In the Hudson Valley, the arrival of autumn welcomes food festivals, outdoor markets and arts and crafts shows.
So when WAG heard that Brooklyn-based Smorgasburg was being held in Kingston, we quickly marked our calendars.
This has been one of New York City’s most popular gastronomic events attracting some 100 vendors and upwards of 10,000 visitors daily. The Kingston market was a downscaled version – though scrumptious, nonetheless.
The market is held on the Hutton Brickyards the third weekend of the month, from May through October. Market-goers are met with magnificent bucolic views as well as a touch of Hudson Valley history, as the 76-acre site, now a premier event space, is the former home of The Hudson Brick Words Company – which manufactured materials for construction projects from 1865 to 1980.
As my friend and I entered the marketplace, we were welcomed by the aromas of fresh cuisine, from the seafood of Brooklyn Oyster Party and Hookline Fish Co. to the barbeque of The Grille Wagon; the Spanish-influenced delights of Rosie’s Empanadas, Sante Fe Restaurant and Terrapin Restaurant; and the Asian flavors of Gomen Kudasai and Ono Grinds Poke.
A self-proclaimed taco lover, I couldn’t help but opt for the Mexican snacks of Santa Fe Restaurant, ultimately selecting a grilled catfish taco and a roasted sweet potato taco. The grilled catfish was melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, topped with fresh guacamole, lime, cilantro and white cheddar cheese, while the sweet potato taco – topped with toasted pepitas, carmelized onions, local goal cheese and white cheddar cheese – offered a light mix of unusual flavors. I was inclined to order another helping, but I was mindful to save room for homemade sweets from Jane’s Ice Cream. Together with my friend, we split a two-scoop dish of cookies n’ cream (my favorite flavor) and pumpkin, the go-to of the season. And needless to say, we weren’t disappointed.
After lunch – because it’s not nearly as enjoyable to shop on an empty stomach – we browsed the lifestyle vendors. Del Castillo Bag Company, a clothing and accessories company, particularly caught my eye. The brand’s items, which were showcased in an Airstream, featured products that are organic, natural and handmade in Colombia. Of course, we had to peruse Wednesday Pick Up, a furniture repair shop that offered restored antiques, where we purchased a mallet (doorstop) and a cigar holder. The rustic pieces created by Catskill Mercantile showcased the essence of the region, with home décor items calling attention to the natural beauty of stone and wood.
Smorgasburg will be open Saturday, Oct. 21 and Sunday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and onsite parking is available. For more, visit upstate.smorgasburg.com.
– Danielle Renda
