The list of semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards honoring the country’s best restaurants and chefs was released in January and we were delighted (but definitely not surprised) to find out that seven of the nominees are located right here in the Hudson Valley. As those of you who love to go out to dinner know, our region is home to extraordinary restaurants in every county—from amazing cafés and casual family-friendly eateries to upscale spots that are every bit as great (if not better) than New York City’s finest dining establishments. There are so many reasons for our area’s culinary excellence—we have talented CIA grads in the kitchens, we have top chefs moving here from the city to open up their own places, we’ve had an influx of new residents from Manhattan and Brooklyn who expect top-notch food, and of course our home-grown-in-the-Valley ingredients cannot be rivaled.

One of the nominees for Outstanding Restaurant—The DeBruce in Livingston Manor—is participating in this spring’s Hudson Valley Restaurant Week (page 26), and it’s among 135 places for you to check out from April 8–21. Take advantage of special pricing for lunch and dinner; the event is a wonderful opportunity to try new restaurants and show some love to old favorites. Make your reservations today!

Linda Fears
Editor in Chief