WHERE TO EAT…
D'oro Steakhouse — A New York City Dining Experience in Pine Bush
Chef Edison Narkaj, the award-winning culinary talent behind the beloved Pasta D'oro and Pasta D'oro at The Jolly Onion, has raised the bar once again with D'oro Steakhouse. Set inside the historic Old Gristmill Building, the restaurant pairs refined technique with rustic Hudson Valley charm — exposed beams, golden tones, and stunning waterfall views create an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.
The menu is built around premium cuts of beef, including a beautifully charred Signature Ribeye with truffle butter, alongside house-crafted sauces, fresh pastas, and French-inspired touches. The bar program is equally impressive, with specialty cocktails mixed from premium spirits and house-made infusions designed to complement every course.
D'oro features four private dining rooms, making it an ideal spot for celebrations, private events, and catering. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings. Closed Tuesdays. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
Whether you are planning a special night out or simply craving a great steak, D'oro Steakhouse delivers a metropolitan dining experience without the drive to the city.
D'oro Steakhouse
69 Hamilton Road Pine Bush NY 12722
WHERE TO DRINK…
The Bar at Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 16 — Pine Island's Hidden Gem
Tucked away on Legion Road in Pine Island, the bar at PLAV Post 16 is one of those local spots that feels like a well-kept secret. Chartered by Congress, the Polish Legion of American Veterans has been a cornerstone of the Pine Island community for over two decades, and their bar is open to the general public — no membership required to pull up a stool.
The atmosphere is relaxed, unpretentious, and welcoming. It is the kind of place where neighbors catch up, veterans swap stories, and first-time visitors quickly feel like regulars. The drinks are affordable, the conversation is easy, and the setting carries a sense of history and community pride that you will not find at a chain restaurant.
Beyond the bar, Post 16 is also home to a spacious event hall and an outdoor pavilion available for private rentals — baby showers, bridal showers, family reunions, and community gatherings. The post hosts popular events throughout the year, including Comedy shows, Open mic nights, Jimmy Sturr's Onion Fest and the Bear Mountain Antique Motorcycle Club Swap Meet, drawing crowds from across the Hudson Valley.
Membership in the post is open to all current and prior service members regardless of background — you do not need to be of Polish descent to join. But whether you are a veteran or simply looking for a great local bar with character, PLAV Post 16 is worth the visit.
PLAV Post 16
16 Legion Road
Pine Island, NY 10969
WHAT TO DO…
Saturday, May 2 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hudson Valley Mac and Cheese Festival — 10-Year Anniversary
Featuring Kiss Alive NYC and rising country star Tayla Rees. Over 50 vendors, wine tastings, and the cheesiest creations in the Hudson Valley. Kids 12 and under free.
Brotherhood Winery, 100 Brotherhood Plaza Drive, Washingtonville, NY 10992
Saturday, May 2 | 8:00 PM
The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
High-energy, foot-stomping country blues from the largest touring three-piece in the world. Raw, rowdy, and unforgettable.
Daryl's House, 130 NY-22, Pawling, NY 12564
Saturday, May 2 | 8:00 PM
Genessa and The Selena Experience
A powerhouse live tribute to the Queen of Tejano music. Full band, full energy, full heart.
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY 10566
Saturday, May 2 | 7:00 PM
Hudson Valley's Funniest Showcase
A lineup of the best local stand-up comedians under one roof. Two-item minimum. No phones. All laughs.
Laugh It Up Comedy Club, Poughkeepsie, NY
Friday, May 1 | 7:00 PM
Billy Gardell
Star of Bob Hearts Abishola and Mike and Molly brings his stand-up comedy tour to the Hudson Valley for one night only.
Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY 10566
Sunday, May 3 | 7:00 PM
Paul Gilbert plus Greg Koch
Two of the most technically gifted guitarists alive share one stage. A must-see for rock and guitar fans.
Daryl's House, 130 NY-22, Pawling, NY 12564
WHATS NEW…
Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar — Pawling's Farm-to-Table Destination
When the Tomassetti family, known for revitalizing the village of Pawling, partnered with Chef Harris Mayer, the result was something the Hudson Valley dining scene has been waiting for. Cornerstone opened its doors on New Year's Day 2025 and has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants in the region.
Chef Mayer brings serious credentials to the kitchen, having built his reputation at acclaimed New York City spots including Hundred Acres, Five Points, and Creamline at Chelsea Market. At Cornerstone, he blends that city-level culinary skill with the Tomassetti family's Abruzzese Italian heritage, creating a menu that is refined American cuisine with heartfelt Italian touches. Standouts include patriarch Serafino Tomassetti's beloved seven-shrimp spaghetti, grilled lamb skewer arosticini, a steakhouse-style burger on a milk bread bun, prime filet mignon with olive oil mashed potatoes, and margherita pizza fired in a wood-burning oven using organic flour from an upstate micro mill.
What truly sets Cornerstone apart is the commitment to local sourcing. With each meal, diners receive a printed card listing the exact farms behind their food — from Black Dirt onion rings with charred leek ranch to Highland Hollow Farm filet mignon and Catsmo Smokehouse trout from Wallkill. More than half of the wines, beers, ciders, and spirits on the beverage menu come from New York State producers. As Mayer puts it, "When you do it right, it means that you truly submit to what the farmers have available."
The restaurant also offers private dining, outdoor seating, free parking, and delivery through DoorDash. Dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday, with brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday.
Cornerstone Restaurant and Bar
146 East Main Street
Pawling, NY 12564
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT…
Back in the Game Sports — Where Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play
On South Main Street in the Village of Florida, tucked inside a 1,000-square-foot shop that punches well above its weight, Rob has built something that is equal parts small business and community mission. Back in the Game Sports buys, sells, and consigns quality used sporting equipment for every sport you can think of — baseball, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, football, hiking, cycling, and more. If he does not have what you need, he will try to find it.
The concept is simple and smart. Kids grow fast. Cleats that fit in April are too small by September. A helmet worn for one season of lacrosse still has years of life left. Back in the Game takes that gear, gives it a second life, and puts it into the hands of the next family at a fraction of retail cost. For parents watching the price tags climb on youth sports equipment, this shop is a lifeline.
But what truly sets Back in the Game apart — and what has earned Rob a devoted following across Orange County — is the bike program. Since opening, the shop has given away over 3,000 bicycles and scooters to children at no cost. Not sold. Not discounted. Given away. It is the kind of quiet, consistent generosity that does not make headlines but changes lives one kid at a time.
Customers describe Rob as professional, honest, caring, and genuinely passionate about helping families and young athletes. Reviews mention how he takes the time to fit gear properly, offers quick tips, and creates an atmosphere where shopping feels more like visiting a neighbor than running an errand. With a 4.6-star rating across dozens of reviews, the praise is consistent — this is a place where community comes first and commerce follows naturally.
During the off-season, Back in the Game also accepts consignment items, paying sellers 50 percent of the sale price. It is a win for everyone — sellers clear out the garage, buyers save money, and gear stays out of the landfill.
If you have never stopped in, it is worth the visit. And if you have old gear sitting in a closet collecting dust, bring it by. Someone else's kid is waiting to use it.
Back in the Game Sports
16 South Main Street
Florida, NY 10921
That’s it for this week.
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