Great Roadside Trip: Phoenicia Diner

© Doug Koh

At last we've arrived at the long weekend and just in time to enjoy the fall foliage. The city is always late to show its bright autumn colors but Upstate NY never fails to amaze around this time. If you have the chance to drive up this weekend, you'll surely see sights of gold and red just as the leaves slowly start to fall and fade. And don't forget to take advantage of the season flavors - pumpkin sugar donuts and apple cider are available at nearby markets and grocery stores. 

But if you are really craving for a fuller meal, we highly recommend this popular roadside joint. Off of Route 28, Phoenicia Diner is just the kind of place you'd imagine to find on a good 'ol fashioned American road trip. What we love is the creative mix of the nostalgic American diner atmosphere and new, thoughtful design. The menu has a  wide selection of breakfast favorites, sandwiches, greens, and more! All ingredients are from local farms and gardens. 

Make sure to come with an empty belly!

© Doug Koh

© Doug Koh

© Doug Koh 

© Doug Koh

Directions from New York City:

NYS Thruway 87 to exit 19 Kingston and first turn off the traffic

circle to RT 28W for approximately 22 miles. Phoenicia Diner will

be on your left  after the shopping plaza. Look for their logo on the

sign in front.

Other local food stop recommendations:

Adams Fairacre Farms
1560 Ulster Ave, Lake Katrine, NY 12449

adamsfarms.com

Wallkill View Farm Market

15 New York 299, New Paltz, NY 12561

http://wallkillviewfarm.snappages.com

The Juice Cleanse

With the new season comes the good old debate of... juicing or not juicing?  The goal is to heal, to restore the body to its optimal health, and to let the powerful detoxification system we are born with do its work.  Some of us think that juicing regularly is a great way to stay healthy while others believe it is a quick fix that does not bring long lasting health benefits.  What side of the fence are you on? 

All we know is that if you can handle the discipline that comes with juice cleansing (meaning you have the mental strength to get through it!) it does give you a great deal of energy, few less pounds and a -unanimously agreed- skin glow.  Here are two of our favorite recipes sourced on this lovely blog.

Beet, Apple and Blackberry Juice

3 small beets

2-3 apples
8 oz. blackberries
1/2 inch fresh ginger

Carrot, Golden Beet and Orange Juice

4 carrots

2 golden beets
3 cara cara navels
1/2 inch of fresh ginger

Happy Juicing everyone!

Smorgasburg

Last weekend finally felt like a breath of Spring here in New York and lots of folks were out and about. This month is the last month that the Williamsburg Brooklyn Flea is held indoors before heading to the lovely waterfront for Spring and Summer weekends (can't wait!). 

The Smorgasburg indoor food market is such a fantastic place for gathering with friends,  filled with rich flavors, it has become a weekend destination for comfort food and tastes from all around the world.  You can feel the passion behind every food stand. It is a great Brooklyn experience if you are just visiting and always a great place to go back and mingle for us locals.

Such a great sense of community.

 

Thankful

We are again at this time of the year when we gather, share, celebrate and enjoy the winter season.

We wish you a happy Thanksgiving to start off the season! 

 That you are spending it with friends or family,

Don't eat too much... Or do!

Also, we have stocked up on beautiful gifts here at Commune store so make sure to stop by for your holiday shopping.

Please note that we will be closed on Thursday the 22nd, reopening on Friday the 23rd.

A taste of home

There is a restaurant on our block that we Looove. Have you been?

Their long and convivial communal table makes you want to share simple and delicious cooked meals like at home.  

Kind of the perfect spot for a hot noodle soup these days... they serve it like no other in Williamsburg!

Samurai Mama Tavern 

click for details