From Indian food in Kingston to Frames in Woodstock, it’s all here.

By Abbe Aronson

Here are a few of my favorite things. Most of my shout-outs have websites or Instas, but a few are so new that they’re just a smidge about a whisper. It’s time to lean in.

Calcutta Kitchens

Quietly but deliciously, Calcutta Kitchens opened its doors in Kingston this past spring; shockingly, until now, the bustling town that’s often referred to as “Brooklyn North” didn’t have an Indian restaurant and Aditi Goswami didn’t think she was necessarily filling that vacancy. With her simmer sauces, spices and chutneys (widely available at regional farmers’ markets) Goswami found herself on the receiving end of a serendipitous opportunity when her search for a commercial kitchen ended with this bright, cheery space that could double as storefront.

In addition to her nationally sold packaged products, Goswami took the plunge and began to cook daily, offering takeout meals in the form of vegetarian- and non-veggie tiffins (light afternoon snacks both savory and sweet), chai and other beverages, frozen items packed to go to heat up at home and a smattering of well-edited South Asian groceries, some of which are truly hard to find (if not impossible to find) here in the area. They also recently launched a Supper Club series.

Calcutta Kitchens
448 Broadway, Kingston
CalcuttaKitchens.com

 

Phoenicia Soap Co. 

After years of being the darling of local farmers markets, Phoenicia Soap is showcasing an expanded line of personal care products in this shiny new locale, complete with makers classes. In other words, shoppers can get their hands—well, clean—making green beauty products on-site. Along with soap, the shop offers an array of locally sourced balms, whips and specialized products—most made from herbs and flowers grown in the Hudson Valley for everything from warding off poison ivy to soothing sore joints. Colorants and ingredients that harm people, water and land? No thanks, not here. Minimal packaging, too.

Phoenicia Soap Co.
5371 NY-28, Mount Tremper, NY
PhoeniciaSoap.com

 

Leigh Kelley Skin Studio

Glam-o-Rama! Leigh Kelley Skin Studio is a beautiful hidden sanctuary in rock’em sock’em Kingston, totally still under the radar of many discerning beautyphiles, but expect that to change very soon. The studio was founded by master esthetician Leigh Kelley, who brings her expertise to the Hudson Valley after more than a decade of working in luxury skincare in Manhattan and Los Angeles. As Leigh likes to say, she practices results-driven, cruelty-free skin magic. Ta-da!

Leigh Kelley Skin Studio
192 Pine Street, Kingston
LeighKelleySkinStudio.com

 

Rural Modernist

If I told you that Jason O’Malley, a.k.a. Rural Modernist, has created custom wallpaper for one of the most iconic addresses in pop culture history, you wouldn’t even bat an eye. The illustrator/graphic designer-turned home goods genius has been making bespoke modern ceramics, pillows, art and more in his Kingston studio and recently added wallpaper to the mix, including custom designs and ready-to-buy options such as his “Neo Victorian Nu Wave” pattern that features portraits of Debbie Harry, Annie Lennox, Morrisey and Siouxie Sioux. 

Rural Modernist
RuralModernist.com

 

Catskill Art Supply Framing

A classic stop for paper, pens, paint et. al., Catskill Art Supply quietly turned their Woodstock spot into a framing-only locale and Emily Roberts-Negron is the stuff of art collector’s dreams. Not only does she have a truly impressive assortment of frames for every budget, but this creative also has vision. Emily’s artful eye and sweetly strong opinions of how you should frame that poster or that oil painting is guaranteed to elevate your walls.

Catskill Art Supply Framing
35 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock
CatskillArt.com/Framing

 

Film: Mending The Line

This moving, soon-to-be released motion picture starring Succession’s Brian Cox made its world premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival as the opening night feature and suffice to say, there were few dry eyes in the house. It tells the story of veterans who attempt to heal their PTSD via fly fishing. Life and art melded into one on September 29 on the Esopus Creek, as local Hudson Valley veterans were treated to a fly-fishing trip by the team from the film in conjunction with Warriors and Quiet Waters, an organization that takes empowers and thanks vets via outdoor experiences. Catskill Outfitters led the trip and vet Steve Ramirez, who wrote the book Casting Forward, was also part of the memorable excursion.

At press time, no release date. Instagram.com/MendingtheLine

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