[email removed] (Kiran Wagle) asks for restaurant recommendations for Poughkeepsie & Springfield. The Mountain Brauhaus is across the river, thru New Paltz, and up into the mountains on the west edge of the Hudson River Valley, near Lake Mohonk. My family loves it; it's informal, with pleasant food. For finer dining, between Po'k and Springfield, try a restaurant in Hillsdale, NY (on Rt 22, shortly south of the NY Thruway extension to the Mass Pike). It's L'Hostellerie Bressane, a French restaurant that I visit every chance I get. Wonderful food, great service, and plan on about $50/person. They take checks, but not credit cards. 518-325-3412 for reservations (required!)
New York
Food in OH, Phila, NYC, CT, Boston, Poughkeepsie
Well Kiran Wagle, this might be too late, but here goes anyway... If you are passing through Poughkeepsie, definatly try and stop at The Culinary Institute of America (I am an Alumni). But call ahead, the school is closed for 3 weeks (usually the first 3 weeks in July) for summer vacation. The rest of the summer is usually busy with tourists and bus tours, so I would highly recommend calling ahead, especially if you want to eat in The American Bounty Restaurant or The Escoffier Room (there are two other public restaurants.) If you cant make a resvy, St. Andrews Cafe ("nutrition food", but you wouldnt know it) usually takes walk in. If you go, walk around the whole main building, most people are amazed to see all the kitchens/classrooms, most have "picture" windows, there are about 30 kitchen/classrooms. The bookstore is excellant, many books, tools, gadgits, ect. About 5 miles north of the CIA on right on Rt. 9 also is the oldest hotel in the country, it is called The Beakman Arms. Their sunday brunch is supposed to be very good, as well as all the food. About a year ago I read that Larry Forgione (he is the chef/owner of An American Place Rest in NYC) was running the Beakman Arms (or running the restaurant). He is one of the top young chefs for the last few years, so I dont think he would harm the Beakman. Have fun...
Ken J Siegel