Jacob A.
Yelp
Where do I begin? Especially because as I type, my passion for food and dining takes over and my reviews get lengthy. Add strangers and libations, the stories become memories and exaggerated fragments of our beings. Here we go...
Let's start right up front with the negatives, the basis for 4 stars as opposed to a perfect 5. Most of this will be due to COVID, but where it isn't a direct result of this pandemic, I hope the staff and owners will not be too offended and make the changes accordingly and with a grain of salt.
Ordering is a bit confusing, even with the sign at the entrance. Order online and a time for pick up will be provided, ours was 1:45 minutes, despite a modest crowd at the time we sat down. I found out later that more people were hip to this process and ordered ahead of time to either pick up or dine in at the picturesque mountain courtyard. However we started a little put off by the wait, but what the hell we were in the mountains and there's a bonfire, our drinks wouldn't take that time right? Wrong, my cider and my dates cocktail took an hour and a half. However we were able to order drinks and donuts from the small airstream up front. Thankfully we bought a 4 pack of ciders, and a couple donuts. By the time our food arrived, it was dark, there were new friends and stories being shared, as well as many drinks.
Our food arrived as scheduled, but was cold, probably due to the situation. The pizza (duck and very kraut) tasted fantastic, but the crust was undercooked and lacked the char of a beautiful wood fired oven. The duck was minimally noticed, but still present. The brook trout was a tasty dip with soggy pita; my suggestion is to highlight the trout, don't hide it in a dip. Like I said, mostly COVID, but could use some tweaks for an exceptional meal that was as memorable as the evening The Kaatskeller provided. The menu itself is quite creative and features many flavors of the NY region in the fall.
The positives sound short, but have a lasting memory in our hearts. The idea of an outdoor kitchen and dining area is ballsy and brilliant, something the Kaatskeller nailed. The courtyard was packed with picnic tables and Bocce, as well as the aforementioned bonfire. As the sun went down over the beautiful mountain town, the entire place was lit by, what I can only refer to, as angel lights. We took our drinks by the fire, and ultimately our meal. Oscar kept the fire perfectly stacked and always warm, something I couldn't help but meddle with from time to time. Several people came and go and shared their journeys, but several stayed and for those people, thank you. What started as a weekend getaway turned into a highlight of my culinary travels that have introduced me to some of the greatest "strangers" I could have been blessed to call friends.
In short, if you are in Livingston Manor, order your food ahead from the Kaatskeller online, that process is easy and simple. Sit by the fire and wait, greet the smiling faces of the world and listen to their stories. Enjoy a good meal and the drink of your choice. Let the scenery caress your presence and feel the mountain air change you....