September 10, 2009
Taste of New Paltz offers food from all over and entertainment
Donna Yee
Poughkeepsie Journal
Your parents might have told you at one time or another to finish everything on your plate.
Be dutiful and take those words to heart Sunday as you sample and munch your way through the 19th annual Taste of New Paltz at the Ulster County Fairgounds.
The food fest, presented by the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce, draws about 8,000 visitors annually from the local area as well as Albany and Westchester counties, New York City, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
“I think the event itself has a following and that people come and are part of it year after year,” said Christine Crawfis, director of marketing and communications at the chamber.
Taste-size samplings of food and beverages will be available for $2 or $3 from a wide range of local restaurants, wineries, breweries, bakeries, farms and caterers.
Aroma Thyme Bistro of Ellenville will participate for the fifth time. This certified green establishment, owned by chef Marcus Guiliano and his wife, Jamie, offers a vast selection of items, from Indian dishes and vegan recipes to pizza and steak.
At this year’s booth, visitors will find sesame-encrusted tuna and brisket.
“We’re going to be doing our sustainable tuna sashimi dish. We’re also doing our akaushi briskets,” Guiliano said.
Guiliano said with events such as this, he chooses dishes that have a proven track record and appear on the menu.
“Go with the big guns,” Guiliano said.
Participants can take a culinary adventure across the globe in one day. Try Mexican cuisine from Acapulco Grill of Kingston and then take a leap over to Neko Sushi & Restaurant of New Paltz for some traditional Japanese fare. Skip back over to try what Caribbean Cuisine of New Paltz has to offer and then sample the goods at Hudson Baking Company of Milton.
As you mull over your next move, check out the wine selections from Whitecliff Vineyard of Gardiner and Adair Vineyards of New Paltz.
Sample farm-fresh products from Jenkins-Lueken Orchards of New Paltz.
“We do fresh peach smoothies with the peaches we grow on the farm,” said Bob James, who is a partner in the orchard with his brother Eric and mother, Margaret.
Cider doughnuts, fruit and fresh-ground peanut butter with apples slices will also be available.
“It’s all fresh and good for you,” James said.
Good eats isn’t the only thing on the menu, though. Live musical performances throughout the day by local music acts will complement whatever tasty bits on which you’re chowing.
The lineup includes Vicki Russell, Cleoma’s Ghost, the Trapps, the Greyhounds and the Sugar Bees.
Kid-friendly activities will take place over at the Kids’ Expo, where there will be a dunking booth, face painting, balloons and a performance by Radio Disney Performers.
If you’re thinking of doing a little shopping, head over to Artistic Taste and Craft Expo for artwork by local artists, jewelry and other handmade pieces.
Edible items can be sampled or purchased at the Country Store.
The Business Expo will showcase area businesses and services along with raffles. The Wellness and Recreation Expo will hold demonstrations where visitors can learn more about health and fitness.
Guiliano’s favorite part of Taste of New Paltz is seeing regular customers.
“It’s a great event,” Guiliano said. “It’s probably the best event we do as far as turnout and seeing our regular customers and the vast amount of food. We wouldn’t miss it.”
