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Sweeter Than Sweet: New cupcakery brings sweet treats to Walden

Butter pecan cupcakes from Sweeter Than Sweet Cupcakes on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.
Butter pecan cupcakes from Sweeter Than Sweet Cupcakes on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

On Lindsay Knapp's first day of business on Nov. 27, she sold 30 dozen cupcakes — all in one day. "We completely sold out," Knapp said. "It was absolutely wild here."

Kingston restaurant to open outdoor ice-skating rink

Ole Savannah Southern Table & Bar in Kingston has just opened a skating rink.
Ole Savannah Southern Table & Bar in Kingston has just opened a skating rink.

Get your skates ready! A new outdoor ice rink is opening at a restaurant in Kingston.

The state of dining: Hudson Valley chefs share successes amidst pandemic

Cook Mirian Tecún rolls out pasta dough in the kitchen at Wildfire Grill in Montgomery, NY on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.
Cook Mirian Tecún rolls out pasta dough in the kitchen at Wildfire Grill in Montgomery, NY on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

This past year hasn’t been easy for the dining industry. From shutting down during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to running on short staff, chefs and restaurateurs have had to jump hurdles to keep going this year. But it hasn't all been bad.

After nearly 90 years in business, Sally's Fish Market closes in Newburgh

Sal Aulogia, owner of Sally's Fish Market in Newburgh, catering a private event with a spread of fresh lobster, shrimp and crab.
Sal Aulogia, owner of Sally's Fish Market in Newburgh, catering a private event with a spread of fresh lobster, shrimp and crab.

For nearly 90 years, Sally's Fish Market on South Williams Street in Newburgh has been one of the county's most trusted sources of fresh seafood.

It begun in 1932 when current owner Sal Aulogia's grandfather, Salvatore, emigrated from Italy to Newburgh and began peddling fish. He opened up the shop, and it became a family affair.

These Orange, Ulster restaurants will be open for Thanksgiving; plus, takeout options

Some Orange and Ulster county restaurants will be open for Thanksgiving and are offering special menus.
Some Orange and Ulster county restaurants will be open for Thanksgiving and are offering special menus.

Whether you're looking for a break from the kitchen this Thanksgiving or are simply looking to support local this holiday season, you're in luck.

Some Orange and Ulster county restaurants will be open and are offering special menus. Others are offering Thanksgiving takeout for you to enjoy among family and friends for a no-fuss meal spent at home.

Hudson Valley Cheesecake opened a bakery, now offers delivery

Dana Charres, owner of Hudson Valley Cheesecake, shows the most popular cheesecake, the signature rainbow cookie cheesecake at Hudson Valley Cheesecake in New Paltz, NY on Thursday, October 21, 2021. K
Dana Charres, owner of Hudson Valley Cheesecake, shows the most popular cheesecake, the signature rainbow cookie cheesecake at Hudson Valley Cheesecake in New Paltz, NY on Thursday, October 21, 2021. K

For Dana Charres, owner of Hudson Valley Cheesecake in New Paltz, there's been no pre-pandemic "normal" to remember.

She started her business in August 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. After waitressing for years and working as a laborer for Local 17, Charres took the leap amid the pandemic to open the bakery of her dreams.

These Orange, Ulster restaurants have history, some dating back 100 years

This photo shows the Ship Lantern Inn in Milton, NY, in 1939.
This photo shows the Ship Lantern Inn in Milton, NY, in 1939.

The Hudson Valley is rich in history, so it's no surprise that its dining scene is, too. From a restaurant that was once a speakeasy during Prohibition to those that've been in operation for nearly a century — such as Milton's Ship Lantern Inn — these handful offer familiar menus and storied pasts.

Still dining outdoors? These Orange County restaurants have heated patios

The outdoor patio at The Jolly Onion in Pine Island, NY.
The outdoor patio at The Jolly Onion in Pine Island, NY.

The warm days of summer welcomed outdoor dining across the Hudson Valley — but the good news is that you won't have to give it up this fall. With the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19, there are several eateries in Orange County that are now offering heated patios for you to dine al fresco while staying socially distant.

All in the family: Tony Boffa's restaurant celebrates 70 years in business

Tony Boffa's children, Donna Boffa Mabee and Anthony Boffa Jr. look at a portrait of their parents that hangs in one of the dining rooms of the family restaurant.
Tony Boffa's children, Donna Boffa Mabee and Anthony Boffa Jr. look at a portrait of their parents that hangs in one of the dining rooms of the family restaurant.

Sunday marks the restaurant's 70th year in business. Behind its doors are priceless memories of family dinners shared together, and hundreds of patrons who helped support the business over the years.

Chocolate skulls, caramel apples: Where to find 'scary' treats for Halloween

Chocolate skulls from Lagusta's Luscious in New Paltz, NY.
Chocolate skulls from Lagusta's Luscious in New Paltz, NY.

There's no better way to celebrate Halloween than with some sugary treats. From chocolate in the shape of skulls to caramel apples and witchy cookies, we've found several tasty ways that you can celebrate spooky season while keeping it local.

🔒Fall dining: 6 new and returning restaurants to check out in Orange County

Catsmo-peppered salmon mini reubens on black bread at Limoncello in Goshen, NY, on Feb. 12, 2015.
Catsmo-peppered salmon mini reubens on black bread at Limoncello in Goshen, NY, on Feb. 12, 2015.

As the seasons are changing, so is the dining scene in Orange County. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a fancier sit-down meal, there are a few new and returning spots throughout the county.

Garlic galore: Hudson Valley Garlic Festival returns to Saugerties on Oct. 2-3

Garlic from Six Circles Farm in Caywood, NY, during  the Garlic Festival on Saturday, September 30, 2017, in Saugerties, NY.
Garlic from Six Circles Farm in Caywood, NY, during the Garlic Festival on Saturday, September 30, 2017, in Saugerties, NY.

Calling all garlic lovers! The Hudson Valley Garlic Festival will return to Saugerties this weekend, Oct. 2-3, after being canceled last year due to COVID-19.

Road trip to see fall leaves? Check out these 4 new restaurants in Sullivan County

The Conover Club, Callicoon Hills resort in Callicoon, NY.
The Conover Club, Callicoon Hills resort in Callicoon, NY.

The Catskills offer prime views of the changing fall leaves, so what better way to complete your visit than with a bite to eat? From outdoor dining among the yellow, orange and red leaves to scenic vistas seen from indoors, Sullivan County offers an array of dining experiences that will complement your trip and get you into the fall spirit.

Walktoberfest to offer over 100 artisan vendors at October market event

People came out Saturday afternoon to the Walkway Over the Hudson and Hudson Valley Rail Trail for the Walktoberfest Essential Farmers Market.
People came out Saturday afternoon to the Walkway Over the Hudson and Hudson Valley Rail Trail for the Walktoberfest Essential Farmers Market.

Get out your walking shoes! Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market is returning to the Walkway Over the Hudson this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Classic drive-thru coming to Kingston; more new or coming soon Ulster dining options

Grainne Tavern in Kingston, NY
Grainne Tavern in Kingston, NY

From a drive-thru burger stop to a tequila bar and a Michelin starred chef's new spot, here's what to look for in Ulster County dining this fall.

🔒Staffing crisis: Restaurants struggle to find help in Orange County

Chef Joseph Lanier preps a dinner order at The Jolly Onion Inn in Pine Island, NY on September 22, 2021.
Chef Joseph Lanier preps a dinner order at The Jolly Onion Inn in Pine Island, NY on September 22, 2021.

Restaurants across Orange County are struggling to find employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One restaurant in particular, The Jolly Onion in Pine Island, has needed to close for a day to make up for its lack of staff.

5 Orange and Ulster County burger joints to sample

A cheeseburger and fries from The Table restaurant in Montgomery.
A cheeseburger and fries from The Table restaurant in Montgomery.

Piled high with crispy toppings and freshly melted cheese, there’s nothing better than a great cheeseburger to celebrate an upcoming national food holiday. National Cheeseburger Day is Sept. 18 – and we’ve got five great picks across Orange and Ulster counties for you to celebrate with.

Family recipes pass the taste test at The Lunchbox in Kingston

Sean Miller, owner and chef of The Lunchbox, stands for a portrait outside of his restaurant in the City of Kingston, NY on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
Sean Miller, owner and chef of The Lunchbox, stands for a portrait outside of his restaurant in the City of Kingston, NY on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.

Sean Miller's father's vegetable and beef soup recipe still lives on at his own eatery in Kingston: The Lunchbox, an unassuming curbside restaurant that is only big enough for Miller himself to cook in.

Maybrook's Main Line Diner featured in Hallmark Channel movie

Maybrook Mayor Dennis Leahy was cast as an extra in a film that featured Maybrook's Main Line Diner. "Redemption in Cherry Springs" aired on the Hallmark Channel.
Maybrook Mayor Dennis Leahy was cast as an extra in a film that featured Maybrook's Main Line Diner. "Redemption in Cherry Springs" aired on the Hallmark Channel.

The Main Line Diner in Maybrook was featured in a nationally-aired movie on Hallmark Channel.

🔒 Empanada Nirvana brings classic Puerto Rican food to Walden

The spicy boricua at Empanada Nirvana in Walden, NY on Friday, September 3, 2021.
The spicy boricua at Empanada Nirvana in Walden, NY on Friday, September 3, 2021.

What began as a food truck featuring funky artwork and homemade Puerto Rican food on the side of 9W in Marlboro has become Walden's newest restaurant: Empanada Nirvana — and people are willing to travel for it.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Food and dining news in the Hudson Valley: RecordEats latest articles