Zuzus Leaf and Bean, Beacon NY

Greetings Bleaders (Blog Readers), I know it has been quite a few weeks since our last post but have no fear we are back! We thought that we would give Fishkill a try today only to find out that the two coffee shops are closed on Sunday so it was back to Beacon. Now on a side note, a true confession, yesterday we returned to Homespun Foods for a delicious Brunch and ate outside in the garden. Another great meal.

So after being shut out from Fishkill, we went to Zuzus Leaf and Bean in Beacon. As we were walking into the shop, we met one of the cooks from Homespun Foods. She advised us that Zuzus was serious about coffee but for food, Homespun can’t be beat. We continued in to small coffee shop with a scattering of tables, couches and counters. Today we ordered three coffees, two scones (Berry and Ham & Cheese), a yogurt parfait and bagel with cream cheese. The Berry Scone was filled with whole pieces of real fruit. The Ham & Cheese Scone was savory and delicious and the bagel was a bagel. The parfait was also delicious and included a variety of fruit and granola. The coffee was very strong but tasty.

Now, let’s talk a little bit about the atmosphere. This is a family friendly place with a separate section for kids filled with toys. There were many customers enjoying the free WiFi. The bathroom was large and the visitor was treated to poetry and other quotes painted on the wall.

Without a doubt, Zuzus fit our criteria for this blog. However, lately we have been spoiled by places that have more of a variety of foods. Although we enjoyed our trip to Zuzus, we did stop at Homespun Foods down the block for some coffee cake and cookies. This made us rethink the rating we gave Homespun. Since we have been there three times now, twice this weekend, we are upgrading the rating to our first four-cupper. It doesn’t get any better than this!

So, if you just want a quick cup of coffee and to check your e-mail, Zuzus is the place!

Babycakes Bakery Cafe, Poughkeepsie, NY

Sunday began with a 5 mile walk on the new section of the Dutchess County Rail Trail. Not to be missed! A shady paved path along the old railroad which is prefect for walking, running or biking. Also, dogs are welcome!

From there it was on to Babycakes Bakery Café in the Arlington section of the town of Poughkeepsie, across from Vassar College. The café, recently remodeled and expanded accommodates diners inside and out. The menu is eclectic with a nod to vegans and vegetarians. Again, it was difficult to choose from the many tasty options. Because we had earned something more substantial after our 5 mile walk, we opted for breakfast rather than our usual breakfast treat.

Their system is to order and pay at the counter and a server delivers to your table. Jessie ordered the Tofu Tex Mex Wrap which was made up of salsa, peppers and soy cheese in a flour tortilla. Joanne had the Brioche French Toast with a bananas Foster-like topping and Ira, who was given a probationary invitation, ordered the Tex Mex Breakfast Wrap (w/egg). Just to be fair, we couldn’t leave without our usual scone and slice of 7-layer cake for Ira. The pastries in the display case were quite elaborate but way too rich for breakfast!

Coffee is served in large mugs and refills are free, but to get a refill you must stand back in line at the main counter. The food was excellent, but the prices are too high for this area. For example, our meal was $38 and the slice of cake was another $4.50. Sitting outside was very nice but a little complicated for coffee refills and table clearing.

All in all, we believe that Babycakes was worth the trip but should saved for a special occasion (because of the price). Just a tip, arrive early before the breakfast pastries disappear.

In addition, you will be happy to know that Ira behaved himself and did not disclose our identities to the server. His probationary status has been removed and he will be welcome on future trips.

McKinney & Doyle, Pawling NY

On today’s trip we were joined by Ira and Stu. This review will be a two parter – you’ll see why soon. First of all, Ira’s invitation to join us on our blogging trips has been revoked until further notice because he revealed our purpose and identity to the waitress which we thought might impact how we were treated. We shouldn’t have worried!

The town of Pawling is a “once was enough” kind of visit. For a small town, there are two bakeries, several gift shops and a really nice book store/antique shop. Although cute, there was not much to see or do.

McKinney & Doyle is a restaurant/bakery which has been Zagat rated and has been reviewed favorably by the New York Times. We first entered the bakery section of the store and fought the mob to the small counter. The breakfast baked goods selection was limited. We ordered three coffees and muffin for $5- not bad. We then decided to stay for brunch.

Because this is such a popular place, we waited ½ hour with the crowd for seating. The menu was extensive with many unusual and mouthwatering option.

Ira ordered the Almond French Toast (big surprise).

Joanne and Jessie ordered the California Breakfast wrap which was scrambled eggs, onions, avocado, tomatoes and cheese in a honey wheat wrap(delish). There was also a side of roasted potatoes, pepper and onions and fruit salad.

Stu ordered the Farmers Omelet which he said was fantastic.

Our overall opinion of our brunch seating was mixed. The food was outstanding but our server was inattentive. She never asked us if we wanted a coffee refill, nor did she bring us water. Worst of all, when she delivered the silverware and mugs, her hands were touching the eating end of the utensils and the insides of the mugs. (Ew!)

We have a mixed review for McKinney & Doyle. The town/restaurant for our Sidewalk Coffee purposes was not up to our four cup standards. We were disappointed with the bakery portion and the walk-about town, hence the two cup rating. Now, if we were here to rate the brunch food, this would certainly be a four-cup rating!

Homespun Foods, Beacon NY

This morning’s trip was to Beacon, NY. This once depressed town is enjoying a resurgence (has a long way to go). Easily accessible by train or car, one can stroll down Main Street and visit the quaint new shops (which are nestled between the empty store fronts). With many art galleries and the Dia Art Center, Beacon is becoming a mecca for the arts.

The Second Saturday of each month is a chance for visitors to celebrate the arts while exploring the town’s many galleries.

Joanne dragged Jessica and Leah to second Saturday and after a grumpy walk half way down Main Street, we stumbled upon a hidden gem, Homespun Foods. Walking through the door, Joanne immediately recognized the mismatched ancient tables just like the ones in her grandmother’s apartment in the Bronx. The dessert display was like a beacon in Beacon. Ranging from quiches to fancy layer cakes, salads to sandwiches, who could decide…! We were stuck at the tricky time of 11am- did we choose the mouth-watering lunch menu or a second breakfast.

Once again, breakfast won out. We ordered a Spanish tortilla made of spinach, goat cheese and potato (delish). We could not pass by the desserts, so we also ordered a cherry scone and a slice of coffee cake…and of course coffee. We asked for tap water and were served just that in a chilled glass bottle…nice touch!

The meal was fantastic, the ambiance homey, staff was friendly, coffee was good and prices were reasonable. The bathroom even had wainscoting and lavender soap! (a personal favorite).

There will certainly be a return visit in the near future for lunch…and maybe a specialty cake!

And for you pet lovers, be sure to stop at the Beacon Barkery. They too had a mouth- watering display of treats from woofie pies to cannolis. The owner told us that the ingredients were healthier than human treats.

Babette’s Kitchen, Millbrook, NY

It is only fitting that our first blog entry takes place in Millbrook, a quaint town of antique shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Our second visit to Babette’s Kitchen inspired us to do this blog. On this visit we enjoyed both enjoyed the house blend hot and iced coffees, flavorful but not overpowering, at a reasonable price. It was hard to choose from the enticing breakfast menu, which included a Kolache, quiche, breakfast sandwich and a vegetable frittata. We decided on the frittata which was delicious and hit the spot. Because we couldn’t leave without something sweet, we also shared the sour cream coffee cake muffin. The lunch fare changes daily and consists of prepared salads, sandwiches and comfort foods like mac and cheese.

The staff was friendly and greeted local customers by name. Although small, the interior is cozy and fits the town. The daily paper was available and there are a few tables and a counter for indoor seating. Weather permitting; there are a few small tables outside.

Their website says they pride themselves on great customer service and delicious food. We agree! We’ll back next time for lunch.

Our Rating System

Once was enough

Worth the trip

Not to be missed
Doesn't get any better

How it all began....

Is there anything more pleasant than spending a weekend morning walking around a small town with a good cup of coffee and fresh baked something? The idea for this blog came about because we love to do just that. On a recent Saturday morning, we happened to be in Millbrook, NY for the local Farmers Market. Walking through town we came upon a small coffee shop with great coffee and pastries. We enjoyed it so much that we returned to Millbrook a few weeks later to begin a weekend ritual. Over another great cup of coffee, the idea for Sidewalk Coffee was born. So we have decided to make it our quest to visit small towns and sample the local coffee and pastries. Our criteria is simple, the town must have sidewalks and a local coffee shop or bakery (no chains!) We hope you enjoy our commentary and the additional weight will we gain for the benefit of the blog.