If you're looking for an eclectic restaurant experience, from menu to decor, then look no further than Crew Restaurant in Poughkeepsie.
"This summer we'll start our seventh year, so we're almost through six years. Besides the obvious open kitchen and being able to see everything prepared right in front of you, again it goes to a dedication to sourcing out local ingredients and organic ingredients and supporting local farmers," said Thomas Kacherski, the chef and owner.
The different manner in which this restaurant operates is directly linked to the way the owner grew up.
"I have a passion for what I do and I'm dedicated to using the highest quality ingredients and also healthy for you. My dad's a clinical nutritionist, a dentist and an acupuncturist, so growing up it was a unique experience with food. If we wanted cookies, we had to make cookies from scratch. If we wanted orange juice, we had to squeeze oranges. So, I've tried to extrapolate some of that into what we do here," said Kacherski.
From duck to pork and everything in between, the ever changing menu that features local ingredients is bound to have something to make your mouth water.
"Usually I'm in charge of all the specials. I like to do Thai food, but we'll do anything. Mexican, Korean, Thai, anything we come up with," said Rebecca Gabriele, the head chef.
"I like to call it European eclectic with Asian and American influences. Because we're all highly trained chefs, we get to cook whatever we want," said Kacherski.
Whether you enjoy the open atmosphere of the kitchen or the varied wine and beer list, the staff is hopeful you'll be returning again.
"I want them to experience just a phenomenal meal and just really enjoy the atmosphere. Just have fun. It's nice interacting with customers that are sitting at the counter and getting to know them as people and them learning and taking back a little bit from what we do here," said Gabriele.
"I want them to feel welcome and I want them to feel that they've gotten great value for what they've gotten," said Kacherski.