Page 43 - Valley Table - Fall 2022

Troutbeck
515 LEEDSVILLE ROAD, AMENIA TROUTBECK.COM
Famed literary figures Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain, and Ernest Hemingway loved staying at this historic hotel—which dates to 1765—but we bet their meals paled in comparison to what Troutbeck serves up today. The all-star restaurant team is led by executive chef Gabe McMackin, who’s a James Beard Award (Best Chef in New York State) semi- finalist. McMackin’s 29-year-long career includes stints at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Gramercy Tavern, and The Finch in Brooklyn (where he received
his first Michelin Star). McMackin is dedicated to hyperlocal ingredients in true farm-to-table fashion, and “knows where every single item comes from. He can tell you the exact cove in Martha’s Vineyard where the oysters were procured as well as the garden where the fresh dill garnish grew,” his team says. Naturally, the menu changes regularly: in late summer and early fall, expect starters like Wild Hive brioche with cowbella butter and honeycomb and Stonewood heirloom tomatoes with basil, stonefruit, and stracciatella. Main dishes such as Connecticut branzino with littleneck clams, nettles, fava beans, and asparagus and chicken with polenta and chantarelles are fresh and fabulous.
Can’t-miss dish: The Hiramasa crudo with cherries, shiso, and sugar kelp shoyu is memorable.
Bottoms up: Say so long to summer with the Floral Garden (bourbon, house grenadine, St. Germaine, lemon, and mint) or cheer in autumn with Smokey Night (El Dorado 8 Year Rum, mezcal, Pedro Ximénez sherry, Angostura bitters).
What’s in town: Amenia is very quaint. There are cute bakeries and cafes, such as Peggy’s Sweet and Savory and Great Cape Baking Company. Dig into an Instagram-worthy pie from Four Brother’s Pizza Inn, which is right next to their famous drive-in movie theater (which, we hear, is frequented by Wassaic resident Liam Neeson).
PHOTOS (TOP TO BOTTOM) COURTESYOF TROUTBECK; BY PAUL BARBERA
SEPT – OCT 2022
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