KINGSTON INDIAN RESTAURANT

I was happy to hear that the New Paltz Indian Restaurant opened a location in Kingston. They have a lunch buffet during the week for $8.95 and a dinner buffet on Saturday nights for $12.95. Buffets are usually a bad idea. Not here. They replenish the food in small batches so it doesn't sit there for hours. Coming here also solves my problem of being a creature of habit and always ordering the same thing. Always. Every time I've been here they've served something different. This buffet is a lesson in Indian Cuisine.

ROUDIGANS

Roudigans is a tacky little place connected to the Quality Inn & Suites and was voted best steakhouse in Hudson Valley. Believe it. When I was coming Upstate just on the weekends this is where I always wanted to stop for dinner. It's right off 87 in Kingston and 20 minutes before home. It's the ultimate in Comfort Food. Well made and large portions. Tonight it was particularly good. The Garlic Mashed Potatoes were chunky and not over pureed. My medium rare Prime Rib didn't have too much fat. They were both the perfect temperature when they arrived. The salad bar comes with the entree. It's my favorite part of the experience. Iceberg Lettuce, Red Onion, Black Olives, whole Radishes, Cottage Cheese, Peppercinis, Bacon Bits and Ranch Dressing. The soup was New England Clam Chowder. I added Oyster Crackers. All this food was only $17.95

FIVE GUYS

Five Guys originated in DC and it's obvious they are coming for In-N-Out. The aesthetic is embarrassingly similar to their West Coast competitor, but the food might actually be better. Their Cheeseburger comes double and you choose what you want on it from a list of fresh ingredients. Their French Fries are more hearty and rustic than In-N-Out's and the portion is huge. I hardly ever like to share my food, but here Renate get's to finish half my Fries. I first had Five Guys in the West Village, NYC, but they recently opened one in Kingston, NY and I go there every time I'm around.