POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- In the Arlington section of Poughkeepsie near Vassar College you'll find the Beech Tree Grill. A cozy establishment perfect to meet friends for a beer or have a multi-course meal.
"I've been here since 2000; I've owned it since 2007. It's a great place, there's a lot of history here and it's been around for a long time. In any facet of the food business, whether it's wine, beers, liquors, and the food itself we try to offer something that is made with our own two hands. We do all of our stuff in house as far as charcuterie items, baking, all of our soups and stocks and sauces, it's really the craft of the food," said Aaron Foglietta, the owner and head chef.
Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, the menu offers a variety of staples and many specials.
"It's really a lot of hands on stuff. We try not to do anything out of packages or prefabricated stuff. Cooking for me is a labor of love, so using your mind, you hands, your wits to make something is really my style. The regular menu is very approachable. It's good; it's not too crazy as far as creativity. But that's why we also do 8 to12 specials every day. We rotate them. And that's where the chefs and myself get to play and create," said Foglietta.
Being able to source locally helps with their hands-on approach to the food.
"We use a lot of the local farms as far as produce. We try and do as much local as we can. We have a lot of favorites -- the brie appetizer. It's tough for us because if we change anything there is an uproar. There's a mutiny on deck," said Foglietta.
Craft beers, hearty meals, accommodating staff, and so much more will have you wanting to stop in again soon.
"Whether it's having a couple beers, or a having a four course dinner. It's just something, you know, they got a good value for what they came in and got to experience and they enjoyed their time here," said Foglietta.