Spring has sprung! And what better place to usher in the warm weather than the Hudson Valley? Flowers are blooming, gardens are flourishing, and perfect picnic conditions are on the way.
After a long winter season, why not take a load off and order your holiday meal or specialty treats to-go? Get outside and save yourself the hassle of spending the day in the kitchen. With an overabundance of locally sourced eats, let these Hudson Valley hotspots do the work for Easter and Passover goodies.
Baked by Susan
Croton-on-Hudson
Few places do dessert quite like this family-owned bakeshop. Voted “Best of Westchester” time and time again, this Croton-on-Hudson favorite is always a winner. At Baked by Susan, everything is made in-house and from scratch with seasonal fruits, real butter, eggs, and King Arthur flour. For Passover, try a flourless chocolate cake, vegan triple berry crumble, or an order of chocolate matzo cake. If you’re celebrating Easter, indulge in a slice of carrot cake, a piece of Easter bread topped with sprinkles, or an Easter-themed cupcake that’s as adorable as it is delicious. Wednesday is the last day for Easter and Passover orders.
Bartlett House
Ghent
Bartlett House is a showstopper when it comes to baked treats in the Hudson Valley, so it’s no surprise that its Easter takeout menu is equally delightful. Start strong with classics like hot cross buns and pistachio or ham and cheese croissants for breakfast, then pick up a country sourdough or traditional baguette for dipping and dunking throughout the day. When it’s time for dessert, it’s impossible to go wrong with the pistachio shortbread or the rustic apple and ginger galette. Pre-order by April 13 for pickup on April 16 or 17 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Epstein’s of Hartsdale
Hartsdale
Epstein’s is Hartsdale’s heart and soul of kosher cooking. With a wide variety of traditional, homestyle Jewish dishes, this Kashruth-certified deli is guaranteed to cover all your Seder wants and needs. Epstein’s offers both a basic holiday dinner and a traditional, five-course Seder meal for takeout. Entree options include everything from brisket to roasted turkey to stuffed cabbage. With classic sides galore, Epstein’s serves up traditional matzo balls, kugel, and gefilte fish. Order online or call to reserve a meal for pickup.
Rosticceria Rossi & Sons
Poughkeepsie
This Poughkeepsie favorite has traditional Italian Easter classics available for pickup Friday and Saturday of Easter weekend. Entrees include house-made wheat and ricotta pie, pizza rustica –– a “pie” filled with specialty meats and cheeses –– and, of course, Italian Easter bread topped with colored eggs. Various pastas, breads, and sweets can also be ordered to-go.
Dessert: Cardoso Cookies
Dutchess County
It wouldn’t be right to talk about the main course without a mention of dessert! To pair with your main meal, order one of the many confections offered by Cardoso Cookies. While the cookies themselves are a no-brainer, don’t sleep on the Portuguese custard tarts for individual treats. Otherwise, go big with the rainbow cookie cake or the strawberry swirl cheesecake. Needless to say, your guests will love you.
