This was a really great find!
Located on Route 212 in Saugerties, in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York, the Land and Sea Grill offers a mix of American and Italian cuisine, with outstanding service and fair prices. I spent several hours there at my parents' anniversary party last weekend, and I have to say it was one of the best dining experiences I've had.
For those of you who insist on taking the NYS Thruway, the restaurant is located just West of exit 20. In my case, being a shunpiker, I took the (toll-free) Taconic State Parkway instead and let "Samantha" the "GPS Lady" guide me through some of the prettier farmland I've come across in New York state. The route took me through some places where the speed limit dropped to 10 or 20 MPH, but that's part of the fun of shunpiking.
Back to the restaurant, though. The appetizers were outstanding and well-presented; the salad fresh and crisp; and the entrees generous, beautifully presented, and delicious. I chose the Chicken Saltimbocca, which the menu describes as chicken breast "pounded thin, stuffed with prosciutto, sage and swiss served with a shallot demiglace." Not being a food critic, I have no idea what a "shallot demiglace" is, but it was one of the more delicious things I've ever eaten.
The restaurant has more than ample parking and is family-friendly. The servers were outstanding. No glass of water ever dipped below half-full, all menu items were explained in great detail, and service was prompt and professional. The owner, Charlie, checked frequently to make sure everything was okay, assisted his staff in serving the food, and pinch-hit as a photographer to take a group photo of our entire party.
There also is a full bar, but most of the people in the restaurant seemed to be there for the food.
Dress is casual. I had a sport jacket and a collarless shirt, and I felt over-dressed.
In summary, if you find yourself anywhere near Saugerties, New York, don't miss this place. It's worth a detour.
http://www.landandseagrill.com/-Richard
