Whether you’re a Hudson Valley local or out-of-towner who just loves to visit, the search is always on for a favorite restaurant to hold down that leisurely weekend brunch routine. If elegant European bistro vibes and modern interpretations of classical French cuisine sound like your ideal scene, look no further for your brunch fix than Willow by Charlie Palmer.
The signature restaurant at Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck, a French-inspired resort that opened in the fall of 2019, offers a prime spot in the heart of charming Rhinebeck to sit back, relax, and indulge in modern bistro fare. This month, the restaurant is rolling out the culinary red carpet for a tasteful Easter brunch from chef du cuisine and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Lee Clements.
The special Easter menu, on offer Sunday, April 17 from 11am-4pm, is chock-full of elegant spins on lovable brunch standbys sure to appeal to your whole crew.
If eggs benedict is your go-to, you’ll love the Lobster Benedict ($29), which features rich, butter-poached lobster tail alongside poached local eggs, toasted English muffin, and hollandaise sauce. If you’re more of a sweets for brunch kind of person, the bright, fruit-forward Berries & Cream French Toast ($17) with raspberries, blueberry compote, raspberry anglaise, whipped mascarpone, micro mint, and brown butter crumble is sure to satisfy.
For the ultimate sweet-savory matchup, you and a partner will find true bliss in the Brunch Board for 2 ($28), featuring malted waffle served with Catskill Provision maple syrup, bacon, and berries, as well as local Catsmo smoked salmon, bagel chips, chive cream cheese, prosciutto di Parma, and house-made granola, Greek yogurt, and jam.
The experience comes complete with live music from violinist Brian Silber, and if weather permits, plan to arrive early so you can snag a table on the restaurant’s canopy-shaded deck and enjoy your meal al fresco.
If this all sounds like a mouthwatering way to spend your Sunday, be sure to mark your calendar for the restaurant’s Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 8, which will feature another special menu for the occasion.
And it’s not just brunch that makes Willow by Charlie Palmer a Rhinebeck restaurant fave. Every Thursday you can post up at the Willow bar from 3-6pm for a $1 special on east coast oysters, and 3-6pm Monday-Friday, you can treat yourself to the happy hour special of half off all house wine and beer, which is served alongside a curated menu of tasty bites like tuna tartare and petit burgers made with local Wagyu beef.
Willow by Charlie Palmer is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Saturday and Sunday brunch. Reservations are recommended. To book, visit Rhinebeck.mirbeau.com or call (845) 516-7327.
