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Monthly Archives: April 2013

Scary News about Meat

Scary News about Meat

Not that I eat a lot of meat to begin with… and less so now that I am dating a vegetarian, but this is scary news. I don’t think I will be ordering red meat at a restaurant again (even though steak may be one of my most favorite food items!).

I’m now on a mission to find local organic grass fed meat.
I know of Hemlock Hills. Anyone know of others?

If you are going to still purchase processed meat, I did a quick search online and found a few brands that sell sodium nitrate free products. Even Boars Head and Applegate are not entirely sodium-nitrate free, so pay attention to labels!

This however is not a credible source, printed in sensational style, and is definitely missing sources. Not to mention the publication date as being April fools! The New York Times recently published an article with similar danger, an conveys the danger in many red meats, without the sensations. This is the link.

CSA or no CSA?

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I have spent a great deal of time in the last few weeks researching local CSAs. I love the concept. For those that don’t know, CSA is short for Community Supported Agriculture. Basically, you pay a yearly membership, and in turn, are provided with a “share” of the farms harvest to which you belong. It can be for just veggies and produce, but can also include fruits, juices, wines, and sometimes community pot-lucks, and educational programs. Some even offer a ‘you-pick’ component (I imagine that may be a perk for people with children especially).

In the past, I participated in a CSA located in New Paltz that I loved. It was the Brook Farm Project CSA. I had outstanding veggies from June through October, and was able to participate in a few community pot luck’s that were really fun. They sold fresh eggs and local goat cheese on pick up days as well, and I loved supporting a local farmer and eating fresh and seasonal vegetables.

The debate that I am having now is whether or not to join a CSA that is closer to my new home, or to just shop at local farmers markets and farms as my shopping routine. I am at most, shopping for myself and my boyfriend, so in my experience, the CSA shares are often enough produce for an entire week, plus some! My boyfriend is not in favor of the CSA as he likes to cook what he would like, and not have the menu depend on what if provided. Additionally, as we have at least two, but likely three weeks we are away this summer, its possible we will miss those share weeks, and still have to spend money elsewhere on food. He also prefers to go to a place like Blooming Hill Farm in Blooming Grove, NY. They have outrageous produce that they supply to major restaurants in NYC. On the weekends, they open to the public to sell produce, as well as fresh and homemade items right on the farm (personal favorites include the ramp pizza, and breakfast pizza, as well as the homemade ice tea!) While their produce is delicious, and I love the experience of going to the farm, eating breakfast, and sitting by the stream while I wait for the food, it’s also a bit pricier than a place like Adam’s Fairacre Farms or a CSA.

I’m still doing more calculating, but these are the CSA’s I have found most recently and am still considering.

Obercreek Farm CSA – http://www.obercreekfarm.com/

Fishkill Farms CSA – http://fishkillfarms.com/csa_fishkillfarm.html

Stonegate Farm CSA – http://www.stonegatefarmny.org/

Anyone have any experience with any of these farms? Or shed some insight on how the CSA’s have worked for you?

I want to shop local, I want to eat fresh and seasonally, and I want to support safe farming practices. I need a solution to address all of those things on a budget…I really do want it all!

Trivia in the Hudson Valley

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One of my favorite new-(ish) pastimes is bar/restaurant trivia. Since living in The Hudson Valley, I have been able to participate in a few different trivia nights in various localities. It’s a fun way to get out during the week, and if you are any good, can also win you some goodies. Here’s the run down on those that I know of, have participated in, or hope to make it to! Please share more if you know of them.

Newburgh Brewery – Wednesday Nights – This is difficult trivia! They have at least 4 different categories that they announcement on their Facebook page earlier in the day on Wednesday. If you are savvy, you can brush up on some of your facts before attending. The perks of this trivia is that you can have teams of up to 8 people. They serve $5 beers, and allow you to have food delivered directly to the brewery. The downside of the trivia is that due to the awesome size of the room (it’s huge and beautiful!) it is sometimes difficult to hear.

Captain Lawrence Brewery – bi-monthly on Thursdays – I have not ventured to this trivia yet. I can’t wait to! The reviews that I hear include excitement over the free beer tasting in the tap room prior to trivia starting. I can’t confirm that yet though, hopefully by the end of the month!

Hyde Park Brewery – Thursday Nights – It’s been a long time since I have been to this trivia due to my relocation around the valley. More college kids than the average trivia game, but to me, that also means more of a chance to win! This trivia is done by Stump! Trivia…a trivia business that hosts pub trivia at multiple locations. It’s a great game as it includes a level of wagering in every round, has picture bonuses, and always includes current events and pop culture topics in addition to other regular trivia categories.

Max’s on Main – Tuesday Nights – This is another location for Stump! Trivia. The menu at Max’s is awesome, and the owners are always in the restaurant chatting with customers (and sometimes trying to help with trivia questions!) There are a lot of regulars to this game, so it’s a tough one to win against the seasoned veteran teams. This is always a fun game. Perks of this place include the food and the company. The downside is definitely the size. It’s not as large as most of the breweries, so to get a good table on the bar side, you have to be there by 7-7:15pm.

Gleason’s – Wednesday Nights – Gleason’s food and beer list is amazing. Both their soups and flatbreads are some of my favorite. I have not tried their trivia yet, but if it’s anything like everything else they offer, I’m sure it will be awesome!

Skytop Steakhouse – Tuesday Nights – I love the Skytop. My favorite food to order their is the Garlic sliced sirloin steak. Trivia night has been increasing in popularity, and in my opinion, improving consistently. Sometimes hard to hear because of the acoustics, but still worth the game. Also, though Kingston is making a sincere effort at urban revitalization, Skytop still ensures a good crowd with no trouble or nasty drunken mishaps…which is more then a few other locations in the area can boast.

I know that there are a ton more games out there, I’ll add to the list as I learn about them. Share where else their is good trivia in the Valley!