With the heat at record temperatures, what does a city gal have to do aside from fleeing the scorching NYC streets to the relaxed mountains of Upstate New York? Surprisingly, so many artisanal options are springing up in even the town of Catskill that it didn’t feel like I was too far from the foodie options of my native NYC.
The New York Restaurant
353 Main Street, Catskill, NY
http://nyrestaurantcatskill.com/
Billed as a “revival restaurant” from an era where the steak was just $1.50, I’m not even sure I could get a pack of Orbit gum for that price in some Bodegas. A Polish-American has taken over the helm reinvigorating the space with charm, music, and perogies. Oh man, have I mentioned how much I love perogies? Their menu offers several exciting lunch dishes including a Happy Hour from 4 pm-6 pm that features all kinds of $4 treats. You can go wild at the price of $4 appetizers, craft micro-brew drafts, fine wines, and cocktails all for just $4. That’s less than a Subway sandwich. 
I started out with their signature selection of pierogi. The sautéed the bacon, onion chutney, and sour cream is an absolute delight. They were flavorful and satisfying. You can also purchase these delectable bites to go in a frozen variety, to keep at home
Another standout choice on the menu was the Black & Bleu Flat Bread covered with grilled flank steak, bleu cheese crumbles, and caramelized onions with grilled portabella mushrooms and roasted bell peppers. A delightful and savory option, it melted right in your mouth. I can’t wait to go back to this quaint restaurant next time and try other options from this fascinating menu.
Next stop was Saratoga Springs as I took my sojourn to see Counting Crows at SPAC. When in Saratoga, one must try the local eats and my eye was immediately drawn to the cafe that resembled the big top.
Circus Cafe
392 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
http://circuscafe.com
The menu boasts that their burger has won awards, so I simply had to try it. After testing both the burger and mac & cheese while successfully not keeling over from a massive coronary I came to the conclusion that this eatery is really about the fun of the circus. However, if you’re seeking a lump of cotton candy and some fantastic happy hour options, then this is the place for you. I’m sure the local college kids at Skidmore make good use of this place.
I was amazed that I could order a drink at 11 am on a weekday but when in Saratoga, embrace the fight club rules of being in Saratoga. I tried the black cherry martini which tasted like an alcohol infused kool-aid. I’m not the biggest fan of sweet cocktails, but Circus Cafe had an ample list of libations for the adventurous ordered and wine drinker alike.
I loved loved loved the atmosphere. I’m a sucker for classic circus chachki’s and between the elegant chandelier, buttery movie theatre popcorn served free of cost, and the vintage Ringling Brothers signage I had a good time if not the best tasting experience of my life.
Finally, a MUST stop when in the Catskill region is Angela’s. I’ve blogged about this place before, and I can’t express how good this pizza and beer is. While unassuming looking, simple chairs and tables, a fun aspect of the dining experience are being able to see the kegs through the glass while you eat.
Angela’s Pizzeria and Brewery
4545 NY Route 32, Catskill, NY 12414
http://angelasbistrobrewery.com
Here I am grasping at one of their home-grown ales the Kiskatom Brown Ale. I always gravitate toward darker beers, and this one does not disappoint. If you’re not in the mood for a drink, you can always take a growler home with you.
I went to Angela’s earlier in the day, and I stumbled upon brunch service and tried one of their “personal” brunch pizzas. This pizza is far from personal-almost the size of a regular pie, and it was out of this world. Drenched in perfectly cooked eggs and ham they have several different breakfast pizza options. You will entirely be bringing home leftovers-assume nothing less.
As the summer winds down and we transition into weekend trips upstate to see the leaves change these are three places you should stop by if you’re climbing in the car for a city escape. You can join the circus, have a taste of Poland, and gorge yourself on pizza but hopefully not all in one day.
