The Roman God of Wine, Madness, and Ecstasy...

Bacchus                                 

4 South Chestnut Street                  

Picture compliments of Bacchus

 New Paltz, New York 12561                

Yes, this small town eatery boasting its collection of over 400 beers certainly has to live up to its own standard. Bacchus, located right off of Main Street, on 4 South Chestnut Street is cleverly named after the Roman god of wine and intoxication. This restaurant and, of course bar, is local and student friendly. They specialize in seafood and southwest specialties however they have an array of delicious cuisine here. Whether you’re looking for a pricier meal, or a cheap bite. You name it, they got it!

I actually discovered this eatery by winning a gift card with my friends at SUNY New Paltz. My friends and I decided we would all share the card equally and go out that Friday night. We were seated upstairs because downstairs was bustling. The infinite bar and the pool hall are located downstairs. Upstairs is more formal and quite, very good for a date night. I ordered the Lobster Ravioli with mushrooms and spinach in a cream crab meat sauce. I couldn’t believe I found a dish with all my favorite foods in it. I’m drooling just thinking about it. Being a college student I normally wouldn’t pay $18.95 for a meal, but it was worth every penny. The flavors were incredible and although a pasta dish, not too heavy. I attempted to finish it all but ended up taking some back to my dorm. By far, it was the best pasta dish I’ve ever had.

A few weeks later, my aunt had come up to visit me and we wanted to grab salads after our hard Sunday of shopping, Bacchus it was. I ordered the house salad with shrimp, about $10. Although not exactly what I was craving, the shrimp was cooked perfectly and I was full. Also, the dressing, like vinaigrette was absolutely delicious. I think it was called Mexican Italian; the cilantro was arousing.

Even just last weekend my family friends were coming to visit the college and requested a “decent” place to eat. I knew that whatever restaurant I chose would influence their feelings about the town or even school. I needed to show them a place that gave them a taste of New Paltz nightlife while still maintaining high quality and service. After much deliberation, we were off to Bacchus.

The family ordered classic American favorites ribs, wings, and burgers. I decided to try something new and ordered the Ahi Tuna sandwich which was garnished with mesclun greens, bean sprouts, avocado and wasabi aioli, served with my favorite, curly fries by choice. The tuna was cooked just the way I like it, rare, pink in the middle. They were not skimpy with the tuna or avocado either which I was even more impressed by. The crusty bun, thick tuna steak, and creamy avocado worked great together, especially with that pungent wasabi aioli for the kick. That’s definitely going to have to be a usual for now on. It was a very filling sandwich and totally hit the spot and only for $9.95. Everyone left satisfied and happy.

One of my favorite things about this restaurant is that it’s the perfect place to bring just about anyone. When in doubt…go to Bacchus! I’ve eaten at this restaurant three times since March and can’t wait to go back.

Picture compliments of Bacchus

As far as the atmosphere is concerned, the brick walls are adorned by titillating décor and the high ceilings really give you a great feel for the place. I found myself looking around the restaurant as if I were at an Applebee’s. The outdoor patio and pool hall really distinguish this restaurant from the others. Bacchus also hosts events, shows and live music throughout the year. There were dozens of people just having a genuinely good time. Great food, live music, and a billiard hall…talk about a triple threat!

Although every time I ate at Bacchus I walked out sate, there are a few things I would have liked differently. The aesthetics are there but over time, the lights dim and the adornments and wall hangings are camouflaged. The service is satisfactory, they never forgot about us but the wait staff was a little slow. Lastly, my major concern was the fact that there were two menus. One, the main menu the waiter hands you. But there is also another menu enclosed in a plastic stand that had cheaper, more eclectic cuisines. There were at least a dozen other menu options on this standing sheet, including burritos, pizzas and my Ahi Tuna sandwich. I felt tricked into buying the more expensive menu options from lack of knowledge of the second menu. Now I know, and so do you.

Picture compliments of Bacchus

I love Bacchus and everyone I have taken there loves it too. You definitely can’t get this food on campus and this is even one of my favorite restaurants in town. This restaurant is perfect for college students who want to go to a different place, not the typical Murphy’s, P and G’s or McGillicuddy’s. Although Bacchus is also a bar, there is less of a “bar feel”, this eatery is more formal and classier. I also appreciate how the restaurant does not exclude people under 21 after certain hours. There is something for everyone on every budget. This isn’t just bar food; some of this is sophisticated fare that you know was carefully manipulated with textures and spices to give you what you deserve- a fantastic meal!

Picture compliments of Bacchus

Finger-Lickin’ Good Vegan Chocolates

New Paltz chocolate lovers listen up! I have discovered a hidden treasure, a gem;  It’s the crème de la crème of chocolates and it’s right here in town! Their name’s Lagusta’s Luscious and knock-your-socks-off chocolate is their game.



Taken by Georgia Schunk



Tucked away behind Pegasus foot ware, Lagusta’s is a quaint, little house with robin’s-egg blue walls (an overall color scheme of teal and chocolate brown) and artsy, New-Paltz-hippie approved décor creating an ambiance similar to that of a craft store and a coffee shop combined.  



Taken By Georgia Schunk



On all sides of the store are deliciously-displayed chocolate bars and a small refrigerator in the corner is loaded with hand-made products such as cheeses, jams and sodas



Taken By Georgia Schunk



There are shelves upon shelves of perfectly organized spices that add to the already intoxicating aroma of fresh chocolate. If you weren’t craving chocolate before you walked in the door, you certainly are now!

Taken By Georgia Schunk





In a glass display case (perfectly in view the second you walk inside) lay an assortment of hand-crafted VEGAN chocolates! When I first heard that word I thought “oh great, tasteless chocolates… yum” but the little vegan-babies looks so darn beautiful and delicious I thought it might be worth the risk… Best decision I ever made!



Taken By Georgia Schunk



After a long debate between the salted Galápagos turtle and the almond-toffee frog I finally purchased the $3 caramel, chocolate and pecan turtle with a dash of sea salt on top (my sister getting a coconut pyramid ($2), her friend a macadamia Maui vanilla cream with chamomile ($2), and my mother: the almond-toffee frog ($2.50))



Strawberries and Cream Bark (Taken By Georgia Schunk)



Taking my first bite into my turtle I felt an explosion of spices, followed by a gooey eruption of salted caramel. The pecans, slightly roasted, snapped apart giving the candy a nice crunch palatable with the chewy caramel. I found my mouth begging for the next bite until my palm sized turtle was devoured. My chocolate craving: delightfully satiated

Taken from Lagusta's Website

The recipe for chocolate is of unparalleled taste. An odd but yet delicious marriage of spices accompanies every chocolate masterpiece Lagusta’s creates. I will warn those, however, who are not fans of experimenting or spices. With options such as the caramelized onion and chipotle truffle, the coriander-beet truffle, and the furious vulva, to call the recipes “crazy concoctions” would be a gross understatement. 



Taken from Lagusta's Website



To make my time at Lagusta’s even more pleasant (which must seem impossible by now) the most wonderful person was working behind the counter: the owner/ creator/ genius behind Lagusta’s! She had such a friendly demeanor and always carried a pleasant smile across her face. She was there to answer my many questions about her recipes, and gave off a warm and welcome feeling that instantly made me feel comfortable. Had there been a bed in the front of the store, I would have moved in permanently!



Taken By Georgia Schunk



Since my first trip to Lagusta’s I have made a weekly ritual of bringing my friends down and trying out the different chocolate (the selection varies depending on what’s available, what is prepared that day and what’s in season). With an assortment of 8 for $15, we split the coast and slowly slip into a chocolate induced coma.  



Taken by Georgia Schunk



Every time my mom stays for the weekend, she ends up leaving with a bag load of Lagusta’s. On many occasions she has even called me from home and asked me to bring her back a box for her friend’s birthday, or simply because she has a burning craving for the divinely enticing Lagusta’s!

Taken from Lagusta's Website

I would tout to anyone and everyone that Lagusta’s Luscious has the best chocolates in all of New Paltz! Every person I have ever taken along the ride with me has left with a new favorite. Whether it be the Heathen Toffee, the Pomegranate Truffle, the Rosemary Sea-Salt Caramel, or the Walk in the Woods Bonbon, there is something for everyone and always a new thing to try. Even if you don’t feel like a truffle there are croissants, chocolate drinks, cookies, teas, sweets galore! Seriously, if you don’t have a foot out the door already then you must be allergic to chocolate or nowhere near New Paltz! And if that’s the case then I’m sorry, and I can’t believe you read all of this, but for those of you who do not have either excuse, grab your wallet, a friend and an empty stomach and check out Lagusta’s Luscious!

Taken from Lagusta's Website

The Plaza Diner--So many choices!

I’ve passed it a dozen times on my way to the movie theater, or Stop and Shop, but never really thought about it.  The Plaza Diner, just sitting there, separate from the shops along the same line, but still a part of that group.  I’d heard of the diner before, of course, but I’d never actually been there, and assumed it was just some place where you stop by, pick up some food real quick, and leave.  So I was surprised that when picking restaurants to review, my friend suggested the Plaza Diner.  This is where my extreme naivety comes into play.  I’ve never been to a diner before.  When I told my friend this, he looked at me with an expression akin to shock and said “we’re going to the diner now.  You have no choice.”

           

And so we went to the diner.

            And imagine my surprise when I went in expecting a place to pick up food and get out, and instead found a nice, warm, friendly eating area. 

            My friends led me to a table near the back, pressed up against the window.  The diner was virtually empty during our stay, but that didn’t detract from the atmosphere.  The place was still very friendly, lit with lamps and covered in warm colors.  The waitress came over almost immediately, handed us menus, and asked us what we would like to drink.  And boy did they have a selection.  In the soda section alone, there were numerous choices, including all of the basic options such as Coke (The restaurant had Coke, not Pepsi!  Instant bonus points!) and less popular ones like orange soda.  I was tempted to get the orange (who loves orange soda?), but going to a college campus that serves Pepsi, I had to order a coke.  The waitress left after we had all ordered our drinks and went to get them.  It was at this time I noticed the seats were sort of hard.  I mean, they were cushioned, but the cushions were a little too...firm for sitting down at a casual restaurant.  It didn’t detract too much from the experience, however, and I had soon forgotten all about it.

            After we got our drinks, we ordered.  I took a little while to decide what I wanted because they had so many choices.  In the end, however, I decided on something I’d never had before: chicken marsala.  I’ve got to say, I was a little skeptical when it was first brought out.  It was covered in marsala sauce, and me being big on aesthetic appeal found the murky brown color to look highly unappetizing.  I had ordered it, however, and so I was determined to eat it, prepared for the worst.

            And oh boy am I glad I did. 

            Simply put, it was some of the most delicious chicken I’ve ever had.  The chicken was really soft, and the sauce really brought out the flavor in it.  I got a lot of chicken as well: two decent-sized slices of chicken breast.  I ate with relish.  And I savored every last bite. 

            After finishing my delicious chicken, we were brought dessert menus.  They had a lot of options there, as well.  Cakes, pies, and sundae’s, as well as a few other choices, were numerous and plenty on the menu.  My eyes were instantly drawn to one cake in particular, though: death by chocolate cake.  I instantly knew that I would be getting this out of morbid curiosity.  My friend ordered the Peanut Butter cheesecake.

            My thoughts as I took my first bite of the cake?  “Oh wow, I am never getting anything here ever again.”  Seriously, I would go there just for the desert.  My cake was delicious, infinitely chocolaty and sweet.  It was quite possibly one of the best things I had ever tried.

            And then I tried my friend’s peanut butter cake.  It was even better.

            I love peanut butter.  But this was a step above love.  This was complete and utter devotion, an obsession, if you will.  It was the best cake I ever had.  Unfortunately, however, it wasn’t mine, so I went back to my death by chocolate cake.

            It was gone within seconds.

            And so ends my tale of the Plaza Diner.  Boy, was it delicious, and I definitely plan on going back there again, regardless of the hard seats.  It is a little pricey, so I won’t be going as often as I’d like to, but I’m still going to try to go there again before the end of this semester.  The service was excellent, the waitress friendly, and the food delicious.  I give this place an eight out of ten.

Karma Road: You'll Definitely Come Back Around

Anyone who is familiar with New Paltz knows that it is a ‘hippie town’. You can’t walk around campus or down Main Street without seeing someone in tie-dye or walking barefoot. Both the college of SUNY New Paltz and the village itself are extremely liberal, and inconsequently host many vegans and vegetarians. 

One restaurant in the town that really caters to this prominent group of people is Karma Road, located at 11 Main Street. Karma Road prides themselves on their menu being “lovingly built out of fresh, organic ingredients from the plant kingdom”.

Though I feel that I am somewhat of a minority in New Paltz, being that I steer clear of tie dye and always wear shoes, I was curious about Karma Road and decided to give it a whirl. I am a big meat eater, but I figured I’d step out of my comfort zone and see what all the hype was about.

On a sunny late Tuesday afternoon, my good friend Anne and I sprinted across Main Street, dodging cars and giggling, to Karma Road. Strangely enough, the first thing that caught my attention about this organic eatery was the door. The quick swing of the wooden screen door reminded me of my back door at home, which was constantly swinging back and forth during the summer months.

Photo Compliments of localeats.com

Karma Road is a relatively small place, and though there were other customers when we arrived, it didn’t feel crowded. The walls are painted light green, blue, and yellow, which you might think would look like a baby boy’s nursery but was actually bright and uplifting. There are plenty of large windows which allow the sunlight to spill in, and for a view of the busy little village of New Paltz. The atmosphere of this restaurant is fresh and organic, which is how they advertise their food. 

Before arriving at the restaurant, I had quickly scanned the menu that is available on their website (Karmaroad.net) but was still unsure of what I was going to order. While I was intently staring at the hand-written blackboard menu, the earthy-looking girl at the counter gave us a friendly smile and told us, “Take your time and feel free to ask me any questions.” 

The menu wasn’t too extensive, mostly fresh squeezed juices and smoothies with a few salads and sandwiches. The sandwiches, salads, and smoothies all had their ingredients listed right on the menu, which I found very helpful.

Photo Compliments of italktofood.com

It didn’t take us long to decide on an “Avocado Explosion” sandwich for me, and a blueberry chocolate muffin and a strawberry colada smoothie for Anne. After ordering, we were told to sit wherever we’d like. There was outdoor seating, but the tables inside had pictures of baby farm animals on them which attracted us to them. The pictures of the adorable lambs, pigs and calves was a definite plus for us.

While waiting for the food, we noticed lots of art pieces hanging on the walls made by local artists which were available for purchase. In addition to the art, there were framed reviews of Karma Road on the walls. I really liked the presence of the community that Karma Road holds. The combination of the organic atmosphere and the presence of the community in Karma Road represents New Paltz perfectly.

When we got the food, I was excited to dig in. I took a bite into the healthy looking sandwich. The sandwich consisted of multi-grain bread, mashed avocado, vibrant carrot shreds, plenty of bean sprouts and was drizzled with tahini sauce (a thin sauce made from ground sesame seeds). I was extremely pleased with the incredibly fresh taste of this sandwich. The avocado was at its peak of ripeness and they were not stingy putting it on. The carrots were crisp and sweet. Delicious.

Had to get a picture of the baby goat..

Anne described her muffin as being “well-made and filling, but the flavors of blueberry and chocolate didn’t quite sit right”. I tasted the muffin and had to agree with her. Her smoothie, on the other hand, was perfect. The smoothie was made with fresh strawberries, pineapple, coconut and soy milk. It was sweet but not sickeningly sweet. Between the both of us, it was gone in less than 10 minutes.

The only problem I encountered at Karma Road was the prices. As a broke college student, I don’t see myself eating there too often. Between my sandwich, the muffin and the smoothie it came to about $22. It isn’t ridiculously expensive, probably something I’d get if my parents were visiting and paying. Though, it will be hard to stop thinking about that smoothie.. I might have to splurge on one every once in a while.

All in all, Karma Road is something you must experience in New Paltz. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, which makes vegan and organic eating less intimidating to those who do not usually do so. And the food, like they say, is absolutely fresh, organic, and delicious. So head over to Karma Road next time you go to get your boring slice of pizza, you (and your body) won’t be disappointed!

New Paltz's (kind of) Hidden Treasure

For some time, it felt as though very time I tried a new restaurant in New Paltz, it became my favorite for a short while. That is until I would go to the next restaurant, and alas, a new favorite emerges. But I can honestly say that The Bakery has remained high up on my list and I've tried new places to eat since. I only stumbled upon it by accident, and my tummy has not stopped thanking me.

Frolicking down North Front Street, it's hard to believe that each store could be cuter than the last. But it's true! The old red building that is The Bakery is nestled back between two others, so there is a perfect amount of sun and shade on the outdoor seating of this sort of old-fashioned eatery.

As you walk into the dimly lit, well-stocked store, the aroma of baked goods and breads hits you and mouth watering immediately ensues. Their well-chosen music adds to the good feeling bubbling inside! Look to your left, and you will find a plethora of lunch goods along with an aesthetically pleasing display case. (Please take note of their Hudson Valley award...) Chickpeas, salads, macaroni & cheese cups, gluten-free macaroni and cheese cups, and more! But if that doesn't satisfy your needs, there are bagels, sandwiches, wraps, (once again gluten-free!!!!!!!!) wraps and soup. There is at least something for even the pickiest of eaters. The entrées change daily, but you can stay up to date on their website.

Today, my friend ate their goat cheese, spinach and quinoa patty- it came with a side of horseradish sauce and apparently it was heavenly. Sadly, I couldn't try it, but I plan to ask for a recipe and make my own gluten fee rendition! The last time I came here, they were just out of the gluten free wraps which nearly brought me to tears, so instead I got a vegetable filled grilled eggplant and was delightfully surprised, satisfied and an instant fan! 

There's the quinoa patty! And an Italian Club... Lucky Dara

Thankfully this time the wraps were in! I got the hummus wrap, and added sweet peppers. I had no intention of eating it right then, but I decided to take a bite. My mistake. I was sent straight to chickpea bliss and didn't even get the chance to snap a photo. So satisfying and seriously, the addition of sweet peppers was excellent... and the alfalfa sprouts sprouted to perfection! The hummus, pesto, and sweet pepper sauce oozing around the lettuce. The brown rice wrap was a bit crisp and the right amount of extra wrap to scoop up the oozed hummus and pesto.

The coconut macaroons have quite the reputation around these parts, and I can attest to the rave reviews. For the chocolate lovers, like myself, they also have chocolate dipped macaroons (app. $1 each) so I bought two... yum! They have a light crunch on the outside, and they're sweet and smooth on the inside. The chocolate base protrudes beyond the coconut, leaving more to be enjoyed!

I can't try everything they sell, unfortunately (or thankfully), but according to my fellow diners, the peanut butter brownies are BOMB. And I'm tempted to simply scrape off the graham cracker crust of the chocolate chip cheesecake... hmm or the hazelnut... maybe both. Just about everything is made on site except for a few of their cookies, so you know that along with their fresh ingredients, there's a whole lotta love in their food. 

The smoothie and coffee list is enticing, to say the least. Hmm... blueberry pomegranate smoothie (4.95)...? Or the iced chai ($2.75). After seeing that the smoothies were from a box, and loaded with added sugar, I opted for the chai. I added a little cinnamon, to satisfy my cinnamon obsession, and a touch of honey. Although it did the trick, I don't think that I would get it again, it was a bit milkier than I like them to be. But hey, it doesn't look like Cay had a problem with the chai! 

(<-Cay)

The service is relatively fast and always friendly. They are knowledgeable, and when someone doesn't know an answer for sure, another employee is bound to. The prices for most of the food is shockingly low with the occasional disappointment... the amount of food I got for $15 was lovely and plentiful!

If all you're looking for is a bag of chips, maybe some ice cream and a bottle of specialty drinks, your options are wide still! May I suggest a salted caramel? They're big, sticky, and a beautiful balance of salty and sweet. 

Somebody liked their Mac & Cheese cup... There's a Mighty Mango and Strawberry smoothie, still delicious despite the sugar!

Except for a desire that they had a few more gluten free things, I have only happy thoughts about this quaint place. It's a perfect place for groups to hang out and grab a bite. They are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., so go at your leisure! I strongly recommend you, dear readers, check it out if you have not already. If you have, then I suggest you go right back!