Brasserie 292- Poughkeepsie, NY

Some may say it is hard to find a good spot to dine in the Poughkeepsie area without traversing to Rhinebeck or heading to the outskirts of the city.  However, Brasserie 292 is one restaurant which is right on the main strip.  This little gem is tucked into a narrow building in the center of it all.  Upon entering the restaurant one feels that the old world charm of France is incredibly prominent.  The restaurant contains small, intimate tables with dainty chairs upholstered in leather.  The bar rises up formidably on the right and is a sight to behold as it scales all the way up to the ceiling.  A patron can choose to sit at the few seats at the bar or can grab one of the small tables or intimate booths scattered through the restaurant.  The atmosphere of the eatery is definitely lush as the entire space is done up in splashes of black and deep, mahogany red.  It is definitely a great environment for a quiet dinner or a romantic night out.

I journeyed here with a friend to share some good drinks and interesting food.  Each of us started with a cocktail.  I had the Hemingway No.2 which was comprised of grapefruit juice, campari, cinnamon simple syrup, and rum.  It arrived in a martini glass and was a beautiful orange hue, the color of a pink grapefruit.  The drink was well mixed, smooth and also quite strong but it was a crisp, refreshing way to start a summer dinner.  After enjoying my cocktail I progressed onto dinner.  My friend and I decided to share the pork belly and scallop entree as well as the baked Camembert plate.  When the entree arrived, it looked mouthwatering.  The two large scallops on the plate were tender and cooked perfectly.  The pork belly practically melted in my mouth and the risotto that accompied the two meats was cooked to perfection and simmering in a foie gras bordelaise.  Although rich, I felt the dish was pleasantly so, and it was delicious accompanied by the fresh bread and butter.

With my second course of Camembert cheese I drank a Niepoort Ruby Tawny Port which was divine.  It was the color of dark eggplant and smelled of rich black fruits.  The taste was sweet, pleasant and not overpowering and it had a smooth even body.  The wine had a great mid-palate and was an excellent accompaniment to the Camembert which was baked in phyllo and served with rhubarb compote.  The sweetness of the port definitely complemented the sweetness of the compote and contrasted nicely with the smooth, creamy, slightly tangy cheese.

All in all, the dinner was delicious and the entire experience was incredibly relaxing.  The fact that my friend and I lingered there for over three hours enjoying food, wine and conversation just proves this restaurant is a great spot for a relaxing dinner.  A quaint European find for sure.  And it's just around the corner for the locals!

Pork belly scallop, risotto, foie gras bordelaise

Camembert, fresh greens, rhubarb compote