Buy local. Eat local.
Love what’s on your table.

Welcome to the newsletter of The Valley Table. The Magazine of Hudson Valley Farms, Food & Cuisine, celebrating the land, the people and the traditions of the Hudson Valley.

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . .

During Hudson Valley Restaurant Week more than 40 participants entered the Crown Maple Chef’s Challenge, creating an appetizer, entree, dessert or cocktail with Crown Maple syrup as a key ingredient and featuring it on their Restaurant Week menu. The challenge was sponsored by Crown Maple and The Valley Table magazine. Look for the full story and winning recipes in The Valley Table's June issue. The winning chefs will also be featured at a special event to be held at Crown Maple this fall. Stay tuned for details!

The winners of the Crown Maple Chef’s Challenge are:

Chef Josh Kroner of Terrapin Restaurant won the entree category and took the Gold Crown prize for his Maple Brined Grilled Pork Chops with Calvados Demi-Glace and Maple-Bacon Almonds. Justin Montgomery of Harper's Restaurant in Dobbs Ferry won the Silver Crown prize for his Crown Maple Mack & Jack cocktail. Chef James Kelly of Restaurant X and Bully Boy Bar won the appetizer category for his Salad of Heirloom Beets with Whipped Ricotta, Crown Maple, Pistachio Oil & Candied Pecans. Chef Pasquale Dedi of Zuppa Restaurant & Lounge won the dessert category for his Crown Maple Pannacotta.

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week diners won, too.

For voting in the Crown Maple Challenge, William Kamerman of Stone Ridge won a tour for four of Crown Maple's Madava Farm along with a gift basket of goodies from Crown Maple.

Congratulations also goes to Hudson Valley Restaurant Week diners who completed our on-line survey and were selected to win prizes. Sheryl Moskowitz of Yorktown Heights won the grand prize of a pair of diamond heart earrings from Zimmer Brothers Jewelers. Robert & Lydia Zelner of Circleville won a $500 shopping spree at Adams Fairacre Farms. Five other diners won gift certificates to dine out again: Vivian Schwarz, White Plains, will dine at Le Jardin du Roi; Grace Bruno, Carmel, will dine at Division Street Grill; Lucille Campbell, Fishkill, will dine at Shadows On The Hudson; Cherie Hanson-Rodriguez, Kingston, at Henry's Farm To Table, and Justin Jeffs, Sloatsburg, will dine at Velo Bistro & Wine Bar.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Goings On

May ushers in a host of ritual Spring traditions from sheep shearing to spring fests to the opening day at many Farmers' Markets (see list here). Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at your favorite Mexican restaurant (like La Puerta Azul in Salt Point and Mexican Radio in Hudson). And don't forget Mother's Day, May 13, is one the biggest dining days of the year. Make your reservations early. Here's just a taste of what this month has in store for food enthusiasts. For updates throughout the month, visit valleytable.com.

Ramp Fest 2012
May 5, 12-4

Basilica Hudson, Hudson
A celebration of the arrival of spring's first forageable delicacy. Ramps will be at the center of orginial dishes created by top chefs and restaurants from the neighborhood and the big city. Delicious food, drinks and live music. $20 adults; $10 kids 5 to 12. rampfesthudson.com

Sheep Shearing
May 6, 1-4

Glynwood Farm, Cold Spring
For kids and adults alike. Watch the spring ritual of the shearing of the sheep and attend demonstrations of wool-related crafts and beekeeping. For gardening enthusiasts--enjoy a tour of the greenhouse. A snack of local cheese and cookies will be provided. Space is limited. $10 for adults; children under 17 are free. glynwood.org

Art Auction
May 6, 2-6

Newburgh Brewing Company, Newburgh
Check out the new Newburgh Brewing Company and raise money for the Newburgh Historical Society. Preview reception at 2pm will provide culinary delights, ales produced on premises and wine from Brotherhood Winery. Live auction at 4pm. Silent auction bidding ends at 6pm. $30 ($25 in advance). (845) 561-2585

Thai Cooking
May 10, 7pm

Mountain Restaurant Supply & Cooking Academy, Newburgh
Learn how to balance hot, sour, salty & sweet flavors in these vibrant cuisines: fresh summer rolls with shrimp, mango and cilantro with nuoc cham dipping sauce; green curry chicken with Thai basil eggplant; and sticky rice. $50. (845) 561-5710; mountainrestaurantsupply.com

A Match Made In Heaven
May 12 & 13, 12-5
Whitecliff Vineyard, Gardiner
What's going on in the world of cheesemaking in the Hudson Valley? Explore the answer to this question and take a look at just how good it can be when you sample unique artisanal wines and cheese together. $15. (845) 255-4613; whitecliffwine.com

Westchester Wine & Food Weekend

May 17-20

The Ritz Carlton, White Plains

From an extraordianry gala dinner by seven of the valley's most acclaimed chefs to a grand tasting, cooking demonstrations to chef cook-offs, to a casual beer bash, this annual event has grown to 4 Days of fantastic food & fun. 100 Top Restaurants. 200 World-Class Wines. 19 Different Events in one. For a complete line up of events and to buy tickets, visit here. (914) 345-0601.

Tocai Friulano Release Party

May 19, 12-3

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Millbrook

Celebrate all things Italian with the release of Millbrook's 2011 Hudson Valley-grown Italian varietal, Tocai Friulano, and their California-grown Sagiovese. Includes a Tuscan-inspired buffet lunch created by Cosimo's Poughkeepsie. $55 per person plus tax. Limited space; reserve early. (845) 677-8383 x.17

Taste of Greater Newburgh
May 20, 12:30-2:30
Mount St. Mary College, Newburgh
Under the big tent--an extraordinary assortment of local foods from restaurants throughout the area, along with wines and brews. New this year will be ales from the Newburgh Brewing Company and a show of local artists. Live music.This event always sells out, so be sure to purchase tickets early. $30 per person (tickets available on line). (845) 561-1706; tasteofgreaternewburgh.com

Mother's Day - May 13

Many restuarants are offering special menus. Check out The Valley Table's restaurant guide. Or, return, to that great place you discovered during Restaurant Week: 200+ restaurants at a glance. If you're looking for someplace new to bring Mom, someplace special, try the eagerly awaited RoundHouse at Beacon Falls (just open for a Mom's brunch), the new luxury hotel/tavern Diamond Mills in Saugerties, or for a champagne brunch and spa getaway at the new spa at Glenmere. Or take her to the farm, for a walk on the wild side or to an old-fashioned Pinkster celebration:

Mother's Day at Stone Barns

May 13, 10-3

Stone Barns Center for Food & Argiculture, Pocantico Hills
Pitch in on the farm with special hands-on activities, have a tea party and take a tour of the mothers and new babies. A plant-plotting activity in the Dooryard Garden all day. Farm Market and Spring Plant Sale will be held from 1-4pm. Early registration strongly encouraged. (914) 366-6200; stonebarnscenter.org

Mother's Day Wild Edibles Walk

May 13, 2-3:30

Cropsey Community Farm, New City
Bring the family. Identify wild, edible and medicinal plants, rediscover lost foods and learn tips on how to cook and prepare them. This is a great way to explore the farm and learn about what's growing wild alongside the planted beds. $10 adults; $5 children under 13. events@rocklandfarm.org

Mother's Day Pinkster Festival

May 13, 10-5

Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow

Dining on traditional West Indian and African-American cuisine and enjoying music, dancing, and dramatic vignettes are highlights. Features dancing, drumming, African folktales, and cooking demonstrations. Musical performers include a roaming fiddler and a player of the kora, a traditional West African instrument. $14 for adults; $12 for seniors; $8 for children 3-17; and free for children under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members. For information and tickets: hudsonvalley.org; 914-631-8200.