Early summer means U-pick season in the Valley, and these local eateries are serving up sweet and tangy berry desserts with the bounty.
As the first official month of summer, June promises warm weather, outdoor activities, and plenty of delicious seasonal foods. While tomatoes and corn certainly have their place at the dinner table, berries are the sweet treat that we look forward to all year long. With U-pick season in full swing, you may be tempted to cook up scrumptious creations of your own. If you can’t bear to turn the oven on, however, head to these Hudson Valley restaurants, which take the work out of enjoying the region’s strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with inventive berry desserts.
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Aroma Thyme Bistro
Ellenville
This farm-to-table restaurant in Ulster County is always using the bounty of the Hudson Valley to the best of its abilities. Aroma Thyme Bistro supports over 45 local farms as it crafts its fresh and seasonal dishes, including a number of sweet desserts. Blueberry lovers can indulge in the wild blueberry crisp for a warming treat after a satisfying meal – and make it a la mode to get your ice cream fix in, too.
Blooming Hill Farm
Monroe
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Does it get any fresher than straight from the farm? At Blooming Hill Farm, you can opt to purchase seasonal berries onsite at the farmstand or stick around for a meal to enjoy the produce in all of its glory. After you’ve had your fill of salad, roasted trout, or primavera pastas with all the veggies, indulge in the strawberry and pistachio trifle for layer upon layer of fresh berries, buttermilk cream cheese mousse, and cookie crumble.
Coray Kitchen
Delmar
A newer eatery on the Hudson Valley restaurant scene, Coray Kitchen is making a name for itself as a delicious hotspot in Albany County. With a menu that is seasonally driven yet globally inspired, the Delmar restaurant is constantly making use of the region’s seasonal fruits and vegetables in innovative ways. Here, you’ll want to give the lemon berry pavlova a go for tangy lemon curd balanced by sweet, fresh berries and whipped cream.
The Creek
Croton Falls
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Tucked in the eclectic plaza in the Metro-North station in Croton Falls is this hidden gem. Named after the branch of the Croton River that passes the restaurant, The Creek is big on wings, burgers, and sandwiches, with starters like sashimi nachos and lobster eggrolls that never fail to excite. The dessert menu is just as flavorful, with options like caramel cheesecake and pear cobbler. The blueberry bread pudding takes the cake, complete with whipped cream and a blueberry sauce drizzle.
The Maker
Hudson
Another eatery that is inspired by the Valley’s farms and produce, The Maker mixes Italian cooking techniques with seasonal flavors. After dining on ever-changing mains like smoked mushrooms, chicken confit, Portuguese octopus, or local sirloin steak, you’ll be sure to ask for the dessert menu. A light and airy pavlova is the perfect post-dinner treat, with toasted meringue and a spiced strawberry sorbet to boot.
Shadows on the Hudson
Poughkeepsie
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This popular waterfront spot is known for its amazing views of the Hudson River and delicious seasonal specials. Shadows on the Hudson boasts not one, but two fruit-focused desserts for its current sweet treat offerings. Dig into a strawberry and mascarpone mille-feuille with almond puff pastry, a white chocolate mint sauce, plenty of strawberries, and lemon ice cream, or go for the raspberry and hibiscus panna cotta that comes layered with vanilla panna cotta, a hibiscus gelee, raspberries, chocolate crumbs, and a black raspberry chip ice cream.
