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

Bakeries we love

For the past few years, it's a understatement to say that Williamsburg has been blossoming into a swarming neighborhood of new restaurants, shops and venues that all compete with the finest of quality living. You can measure it by the the explosion of bakeries opening within a mile radius. From modern & conceptual to old-school & traditional, this tells us we are in the right city spot! 

Here are some of our favorite bakeries

1. Bakeshop. 

On Driggs ave between N7th and N8th

2. Margo.  

On Driggs ave between Metropolitan Ave. and Fillmore Pl.

3. Caprices by Sophie. 

On N6th St Between Bedford and Berry Street. 

4. Bakeri. 

On Wythe Ave between N7th and N8th.

The winner of the best croissant in our opinion was Bakeshop. 

We hope you will check them all out!

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.

 

A Happy Anniversary

Last Sunday we had the pleasure to celebrate one more time our many years (9 to be precise!) in business. 

It is really because of the support and the great community of friends and loyal customers that we are still going strong and we want to thank again every participating soul in this great adventure of a business that is Commune Salon & Gift! We love our community.

As usual, the party was a blast.  The kids are growing and families expanding and we couldn't feel happier to see everyone gather around good music and good food.

With Love,

~ Commune ~