We were just in the Hudson Valley of New York this past Mother’s Day weekend visiting with two of the kids, and wandered between several small towns while staying at an Air B&B in Rhinebeck. The towns ranged from the very small Millbrook, to the medium sized Rhinebeck, to the much larger Hudson. There were quality hours to be spent in all of them, with shops, antiques galore and very good restaurants. One of those restaurants hosted us for a very special Mother’s Day brunch.
The Mirbeau Inn and Spa is in Rhinebeck, just off the main drag through town. It is an elegant place, very polished with top shelf service and the overall feel of a great, luxury inn. On the main floor is Willow, a restaurant that lives up to the impressions you get everywhere else here. This was to be our home for a few hours as we celebrated Cheri on her special day.
While the appetizers and main courses were delightful for this event, it was the dessert table (or tables) that really stole the show. The pastry chef, Meggan Kalkowski, was hustling about while we had pre-brunch mimosas at the bar, and while we were seated to start the meal. She put on an incredible spread. It was expansive, it was delicious, and it was visually impressive. What a way to end the event. The cinnamon roles absolutely blew away our son Alex, who learned from Meggan that the icing was made from a cheesecake filling. I can’t imagine making a cheese cake filling just to ice cinnamon roles, but she does. They really were the best I have ever had, by a mile. Light and airy, semi sweet and not too sticky.
Lamb Chops
Chicken and Waffles
Let’s not forget the oysters, chicken and waffles, lamb chops and the rest of the pre-dessert fare. They were all great. Add in the impeccable service and surroundings and you have an experience that was truly memorable.
We suspect they do something over the top at their normal brunch as well, but can’t be sure. This is definitely, however, a restaurant to consider if you are in the Rhinebeck area and want to relax in quality. We really enjoyed our experience.
Inside Dining Room
Elegant Lobby
You can see more about the Mirbeau Inn and Spa here: https://www.rhinebeck.mirbeau.com/.
A votre santé!
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