Delhi - Things To Do - O'Neill's Shire Pub

O'Neill's Pub. Now, I am only 1/4 Irish, so I don't really hang out at Irish bars. I don't really hang out at any bars. However, if you are in dire need of a pub, O'Neill's might be the place to go - again I am not a pub person - but it looks like a pub - the front of the restaurant has pool tables and the building is painted a spruce like green, and I hear that the beer is great. however, I go there for the food. It turns out that Ed O'Neill went to the Culinary Institute - who knew? So the food is really good. You have to walk to the back of the building and it's a little 70's diagonal, pieced, wood - looking but it turns out that the Andes Hotel owns this place too. So there are similar items on the menu. A mix of pub food and steaks. The restaurant in the back is quiet with a large fire place, plus, they have my favorite calves liver on the menu as well. Located at 123 Main St. Phone: (607) 746-8758. Website: www.theshiredelhi.com

Check it out.

Andes - Things To Do - Hogans General Store

Hogans General Store - There is one store in each community that is the lifeblood of the town. I know it doesn't look like much - something out of Green Acres but Hogans is the lifeblood store. Gas, food staples but more importantly - the best damn homemade pizza around. They have tables inside but really it's better to order for take out. Call in your order (845) 676-3470. Incredible pizza! They also do breakfast and deli sandwiches which are excellent - whenever I am craving liverwurst - it is the place to go! There are also baked goods and of course Cumin the cat - who sits on the porch all day and greets all the visitors. Rt 28, 103 Main St.

Andes Hotel in Andes - Things To Do

The Andes Hotel. Never stayed there however, it is incredibly convenient to stay there. If you don't drive and you want to take the bus out of Manhattan's Port Authority upstate - the bus literally drops you off across the street from the hotel and you can walk across to your room! I think they planned it that way. No really. It has a decent website: www.andeshotel.com. The restaurant is where we go often. The food is VERY good. My favorite thing on the menu is their calves liver - yum. But for a convenient easy weekend, no driving, take the bus, walk across the street to the hotel and then you can spend your day walking to all the shops on the street like Delaware Trading Post and Kabinett and Kammer and have lunch at the local diners and dinner at the restaurant. Easy, breezy vacation. There are lots of other shops which I haven't mentioned - vintage clothing stores, other antique stores, tea shops and import shops. Then you hop right back on the bus and it takes you back to Manhattan. But I really recommend Andes Restaurant. Definitely have to make reservations - phone: (845) 676-3980.

Address: 110 Main St.

2011 EVENTS

2011 RANDOM EVENTS

Here is a running list of random events that are on our radar for 2011:

May 21 - Summer

Pakatakan Farmers Market Opens for Season / Round Barn Halcottsville, NY

More information: http://pfmarket.org

June 11- June 12

Meredith Dairy Fest - Meridale, NY

More information: www.dairyfest.org

July 2,3 2011

Taste of the Catskills - Delhi, NY

More information: http://tasteofthecatskills.com

Sunday July 3 2011 12 am

KD Lang Belleayre Music Festival

More information: www.belleayremusic.org

July 4th Weekend

Annual Bovina Fireworks Picnic

Info Coming

Saturday July 9

Tommy Tune "Steps In Time" Belleayre Music Festival

More information: www.belleayremusic.org

Saturday July 16

Creedance Clearwater Revisited Belleayre Music Festival

More information: www.belleayremusic.org

Bovina Days Saturday - Yard Sales and Lots of Fun

Saturday July 23

La Traviata Belleayre Festival Opera

More information: www.belleayremusic.org

August 5-7

3rd New Kingston Film Festival - New Kingston, NY

More information: http://www.newkingstonfilmfestival

August 15th - 20th

Delaware County Fair - Walton NY

More information: www.delawarecountyfair.org

Saturday August 20

Mary Chapin Carpenter Belleayre Music Festival

More information: www.belleayremusic.org

September 24

Cauliflower Festival - Margaretville, NY

More information: http://www.cauliflowerfestival.com

October 8,9

Taste of the Catskills - Delhi NY

More information: http://www.tasteofthecatskills.com

Andes - Things To Do - Kabinett and Kammer

Another great store to shop is Kabinett and Kammer. Located at 7 Main St. This store opened a few seasons ago and when you step into the store it's like walking into Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe. The exterior of the store needs an overhaul, but the interior is filled with a fantastic assortment of vintage furniture pieces, skulls, photographs, candles, school house science/botany memorabilia, and taxidermy. A must see store in Andes. The owners also have a Manhattan store at 174 E. 2nd St. Phone: (845) 676-4242. Website: www.kabinettandkammer.com

Also open seasonally, call or email to get shop hours.

Andes - Things To Do - Delaware Trading Post

This is one of my favorite local shops. The guest building that houses the store is so adorable anyone would want to live there. If you drive down the street you would miss it. It sits behind the larger house that it belongs to which is also a part of the store. The product assortment is a mix of vintage objet , coffee table books, toys, pillows, candles, and crafts. The larger home houses furniture with custom upholstery and antiques and vintage objects. Scott and Erica who own the store have great taste and also own a store in Manhattan called Olde Village Hall at 170 E. 2nd St. It is a must see store in Andes. Located 60-62 Main St. Phone: (845) 676-3313.

Website: www.delawaretradingpost.com

Unfortunately, the store is only open seasonally - so call or email for hours.

Delhi - Things To Do - Steinway Books/ Blue Bee Cafe

Last week on friday, I managed to meet my neighbors, M&M at Steinway Books/Blue Bee Cafe in Delhi. Delhi is just a short drive north of Bovina. We met for lunch and dessert and went later in the day so we would have a chance to visit with the owner, Stephanie, as well. Steinway Books is an eclectic mix of rare and used books. I love nothing better then a used book store and Stephanie has an amazing collection in the store. In addition to the book store, she added a cafe - Blue Bee Cafe, so you can spend even more time in the store. The sandwiches, soups, desserts and selections of teas are great. In addition there is a discount section of books and dvd's in the back of the store in case you are interested. It's a great place to sit, eat, drink and read. All of my favorite things to do. We had a great lunch. I had a delicious tuna salad panini and then M and I shared a couple great desserts - chocolate cupcake and coffee cake. The store is equally pretty to look at, Stephanie did a great job remodeling the store. The store is located at 114 Main St. Phone: (607) 746-8060. Website: http://steinwaybooks.wordpress.com

Hours:

Monday - Friday 11:00-5:00

Saturdays 10:00-5:00

Sundays 10:00-3:00

Bovina - Things To Do - Fisk House Antiques

Just outside of Bovina on HWY 28 on the way to Delhi, Fisk House Antiques is a great place to stop and spend an hour or so shopping antiques, vintage collectibles and outdoor garden ornament. I have bought several things here for the house. Furniture and antique stores are few and far between in this area and this place will not disappoint. They also have a smaller shop in Delhi and regular auctions. The shop sits behind the main house which is a Bed and Breakfast which is also a great place to stay if you are visiting. The address is 116 Fisk Road. Phone (607) 832-4544. Website: http://fiskbarnantiques.com

Hours:

Friday 11:00-5:00

Saturday 11:00-5:00

Sunday 11:00-5:00

Bovina - Things To Do - Russells Store

Russells is a historic landmark building which is the only store in Bovina. The store has been here since 1823. Along with gas, food staples and knick-knacks - Bea, who operates the store, makes some mean breakfast and lunch deli sandwiches. Personally, I love to go there in the middle of the summer on a hot day and get ice cream. There are tables inside and out. Website: www.russellsstore.com

Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00-5:00

Closed Tuesdays

Saturday and Sunday 9:00-4:00

Bovina - Things To Do - The Library

I love branch libraries. They remind me of being a kid. Instead of going to the pool for the summer, I would go the library. My dad hung a hammock under a shade tree in the backyard over a sandbox. I would spend the entire summer lying in that hammock reading C.S.Lewis, Harriet the Spy and The Hobbit. Despite how small the town of Bovina is, it does have a branch library. When we started coming upstate, I couldn't wait to get my Bovina library card. I don't mind that the town doesn't have restaurants or shops - as long as it has a library, I am totally content. The library is located at 33 Maple Ave. just off of the main road through Bovina - HWY 6. It is housed in what was once a schoolhouse. It does have internet access in case you can't stand being off the grid. Plus, it's worth chatting with the library director - Marjorie Miller. She's great! Website: www.bovinalibrary.org

Hours:

Tuesday 10:30-3:00

Wednesday 1:00-8:00

Thursday 10:30-3:00

Saturday 9:00-1:00

Summer Hours:

Tuesday 3:30-8:00

Wednesday 1:00-8:00

Thursday 10:30-3:00

Saturday 9:00-1:00

Wet Weekend - Grilled Steak and Onion Salad

Nasty, wet weekend. We couldn't work in the yard. Tim managed to get rhubarb planted before the hail started. Ridiculous weather. It's never going to be warm ever again. We started planting seeds in the basement. We made a "simple" supper Saturday night. It wasn't complicated but it was delicious.

Grilled Steak and Onion Salad

2 thick slices crusty bread, torn into bite size pieces ( 2 cups)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Coarse salt and pepper

1 pound skirt steak, cut into 4 pieces

1 red onion, cut crosswise into 1/2 thick rounds

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar

5 ounces baby or wild arugula

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss bread with 2 teaspoons oil and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown, 7 minutes.

2. Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Season steak with salt and pepper. Drizzle onions with 1 teaspoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill steak and onions until steak is medium-rare and onions are tender. 5-7 minutes, flipping once. Let steak rest 5 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar and 2 tablespoons oil. Add arugula and season with salt and pepper. Add onions, steak, and croutons and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Potatoes with Ranch Dressing

1 pound small potatoes

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1-2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs, parsley, chives or basil

3/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 garlic clove, minced

Coarse salt

Ground pepper

In a medium pot, bring potatoes to a boil over high in salted water and cook until tender when pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile in a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir in fresh herbs, thyme leaves, and garlic clove. Season with coarse salt and pepper. Drain potatoes and add to dressing. Toss to combine and serve immediately. Serves 4.

For Chris

There isn't a day I don't think about my brother, Chris, who died 6 years ago today. I miss him terribly. I cannot imagine what it must be like to lose a child and I cannot begin to know what my parents have gone through with his death. However, sometimes I think it's even more difficult for siblings. I try not to talk about him too much with my parents because I just don't want to inflict any more pain. I grieve alone most of the time. There are those awkward silences in our conversations when we all realize we are thinking the same thing but we don't say anything. It's too painful. Chris was always laughing, always being a clown. I miss the joy he brought to our family. It cannot be replaced.

Without being able to share my memories of him, I feel that he just disappeared. I just wanted to share him with someone today. I miss you Chris.

I Didn't Need To See That

This weekend was Tim's parent's church's rummage sale. Tim's parents are part of a great church in Briar Cliff Manor. It's this beautiful stone Lutheran church that was built in the 1890's with gorgeous Tiffany stain glass windows but what makes it truly beautiful are the amazing people that are part of the congregation, choir and their great minister. We have met the nicest people there. We had dinner with his parents friday night and got to bed early. We got up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to help set up for the sale and finish pricing. Tim and I were assigned to the jewelry department and bake sale. We had to monitor the amount of women shopping for jewelry and to push the baked goods. We fell in love with the Sisters of the Bake sale. They were these three charming women who were pushing some mean Peeps cupcakes and Magic cookie bars. However, there were some true Bronx zoo cobras shopping the jewelry. Hardcore! It was a lot of fun and we are definitely going to help out again next year. We bought a vintage rattan sofa, rattan coffee table, turntable, nearly-new Kitchen Aid blender, garden tools, books, end table, Fiestaware, crockpot and a pellet gun ( don't ask). We finished our shift and then drove upstate to drop off all the stuff at our house.

When we drove up in our driveway, we noticed this strange object in our pond. It looked like the head of a reptile and then it disappeared. We got out of the car and walked straight to the pond and were alarmed at what we saw. A cluster of 5 frogs were head-locked together rolling over and over. Apparently, we walked in on an intimate moment with a group of frenzied frogs. Tim and I couldn't believe what we were seeing. "OMG, what are they doing? Stop them, pull them apart! Can they drown doing that? I didn't need to see that." We walked around the pond and found a huge pile of tadpole eggs already nestled in the water plants. However, it was a first for us to see frogs mating. With all of the tadpoles we had last summer, we have no idea what to expect of frogs this year. I guess the frogs weren't expecting us this weekend and we caught them in action. Who knows what they do when we are away. Gross.

Cherry Upside Down Cake

Cherry Upside Down Cake

It must have been a theme for the evening but Upside down was how the vegetable tarte and the desert was served in the same evening. Our friends didn't mind - both looked delicious and tasted awesome. Great job Tim!

Ingredients:

8 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1 3/4 cups fresh pitted cherries

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with a rack in center. Rub the bottom and sides of an 8 inch round cake pan with 2 tablespoons of the butter. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sugar with the cinnamon and allspice. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan; arrange the cherries in a single layer on top.

2. With an electric mixer, cream the remaining 6 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla; beat until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. with the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk, until well combined.

3. Spoon the batter over the cherries in the pan, and smooth the top. Place the pan on a baking sheet; bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for the 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake; invert onto a rimmed platter. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream on the side, if desired.

Vegetable Tarte Tatin

Vegetable Tarte Tatin

We had friends of ours from Roxbury for dinner Saturday night. Tim pulled out all the stops and made an amazing dinner. One of the side dishes was this great upside down vegetable tarte. It was delicious.

Ingredients:

2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thin rounds

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds

2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds

1 small onion cut into 1/2 thick rounds

4 cloves garlic halved

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

3/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon small fresh sage leaves

1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves

6 ounces mozzarella, grated ( about 1 cup)

1 - 8.5 ounce sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

All purpose flour for dusting

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Toss both kinds of potatoes, the parsnips, onion, garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake until tender about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, mix 2 tablespoons water and the sugar in a skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan, until amber, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Pour the caramel into a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish and spread with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the sage and oregano on top.

3. Arrange the roasted potatoes and parsnips in a single snug layer on top of the caramel. Scatter the onion and garlic over the roasted vegetables; sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella.

4. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 9 x 13 inch rectangle. Pierce the pastry all over with a fork and then lay it on top of the mozzarella, folding the edges under to fit, if necessary. Bake 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking until the dough is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Let the tart cool 10 minutes in the baking dish, then carefully invert it onto a cutting board. Replace any vegetables that stick to the dish, if necessary.

If It's Not One Thing It's Another

Sooo any one who has started a project and it evolves into one project after another ultimately never getting finished knows the kind of day we had with this gazebo kit. With 5 acres and a new house, we have so much landscaping to do. Tim's parents are a huge help but it is endless. It looks like a moonscape. Endless rock and mud. We haven't done anything with the backyard so the gazebo was our first attempt. We started to put together the gazebo and originally we wanted a simple slate patio with the gazebo but we picked the worst day to try to assemble this thing. It was a really warm day and the snow was melting, the ground was unfreezing, the spring was overflowing, it was a sea of mud. We couldn't get the posts level and had to go buy 12 x 12 x 2 planks to get the thing level and then the gazebo was really tall. Tim was helping but by the time we got the whole thing assembled, the two of us were on a ladder on top of a picnic table trying to screw in the finials. Who designs these things? We now are going to have to build a deck because the posts can't be level on the patio and we have mud everywhere. I know we will come back next weekend and the posts will have sunk into the ground and all will be left will be the canopy.

DIY PROJECT: Upholstered Headboards

Do you know how hard it is to find stylish, affordable twin headboards for an adult guest room? Ok, I won't tell you. I couldn't find what I wanted so I decided to make our own. Zarin Fabrics in NY for the 4" foam, spray adhesive, printed linen fabric and nailheads. One stop shopping. Lowes for the plywood. I cut the plywood to size, stapled the fabric to the plywood, sprayed the foam adhesive and put the foam into place. All of this took no time at all. However, two hours of measuring and placing and hammering the nailheads into place. It is impossible to keep those things in line. However, I was really happy with the results. The drapes and bedskirts match the headboards. A little paint and some wainscoting and the room will be perfect. Now all I need is another week.

If it's Tuesday, It's Bowling Night In Margaretville

Like the Flight of the Choncords song - "Business Night", Tim and I like to break up our week accordingly and Tuesday night up here in Margaretville is Bowling Night. I know I would make Tim insane if all I did was work on projects. I have to make myself venture out a little and Tuesday night we decided to go wild. First with a dinner at the Bun and Cone - Woo hoo! Nachos, burgers and ice cream. Disgusting. Second, with a game night at the Margaretville Bowling Alley. It turns out that there are only two nights a week that they have open lane night - Tuesdays and Saturdays. We had dinner guests coming Saturday night so the only night we could go was Tuesday. We walked into the Bowling alley feeling less then competent but up to the challenge. I haven't bowled since my twenties but was a pretty good bowler. Michael, the owner, was incredibly friendly and made us feel very comfortable and welcome. There were several lanes full with female leaguers and they were kind of scary so Michael moved us to the farthest lane away as possible. Tim and I grabbed our balls and ordered a couple beers and stepped into our bowling shoes. We had a blast. The bowling alley is old fashioned and hasn't been updated and that was a big plus. Places like this are a goldmine. We had a great time in a great environment that just reminded us of the past. Tim does this hilarious moon walk when he makes a strike or a spare. I couldn't stop laughing. I won. However, I got a blister on my pinky finger. I guess I am a little fragile. My hand modeling career is over.

Cha Cha Hut BBQ

Saturday night, post Burger King, Pancake fest ( yes we like to eat), we decide that we aren't going to cook and decide to go get take out. Now, getting take out in Bovina is a challenge. The only food option in our town is a little deli/merchantile store called Russells and it is only open during the day - the sandwiches are great BTW. We have to drive to Delhi, Andes, or Margaretville which are all a 30 minute drive for us to get food. Everyone has been telling us to check out Cha Cha Hut BBQ in Andes which opened last October. We had met the two owners, Cherie and Frank, at a cocktail party in Roxbury when they still had a restaurant there. I grew up in Texas and I love brisket. I also love the hole-in-the-wall places you go to in Texas to get good BBQ. Cha Cha Hut is exactly like that - I mean this in a good way. The restaurant is tucked behind a general store in the center of Andes on Main St. You can smell the smoke burning and BBQ cooking as you get out of your car and walk towards the restaurant. Cherie and Frank run it and chat with us as they carve and plate the BBQ. We are so excited about having them in our neck of the woods. I got brisket and Tim got pork ribs and they were both amazing. Their sauces are incredible (on the spicy side the way Tim likes it) and their sides are fantastic. I especially loved the sweet potatoes. Cherie also makes phenomenal ice cream. Delicious. We start our diets tomorrow.

Maplewood Farm and Orchard

As if we hadn't had enough food from the friday night commute - we got invited to an open house pancake breakfast early Saturday morning. Duane and Karen La Fever are two of the nicest people we have met upstate. Duane was our contractor for our house and should have his own HGTV show like Holmes on Holmes. Duane is a perfectionist and an all-around nice guy. Karen is attractive, sweet, talented and helps run their business with Duane. As if a contracting business isn't enough, they also own a maple syrup business. They run Maplewood Farm and Orchard. I never turn down pancakes or any food for that matter so we drove over to the open house. You arrived at the open house which was a large room with room-length tables and you sat down and a large plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage was instantly set in front of you. Every weekend should be like this. The breakfast was delicious. The room was full of happy local people eating and chatting. Along the perimeter of the room were tables with displays of all of the products that the farm produces. Maple syrup, candies, spreads - if it's maple they make it. In addition to the Maple displays - the local Dairy ambassador ( apparently it's an official title and it comes with a sash) has a demo table displaying Dairy Ambassador type thingies.

We didn't know anyone there so we walked back to get a tour of the evaporating equipment room with Duane. Duane is always happy but seems especially proud of his equipment. We got the tour and got to watch syrup being made. Afterwards, we went out front and chatted with Karen and not that we were obligated but bought a crate of syrups, candies and spreads. Their products are really good and make great gifts. Thanks Karen and Duane for inviting us!

Burger King #5 Please

We took a week off this past week and spent it at our house upstate. We really look forward to vacations upstate because it also means that we can bring up our cats instead of leaving them in our NY apartment. We have had our older Siamese, Burns, at the house before and he's always a total pleasure. He spends most of the week napping and sunning himself on the sofa in the living room. I love the way animals make a house come alive. We feel like a little family tucked away in the woods. We decided to give Sookie, our "True Blood" year old kitten, another chance. We had her up over New Years and she wasn't the best behaved. However, maybe the second visit would be better, right?

I love animals but don't want to be identified as one of those crazy pet people on the metro train so I drove up early with all of the luggage. Tim doesn't have issues with being a crazy cat lady so he picked up the cats after work and took the train. I met Tim at the Poughkeepsie train station and Burns was crying in his carrier as usual. He is most definitely - Siamese. Sookie was quiet but she hasn't learned how to meow yet- so that wasn't surprising. Burns cries enough for a dozen cats. We drove through the Burger King drive thru because we are currently addicted to the #5 A1 Steakhouse Burger with crunchy onion rings. Yum. We chowed down on the thruway and afterwards felt a little queezy from the quantity and smell of the fried food in the truck. Maybe it was the odor, the movement of the truck or the rude toll operator in Kingston but suddenly Sookie started meowing. We got so excited about her meowing that Tim pulled her out of her carrier bag and held her in his lap. Her meow is more of a squeak at this point. She sat there squeaking and we sat there amused and all of a sudden she pulled a Linda Blair all over us. Apparently, we weren't the only ones nauseous from Burger King. Tim put Sookie back in her carrier. 2 cats crying and squeaking, vomit, Burger King onion ring remnants and a two hour drive to the house. That was how our vacation began. Happy Family.