Dinner in Cold Spring, NY

After an afternoon of antiquing along Main Street in Cold Spring, NY, we stopped by friends of Ben's living just around the corner. Turns out they have a fascinating backyard with several breeds of chickens, cute kids and intriguing botanical life. (see above all three)

When Jen, Ben and Cafe Drake arrived at Garrison, NY's Tavern restaurant the sun was setting. As our meal began, with a Manhattan and toasted cornbread squares, chilled half-shell oysters, chicken liver mousse with homemade pickles and crisp flat breads, and hay-smoked gnocchi, the light faded and soon we were plunged into full-on moody, flattering candle light for the remainder of our evening. Entrees of pork belly, braised short ribs and roasted wild salmon atop bacony lentils were all quite good, as were sides of polenta, barley risotto and pickled red cabbage. Desserts included apple pie with black pepper whipped cream and a selection of Hudson Valley cheeses.

The Cold Spring waterfront.