When you hear the name Woodstock, you probably automatically think of the famed music festivals held in the ‘60s. Actually, the events were held in Bethel, N.Y. but Woodstock is still considered the home of American music, arts and crafts.
Walking through Woodstock is like stepping back in time. People smile, say hello and make conversation with strangers. The town garb tends towards tie-dye t-shirts and sundresses.
The streets are lined with stores selling antiques, rare books, art, pottery, jewelry, candles and clothes. It’s so much fun to walk around, window-shop and admire all the local artwork and sculptures that stand outside almost every store.
Tom and I first ate at The Garden Café’ after a wonderful visit to the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary (membership gets you a discount at the restaurant). We sat in the light and cozy restaurant and ate the most delicious yet simple dishes including a delicious quesadilla and the Southwest Black Bean and Roasted Sweet Potato Burger (that came with incredible French fries).
So I went into the restaurant and ordered dinner for take-out. My server, Carlyn, who was extremely sweet and helpful, said the order would take about 25 minutes (the Café prepares the food freshly and doesn’t use a microwave so dishes can take awhile). So I got a delicious peach and pecan muffin to tide us over until the food was ready and took a menu to read outside while we waited.
For the entrees, Tom had the Grilled Portabella Mushroom Panini. Portabella mushrooms, roasted peppers, caramelized onions and a garlic aioli on homemade Focaccia served with a side Mesclun salad ($10).
I had the Garden Bowl which is “a meal in a bowl reflecting our global cuisine of deliciously prepared whole grains and seasonal vegetables and sauces made with either beans, tempeh or baked tofu.” Everyday they have different combinations.
My Garden Bowl contained a succulent sauté of rice, corn, and summer vegetables (bell peppers and zucchini), an amazing chickpea and sweet potato croquette topped with caramelized onions, and a crunchy kale salad with sesame Dijon vinaigrette ($12).
For drinks, Tom had the blueberry lemonade and I had an iced coffee.
It would have been nicer to sit in the outdoor garden area (they said the Department of Health has issues with dogs; Benny has an issue with the Department of Health) but it was beautiful evening. We felt a little self-conscious sitting on the sidewalk eating our dinner but plenty of people stopped by to smile at and pet Benny and we were absorbed in Vegan deliciousness.
Woodstock is famous for a lot of things but to me, the best part of this town is that you can have a completely compassionate day – visit the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and then indulge in a truly remarkable, cruelty-free meal at The Garden Café on the Green.
Located at 6 Old Forge Road Woodstock, NY 12498 Phone: 845-679-3600
http://www.gardencafewoodstock.com/
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