‘Rhinebeck’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Review: American Bounty {Culinary Institute of America’s restaurant}

April 16, 2014 · Narrative

A dinner at the American Bounty restaurant, located on the Culinary Institute of America’s campus. An upscale dining experience with the menu to match.

When I traveled to Rhinebeck, New York in February, part of the weekend festivities included dinner at the American Bounty restaurant on the Culinary Institute of America’s property. Staffed by the CIA’s students and graduates, it is a fine dining restaurant with perfect table settings, attentive service, and a carefully paced meal. Its focus is the farm-to-table experience, and many of the ingredients come directly from the Hudson Valley area.

To say we were in for a treat would be an understatement.

The menu was filled with seasonal items, and many specialties. I had heard good things about their new Pastry Chef, namely that she was into fun desserts that bordered on scientific experiments, but I tried my best to focus on first things first.

Appetizers.

Any time I’m out in a restaurant, I try to order things that a) I don’t usually cook at home and b) items I’ve never had. And this particular weekend was no exception.

Once I saw cage free foie gras on the menu, it was a given that I would order it, although it was hard to pass up the Prince Edward Island Mussels. Beautifully presented and perfectly proportioned, the foie gras was soft and smooth and everything it should be. Served alongside a smear of dipping sauce and several slices of toast points, it was devoured pretty quickly. (I *did* have a bite of the mussels as well, and they were garlicky and tender, and served in a generous portion.)

For my main course, I went with Wild Striped Sea Bass, with a crispy skin, kohlrabi, and shiitake mushrooms. It also featured a white wine butter sauce and it was amazing. Had I not been in the company of the Jones Dairy Farm team, I would have licked the plate clean. It was my first time having sea bass, and it won’t be my last. Expertly cooked and flaky bite after bite.

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Visit: The Mansions of Hyde Park, New York {Vanderbilt & Roosevelt}

April 2, 2014 · Narrative

Looking for a fun, yet historical, day trip? What about a trip to the mansions of Hudson Valley? Vanderbilt … Roosevelt … Let’s go!

When we visited the Rhinebeck area for our Jones Dairy Farm trip in February, Sarah and I planned to leisurely check out some of the sights before heading home to our kids. You know, before my kids called and asked if I could come home early. We thoroughly explored the downtown Rhinebeck shopping area, and just before hopping on the highway homeward bound, we made quick visits to the mansions in the Hyde Park area. Although a chilly weekend, the scenery was gorgeous nonetheless.

Vanderbilt Mansion was our first stop. What struck me most about this first stop was the sheer immensity of the mansion. All things considered, it’s huge by today’s standards. Which means it was positively ginormous back in the day. The original construction began in 1764, when the Gilded Age was all the rage. It sits on over 200 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, just east of the Hudson River. It is a National Historic Site, and with its proximity to New York City and the railroads, the mansion became prime real estate in the Hudson Valley. With over 54 rooms, it was the epitome of grandeur, and in the early 1940s, parts of the mansion even served as quarters for President Roosevelt’s Secret Service to stay.

One hour guided tours are available daily, and entrance to the grounds and parking are free. There is a small gift shop inside the visitor’s center that features great little treasures and souvenirs.

119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538
(845) 229-7770

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Visit: Rhinebeck, New York

March 6, 2014 · Narrative

Quaint and unique stores in a picturesque downtown setting? Let’s explore Rhinebeck, New York.

When Sarah and I visited Rhinebeck last month, we made sure to set aside some time for shopping. Because, well, shopping. And Rhinebeck’s downtown is just too cute not to explore. The shopping area was very convenient to the hotel we were staying at and we.walked.everywhere.

Our fitbits were very happy that weekend.

Blue Cashew
This was first store that we popped into. It is full of gorgeous kitchen and dining room must-haves, but unfortunately the price tags are a little on the high end. I oohed and ahhed over this gorgeous gold sparkly flatwear set. Until I saw the price tag of $96.00 for the set (I wish you could buy individual pieces, I would have been all over that!). If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find at your local Target, this is a great spot to check out, and perfect for wedding and housewarming gift-giving needs as well. The shopkeeper had an adorable dog behind the counter that I spent some bonding time with, and then we were on our way.

Paper Trail
When I saw the giant string art heart in the window, I knew I was in trouble. Because, you know, hearts. And now I totally want to make a pink one to add to our red one. But I digress. I loved this store, and I think it was my favorite of all our stops. At the time, I was still in present-buying mode for Madeline’s (then) upcoming birthday, and this was a great place for it. Such a beautiful assortment of stationary, art supplies, books, cards, gift ideas, and more, and I left with a very full bag.

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Review: Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn {Rhinebeck, New York}

February 25, 2014 · Narrative

Looking for a quaint little getaway? Look no further than Rhinebeck, New York. Have dinner at the Culinary Institute of America, shop in tiny boutiques along the downtown streets, and grab some zzz’s at the oldest inn in America.

When I visited the Culinary Institute of America a few weeks ago, the weekend included a stay at the Beekman Arms, a very quaint hotel in downtown Rhinebeck, and the oldest inn in America (its wonderful history can be found here). Located in the main shopping/restaurant section of the downtown area, it has boasted many famous guests along its 300+ year tenure so far, including Presidents George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. The hotel features a main house with guest rooms, and additionally, a few houses within a few blocks of the main house that also include many guest rooms.

Very easy to find, with parking lots right behind each building, we checked into the main house and, while there, got a peek at their bar and restaurant area. Filled with antique furniture, historical artifacts, and gorgeous wooden beams, it was warm and cozy.

Sarah and I were both staying at the hotel, though we ended up with very different rooms in adjacent buildings. Her room was an upstairs single with dark blue walls, a tv, and small bathroom, all nestled into the eaves of the house. Mine was a short distance away, a first floor suite, complete with tv room, pull-out couch, day bed, king size bed, and a large bathroom.

At the surprisingly affordable price of $145.00.

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