Last year’s event drew 150,000 to 200,000 diners, who discovered new culinary experiences in the Hudson Valley–this year the choices are even greater. Participating restaurants are located in seven counties (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Columbia) along the Hudson River from north of New York City to just south of Albany.

“The Hudson Valley food scene is vibrant. The Valley is home to the country’s foremost cooking school, a nationally recognized center for food and agriculture, celebrated artisanal cheese makers and world-class wineries and distilleries, and some of the best chefs in America,” says Janet Crawshaw, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week organizer and publisher of The Valley Table magazine, the recognized authority on all things food related in the Hudson Valley.

Food enthusiasts may want to make a weekend getaway of this event and will find many Hudson Valley hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts are offering discounted rates during Restaurant Week. Another exciting development for the event is a promotional partnership with Metro-North, which is encouraging passengers to take advantage of the many dining opportunities that are within walking distance of train stations along the Harlem, Hudson and New Haven lines. 

For more information and a full list of participating restaurants, go to  www.hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com/.

Real Estate–The house is spectacular and the site even more so. Wright’s style and spirit are evident everywhere. The dramatic ceiling effects, windows, staircases, hand rails, and cabinetry are impressive. The grounds, decks, views, and landscaping are exceptional. Among the many amenities is a two-story barn/office on the + /- 16 acres. Located on the Canaan/ Berkshire border. Offered at $1,300,000.

For more information, please contact Old Ghent Realty at www.oldghent.com

Real Estate–Located in the heart of a great Hudson neighborhood, this enchanting house features contemporary style and original details restored to perfection including period wallpaper, moldings, doors, floors, cabinets, kitchen, bathroom, and lighting fixtures. The spacious living area enjoys an open, yet intimate feeling with French doors, stained glass window, and original curved stair banister. This is a flawless museum-quality restoration of a sophisticated mid-20th century elegant home.

This 3-bedroom home includes a sitting area off the kitchen for outdoor dining with views of a beautiful cottage garden and an attached-garage for off-street parking. Many other amenities. Offered at $339,000.

For more information, please contact Peggy Lampman Real Estate at www.peggylampman.com

Real Estate–Spectacular Hudson River and Catskill views from this 3,500 square foot classic 1969 Deck House on over 15 acres that stretch from Mt. Merino Road all the way to the river.

A stylish living room and library have beamed vaulted ceilings, a striking double-sided fireplace, and glorious views through huge windows and glass doors that open to a new deck. The dining room and the spacious eat-in kitchen also face the views. Walk out to the gunite pool from the family room with fireplace.

There are 5 bedrooms including a master bedroom suite with impressive views, two newly redone bathrooms with glass sinks and fine tile work, plus a view from the master bath shower. And so much more. Offered at $1,150,000.

For more information, please contact Peggy Lampman Real Estate at www.peggylampman.com

Real Estate–It’s Magical! This 4-bedroom early farmhouse sits on 170 acres of rolling fields with hedgerows, woods, pond site, and a breathtaking view of the Catskill Mountains.

Nothing quite describes this property with its beautiful pool, charming detailed interior rooms, pond, and amazing trees and gardens. You’ll even find, down the road, excellent barns and a neighbor farmer who likes to farm it. Offered at $1,500,000.

For more information, please contact Old Ghent Realty at www.oldghent.com

Real Estate–Quiet and private, this unique custom-built Cape on 5 mostly open acres is a true gem. Cozy and spacious with light-filled great room, two-sided fireplace, and first-floor bedroom.

This home in Columbia County features a detached 3-car garage with shop area and guest apartment. Lush established perennial gardens, Koi pond, and raised-bed vegetable gardens are just some of the many amenities, including room for a pool. Offered at $449,000.

For more information, please contact Old Ghent Realty at www.oldghent.com

Real Estate–Old age charm and state-of-the-art new! This magnificent estate in the Chatham countryside offers an unbeatable combination of all the qualities and amenities possible for gracious living on up to 343 acres.

Enjoy incredible views in all directions of pastures, farms, meadows, barns, ponds, and the distant Berkshire Mountain range.

The home offers huge spacious rooms, gourmet kitchen with pantry, fireplaces throughout, a sunroom-conservatory, pool and pool house, courtyard, and 4-car garage, too much to mention.

It is an amazing piece of property and can be bought in part (71 acres) or in its entirety (343 acres). Everything is in impeccable condition.

One of a kind–Offered at $3,000,000 for 71 Acres; $6,000,000 for 343 Acres.

For more information, please contact Old Ghent Realty at www.oldghent.com

Real Estate–This 22-acre Columbia County country estate in the Hudson Valley has views of the rushing Kinderhook Creek and lush verdant farmlands. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and large gathering rooms create a very spacious open feeling.

A separate 2600 square foot building houses a beautiful art studio, room for the car, plus a very attractive 2-3-bedroom apartment with its own decks and views. Great for guests or income. Total privacy on tucked away road with woodland paths. Offered at $995,000.

For more information, please contact Old Ghent Realty at www.oldghent.com

Holiday Host Guide App Transforms Any Gathering into an Exquisite and Memorable Occasion at the Touch of a Button

The Robb Report Host’s Guide for Holiday 2010 gives you everything you need to host intimate gatherings or formal affairs in Robb Report style. 

Just introduced for the Holidays, this App is the ultimate guide for selecting the finest food, beverages, glassware, and ideas for holiday entertaining.   

Now available in the iTunes Store for a special Introductory Price of $2.99. See below.

The virtual wine cellar contains more than 100 new releases handpicked for the holidays–a Glassware Function assists in choosing the right shape of Riedel crystal for each variety of wine–the Interactive Bar stocks more than 50 high-end spirits (including Hendrick’s Gin, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet and Elit by Stolichnaya)–dozens of Cocktail Recipes range from holiday drinks to time-tested classics and unusual contemporary cocktails–the easy-to-manage Party-Planning function generates a complete shopping list of all items you select and allows you to purchase any item in the guide (including fresh food and ingredients for cocktails) at the touch of a button. 

Use the  “Chef as Host” function for tips from some of America’s finest chefs, including how they would host a party at their home, their philosophy of hospitality, their favorite cocktail, how they would organize a menu–

Plus much more…

This application is now available in the iTunes Store for a special Introductory Price of $2.99 

Click here to download now:  “Holiday Host Guide”

Following the holiday season, this multipurpose and multidimensional application will be continually updated, making it ideal for party hosts throughout the year.

Happy Holidays from Hudson Magazine!

The World’s Premier Culinary College in the Hudson Valley Offers Fabulous Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Whether you stop by to enjoy lunch when you’re out shopping, order the CIA new Gift Card to give friends and family, or sign up for a Dining Series Themed Event to enjoy after the hectic holidays are over, the CIA has something for everyone.

Holiday Gift Cards

Always ready when you are, the CIA Gift Card is the perfect way for you or your favorite foodie to experience the CIA and bring the world of food to life. At the top of every food-lovers wish list, CIA Gift Cards are available in any denomination from $20 to $3,000, and they never expire!

Use the CIA Gift Card to:

• Dine at any of the award-winning restaurants at the Hyde Park, NY campus including the Escoffier Restaurant, American Bounty Restaurant, Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici, St. Andrew’s Café, and the Apple Pie Bakery Café
• Register for a food enthusiast or professional development class at any of the CIA locations in the continental United States (Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; and San Antonio, TX)
• Book a tour of the beautiful Hyde Park, NY campus
• Purchase one of their diverse food enthusiast titles. Their books and DVDs offer delicious recipes, step-by-step techniques, chef’s tips, and beautiful photography to take you from market to mealtime

Visit the CIA online, or call 866.242.7787, stop by the Hospitality Office in the lobby of Roth Hall, or at any of the student staffed public restaurants, to order your Gift Cards today.

Holiday-Inspired Bakery Delights

At the Apple Pie Bakery Café, you have your holiday dessert needs covered. Order a Bûche de Noël that will impress your guests, or lay in a supply of scones, pumpkin danish, or gingerbread muffins for the morning after the big feast. Of course, there are lots of your favorite treats available, too. Stop by the café, open Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., or call  845.905.4500 to place your order by December 17. Please note that 72 hours advance notice is required for all orders.

2011 Dining Series Themed Events

Ristorante Caterina de' Medici at the CIA