Birthday Part 2: The Other Red Hook

After years of running away from Brooklyn on my birthday, I knew it wouldn’t seem like a birthday if I didn’t have some time behind the wheel, singing to the blooming starry night off the New York Thruway. But I couldn’t go too-too far with local festivities planned for this weekend. So I headed north towards Kingston/New Paltz/Woodstock… At barely 2 hours from Manhattan, it’s the perfect distance away. Throw in a mid-week rate on a motel and you got an affordable destination too.

But, of course, food played a part in choosing my destination. I had stumbled across Luna 61‘s website several times and thought it was fine time to check out the lovely college town of Tivoli/Red Hook. Luna 61 is the quintessential small town upscale vegetarian restaurant. Oozing with friendliness and character, the staff aims to please… and delivers.

I ordered the Seitan Satay, juicy grilled marinated seitan skewers with a spicy sriracha aioli, as an appetizer. Very succulent! I didn’t confirm if the aioli was vegan so I steered clear.

For dins, a sweet potato enchilada, layered corn tortilla with grilled sweet potato and sauteed spinach topped with black beans, brown rice & salsa. Fresh and flavorful, my only recommendation would be an addition of guacamole.

Because staff thought I had to wait too long for my food, they threw in a complimentary vegan apple crisp! What a lovely and unexpected end to my birthday.