Photo by Silvana DeFrancis Photography

I love trees full of crisp, colorful leaves just as much as the next gal, but to me, fall in the Hudson Valley is all about the food. Sweet, crunchy apples for juicing and baking…warty pumpkins I can turn into soup…squash, turnips, and kale that are divine when roasted…and, oh yes, warm-from-the-oil apple cider doughnuts and chilled hard cider.

For these delicious reasons and many more, I’m very pleased to share this issue with you. For one, it includes everything you need to know about the foodie event of the season: Hudson Valley Restaurant Week! This biannual event, taking place from October 27 through November 9, is the perfect opportunity to secure a specially priced meal at a spot you’ve been wanting to try. More restaurants than ever are participating and reservations fill up fast, so plan wisely!

Also in this issue, we get to know the husband-and-wife farmers in Dutchess County that are producing some of the region’s best steak and cheese, as well as three local women who are making a name for themselves in the meat industry. We also have your comprehensive guide to apple and pumpkin picking, plus a recipe for chocolate salami (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it).

So, let’s hear it for the tastiest, most invigorating season of the year! Cheers, and happy Halloween!