spectacular that the owner has taken this into consideration.
Now, Lets talk about what's really important. The FOOD. The endless combinations of toppings they offer for their hot dogs is astounding. They have typical toppings of course, but what peaked my interest, was the Thai peanut sauce with scallions. This hot dog was such an interesting choice. Both the texture and the flavors were mind blowing. Who ever came up with this deserves a prize. Unlimited Hot dogs with the peanut sauce! Yes. That is a fitting prize.
This restaurant is small but the fun and festive feeling of the inside completely makes up for any space issue you may find. There is still plenty of seating and the quaint size makes this one of the typical great food in a hole in the wall place.
Eat here! That's my final word.
Kebab Palace
Great food but service lacking.
The atmosphere when you first walk into "Kebab Palace" complies well with the food. The table was preset and clean and we were sat in a very quick manor. However, once we had looked at the menu we seemed rushed into picking appetizers and then if we wanted more time to fully look over the menu our server acted both apathetic to talk to us and then seemed to regret having come back to finish taking our order.
Once our appetizers of the vegetarian sampler platter arrived, we enjoyed it very much so. It was perfectly fried and seasoned and It was actually something that I would love to make at home. It came with three sauces one of which being a sweet and tangy pomegranate syrup the other was a chutney and the last was a cilantro yogurt sauce. We also ordered fried cheese. The cheese was house made which I thought was a nice touch and it was fried in the same batter as the vegetables. This was quite good as well and I am a big fan of fried foods but I was expecting more variety in the appetisers.
When we were finished with our appetisers, our server returned and asked "Are you people ready for your entrees?" The "You People" really threw me off and I realised that he was only doing it to our table and not the Pakistani guests that were dining there. I cant help wonder if the "you people" was a derogatory remark because we were the only people in the restaurant that were not Pakistani or Indian.
The entrees were very spicy which is right up my alley. I honestly enjoyed my appetisers more than my main courses. The food wasn't bad by any means. The person who I was dining with loved his food, and as far as Pakistani/Indian food is concerned, it was one of the best places we've eaten in Poughkeepsie.
Over all, I will go to this restaurant again. But only if I order food for take out. The service was enough for me to not want to go back no matter how good the food is.
The atmosphere when you first walk into "Kebab Palace" complies well with the food. The table was preset and clean and we were sat in a very quick manor. However, once we had looked at the menu we seemed rushed into picking appetizers and then if we wanted more time to fully look over the menu our server acted both apathetic to talk to us and then seemed to regret having come back to finish taking our order.
Once our appetizers of the vegetarian sampler platter arrived, we enjoyed it very much so. It was perfectly fried and seasoned and It was actually something that I would love to make at home. It came with three sauces one of which being a sweet and tangy pomegranate syrup the other was a chutney and the last was a cilantro yogurt sauce. We also ordered fried cheese. The cheese was house made which I thought was a nice touch and it was fried in the same batter as the vegetables. This was quite good as well and I am a big fan of fried foods but I was expecting more variety in the appetisers.
When we were finished with our appetisers, our server returned and asked "Are you people ready for your entrees?" The "You People" really threw me off and I realised that he was only doing it to our table and not the Pakistani guests that were dining there. I cant help wonder if the "you people" was a derogatory remark because we were the only people in the restaurant that were not Pakistani or Indian.
The entrees were very spicy which is right up my alley. I honestly enjoyed my appetisers more than my main courses. The food wasn't bad by any means. The person who I was dining with loved his food, and as far as Pakistani/Indian food is concerned, it was one of the best places we've eaten in Poughkeepsie.
Over all, I will go to this restaurant again. But only if I order food for take out. The service was enough for me to not want to go back no matter how good the food is.
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