Gastonomic Highlights>Food-focused Events

Why are appetites so lusty here in the mid-Hudson Valley? Could it be the bracing mountain air? The passionate connection between locals and their crops? No matter. From the first moment the valley soil offers up its bounty, area gourmets unveil a season of special food-focused events. Here is a partial schedule. —Jay Blotcher

Old-Fashioned Pig Roast
June 7. Now in its tenth year, the Phoenicia Hotel’s annual Pig Roast offers a down-home binge that draws the region’s heartiest appetites. This seven-hour pig-out serves up the best of bbq, including ribs, chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Bonus: picnic salads and all the beer, wine, and soda you can swill. Plus local bands Thunder Ridge and Avenue Blue. After-party goes all night with cash bar. 1pm. $35. Phoenicia. 688-7500.

The Meat Less Nibbled—“A Dinner of Interest”
June 12. Robert Johnston, the head chef at Il Continori in Wappingers Falls, wants to revive the tradition of serving the lesser-known cuts of meat classified as sweetbreads. As a chef in New York City, he held special evenings every three months, shaking up the palates of adventurous patrons. He is committed to reviving the tradition up here, with an evening of tastings to showcase the wrongly-maligned organ meats, as well as marrow and tripe. “As long as you follow the rules with these meats,” Johnston said, “they come out wonderful.” Johnston and a wine expert will chaperone you on this exotic journey. 7-9:30pm. $65 per person. Wappingers Falls. 297-9222.

Dine with General Washington & the Marquis de Lafayette
June 14. Bring your taste buds on a time-travel back to the 18th century, courtesy of the Mount Gulian Historical Society of Beacon. This event will recreate—down to the smallest morsel of food and conversation—the experience of breaking bread with Generals Marquis de Lafayette and George Washington. The four-course authentic Colonial meal, to be served in the Dutch barn on the homestead premises, will be prepared by the Catering House of Ed Fava. Highlights include a crabmeat soup and roasted turkey with gravy. Actors will portray the two generals, and remain in character throughout the meal, discussing war stratagems. The evening begins with a cocktail hour on the lawn overlooking the Hudson and will continue with an original play during dinner and, later, a live and silent auction. Reservations required before June 7. 5-11pm. $100 per person. Beacon. 831-8172.

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival
June 14-15. For the eighth year standing, enjoy every last gustatory pleasure offered by the Hudson Valley during the Wine & Food Festival at Montgomery Place, the 434-acre river estate in Annandale-on-Hudson. Among the nonstop hedonistic events this weekend: gourmet delicacies, fine herbs and spices, a farmer's market with fresh produce, cooking demonstrations, and workshops. Local wineries will proffer their latest. Local foodies and gourmet cooks will hold talks and cooking demonstrations. Need a break? Walk off that gourmet stupor with walks through the period gardens or scenic woodland. 11am-6pm. $10 adults, $5 children (under 12). Annandale-on-Hudson. 758-5461. www.hudsonvalley.org.

Shawangunk Wine Trail Tour
June 14-15. Called “Around the World in 60 Miles,” this gastronomic journey takes you through nine area wineries located on the Shawangunk Wine Trail—Adair Vineyards, New Paltz; Applewood Winery, Warwick; Baldwin Vineyards, Pine Bush; Brimstone Hill Vineyards, Pine Bush; Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville; Demarest Hill Winery, Warwick; Rivendell Winery, New Paltz; Warwick Valley Winery, Warwick; and Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery, Gardiner—offering you tastes of the best local grapes plus complementary, wine-appropriate nibbles. Warwick Valley Winery, 258-4858; Demarest Hill Winery, 986-4723; Brotherhood Winery, 496-3661; and Applewood Winery, 988-9292.

Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society Picnic
July 20. Communal eating need not be hinged on ritual animal slaughter; the Society offers a vegan picnic for those who eschew bloodlust feasts. “You do not have to be a vegetarian to attend, just eat like one for the afternoon,” says Roberta Schiff, Society president. Outdoor activities and vegan bbq on Crystal Lake. Please bring a vegan dish to share, your own plates and utensils, chairs or blankets. 2-5pm. $5 per adult, children free. Rhinebeck. Reservations requested. For info/directions, 876-2626, 338-8223. 876-2626, 338-8223. info@mhvs.org.

Epicurean Weekend at The Emerson: A Taste of Burgundy
June 20-22. Epicureanism refers chiefly to the seduction of the taste buds. On this summer weekend, the elegant Emerson Inn and Spa, a 19th-century inn near Mount Tremper, will seduce you with the French Burgundy wines of Maison Louis Jadot. Wine and culinary experts will prepare meals in which food and wine are in harmony. Limited number accepted. Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. Rates begin at $2,399. (That is not a misprint.) 688-7900. www.theemerson.com/Events.html.

A Celebration of Herbs, Horticulture, & Hudson Valley Foods
June 22. The Staatsburgh State Historic Site holds “Scarborough Faire,” an old-fashioned country bazaar emphasizing a gastronomic look back at local history. Live entertainment, food, demonstrations, vendors, and lectures on the banks of the Hudson River. 11am-5pm. $5; seniors $4; children under 12 free. Staatsburgh. 889-8851.