Beacon's Signature Dish@Max's-on-Main

What better night than "Fat Tuesday" to head to Max's-on-Main for my very first time in search of a supper worthy of the feast before the fast. I had walked by Max's many times throughout the last six years and always felt intimidated by the crowded, pub-like atmosphere. Yet, all of my friends who are 'regulars' would tell me the food was great and the ambiance friendly enough to venture in at anytime, reminding me about Tuesday's Trivia Night and Wednesday Ladies' Night for extra enticement. 

Max's has two sides - the bar with its TV screen, bistro tables and dark wood paneled walls that are warm and inviting to join in and feel like part of the set for a re-run of Cheers. The other side is filled with small tables adorned with white butcher paper and cups of crayons with posters and photos on the wall reminding one of the west village music scene in the days of Fillmore east. I chose the latter and felt welcomed by a cheerful and down-to-earth waitress, Karissa, who was available to chat since the usual Tuesday Trivia crowd hadn't arrived yet. She assured me that my choice of pierogies was indeed one of the popular signature dishes at Max's. The pierogies, filled with potatoes and cheddar cheese and served as an appetizer, were plentiful on a plate adorned with salsa and sour cream over some greens, and covered with caramelized onions and fresh scallions. The dish was a welcome sight to behold and surely fit the bill to have just the right amount of fat since they were sauteed in browned butter. 

The pierogies brought back the sought after memories of Pearl, my Czechoslovakian neighbor in Brooklyn, who would call me in to watch as she stood in her kitchen and rolled dough and filled them with the variety of fillings of cabbage and potatoes and cheese, placed them in a rolling pot of water, and then served up a plate with just enough butter to match my salivating lips. That's what growing up in Brooklyn was all about. And to find a place in Beacon that meets expectations from those childhood memories is endearing. Thanks to Harvey and Richie Kaplan for believing in Beacon in 2006; you've had a great run and will continue to thrive as you bring together many former Brooklynites, native and transplanted ones, to a corner of the world at 246 Main Street in Beacon!

Food for thought:  Comfort found in mundane places where community gathers is one of the best ingredients for a good meal and deep conversation. Memories are always associated with our tastes and palate. Every time we mix and stir together our favorite recipe and offer our prepared food to our friends and family, we plant a solid memory that will be evoked time and time again, no matter where or when they find us. I found my memories of Pearl and all of my immigrant neighbors who shared their finest cuisine, the peasant food of their lands left behind, with generosity and grace; a wonderful memory to sustain anyone in lean times that keeps you hungry for more.

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How about making Monday nights pierogie nights at Max's with diners' suggestions for the next variation on a pierogie plate to be voted on and offered on a rotating basis? My own version for an updated version would be to serve the pierogies covered with bacon crisps and a side of caramelized apples and honey drizzled Greek yogurt.

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Beacon Bits -- Makers and Shakers

This year, January, known as the month of new beginnings, felt longer than usual with five weekends to explore Main Street, which was virtually untouched by snow and sunnier than the recent years past. Second Saturdays are exploding with music and art, as per Beacon Arts listings. Diners have more choices for breakfast with Homespun now serving on weekends. And hikers have continued to traverse the Fishkill Ridge and learn about the Mt. Beacon Incline Railway at the exhibit found at the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries. However, this year, it seemed more natural to begin the year with some spiritual renewal and a meditation retreat with a good read of the book, Befriending Silence; a trip to the Dia Beacon with a service-dog-in-training in tow for its natural light and sculptural creations; and the purchase of some new yarn for practical projects worth effort and time spent in knitting. So I found it curious that my propensity towards interiority won out despite the call of the mild weather to walk about town on Sunday afternoons. But to my delight, on one such outing, I came across the Hudson Valley Maker and Artisan Cooperative located in Clay, Wood, Cotton at 133 Main Street. Filled with eclectic and diverse creations, this artisan space highlights the 'maker movement', with its hands on, innovative design using raw materials and recycled artifacts to make objects that are both whimsical and functional.

I had a nice conversation with one of the makers, Chris Faroe, and was not at all surprised to learn of his Scandinavian background since many of the creations in the store that are made of wood evoke cabinetry and woodworking made by craftsmen through the ages from the north countries. Fellow makers, Keith Decent and Rob Hughes also demonstrate their innovative design and talent in lamp fixtures, tables, refinished wood pieces, and metal adornments. I look forward to arranging a custom handmade object fashioned by one of the makers that will blend with a unique mix of modern and shabby chic.

Food for thought:  It's a relief to know that our faster Internet speeds for downloads and uploads are being balanced with an eye on renewable construction from scratch materials leading to curious creations that Rube Goldberg would surely appreciate. Add the maker movement to the slow food movement and we can stand still in time. Or go back in time when the Hudson River Valley was home to the Shakers and their own movement of utilitarian furniture; 'tis truly a gift to be simple. And simple is always a great way to start the new year.

 A Simple Knitted Head Band

CO 26 sts. Knit one row across.

Repeat Pattern

R1: K4, P18, K4

R2: K3, P1, K18, P1, K3

R3: K4, P18, K4

R4: K3, P1, (C6B)x3, P1, K3

R5: K4, P18, K4

R6: K3, P1, K18, P1, K3

R7: K4, P18, K4

R8: K3, P1, K3 (C6F)x2, K3, P1, K3

C6B - Slip 3 sts onto cable needle. Hold in back. Knit 3 from left, knit 3 from cable. 

For C6F, hold 3 sts on cable in front.

Ella Rae Chunky Lace Merino, purchased on sale at Clay Wood Cotton, knitted with size 4 needles

Beacon Bits -- A Giving Community

Beacon is a giving community. The town could be a poster child for Peter Singer's "effective altruism" movement.  Just this past month alone, Common Ground Farm held its annual auction and raised monies towards it 'Grow a Row' project that feeds hungry families with fresh produce throughout the growing season. And the Beacon Sloop Club sponsored a Cajun dance with Krew de la Rue, which raised $1000 towards the food pantries and feeding programs of St. Andrew's/St. Luke's Food Pantry and InCare of Multi-Service Inc. Not to mention the month-long initiative, 'Month of Generosity', with a series of events held at More Good, which targeted raising monies for clean water in 42,000 people in Haiti, Uganda, and Ghana.

These events are just the tip of the iceberg since Beacon's music and art scene give to its residents and visitors on a daily basis and the level of volunteer-led organizations and not-for-profits lead the way with a variety of activities throughout the year. So now during the holiday season, it's a particular joyous time to celebrate that Beacon is a Giving Community!

It just proves that shopping locally isn't the only way to celebrate Christmas. Recognizing and experiencing a sense of abundance leads the way to giving that doesn't require a shopping list or credit card. I'm reminded about a recent broadcast on public radio about parenting issues. One family has a rule about holiday purchases that mandates no more than four gifts per person: a want, a need, something to wear, something to read. Another family set a rule that supports recycling material stuff by requiring that for every new thing one brings home, one thing must go ('one in/one out'). And a third family honors the sentiment that 'much is asked to whom much is given', so they look for ways to adopt a family (e.g., The Angel Tree project) and then spend holiday preparation time focusing on decisions about shopping for members of the family in need rather than focusing on themselves. All of these ideas support the viewpoint that a TV commercial I recently saw would suggest -- that it would be nice if the four-letter word most associated with Christmas is L-O-V-E instead of S-A-L-E.

Food for thought: There's still time to consider a new rule to implement this holiday season, or better yet, to contemplate a New Year's resolution that will support our very own giving movement in Beacon. Volunteer at one of the food pantries or feeding programs. (Stop by St. Andrew's on Saturdays or First Presbyterian on Friday or Saturday to inquire about how to lending a helping hand.) Support a local organization by renewing your 'friend' status or becoming a new friend. (More friends of the Beacon Sloop Club will get the the people's sloop, the Woody Guthrie, back into the Hudson to set sail for the public.) Donate a CD or book to Beacon Reads when you make your next purchase. Find out about the local prisons (Fishkill and Downstate Correctional Facilities) and opportunities to engage in encounters with those who are marginalized. (Check out the Puppies Behind Bars website for more information.) Get ready to join in the annual MLK parade on Main Street on Monday, January 18th, commencing at Springfield Baptist Church. Or just pick up a piece of litter/trash the way Pete Seeger would do as he walked along Main Street. Everyone benefits by each person who gives more, but it's especially heartwarming and rewarding for the person who gives well. Wishing you all a very special Giving Christmas this year!

This blog was also inspired by a recent visit to the Afya Foundation in Yonkers, NY -- a non-profit foundation that aims to collect surplus medical supplies, hospital equipment and humanitarian provisions for acute and ongoing health crises worldwide. Current projects are focused on the Syrian refugee crisis in Greece, Luggage for Life, and Haiti Rehab. Arrange a visit with family or friends to help sort supplies in the warehouse for a unique holiday outing and non-traditional way of giving. You'll be amazed with the scope of work and accomplishments of this small foundation that is a model for innovative social entrepreneurship and 'effective altruism.' Kudos to its award winning founder, Danielle Butin.

Beacon Bits -- Bountiful Books

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."    

                                            - Charles Caleb Colton

It is a welcome sight to have yet another empty storefront on Main Street be occupied with a newly formed business for Beaconites and the ever-growing number of 'out-of-towners'. The multiple bakeries (All You Knead, Ellas Belllas, Beacon Bread Company, Get Frosted) and restaurants in town (see the recent post on A Little Beacon Blog for our great places to eat) both informal and formal, family-priced and upscale, slow and slower, local and global, are all proof that variations on a theme and more than one venue of its kind can be fiscally viable. And so it is very good to see that another book store, Binnacle Books, has opened its doors joining the ranks of the Howland Public Library and its neighboring book store, Beacon Reads, which opened its doors in 2000. Once can never have enough opportunity for enhancing literacy for Beaconites of all ages, but especially for the children, books need to be in our midst.

Binnacle Books

Beacon Reads

In addition to being known for its diverse selection of second hand books in excellent condition, Beacon Reads is probably the pioneer social entrepreneurial venture established in Beacon. Founded by the Friends of the Library, a 501(3)c affiliate of the library, it is a grass-roots, volunteer-run organization with the purpose of raising additional funds for the library budget. 

Marcia Frahman, President of the Friends of the Library & Co-Manager of Beacon Reads

In just the past two years, the Friends of the Library, filling its coffers mostly with book sales at Beacon Reads, has  purchased vouchers to the American Museum of Natural History, the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, and Boscobel, which are available for library card holders at the circulation desk. In addition, monies for free music downloads and streaming, $1200 transportation money for the annual Teen Battle of the Books, $12,000 matching funds for the recent construction grant for the library, and $2,400 of technological equipment for the children's room, have been provided. That's a lot of book sales!

Beacon Reads is staffed by 11 volunteers and the store is open 7 days/week. Beacon Reads has been located next to the library for 15 years; it is well known in the community for Beacon's oldies and newcomers alike, to mingle, meet, converse, and hang out with neighbors, while browsing the shelves and searching for the perfect book to take home or give as a gift. Stop by sometime, you'll never know who you might meet!!

Zelda, a Puppies Behind Bars service-dog-in-training, visits Beacon Reads

Food for thought: It is a blessing to be able to read the written word. Concerns about literacy rates in the US is ongoing, with almost 25% of adults reading below a 5th grade level, 20% of HS graduates unable to read, and 70% of inmates in American prisons not being able to read above the 4th grade level (April 2013, US Department of Education.) It will take more than a bounty of books to turn these trends around. But having access to books - be they borrowed or bought -- is an important environmental support in every community. Just knowing that there are 2 bookstores and 1 public library within 2 blocks of each other in Beacon is a cultural statement that Beacon does indeed read!!

"To Do List"

Donate your unwanted books to Beacon Reads -- all the dollars earned are given right back into your hands with unique funding initiatives for the library.

Update your library card.

Browse the shelves of our local independent bookseller.

Become a member of the Friends of the Howland Public Library.

Bring a child along to buy, lend or donate a book to Beacon Reads.

Volunteer to read to children at a local school.

Pick up a book instead of the remote or the laptop.

Support groups like Reach Out and Read with its aim of giving children a book during pediatric visits from birth to age 5, which reinforces the concept that literacy takes root in infancy and toddler hood, a campaign that the American Pediatric Association supports.

Beacon Bits -- Echo Reverberates

Echoes can imitate or echoes can leave a lingering trace. But not so for Echo in Beacon, which is a one-of-a-kind store that entices inter-generational purchases for children and adults with a range of heirloom and educational toys, seasonal clothing and accessories for the fashion forward diva. This Echo is unique and stands alone.

Located in Beacon for 16 years at various locations, this eye-catching double-storefront shop found at the intersection of Main Street and Tioronda Avenue (with its neighbors the Howland Cultural Center and Beacon Falls Cafe) has become the epitome of the success that women entrepreneurs brought to this river town, long before the more recent revival that has brought a host of shoppers and visitors who parade the local streets every weekend of the month.

Owner Karen Donohue has the requisite design and marketing prowess that established this niche design haven, reminiscent of the best of Anthropologie (a globally inspired home and clothing store chain) and Hammertown (located in Rhinebeck and Pine Plains), with her personal twist that feels timeless, yet fresh and new; forward thinking, yet retro; tasteful and stylish, yet affordable. 

Step inside and you will be charmed by all that you see. And when you hear the music playing just the right song - you might feel tempted to dance along and feel the enchantment of this whimsical, yet practical store; but don't worry, you'll be invited to do so in the family friendly venue!

Food for thought:  With all the new restaurants and breweries and places to 'hang out' along Main Street, it is nice to know that Echo exists for all the mundane needs of shopping for new clothes or gifting oneself and others with purchases made at this women's boutique and toy store. A community needs the right mix of businesses that provide all the tools to get through life--food, clothing, home goods, necessities, and yes, even some toys and games. Beacon's turning point may have arrived as more of the previously empty store fronts are becoming occupied, but Beacon will be a better and more livable town when keeping this balance in mind. As they say, 'before enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water; after enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water.'

Beacon Bits -- Autumn Spark

Early morning chill in the air, white-frosted grass, steamy river, MetroNorth train horns blasting to chase the deer from the warmth of its tracks, all signaled it was time to get out the knitting needles and head north to Rhinebeck for the 35th Annual Sheep and Wool Festival last weekend.

The selection of colorful yarns matched the variety of knitted scarves, hats and shawls adorned by crafters that vied for attention against the riotous blaze of colorful trees on the horizon. Throngs of customers, mostly women, patiently waited for a turn to browse, touch and purchase fiber, fleece, and fuzzy finds at the fair.

Three hours of maneuvering, sampling and occasional purchases later, it was time to head back towards Beacon with a stop at Obercreek Farm, my CSA, to meet Kate, the new manager for the 2016 season, and to pick up my pumpkins. 

The highlight of the brief visit to the farm's roadside stand was tasting freshly picked nasturtiums dipped in Obercreek honey, a unique blend of pepper and sweet that won me over instantly.

It left me with just enough time to rendevous at Zora Dora, closing for the season, to stock up on a few pops for my freezer (Grapefruit-Honey-Ginger, Maple-Cranberry-Walnut, and Pumpkin-Chipotle) to provide some dormant treats for an impending Indian Summer's day.

Food for thought:  The autumn leaves seem to come more quickly with each passing year, but the spark of autumn never fades. I can still remember the crunch of leaves underfoot as a toddler, an October horseback ride in Prospect Park as a teen, turkey shoots and harvest festivals in the Poconos in young adulthood, and the invigorating renewal that the autumn air provides now in mid-life. It's a season that evokes nostalgia more than melancholy; a season that elicits abundance over scarcity; gathering up instead of letting go; and warmth and generosity instead of feeling left out in the cold.

Look. 

Fiery burning bush

Reveals its hidden true colors,

As if, for the very first time,

Autumn sparks.

Beacon Bits -- Beacon's Signature Dish@The Hop

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a foodie. And one of the pleasures of living in Beacon is the selection of dining experiences it offers, mostly with CIA graduates who have stayed in the Hudson Valley and taken to the start-up nature of Beacon's Main Street. I thought that I should blog about my dining experiences as a feature on Beacon Bits on an irregular-regular basis that features the fare of one of the local restaurants-- not because I am a food critic, but because I want to highlight the unique cuisine that Beacon offers and share my experience of dining alone or dining with friends, and in so doing, highlight what I will call a "Beacon Signature Dish".

So I went to The Hop on a recent Sunday evening after attending a concert and found that it was lively and practically full to capacity. The excitement is palpable -- the sound reverberates off the high-tech features of the renovated space and the effects of potables on tap added to the din. I waited to be seated and found that my wait was quite long. I was a bit dismayed that when a waiter/host approached, he asked the younger couple behind me if they wanted a table; I was overlooked and sensed that invisibility factor that creeps in for a woman of a certain age (or perhaps, the fact that I literally was shorter than the host and the two guests behind me), but I was able to assert myself and ascertain that I had been first in line. I was seated at a table almost immediately and then the experience unfolded as I had originally expected into an evening of comfort food and drink surrounded by other patrons who were clearly enjoying their meals and beverages. I asked the waiter about a 'signature' dish and I couldn't have been more pleased to hear that the "Kale & Lamb Sausage" was probably one of the favorites. I placed my order and asked for an "Oak Hill Red" apple cider on tap, which all spoke to the autumn chill in the air.

As soon as my meal arrived, I did not have any lingering angst about waiting to be seated, it was all worth the wait! The kale and lamb sausage had a spiciness that added a kick to the nutty-texture of a creamy polenta that was floated in a bit of melted butter with some sharp artisanal cheese and poached egg to add to the mix of flavors and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Added to the mix was the dry-prosecco-like apple cider that provided an acid contrast, which cut the richness of the lamb and polenta; it was a definite keeper and perfect for a Sunday evening supper that greeted my favorite season of the year.

Food for thought:  I believe everyone should look for the 'joy' in life since everything else finds us whether we look for it or not. I also believe it is important to do things alone, whether it is going to the movies or out to a restaurant for a good meal. Everyone needs to feel empowered to indulge in the simple pleasures of life whether or not one is alone or can share the experience with others. Beacon is the type of community that allows one to have solo experiences since every individual adds to the fabric of community life that is being woven into the spirit of the village. There's no need to wait for that special someone to step into the fine dining experiences that are found on every corner......I'll keep you updated on other 'signature dishes' that I explore in the future.