Page 6 - Valley Table - Summer 2023

In 2019, a culinary heaven was born on Beacon’s Main Street right across from the Howland Public Library. With a goal
of bringing the community together in one central space to celebrate diverse eats, Hudson Valley Food Hall (HVFH) has eight unique food stalls that you need to check out.
SHMUCK’S SWEET STUFF
The idea for this dessert stand
was first cooked up in a Beacon High School classroom. Three best friends—jokingly called “shmucks” by their chemistry teacher—made ice cream in science class and loved it. Later in an economics course, they built a business plan for a year- round ice cream shop. In 2021, Jack, Kellen, and Matt made their dream a reality. Today, order homemade scoops—flavors include cereal milk, lavender chip, Oreo chunk, orange Creamsicle, and more—inside HVFH or at the to-go counter
on Main. You can get up to three scoops or buy a pre-packed pint from the freezer.
TARA
Get your Middle Eastern fusion fix here. Trina Mazumder, a Bangladesh native, used to work at Hudson Valley Shawarma in the hall. When that stall closed, Mazumder took over and began plating a blend of dishes connected to her homeland, plus flavors from India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. Best-sellers include the Bangladeshi-style chicken samosa, a falafel gyro (topped with hummus, salad, pickled veg, and tahini), and the Tara special (Indian flatbread topped with egg, green chili, red onion, salad, and cheese). Try her baklava once and you’ll be hooked.
MIZ HATTIE’S SOUTHERN
BBQ
This beloved HVFH institution has
some of the best southern food in Dutchess: choose from beef, chicken, fish, or pork specials. The crispy three-piece fried chicken (with fries and slaw) and pulled chicken bowl (with mac ‘n’ cheese and slaw) are top tier. If you’re OK getting a little messy, dig into the juicy half-rack of ribs. Other sides include baked beans, creamed spinach, and cornbread.
Gimme a Golden Glow (turmeric, ginger, cardamom, oat milk) from Elixxr Café.
EL NICA
One of two Hispanic vendors in the hall, El Nica specializes in Nicaraguan cuisine. The appetizers are excellent: regulars love the Nica taquitos (deep-fried tacos), tostones rellenos (fried plantain topped with your choice of protein), and vigoron (yuca topped with fried pork rinds and pork butt).
12 TheValleyTable | June—August2023
PHOTO BY MEGHAN SPIRO PHOTOGRAPHY