Yes, Virginia, There is Amazing Sushi in the Hudson Valley (Plus Post-Xmas Festivities)

  |  December 25, 2014
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Greetings Upstater Friends and Fans!

At the time of this writing, it’s 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and I just did a little happy dance (along with a loud and off-key original song — I’m like that) at Sunfrost Market, letting everyone know that upon returning home this afternoon, I get to stay put for the next few days (daze). That’s fine in theory — let’s see if I actually honor it.

Because, really, once Christmas is over (and I already have my New Year’s Eve plans all wrapped up — keep reading), there is nothing left to do but treat myself to some delicious food and drink in a few poinsettia-free zones.

Off we go to an always unbelievable meal at SushiMakio, at 1088 Morton Blvd. in Kingston. Perfection. Like, a 10 out of 10.

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I know what you’re thinking: “Abbe, c’mon, there really isn’t any great sushi in the Hudson Valley. Passable, but not truly outstanding.” You’re wrong. It’s ok… up till recently, you’d have been right on the mark.

Enter Makio. Japanese born and trained, with stints at all the venerable places around the U.S., his food is sublime. The freshest, the most innovative fish imaginable, belovedly prepared and served. The sushi and sashimi will boggle your mind and the smartypants reading this will immediately make reservations for the chef’s tasting — the 10-course omakase — which could almost make you cry with joy. This is really Food as Edible Art… all located in a totally drab strip mall next to a TCBY Yogurt hut. Every New Yorker reading this now will pretend he/she discovered SushiMakio when they got lost driving around 9W looking for Target. Go right ahead!

Next, it’s a stop in uptown Kingston at Stockade Tavern at 313 Fair Street, correctly praised by Esquire Magazine as one of “The Best Bars In America.” Located in the historic district of NY state’s first capital city, Stockade has been handcrafting cocktails to rousing applause for four years now; the entire team under Paul and Jenny understands hospitality and will get as creative as you allow (I sometimes gasp in awe at the drinks that Josh sets in front of me).

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While the drinks menu always appeals, as does the small snacks menu, you can absolutely wander in and say, “I feel like something fresh and bright with gin. Surprise me.” I’m currently working my way through all three of the sours on the menu (yes, three different kinds of sours: whiskey, absinthe and rhum agricole. Who knew?). Guarantee you’ll be delighted. And non-drinkers can enjoy a bevy of beverages, including spritzers made with handmade juices and mixers. Locals, tourists, young, old… it really doesn’t get better than this.

Now, about New Year’s Eve. If you’re like me, you won’t travel far from home. Amateur night, etc. etc… that’s why I’m so excited that the new team behind the Bearsville Theater (Woodstock Commune) is presenting a fantastic dance party with DJ Dave Leonard, from 8 p.m. till 2 a.m., with light show, craft cocktails, party favors, bonfire and midnight breakfast prepared by Chef Eric Mann of the adjacent Bear Café. $20 ticket/$25 at the door includes your midnight champagne toast and yummy brekkie. DJ Dave just threw a really great Halloween dance party at the Theater and people were clamoring for more, so, as they say, “Bottoms Up!”

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So, beautiful party people… we’ll speak again next week, and I’ll give you some of my picks for reclaiming a better you in 2015. Don’t worry, nothing too drastic. As my beloved pal CIA Chef Michael Pardus recently proclaimed: “Everything in moderation, including moderation.”

About Abbe Aronson

Abbe Aronson is the grande dame of PR, marketing, media, event planning and “artful schmoozing” here in the Hudson Valley. AbbeDoesIt.com for more of her hijinks!

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