Feast & Floret Italian Restaurant is an ideal example of the thriving culinary scene in Hudson, NY, located in the Catskill Mountains region. Millennials are drawn to Hudson due to its trendy vibes and the abundance of excellent restaurants, including Feast & Floret. The restaurant's decor is a perfect blend of rustic and contemporary, with a plethora of antique fixtures and fresh flowers, carefully arranged to offer a pleasant dining experience. The Quiet Botanist, located nearby, provides the dried flowers that adorn the establishment's interiors. Flowers, light fixtures, and antique mirrors are happened to be some of my favorite things to photograph, so be sure to check out the photo gallery right after the review.
Feast & Floret Restaurant: A Farm-to-Table Gem in Hudson, NY's Thriving Culinary Scene – Restaurant Reviews with Photographer Maxwell Alexander – Presented by Alluvion Vacations
In addition to serving delicious farm-to-table cuisine, Feast & Floret also offers a unique floral experience. The restaurant's commitment to sourcing locally extends to its beautiful flower arrangements. Fresh flowers are sourced from local farms and their own garden, and the restaurant even has a flower cart in the main dining room where guests can choose their own bouquet of seasonal blooms. Whether you're dining in or simply stopping by for flowers, the restaurant's florist is available to create a stunning arrangement that will be sure to impress. You can even pre-order online to have a bouquet ready for pickup or to be placed on your table before you arrive.
As soon as I sat down overwhelmed by all this natural beauty around, I ordered the Floret cocktail, which was expertly mixed with gin, chamomile honey, and prosecco to create a delicious, herbaceous concoction. The dried herbs and flowers that are scattered throughout the venue also feature prominently in the drinks and food, underscoring the emphasis on sourcing locally and utilizing nature's best ingredients.
The smoked duck special was a standout appetizer that night and I couldn't miss trying it. The duck was perfectly cooked and garnished with herbs and citrus, then topped with balsamic vinaigrette. The combination of flavors was rather sophisticated and went really well with a glass of Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut that I ordered next.
The last time I had a good duck was in Budapest, but in Hungary, this wasn't an appetizer story, the duck was served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but somehow it never got old for the entire two weeks of my trip.
Feast & Floret's Italian meatballs, served with Pecorino Romano and pomadoro, are also worth noting. The dish seems simple, but the flavors were rich and complex, and it's a perfect example of the restaurant's farm-to-table ethos.
The Bruschetta Toscana, which features chicken liver, guanciale, sun-dried tomato, and capers, is another standout dish. The combination of flavors is bold and well-balanced, and the freshness of the ingredients is apparent. I really appreciated the thick slabs of bread that made the bruschetta a hearty experience with just the right amount of smoky crunch on the edges and savory warm texture on the inside that connected perfectly with chilled chicken liver paste and arugula on top.
The Farro Salad, which features citrus, pistachio, and ricotta salata, is a must-try for those seeking a refreshing and healthy option. The citrus adds a zesty tang to the salad, while the pistachios provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Ricotta salata, a type of aged, salted ricotta cheese, adds a savory and slightly tangy taste that complements the other ingredients perfectly. What's more, all of the ingredients in this salad are locally sourced from MX Morningstar Farms, which is just five miles away from the restaurant. This means that not only is the salad incredibly fresh, but it's also environmentally friendly as it has a lower carbon footprint than ingredients sourced from further afield.
Feast & Floret's commitment to sourcing local ingredients is evident throughout the menu, including the bread, which comes from Breadfolks, located right across the street. Talbott & Arding, known for their artisanal cheeses, provides a select variety of farmstead cheeses from both the United States and abroad. Mead Orchard, located in Tivoli, grows a variety of fruits and vegetables and practices safe and effective growing methods. Hudson Valley Fisheries, located just up the road, raises fish without antibiotics or vaccines and uses aquaculture system filter technology to convert fish waste into organic fertilizer. Yellow Bell Farm, which is 100% antibiotic-free, partners with local mills for feed and uses recycled and/or minimal packaging for distribution. Kinderhook Farm provides grass-fed, pasture-raised, antibiotic-free pork and lamb, and whenever possible beef as well. And the flowers are from Quiet Botanist.
To finish off the meal, I indulged in a vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. The experience was unique and fun, with the ice cream melting and fusing with the hot espresso when I poured it over. Overall, Feast & Floret is a testament to Hudson Valley's thriving culinary scene, and I highly recommend it to those seeking a unique and delicious dining experience.
If you're a foodie looking for the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley and Catskills region, you've come to the right place. In this recent review, I had the pleasure of dining at Feast & Floret, one of the top-rated restaurants in the area, and it did not disappoint. But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the culinary scene in this region.
The Hudson Valley and Catskills are home to an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants that prioritize locally-sourced ingredients, sustainability, and community collaboration. These restaurants offer a range of menus, from classic comfort food to innovative, plant-based dishes, all accompanied by carefully crafted cocktails and a selection of local wines and spirits. If you are a weekend warrior and regularly escape NYC, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your meal with a scenic backdrop of the region's natural beauty.
If you're intrigued by these food trends and want to discover more great restaurants in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, be sure to check out my other restaurant reviews. You'll find a diverse selection of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments, all featuring a unique fusion of contemporary sophistication with naturally rustic origins that define this region's culinary identity. So grab your appetite and come along for the ride - there's a lot of good eating to be had in the Hudson Valley and Catskills!
