There is nothing like Paris in spring—or so we’ve heard while isolating here in the Hudson Valley. But travel lockdowns don’t mean you need to forgo the delights of France, namely its gourmet culture. Our region’s culinary scene is known for its authentic international cuisine, and these French restaurants are no exception—even in the midst of corona-chaos.
So set the Eiffel Tower as your Zoom background, create a playlist of traditional bal-musette songs, take a break from cooking, and dine in on takeout from your favorite Hudson Valley French bistro to add a little joie de vivre to your week.
Le Petit Bistro, Rhinebeck
With a little imagination you can feel as though you’re walking Parisienne rues as you stroll flower-lined East Market Street in Rhinebeck on the way to pick up takeout from this local favorite. Try authentic dishes like Prime NY Strip Au Poivre ($35) or Tagine of Chicken and Apricots ($25). Pair your meal with local beer or French wines. The bistro also offers fun cocktail kits to-go including Bloody Marys for Two ($20), or Mimosas for Six ($30). View their menu online and call ahead to place an order: (845) 876-7400.
Brasserie 292, Poughkeepsie
Experience Paris via Poughkeepsie with curbside pickup from this Main Street staple on Thursdays and Fridays. With some limitations, Brasserie is offering their typical dinner menu featuring options like Classic Duck Confit ($27) or Lapin Au Vin—braised rabbit from Fazio Farms ($28). Or, try a three-course prix fixe dinner ($35.95) and choose from apps like French onion soup, entrees like Jagerschnitzel or Pan Roasted Salmon, and rich desserts like coconut macaron cake and chocolate pots de crème. Menus are available online; call orders in advance: (845) 473-0292.
Le Canard Enchaine, Kingston
Although its warm, Old World atmosphere is one of the best parts of the Le Canard experience, the French fare at this established Uptown Kingston restaurant is exquisite enough to stand on its own as takeout. With availability limited to Fridays and Saturdays from 5-8pm, their current menu features authentic appetizers like Fricassé of Snails ($16) or Mushroom & Cognac Flambe ($12); entrees include Trout Almondine ($28), and Beef Bourguignon with Penne ($28); and desserts like Tart Tatin or a summery Key lime pie slice each run $8. Call ahead to order: (845) 339-2003.
Brasserie Le Bouchon, Cold Spring
When that moules frites craving kicks in, look to this Cold Spring bistro offering curbside pickup from 4-8pm (except Wednesday and Sunday). Try their crowd-pleasing mussels in flavors like Aux Curry—apple, curry, basil, and cream; or Poulette with bacon, cream, white wine, and shallots. For other French comforts, try Flammkuchen, an Alsatian pizza with lardons, caramelized onion, and sour cream. Call (845) 265-7676 to place an order.
Sweet Maresa’s, Kingston
Though not a French patisserie per se, the macarons from this Kingston bakery have made self-isolation a little sweeter with Saturday pickup at their Uptown location (pre-order online) or delivery through vegan chocolatier Lagusta’s Luscious. Add a little excitement to your week with the Baker’s Choice option, which includes half-a-dozen macarons in pairs of seasonal flavors like peanut butter churro, s’mores, lemon poppyseed, apricot amaretto, rose, chai, strawberry rhubarb, and others.
