Montreal via New York Thruway/Northway

I'm heading up to Montreal this summer via the New York State Thruway and the Northway. I was hoping that some of you might be able to help me out by suggesting some good road food stops along the way. I plan to make a leisurely trip from New York City, taking 2-3 days. Any help you can lend would be appreciated.

You are talking about some pretty slim pickins south of Albany-except perhaps some decent 'Texas'-type hots in Newburgh..or if you detour up NY 17 [exit 16 off the Thruway] to Middletown for either:

a] Some pretty good Coney dogs at [where else?]Coney Island Restaurant...take exit 122, make the right at the light,and take that road/street in about 4 miles ,and at the 9th[!] light,make a right [Railroad Ave if you get lost],and follow that street in about 1/2 mile on the left, next to the bus depot....dogs are good...burgers are pretty good regular sized square ones [they still get them from the best meat market in town]..fries are pretty dreadful though..oh well..
OR
b] Continue past Coney to the traffic light,make the right, and continue about 1 1/2 miles,just past the 3rdlight on the right is Maddy's Diner,a great 20 stool, 10 booth hole in the wall-GREAT breakfasts, nice hot lunches with REAL spuds,decent,tender ridiculously cheap steaks...

Send me an email if you need more help!

Give yourself an early break and cross the Hudson from exit 18 and go to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. (They're on-line for directions and info).

They run a little cafe in the main building that serves excellent soup and sandwiches and very good coffee.

The American Bounty Restaurant, also in the Main building , is excellent by anyone's standards - it is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are necessary. Two can eat very well, with wine, for about $80. The food is
american regional with an emphasis on Hudson Valley products.

They recently opened an Italian Restaurant, Caterina DiMedici, in its own Tuscan style villa on campus. They have great thin crust pizza for lunch, among other delicacies - and very good Italian beer! I've never had dinner in that restaurant, but I'm told it is excellent.

Also, at exit 18 is the Village of New Paltz, Gadeletto's seafood serves fresh fish dishes that we like.

P&Gs is a famous old bar in the Village that serves a good hamburger, OK chile, and other lunch fare..

The Gilded Otter brew pub serves great fresh beers and ales, but the food is mediocre at best.

And these suggestions are just for starters...

My experience with the Gilded Otter was just the opposite, I must say (not to cast doubt on you, Seafarer John); I loved the food (I had a N African-style free-range chicken with raisins and figs) but wasn't crazy about the beer, except for the Imperial Stout which won't be in season now. Oh, now that I think about it the dessert wasn't very good; but anyway New Paltz is a cute funky-alternative small college town and there are lots of restaurants, a really cool used bookstore, etc.

I don't have much more to add, look forward to reading more comments on this thread as I'm looking for places in the area to eat myself!

I'm not a beer maven, but , to me, fresh beer is always good - and the Otter always has it fresh. That African chicken sounds good - I 'll give it a try if it's still on the menu next time I get down there.

Besides, Barner's used books we have an excelllent independent book store - Ariel.

I have to mention the best Italian deli in New York State- Toscani's - they also have recently re-opened their next door restaurant - fine food.

Beware the Oriental buffet by the Thruway exit in New Paltz. Never got sick there, just kind of queasy.

People more into sushi than I tell me the Sushi joint on the corner of Main and Chestnut is very good- considering it is run by Chinese people. I've had some of the sushi, ordered for me by a more knowledgeable friend, and I thought it was great, but I have nothing in my experience to compare it to.

Kingston, 15 miles north of New Paltz and Newburgh, 20 miles south, both have revitalized waterfronts with new restaurants. We have been to all the new places on the Newburgh waterfront - the food is OK, but the view is spectacular on Newburgh Bay - worth the trip.

Kingston has Mariner's Harbor on the Rondout Creek, a navigable waterway, which we always enjoy , especially in good weather when we can sit ort on the front deck.

There are also, within a two block area of Mariners a dozen ethnic restaurants, some of them a lot of fun. We like a new Mexican place also on the water with a great patio for sitting in fair weather.

There is also a Mariner's Harbor in Highland, NY, a small hamlet on the Hudson river 6 miles east of New Paltz. The food is OK - stick with the snacks like popcorn shrimp, clams, etc- but it is great to sit on their deck on the river and feed the ducks and enormous carp swimming under rheir dock.

I am getting a little worried. My perhaps warped idea of ROADFOOD would dictate there must be some measureable amount of grease content in the food. When y'all start to recommend such trendy foods as "N African-style free-range chicken with raisins and figs" and "sushi", (Where I come from we call this bait!), I am somewhat disheartened concerning what this country is turning into.

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Coney Islands, Pulled Pork, Biscuits & Gravy, Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes etc...

Man I'm scared to death the next time I log on there will be a forum discussing canapes!!!!!!

I hope you recognize this was written tongue in cheek.

I agree Mo....the restaurants at CIA might be nice...but ROADFOOD?? The whole idea of ROADFOAD was/is relatively inexpensive regional non-snooty regular food that is fairly convienant to the traveler...Remember the Sterns SECOND food book was GOODFOOD,to let in places that wouldnt fit their Roadfood formula...[and everyone be nice and polite and NOT remember the uncomfortable hybrid sequel ROADFOOD/GOODFOOD...]

quote:

Originally posted by ConeyIslandLou

I agree Mo....the restaurants at CIA might be nice...but ROADFOOD?? The whole idea of ROADFOAD was/is relatively inexpensive regional non-snooty regular food that is fairly convienant to the traveler...Remember the Sterns SECOND food book was GOODFOOD,to let in places that wouldnt fit their Roadfood formula...[and everyone be nice and polite and NOT remember the uncomfortable hybrid sequel ROADFOOD/GOODFOOD...]

Actually Roadfood and Goodfood was the first book by the Sterns I picked up circa 1990. I actually liked the combination of snooty/informal because regional food goes both ways and I'm not referring to a sexual cliche here

I have a book, Eat Your Way Across The USA. by the Sterns that lists places such as Bern's Steak House, Peter Luger, Sparks, Grand Central Oyster Bar, Lundys, Obryckis, Al Forno, Abbotts, the Fish Tale, etc., etc., etc. None of these would fit some of our correspondents narrow definition of roadfood.

Like most of us here on the roadfood.com I love a well made hamburger, a chili dog, a variety of BBQs, some quick fried fish,
cold cuts, sausage and eggs, and all that other great great surprises we find along the road sometimes when we're lucky.

But, I, and I suspect a lot of others here on the roadfood site also like to be pampered with solicitous service, expensive ingredients, tasteful decor, seven courses, good wine, and all that goes with "fine dining". I hope we can talk about every sort of eating and drinking experience that's available out there.

As for me, I promise I'll never bring up canapes - even though I've got a whole lot of cocktail party stories that might involve such effete little bits
of eastern culture.

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

I have a book, Eat Your Way Across The USA. by the Sterns that lists places such as Bern's Steak House, Peter Luger, Sparks, Grand Central Oyster Bar, Lundys, Obryckis, Al Forno, Abbotts, the Fish Tale, etc., etc., etc. None of these would fit some of our correspondents narrow definition of roadfood.

Like most of us here on the roadfood.com I love a well made hamburger, a chili dog, a variety of BBQs, some quick fried fish,
cold cuts, sausage and eggs, and all that other great great surprises we find along the road sometimes when we're lucky.

But, I, and I suspect a lot of others here on the roadfood site also like to be pampered with solicitous service, expensive ingredients, tasteful decor, seven courses, good wine, and all that goes with "fine dining". I hope we can talk about every sort of eating and drinking experience that's available out there.

As for me, I promise I'll never bring up canapes - even though I've got a whole lot of cocktail party stories that might involve such effete little bits
of eastern culture.

Believe it or not, Sushi can be considered Regional American by way of Southern California and Hawaii!

I'm with Seafarer on this one. And if you're going to eat snooty, where better than in Hyde Park, nestled among the mansions of the Roosevelts and their ilk? In a way, it's as natural as, say, eating fried clams in Ipswich or gumbo in New Orleans.

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

I have a book, Eat Your Way Across The USA. by the Sterns that lists places such as Bern's Steak House, Peter Luger, Sparks, Grand Central Oyster Bar, Lundys, Obryckis, Al Forno, Abbotts, the Fish Tale, etc., etc., etc. None of these would fit some of our correspondents narrow definition of roadfood.

Like most of us here on the roadfood.com I love a well made hamburger, a chili dog, a variety of BBQs, some quick fried fish,
cold cuts, sausage and eggs, and all that other great great surprises we find along the road sometimes when we're lucky.

But, I, and I suspect a lot of others here on the roadfood site also like to be pampered with solicitous service, expensive ingredients, tasteful decor, seven courses, good wine, and all that goes with "fine dining". I hope we can talk about every sort of eating and drinking experience that's available out there.

As for me, I promise I'll never bring up canapes - even though I've got a whole lot of cocktail party stories that might involve such effete little bits
of eastern culture.

Never meant to offend or infer that I never take an opportunity to eat trendy/casual or step out in a jacket and tie. I may prefer my Roadfood basic Americana but I still know which fork to use on the proper occasion. Actually I prepare the best Scampi or Coq au Vin around.
Narrow-minded? Never...I was just feeling a bit devilish and was curious to see what feedback I might generate.

Thanks Coney for the support!

quote:

Originally posted by MoBob

Never meant to offend or infer that I never take an opportunity to eat trendy/casual or step out in a jacket and tie. I may prefer my Roadfood basic Americana but I still know which fork to use on the proper occasion. Actually I prepare the best Scampi or Coq au Vin around.
Narrow-minded? Never...I was just feeling a bit devilish and was curious to see what feedback I might generate.

Thanks Coney for the support!

Hey, wait a second, I supported you too

The coolest thing to find, to me at least, is a combination of the best qualities of all 3; regional specialities, a good price and interesting surroundings, and hopefully, an original twist on the food that makes it unique and memorable.
Some of the best and most unusual places we have in southern oregon are run by refugee chefs from portland or san francisco. Because we are a tourist oriented area, casual is the word of the day, so they tend to be cafes with exceptional food in an easy-going atmosphere, with a creative twist to the food.
So hyde park CI sounds great to me. good food at a bargain price in unique surroundings. there's a great one in downtown portland, oregon, incidentally, that does the same thing. sort of a beauty college for the stomach.

Sorry Wandering....Did not mean to slight.

MoBob,
IMHO, More than one fork implies that you are a two-fisted eater???

quote:

Originally posted by AndyNYC1

Getting back to the topic at hand........

In Albany, BOB AND RON'S FISH FRY on Central Avenue is one of the best fried fish shops you'll ever run across. Dynamite stuff! Get off the Northway at Route 5 (central avenue) and head towards downtown Albany.

Hey Andy,

How do you know about Bob and Ron's fish fry? I have family in Albany and pass the place all the time on Central. I've never been there, but will probably check it out now that you've recommended it.

Try Pitkins in Schroon Lake, which is about halfway between Albany and Montreal. It's a short drive off the Northway from either Schroon Lake exit, on Route 9 in the center of town. Good home style meals and great pies. They also advertize barbeque but I've never tried it so I can't comment on the quality or authenticity.
There are a couple other places on the same street which I've never tried.

 I'm posting this item on this thread because the powers-that-be who run this website (all good caring loving responsible people) seem to feel it belongs here.

The subject is Mariner's Harbor in Highland NY. (about 12 miles from Thruway exit 18 via some obscure twisting hilly country roads)

The good news is that if you like really good- made -in- the -restaurant, sherbet or sorbet, this place offers  beautiful refreshing plum and mango versions. We were given freebies as explained below.

First, you have to now that this place, on the west shore of the Hudson River, has fantastic views of the river and the old RR bridge and the FDR bridge from its spacious terrace right on the water. Second, you should know that I have a long standing theory that the better the view from a restaurant the worse the food and service are likely to be. Yesterday's events proved my theory to be warning enough to all of us. 

When we arrived the place was not very busy; a large party of older ladies was just finishing up and they soon left us and maybe four other parties of two or three people each to be served. We ordered beers which came flat and lukewarm - even the English don't put up with that anymore. Fifteen minutes later we ordered out lunches: simple items off the menu like a lobster chowder, salmon salad, and fish and chips. Then we were left to enjoy the view, the breeze, the river traffic,  and the activity up on the old RR bridge which is being refurbished as "the longest pedestrian walkway in the World". An hour later, after gentle remonstrances  from us we were promised our food "in thirty seconds". In ten minutes my chowder and the fish and chips arrived, but no salmon salad. In another five minutes the salmon salad arrived without apologies or explanation. The lobster chowder was a crime against the poor lobster (well a tiny bit of claw of the lobster, which was all there was) - I suspect the stuff was ineptly thrown together by a dispirited and untrained kitchen staff - it was luke warm, contained lumps of uncooked flour, and tasted mainly of a clam chowder base ( another crime against the poor clam -not a bit of which was to be found in the  chowder ). The salmon salad , while decent tasting, was carelessly piled on a plate in an unappetizing mess. The fish and chips  were, at best, ordinary with limp fries. 

Suddenly. our waitress, after acting surly, defensive, and indifferent to our needs became all apologies and lame explanations for the fiasco and offered us the delightful sorbet freebies. 

She got a 10% tip and we've sworn to never got there again except maybe to have  a bottled beer and a sorbet on a nice afternoon when we  have plenty of time to laze around on the waterfront. 

Cheers, John 

Suggest u get off the "NorthWay" at Saratoga New York -- drive in to town and look for Professor Morardity's (same guy as in Sherlock Homes) place -- sit at the bar, do one of their soups -- great sandwiches and pretty good draft beer -- great place to hit b/4 the "bad lands" into CANADA. Have a great trip and enjoy urself.