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Agriturismo Dinners

Hudson Valley Agriturismo Dinners - Laura Pensiero, dynamic owner of Gigi Hudson Valley in Rhinebeck and Red Hook is launching another series of ‘Agriturismo Dinners’ every Saturday evening at her Gigi Market which is housed in a rustic barn alongside Greig Farm.

‘Agriturismo’ refers to a popular Italian-style of vacationing in farmhouse resorts. It allows farmers to reacquaint visitors with traditional Italian country living including food grown and prepared right on the premises. You can’t get more ‘local’ than that. Pensiero will source ingredients right from their backyard in Red Hook and nearby Columbia County: Migliorelli Farms, Mead Orchards, Northwind Farms, Montgomery Place Orchards, Hearty Roots Farm and, next door at Grieg Farm. All meals will be served in a rustic family style including: homemade crusty breads, an antipasti course with fresh farm vegetables, and the option of local cured meats and cheeses. A main course will either be a pasta/risotto or local beef, pork or chicken along with salads and side dishes. For dessert you can indulge on ripe local fruit or rustic tarts, pies, cobblers, even homemade gelato, she says.

The ‘Agriturismo Dinners’ will be served every Saturday thru October. Three courses of local farm flavors for $35; children $10. Beverages will be available. Menus will be updated and posted the day of the dinner and rely solely on what local farmers have ready to harvest. Sounds great, doesn’t it? A wonderful reason to visit the lovely Hudson Valley this summer.

Laura Pensiero is also the author of “Hudson Valley Mediterranean,” an innovative book of stories and recipes combining the Hudson Valley bounty with her Italian roots.

Gigi’s Trattoria is located at 6422 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck. 845-876-1007.

Gigi Market & Café is located at 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook. For information and reservations call: 845-758-1999. www.gigihudsonvalley.com