Dining in The Valley: Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Approaches

Who among the masses is too full of boastful pride to admit that they salivate at the thought of saving money on an inspiring, three-course meal? I dare not count myself among the tight-lipped foodies who prefer to dole out cash hand-over-fist when saving money is in the offing. I would much rather put that saved currency to better use by splurging on a pair of magnificent winter boots. With the advent of the Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, I am one step closer to eating well for less.

Among the many great features of the Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, one of the most exciting highlights is that the event actually spans not one but two weeks, from March 14-27, 2011. With over 150 restaurants participating in this fifth annual celebration of the flavors of this historic region along the Hudson River, and many restaurants in a sustainable, locavore frame of mind, look for locally sourced Hudson Valley farm ingredients on many of the menus.

What can $20 get you during this two-week period of culinary delight? Well, if you plan to indulge in mid-day dining, you can snag lunch at one of the many restaurants of your choosing. If you prefer to dine later in the day, liberate a mere $28 from your wallet or purse and you can experience a magnificent three-course dinner.

Of course, there are a couple of strings—beverages, tax and gratuity are not included, and some restaurants exclude Saturdays, others exclude Fridays and Saturdays, a few exclude Sundays and at least a couple exclude that venerable Irish holiday, March 17th (a/k/a St. Patrick’s Day)—hence, be sure to check the website so there will be no surprises.

A wise woman once said “It is better to make reservations now than to foolishly hope to partake in world-class dining at a reduced price later.” Okay, so I made that up, but it is sage advice. This culinary event is extremely popular—and for good reason—so expect tables to fill up quickly in your favorite restaurant. You don’t want to be the one on the outside looking in—make your reservations sooner rather than later.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, as well as those with exclusiions, go to the Restaurant List page (where you can also make reservations).