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Welcome to the newsletter of The Valley Table. The Magazine of Hudson Valley Farms, Food & Cuisine, celebrating the land, the people and the traditions of the Hudson Valley.

Going Ons

With this winter's mild weather, there's no cause for hibernating and lots of reasons to get out for a taste of the season. Winter farmer's markets are a great place to start. They're offering really good local stuff (a crusty loaf of bread, a rich triple-creme cheese, local eggs, mushrooms, mixed greens, a ham--the perfect makings of brunch). In celebration of this month's romantic holiday, we offer a recipe for chocolate souffle from the chocolate guru, Dan Budd. A number of wineries are pairing wine with art and chocolate. Restaurants throughout the valley will be offering special menus designed to turn up the love. Vintage Hudson Valley is offering an added incentive to make your romantic interlude a dinner at a VHV restaurant (the list includes X20, Red Hat on the River and Tavern). The prize: a VHV value card. Here's just a sampling of events and specials being offered locally. For a full list visit www.valleytable.com.

Art & Wine For Lovers

Feb. 10, 5-8

Tousey Winery, Germantown

A celebratory opening reception featuring works by Rhinebeck artist Thomas Cale. Enjoy wine tastings and expert recommendations for unique art and wine pairings. (518) 537-WINE; www.touseywinery.com; (845) 750-5808; www.caleartworks.com

Locally Grown: Art, Wine & Truffles

Feb. 11, 1-4

Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery, Gardiner

A tasting featuring an organic truffle from Rosendale's fabulous Lagusta's Luscious with a rare tasting of Whitecliff's Sparkling Wine and demonstrations by two diverse Hudson Valley artists. $12. (845) 255-4613; www.whitecliffwine.com

Dining Out

DineOut for Life Restaurant Sign UP
NOW
Restaurants throughout the Hudson Valley are invited to participate in the popular DineOut for Life fundraiser. This popular event takes place April 26th in our area and raises funds for AIDs service oganizations in the Valley. For info and to sign up your restaurant click here.

Valentine's Day Dinner

Feb. 10-14

Mahoney's Irish Pub & Steakhouse, Poughkeepsie

A relaxing and romantic Valentine's dinner. Live piano music February 14. $39.95 per person; $75 couples. Reservations required. (845) 471-7026; www.mahoneysirishpub.com

Valentine Concert & 3-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner

Feb. 12

Suffern Lafayette Theatre, Suffern

Marcello's Ristorante of Suffern, Suffern

Giada Valenti and her band will perform an array of international love songs at the Suffern Lafayette Theatre at 2:30PM. Concert tickets: $30 pp. Before or after, stop by Marcello's Ristorante of Suffern for a 3-course prix-fixe dinner (plus tax, tip and beverage). By reservation only. Seating at 12PM, 4PM and 6:30 PM. For complete information, visit www.marcellosgroup.com.

Valentine's Dishes

Feb. 11, 11AM

Depuy Canal House, High Falls

For new spin on Valentine's Day, bring your honey to the Depuy Canal House and let Chef John Novi show you how to prepare beautiful, healthy, and delicious dishes for a special Valentine's at home. Class begins with brunch and menu orientation and ends with a sit-down multi-course dinner. $125 per student ($165 with ticket to Valentine's dinner on February 14). (845) 687-7700; www.depuycanalhouse.com

Workshops & Classes

Distillery 101

Every Saturday in February & March

Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, Warwick

Every Saturday in February, master distiller Jason Grizzanti will walk the group through the distillery setup, explaining the process of making spirits, followed by a tasting session and lunch. Every Saturday in March, Grizzanti will hold an intermediate course that includes hands-on activities plus a guided whiskey tasting. Inroductory course: $50; Intermediate course: $60; Admission for both: $100 using coupon code DEMOPROMO during checkout. Intermediate course is limited to 15 people. (845) 258-4858; www.wvwinery.com

Home Cheese Making: Cheddar

Feb. 18, 12-4

Learning Center at Hawthorne Valley Farm, Ghent

Perhaps the most popular and most demanding cheese to make in the world. Peter Kindel, Hawthorne Valley Farm cheese maker, will teach you how to make cheddar from start to finish. From milk to curd, you'll learn the steps to producing your own beautiful, homemade batch of cheese, followed by a discussion and tasting. Class size limited, book in advance. (518) 672-7500 x. 232; caroline@hawthornevalleyfarm.org

French Bistro Supper

Feb. 23, 7PM

HomecookingNY, Beacon

From her home kitchen, Chef/instructur Jennifer Clair of Home Cooking NY shows how to make the most of winter eating with a savory line up of cooking classes covering winter soups, healthy suppers and braises. Each class includes a full sit-down meal at the end of class and a complete recipe packet for keeps. $65. (917) 803-6857; jennifer@homecookingny.com

Seed Sowing Workshop

Feb. 25, 9-12 (Session One)

Mar. 31, 9-12 (Session Two)

Stonecrop Gardens, Cold Spring

In session one, learn the basic principles of seed propagation, demonstration of seed sowing techniques, and apply your newfound knowledge to sow a variety of annuals. In session two, learn the critical skill of "pricking out" and "prick out" your newly germinated propagules into larger rounds for "growing on." Upon successful completion, you will take home several rounds of freshly "pricked out" annuals. Participants must be able to commit to both sessions. Space is limited; RSVP by February 22. (845) 265-2000; www.stonecrop.org