Plumbush Inn

Recently during an otherwise pleasant drive from New York City, we had the displeasure of dining at the Plumbush Inn, an old victorian run down shack, which doubles as a bed and breakfast and is self-proclaimed to be one of the best restaurants in the Hudson Valley, and certainly among the most expensive. We were invited to sit at a table that at the time appeared satisfactory until we became increasingly engulfed in a sun drenched inferno. When we asked to be moved, we discovered we were in restaurant hell. "You can't move!", the waiter warned us, "all the other tables are reserved" While I struggled in the blinding light to process what was happening, I asked again to be moved and expressed my displeasure at having to eat my salad as it roasted under the sun. This brought about a dozen or so incredulous and ugly stares from the owner and staff as if we should be expected to endure the torture. After we were moved to an interior table, the unmentionable occurred. Mr. Alam El Dim, the owner of this Faulty Towers, proceeded to offend us in such a manner that forced me to conclude he is most definitely in the wrong line of work. Mr. Dim, in a very rude tone,….as if we had brought our own food and ask if we could use the table for no charge….barked "you need to be out of here by 6:45" because he needed the table before other guests arrived. Apparently this Basil Faulty would have been content to have us so long as we were agreeable to dine like second-class citizens and contributed to his cash flow. Instead of letting us know that they were booked up and the only available table might not be to our liking, he tricked us into staying treating us like we were there imploring charity. It is apparent that Mr. Dim has lost complete sight of the mission of a restaurant. Following the outrageous statement, I weighted the option of leaving and disppointing my four year-old who was by then enjoying his rather ordinary pasta dish. I decided to let him finish and as soon as we were able, I ordered the check and left. By his own admission, Mr. Dim grew up in a farm and ... suffice it to say that the owner of this backwater grill lacks any semblance of common sense or manners. If you dare to venture into this old shack please make sure you bring sunglasses and a parasol, just in case, and avoid all eye contact with Mr. Dim if you can. The food is at best passable, ... pork was very dry and my scallops were not very fresh, although I hear the child's plate was delicious. Sincerely, Frank Vivero more

Okay, it is past Mother's Day and it's not super affordable, but brunch at the Plumbush Inn (Cold Spring), the Bird and Bottle Inn (Garrison) or the Hudson House (Cold Spring) are all delicious options. You might also try the Hotel Thayer at West Point. All these places have longstanding brunches with a lot of different options, which pleases even the pickiest of eaters. more

I am a local resident who has never stayed overnight or dined at the Plumbush Inn. Its food is reputed to be good, but pricey. I once put a guest up at the Inn. I was mortified when he phoned to say he was staring at a recycled breakfast. I rushed over and it appeared to be so. There was no one in charge to speak with. I brought my guest home for a decent meal. The next day I drove to the Inn, and again there was no one to speak with. Needless to say, I have never returned. more

Plumbush Inn, in Cold Spring, is a longtime restaurant and inn there that has long drawn both locals and those from New York City and beyond. The restaurant recently changed hands, but the food quality remains the same. Plumbush is known best for its Plumbush Beef Wellington; having eaten it recently, I can assure you that the meat is beyond tender and the butter puff pastry melts in your mouth. For dessert, try the apple fritters. Accompanied by creamy vanilla ice cream, this is another signature dish the Plumbush is known for. The new owners are experimenting with some newer cuisine too, which has livened up the menu. They are also making an effort to expand their wedding business, hosting small affairs and other parties. The best time to visit Plumbush, in my opinion, is during the fall foliage season or during the summer, when the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is performing at Boscobel (the lovely gardens just across the street on Route 9D). more