More Short/Sweet Restaurant Reviews
Lucy's Tacos (38 John Street, Kingston, NY)
After being harassed by a local vendor for supporting soulless corporate behemoths - Cafe Drake was spotted and nabbed carrying a Starbucks cup on the economically radical streets of downtown Kingston - we received another cold shoulder from the disgruntled counter person at Lucy's Tacos. Clearly in the midst of a very bad day, she took our food order in a snappy tone and then literally threw it down on our table. OMG, could this be "Lucy" herself? This ultra-basic taco joint is clean enough, decorated in a campy East Village 80's style of Mexican film posters and Day of the Dead tchokes, and utterly unremarkable. While fresh, the Nachos Supreme ($9) were without distinction, as was a pallid version of the classic beef and rice burrito sided with guacamole ($8).
Arvad's Grille and Pub ( 3 S. Main St., Waterbury, VT)
The gastro-pub and the pub/sports bar are two very different stepchildren, and while Arvad's is in closer relation to the second variety, and while that raucous environment rarely yields worthy grub, a big surprise is the quality of food here. No surprise is a groaning wide selection of local brews on tap (Cafe Drake liked the Otter Creek Red), but also available are several wines at less than $8 a glass. Outside dining on Waterbury's picturesque main drag is an added bonus. Go for the Fried Clam Strip Platter - $10 buys you a reasonable portion of tender, lightly battered shellfish, a heap of good fries and a tangy, housemade tartar sauce.
Fayem Restaurant & Grill (1 No. Manheim Blvd., New Paltz, NY 12561)
While the college town of New Paltz suffers no dearth of eateries, many of the establishments are geared towards student-friendly sandwiches, pizza and lackluster Mexican fare. Just blocks away from the hustle of downtown lies Fayem, nestled on the corner of a lovely, pine tree-lined residential street. A sprawling interior - lit and decorated like a budget banquet hall - belies the subtle and sophisticated Indian fare arriving from the kitchen; Fayem's chefs prepare nuanced variations on subcontinental standards. An appetizer sampler plate ($9.95) was a bit disappointing; the samosas, pappadum and various fritters all seemed straight from the freezer and hot from the microwave, but the accompanying sauces (mint, onion and tamarind chutneys) were fresh and sparkling and spicy. Quite good were our entrees: a creamy Vegetable Korma ($10), a tender and tangy Lamb Vindaloo ($14)naan bread stuffed with spiced potatoes ($4).
After being harassed by a local vendor for supporting soulless corporate behemoths - Cafe Drake was spotted and nabbed carrying a Starbucks cup on the economically radical streets of downtown Kingston - we received another cold shoulder from the disgruntled counter person at Lucy's Tacos. Clearly in the midst of a very bad day, she took our food order in a snappy tone and then literally threw it down on our table. OMG, could this be "Lucy" herself? This ultra-basic taco joint is clean enough, decorated in a campy East Village 80's style of Mexican film posters and Day of the Dead tchokes, and utterly unremarkable. While fresh, the Nachos Supreme ($9) were without distinction, as was a pallid version of the classic beef and rice burrito sided with guacamole ($8).
Arvad's Grille and Pub ( 3 S. Main St., Waterbury, VT)
The gastro-pub and the pub/sports bar are two very different stepchildren, and while Arvad's is in closer relation to the second variety, and while that raucous environment rarely yields worthy grub, a big surprise is the quality of food here. No surprise is a groaning wide selection of local brews on tap (Cafe Drake liked the Otter Creek Red), but also available are several wines at less than $8 a glass. Outside dining on Waterbury's picturesque main drag is an added bonus. Go for the Fried Clam Strip Platter - $10 buys you a reasonable portion of tender, lightly battered shellfish, a heap of good fries and a tangy, housemade tartar sauce.
Fayem Restaurant & Grill (1 No. Manheim Blvd., New Paltz, NY 12561)
While the college town of New Paltz suffers no dearth of eateries, many of the establishments are geared towards student-friendly sandwiches, pizza and lackluster Mexican fare. Just blocks away from the hustle of downtown lies Fayem, nestled on the corner of a lovely, pine tree-lined residential street. A sprawling interior - lit and decorated like a budget banquet hall - belies the subtle and sophisticated Indian fare arriving from the kitchen; Fayem's chefs prepare nuanced variations on subcontinental standards. An appetizer sampler plate ($9.95) was a bit disappointing; the samosas, pappadum and various fritters all seemed straight from the freezer and hot from the microwave, but the accompanying sauces (mint, onion and tamarind chutneys) were fresh and sparkling and spicy. Quite good were our entrees: a creamy Vegetable Korma ($10), a tender and tangy Lamb Vindaloo ($14)naan bread stuffed with spiced potatoes ($4).
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