Many restaurants in the Hudson Valley like to feature the local harvest this time of year. And that's no different for a spot in Millbrook with Mediterranean flair.
"This is our eighth summer. My husband and I, we also have a restaurant in Manhattan it's 20 years old called Gennaro. Actually, Aurelia is his mother's name. We hoped to open a place up here that was basically like Gennaro. But we found that if he wasn't going to be here, it wasn't the same. So we adapted the cuisine and the look," said Susan Nestel, the owner.
Included in the look are a few places to dine and some local artwork.
"I think this is a beautiful space. On the outside we have an amazing outdoor patio. We have an upstairs terrace. We have a private room upstairs for wine dinners. Then inside wood burning fireplace in the winter time. I think it's a very inviting place. And we have artists. Right now we have a local gallery that is showing his artwork. So switch the artwork up," said Nestel.
The menu can vary depending on many influences and factors.
"My husband is from Sicily. A lot of recipes are based on the ingredients from Mediterranean, in addition to Hudson Valley ingredients. With every chef and person that comes and works here, we incorporate new ideas," said Nestel.
"Our style here is really connected to the Hudson Valley. We like to do regional cuisine. I like to put the flavors on the plate. We try to stay seasonal and try capture the magic that is the Hudson Valley. We are known for our kale salad," said Beau Widener, the head chef.
At the end of the day, the staff hopes that you enjoy your meal but never feel like you ever left your house.
"I want them first of all to feel comfortable. I want them to feel taken care of. I want them to feel like what they are eating is healthy and delicious. I want them to feel like that they can be in their own home, but treated with respect. Like they're my own children," said Nestel.