It’s a little like having dinner in a quiet and cozy art gallery — complete with lovely framed nature photos from local artists for sale along the walls. Though there is a kid’s menu, the atmosphere is more conducive to adult conversations; parents are asked that children “be escorted and seated” and patrons are requested to keep their cell phones on vibrate. A welcome change from most restaurants where being loud and boisterous is the name of the game.
On a recent Wednesday evening, I met up with Charlene, a good chum of mine, for a catch-up. And a great meal.
Appetizers: “Oh, I am definitely getting the crab cakes,” Charlene announced. And heartily enjoyed its “crispy” outside, saying it was a cake with lots of “crab.” The pretty plate set-up included a grape tomato, sautéed shrimp with a perfect lime and dill
vinaigrette. I went right for the chicken quesadilla (right) with chicken, sour cream and guacamole. The bread was delicate and pastry-like, with a sour cream drizzle, and the generous portions proved to be almost a meal in itself.
Entrees: Charlene chose an all-American favorite: Buttermilk Fried Chicken (above) with Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables and Red Eye Gravy, and the chicken she said, was almost boneless. The best part: the light and flavorful mashed potatoes with 
“just the right amount of saltiness.” I went with my favorite: a warm grilled chicken salad with pecans, scallions and tomatoes (right), only because the appetizer had been filling, and I wanted to save space for my favorite course. The salad was plentiful with a generous portion of grilled chicken slices, and both of us took home leftovers.
Dessert: Our waiter recited a long list of desserts with one better than the next. I chose the peanut butter mousse cake (above) sliced in the round with its four-layers tall with two (count ‘em) two layers of thick peanut butter mousse. Charlene went for the classy chocolate-white-mint gelato, served in a wine glass that capped off an extremely pleasurable and evenly-paced meal.
Painter’s
266 Hudson Street, Cornwall on Hudson
845-534-2109 • painters-restaurant.com
Kid-Friendly/Suitable for date nights
Click here to view more great restaurants in our Restaurant Guide!
MJ Goff is editor of Hudson Valley Parent magazine.