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Hi Friends,
Only a couple weeks ago I told some friends that I was starting a newsletter promoting diverse food, bev and hospitality in the Hudson Valley. One friend had some especially constructive advice.
"That’s not going to work. There's too much competition in the space."
"No," I said. "I'm writing it for people who will actually go."
Ok, so not the strongest pitch I've ever made. But I was trying to explain the exhaustion with the content-ification of the Hudson Valley. She's right that there are dozens of Instagram accounts "covering" our area. Besides the few OG traditional publishers still chugging along, what you see about the Hudson Valley on your FYP is produced by people who don't live here, have never been here, and if they do, will only go to places they saw on TikTok. (Have I been shitty in the comments about this? Yes.)
They have 50,000 followers for posting "Top 5 Cozy Hotels" carousels using uncredited professional photos of beds they’ll never sleep in.
In their own newsletter this week Cafe Mutton was more to the point:
“I am sort of grossed out by how often I encounter people who tell me that my ‘food is amazing’ and that the cafe is ‘the best restaurant in Hudson’ but who have also never set foot in this building.”
These people are reducing good food, hard work, and struggling businesses into slop to feed the Zuck machine. Meanwhile, Shaina says the Cafe Mutton pecan buns that launched a thousand reposts are collapsing in the display case.
“I often wonder what would happen if we just closed and didn’t say anything but kept running our social media as if nothing happened.”
Ick. But same.
The essay certainly made the rounds this week with many business owners cosigning the frustration and fear of a painfully slow, snowy, economy-crushing winter. I got no joy from seeing my suspicions validated.
I do however get joy from going out to eat. Sharing in the things my neighbors are making, and financially supporting them while I do, is my tiny act of love and rage. And thus, I started this newsletter anyway.
Please do read Shaina’s essay, preferably while enjoying a beverage at your favorite place. Say hello. Pay with cash.
SOMETHING TO LOVE
AN ENTIRE PARTY DEDICATED TO WOMEN-MADE WINES AND WHISKEYS
March is Women’s History Month, which you’ve probably heard 50 times in the last four days. Over on Instagram I’m using it as an excuse to highlight New York based female producers and proprietors all month. If you really need a product recommendation right now, go there! Or DM me if you need something specific. Seriously.
Last month I had one of my batshit brainstorms. What if I threw a party that was punk rock and pet-nat made by ladies? And mere weeks later, it’s happening. Check this shit out!
The deepest of gratitude to Meg, owner of Sunshine Colony and Kate of Coeur Wine Co, the secret weapon of the Hudson Valley’s best wine lists, for putting this event together.
Entry is FREE but RSVP is highly encouraged! Click here to get on the list and see our amazing list of raffle prizes with all proceeds going to the New York Abortion Access Fund.
YOU CAN JUST DO THINGS
Thursday
Julie’s Girls Club is at Industrial Arts in Beacon is doing a 40+ Queer Friends Mixer. Folx of all ages welcome because queer people over 40 are the best people to be friends with.
Lee Lam Love is popping up at Camp Kingston as part of Upstate Color’s monthly happy hour. Mapo frito pie! Come on!
Saturday
The Bridge in Kingston has space for just seven people to participate in a seasonal tea ceremony and explore Quigong stances in their Leaves of Change workshop.
Upstate Color in Kingston has a fiber arts meetup at Good Work Institute. Adults only! Bring projects you’re working on and might need help with.
Lodger in Newburgh, the famous and inscrutable communal dinner series has returned after being displaced from their original location.
Sunday
San Mul in Fleishmanns is doing two sessions of a kimchi workshop. After you’ve made friends with some queer elder millennials you can welcome a few trillion bacteria into your life.
Soup and Steam in Germantown has steam by Big Towel and soup from Tivoli Mushrooms. It ain’t spring yet folks!
Blooming Hill Farm in Monroe is hosting Fjord Wines for a pairing dinner. Dishes include foie gras and venison.
Wednesday
Runa in New Paltz has “Cocktails for Queens” every Wednesday, offering girl dinner - $18 for a cocktail and fries, $23 for a salad combo, and $30 with their French onion burger
Common Good in Ellenville is hosting an info session for O+ Festival. These folks have been partying to provide healthcare to musicians for fifteen years!
GUNKS GROOVES RECCO
BRAZILIAN GIRLS @ THE LEMON SQUEEZE
I’m sorry but what the fuck? I’ve lived right next to new paltz for close to a decade and this is the first time I’ve ever seen a bill with anyone other than the same five locals in a trench coat. So excuse my profanity while I try to figure out how The Lemon Squeeze pulled off this lineup.
Brazilian Girls are a downtown NYC staple. If you ever spent time at Nublu in the early 2000s, you probably saw them play. And they’ve got DJ Logic and Domenica from Underground System with them?? For those keeping score at home, that’s one more girl, still no Brazilians in the band. Very excited to see all the aunties and college kids singing along to Pussy Pussy Pussy marijuana.
Make Love This Week
There are a bunch of holidays coming up. Ask the person who usually makes the plans how you can help before they need to ask you.
Cheers,
Amy
A Maker and Lover