Artist's Palette
This trendy, upscale bistro in Poughkeepsie has a smallish, open dining room that is bright and lively (sometimes noisy), decorated with the works of local artists. The menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal, often local ingredients. Start with appetizers like the Maine lobster mac and cheese, crispy sautéed sweetbreads or mushroom tart. You'll find a nice selection of creatively prepared pasta, fish and meat dishes, and usually a wild game entree, like the South Texas antelope with roasted figs and fresh sage. Service is top-notch.
Artist's Palette
307 Main St.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 483-8074
theartistspalate.biz
Flames Steakhouse
For a big, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth hunk of choice meat get yourself and your appetite to this top-ranked steakhouse in Briarcliff Manor. The classic, white-linen dining room is elegant, service is impeccable, and the steaks--hand-selected, aged and grilled to perfection--are the best you'll ever sink your teeth into. The mammoth T-bone is a top seller but if you're dining with friends, consider the four-person Porterhouse cut. The wine cellar has more than 2,000 bottles.
Flames Steakhouse
533 North State Rd.
Briarcliff Manor, NY
(914) 923-3100
flamessteakhouse.com
Harvest on Hudson
This gorgeous Hastings farmhouse restaurant overlooks the Hudson River, surrounded by gardens and rolling farmlands. In winter, the best table is next to the large stone fireplace in the main dining room. During warmer months, head for the garden terrace. No matter the season, the food lives up to the setting. The Mediterranean-inspired dishes include seasonal ingredients from the farmhouse gardens and greenhouses. The menu changes seasonally but may include appetizers like salmon ceviche, iced oysters, or crispy lamb apricot and almond spring rolls. There's always a selection of gourmet pizzas (fig, goat cheese and prosciutto is a favorite) and a wide variety of pasta, fish and meat dishes. Signature dishes include the traditional zuppa di pesce with shrimp, clams, calamari, mussels and monkfish in a tomato, garlic and white wine broth.
Harvest on Hudson
1 River St.
Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706
(914) 478-2800
harvest2000.com/hoh/
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
