The Food Issue: Eat On Down The Road

FRIED CHICKEN: Hy’s Fried

This is what finger lickin’ good really tastes like. And the eight pieces in the bucket are cheaper than one breast at Manor Rock. Go figure. 264 Hillsdale Road Route 23, South Egremont, MA

FARM STAND: The Chatham Berry Farm

Their herbs and greens are superb. Meats are from Kinderhook Farms. 2309 NY Route 203, Chatham, NY

BAGELS: Broad Street Bagel Co.

The everything bagels are everything. 1 Broad Street, Kinderhook, NY

BREAKFAST: Dan’s Diner

“The Mountain” is Bunyanesque in size—you’ll hate yourself for scarfing it all down. Wash it down with Dan’s fine strawberry lemonade. 1005 NY Route 203, Chatham, NY

NACHOS: Governor’s Tavern 

I hate nachos. But these are wonton nachos. With Kinderhook Farm beef. Still completely gross—and completely devourable.  14 South 7th  Street, Hudson, NY

DUMPLINGS: Bimi’s Canteen & Bar

Lemon & thyme drop pillows in a chicken broth that’ll send your spoon into overdrive. 19 Main Street, Chatham, NY

ROADSIDE FOOD STAND: The Bistro Box

Sadly seasonal. But it’s the milkshakes that are one of the best things about summer. Burgers are pretty good, too. 937 South Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 

CROISSANT: Mel the Bakery

Is there any baked good Mel doesn’t excel at? But try not to eat the entire croissant before you finish paying for it. I dare you. Better buy two. You’ll finish that one before you get into your car. 324 Warren Street, Hudson, NY

TASTING MENU: Stissing House

The tasting room is intimate, the selection smartly balanced, the portions almost too generous, but it makes sense since you can hardly stop eating every course. 7801 South Main Street, Pine Plains, NY

ICE CREAM STAND: Samascott’s Garden Market

Some flavors are overloaded (though kids love ’em) but their strawberry puts Haagen-Dazs to shame and their vanilla reminds you why it’s still America’s favorite.  65 Chatham Street, Kinderhook, NY

COCKTAIL (tie): Blue Denim (The Hereafter)

Ever daydream about owning an enchanting neighborhood bar? This is exactly what it would look like  Even Macbeth’s devilish trio of crones would be drop-jawed at the complex potions concocted here. But one sip of the mezcal-based Blue Denim or a sniff of the whiskey and pine infused Trail Blazer and you will be bewitched by The Hereafter. 721 Columbia Street, Hudson, NY

COCKTAIL (tie): Frozen Negroni (The Tavern at Rivertown Lodge)

One’s so wicked, you’ll want another. Not without a designated driver. 731 Warren Street, Hudson, NY

PIZZA: Hilltown Hot Pies 

They ain’t fast. But they are exceptional. Now, if they can just get the former John Andrews space open already, at least by summer. 224 Hillsdale Road, South Egremont, MA

DESIGN & VISTA: Klocke Estate 

Designer Ken’s Fulk’s interior is simply stunning. So is the Klocke’s mountaintop view of the Catskills at sunset. 2554 County Route 27, Hudson, NY

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Blueberry Hill Market Café

If you can’t find something good to eat here, you must live on mung beans and green tea. 515 US-20, New Lebanon, NY

SEAFOOD APPETIZER: Shadows On The Hudson 

The brimming clam pot is perfumed by chardonnay and garlic and served with mashed potatoes. Actually, in no way is this an appetizer. 176 Rinaldi Boulevard, Poughkeepsie, NY

SEAFOOD ENTRÉE: Kitty’s

Sautéed skate in brown butter is as hard to find (even in NYC) as an 18-wheeler on the Taconic. Not only is it rare, it is rhapsodically good.  60 South Front Street Hudson, NY

FAVORITE COMEBACK: The Mill (formerly The Old Mill) 

It was the first restaurant I fell in love with when we came Upstate, so I went into mourning when it shuttered this fall after 47 years. But hooray! Owner Terry Moore wasn’t meant to be a retiree. So, he redesigned his home away into a room you’d love to live in. As of this writing, he’s only open during the week. But The Old Mill is back. And his customers are giddy with joy. 53 Main Street, Egremont, NY