• Wunderbar in the 700 block of Warren Street is in the process of being sold to new owners, who are said to have a cattle farm in Amsterdam (NY). A well-placed source says that they will likely maintain the existing atmosphere while beefing up the bar business, and maybe adding a pool table to the back room. Longtime Columbia County resident and business owner Imre Vilaghy (who previously ran the Oasis café in Hudson's 500 block) intends to sail the world with his beloved dog Nikki starting in May.
• Blue Stores on Route 9 in Livingston has reopened, under the auspices of Darren and Tara Buffa, who ran the Lime Rind (at the former Morrison's location in Hudson, now the falafel place). A recent visit was somewhat marred by an intensely-scented candle, which one hopes was just a temporary bit of Valentine’s Day overzealousness.
• Swoon in Hudson continues its Meatless Mondays, a great bargain at $25 for four inventive courses.
• After an iffy start, Coyote Flaco on Route 9H/23 in Claverack (at the former Moosehead site) has become a local standby, with fresh, authentic, reliable Mexican dishes at the right price—with excellent service, and no extra charge for salsa and chips... A smart move for any place which makes most of its profit on tequila.
• If you’re looking for Turkish Moroccan food, reports are that Fez in Saugerties is terrific—but Yours Truly hasn't tried it yet.
