The furthest out, but worth the trip, is Helena Specialty Pierogies in Kerhonkson, which is a place that has a Ukrainian history, with Ukrainian residents, a resort and a festival. The tiny shop with its big kitchen is across from Kelder’s Farm and its giant gnome, tucked away at the side of a small strip mall. Locating it reminded me of other semi-secret food finds, like the delectable smoked shad that I used to buy from a little garage in the back roads of Red Hook. Inside I found two very happy diners at its one table enjoying some sliced kielbasa and sautéed garlic-flavored pierogies.
Peeking out of a window was owner and pierogi-maker Anna Samko, who explained that many varieties of the delectable little pockets, like jalapeño, horseradish, beet, broccoli or blueberry, have to be special-ordered, as do uncooked pierogies; but otherwise you can get a few other varieties by the dozen, $6.25 to $7.50, to eat there or take home and reheat. She suggested sautéing them in butter or olive oil and topping with chopped scallions. I bought a dozen potato/cheddar and a dozen potato/onion, and cooked them later in a mix of half-butter and half-olive oil for half the guilt. For toppings I used sautéed sliced onions, some applesauce that I’d made from organic Pink Lady apples and some full-fat Ronnybrook Creamline yogurt, as well as the chopped scallions that Anna suggested. The pierogi dough was perfect, not too thick nor too light, and both fillings perfectly seasoned. With their crispy exteriors and smooth, savory insides, they were heaven on a plate.
Find Helena’s at 5754 Route 209 in Kerhonkson or (845) 626-2958. Hours are 12 noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
Heading back east towards Kingston, you’ll drive through Stone Ridge, a chic village within the town of Marbletown. There you’ll find Jack & Luna’s Café, which we reported on recently here in Almanac Weekly. Custom cakes are a specialty, plus scones, muffins, pies and many other baked goods. A lunch menu offers panini, quiche, salads and soup, with everything made from scratch except for the Bread Alone breads. On- and off-site catering and live jazz events with dinner specials are among the special features of the Café.
Jack & Luna’s Café is open seven days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with evening hours when there is live music. Find the Café at 3928 Main Street in Stone Ridge, (845) 687-9794, or at https://jackandlunas.com.
Finally, in the same burg, at the corner of Route 209 and Cottekill Road, you’ll find the half-century-old Davenport Farms farmstand. As of this writing it is closed for the winter, but I’ve heard that in addition to loads of its own seasonal produce and other gourmet goodies, it offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners to go. During peak season it opens from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 3411 Route 209 in Stone Ridge. Call (845) 687-0051 or see www.davenportfarms.com.
On those hurried or tired days when cooking a fresh meal from scratch isn’t appealing, there are many options for nourishing and delicious eating in the area. Just meander down Route 213 and 209 and see what you can find!
Join the family! 
