Once again we have had a few spring openings here in Sullivan County. I wrote a similar post last spring, (and I am happy to report that all the restaurants I listed last year are still open and going strong.) Well this year we have another batch of entrepreneurs ready to take advantage of our area's recent popularity and growth, and have opened the doors on a new venture. All seem pretty solid places. I have not eaten at all of them, but the reports I have gotten from them are all very positive.
Ba and Me opened last month in Callicoon. It is mainly take-out. There is only limited outdoor seating available. Owner Nhi Nguyen was born in Vietnam, immigrated to the mid-west and worked in her parents Vietnamese restaurant, before moving to NYC, and ultimately to our area. Her goal is to make good tasting healthy (all organic) authentic Vietnamese cuisine. And she is doing a great job at it. The summer rolls are amazing. If you are anywhere in the vicinity of Callicoon this summer, stopping by her window for a summer roll or a pork sandwich is a must.
The Arnold House in Shandelee, just outside of Livingston Manor opened for the Memorial Day weekend. Owners Kirsten and Sims Foster owned and operated the Lazy Beagle in " downtown" Livingston Manor until a gas explosion destroyed the building. The Lazy Beagle was a very popular spot, and the accident (although thankfully no one was hurt) was sudden and disappointing to the community.
Well the Fosters have since recovered and have opened a bigger venture. The Arnold House is a restaurant, catering hall, and bed and breakfast of sorts. I have not eaten there yet, but I have heard all good things. Besides if it is the owners of the Beagle, then I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.
Big Kev's BBQ in Smallwood is not a new opening this year, but he has grown from a weekend one man band, to a pretty substantial roadside eatery. They now offer catering size orders as well. His mobile shop is normally parked across from the Citgo at the Smallwood corners. The beef brisket is slow cooked right there, and you can smell it as you drive by. (And believe me it tastes as good as it smells.) There is also pulled pork, various bbq chicken dinners, and fall off the bone ribs. Its Delaney's on a paper plate. Again it is a great place for take-out.
The Brick House opened this spring along Sullivan County's version of restaurant row in Kauneonga Lake. It is an Italian themed eatery with pizza and pasta, but the menu is a bit more extensive with everything including steaks and seafood. I heard the wings are huge and delicious. They are located at 1 Horseshoe Lake Road, which has been a bit of a revolving door for places over the last few years. Let's hope The Brick House sticks.
Fanatics is one of Randy Resnick's new spots. It opened at 400 Broadway in Monticello, where Trotters once was. Well I think Fanatics opening is indicative of the change to our county–where Trotters was old and tired, Fanatics is new and full of energy. The menu is as robust as the ambiance. Great place to grab a beer and a bite and watch the game. Other new Resnick spots are Crust, a specialty pizza place in Rock Hill, and Brew, a coffee place also in Rock Hill. I have not been to either yet. but I have heard good things.
It's great to see places like these popping up here in Sullivan County. It shows our continued growth. I wish all the new owners good luck this summer season, and for many to come!
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