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Find out what the locals are saying about Dutchess County!
“We love all the history we are surrounded by.” Executive Chef and Owner Fermin Ortega and his brother-in-law Irvin Gonzaga own Casa Ortega in the Village of Wappingers Falls. Chef Fermin Ortega spent years working his way through the restaurant industry — beginning as a dishwasher and then ultimately realizing a lifelong dream of having his very own kitchen serving up authentic Mexican dishes with global influences.
“Music at Daryl’s House. I just love live music and now that I am older, I prefer a more intimate (not necessarily less exciting!) venue and Daryl’s House is exactly that.” Pawling Bread Co. co-owner Cynthia Kinahan was born and bre(a)d in Malaysia and immigrated to the U.S. for further studies. A graphic designer turned breadmaker, she credits the Pawling community for embracing her business, one sourdough loaf at a time. Cynthia and her husband’s business began by selling out of the Pawling Farmers’ Market and now has turned into a successful bakery and café. Be sure to try the delicious croissants, cinnamon buns and more!
“The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College is an incredible collection of art that is on display right in our backyard!” Be sure to stop by Pedro Sousa and Tanner Townsend’s newly opened wine bar Reserva in Beacon or The Crafted Kup, a coffee shop and bakery with three locations in Dutchess, including one at Eastdale Village.
The Culinary Institute of America graduates are also the food styling and photography couple behind Hudson Valley Food Photography.
“The Village of Tivoli! In one stop, you can get the best in food (including Fortune’s Ice Cream, voted best ice cream in New York!), hotels (Hotel Tivoli), arts and culture (Kaatsbaan Cultural Park) and so much more!” Sonja Kostich is the Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of Kaatsbaan Cultural Park.
Sonja has been a part of the professional dance community for over 30 years, beginning as a professional ballet dancer. After a diverse artistic international career, she transitioned into corporate finance, later moving into nonprofit arts management. Now, she merges her artistic and business experience to lead Kaatsbaan. Catch a dynamic slate of artists from the world of dance, music, culinary arts, poetry and visual art during Kaatsbaan’s 2022 Summer and Fall Festivals.
“For my work with the Hudson Valley Film Commission, I spend most of my time referring and visiting locations in Dutchess County. … My favorite referrals are the historic locations. I love seeing them come alive in film and TV productions, especially period films where you are suddenly stepping back in time. Some of my favorite referrals have included The Bleachery in Wappingers Falls, which was used so beautifully as a tannery from the early 1900s in HBO’s ‘I Know This Much is True.’” Laurent Rejto is the founder and executive director of the Hudson Valley Film Commission, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that attracts, supports and promotes regional film and TV production. Since 2000, the Film Commission has worked on hundreds of productions with independent film companies and majors, including Amazon Studios, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, NBC, Paramount, Showtime, Universal Studios and others. Laurent has worked as a writer, director and producer as well as co-founded the Woodstock Film Festival.
“We grew up in the Hudson Valley and loved the history of Le Chambord at the Curry Estate. It’s been a lot of fun to breathe new life into it and have a beautiful place for the community to come together and celebrate everything from Wine Wednesday with friends to lavish weddings and everything in between.” In 2019, six sisters, affectionately known as the “Curry Girls,” purchased the Le Chambord property in Hopewell Junction. After moving in different directions and across the country for family and career, Karen, Cathleen, Dawn, Patricia, Jennifer and Jill came back home to own and operate the 10-acre wedding venue, conference center, inn, restaurant and bar. Enjoy live music and special events at this historic landmark.
“Quiet Cove — beautiful river views and picnic areas. Parking is accessible. [There are] ramps to the house and restroom as well as accessible bathrooms.” Patrick Muller and Jeanine Byrnes both work as disability advocates for Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. (TRI) in Poughkeepsie. Their advocacy work at TRI involves promoting the full inclusion of Dutchess residents with disabilities within county parks and recreational attractions. TRI recently partnered with the NYS Department of Conservation to implement a wheelchair-accessible trail at Stony Kill Environmental Center in Wappinger Falls! A recreational guide is in the works to inform visitors to Dutchess about accessible venues and outdoor areas.
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