A funny thing happened on the way to New Paltz…
There are days when you just have to get out of Monti. Yesterday qualified. We hopped into the Hyundai and headed out for a favorite drive. We were thrilled to find lots of foliage remaining on trees, just minutes from our doorstep. Ah, the yellows were spectacular.
Incredible aromas grabbed us during a photo stop at the crowded parking lot of the Mountain Brauhaus restaurant. Long story short, we pulled in and out and in again…
Can't say how many times we've passed this place with absolutely no desire stop, decades after our first experience there. Neither of us can remember what went wrong. But we're here to nullify negativity and say, "Give it a go!" The place was packed, as were the Gunks in general. Each and every Minnewaska parking lot was full. Access lots for climbing were overflowing. I digress.
The lunch/dinner-served-all-day menu is an endless stream of variety, with a chef who creates real specials that don't include leftovers. Lots of ethnic spaetzle and schnitzel, as well as American and vegan fare. Did I not recently mention Spaetzle Primavera??!! And beer. And more beer, seemingly served in vats! How do people do that??
Lots of local ingredients. Lots of happy people, toasting and eating and toasting some more. Lots of doggie bags leaving the building. We never did make it to New Paltz.
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| Mambo says, "Save the Ridge. We love the Gunks! Now, where's that doggie bag? Woof!" |
