The Bullhouse

--> Chestertown, New York is the next town over from where we have summer vacationed for the past ten years at the boathouse right on Brant Lake. Mostly we cook at the boathouse.

 We do not eat out that much because the good restaurants are few and far between, and in our minds, just OK.

That all changed on a Monday evening when we tried the new restaurant in Chestertown.

The Bullhouse opened in February of 2013. Monday night found it full with only one table left. I would guess that the patrons were mostly well-dressed vacationers. I could be wrong about that.

They have a very nice sort of eclectic menu, mainly featuring steak. I have not had much luck with steak lately -- or ever, really. To my wife’s and my surprise there was list of Mexican specialties also. Under FAVORITES were listed

Tequila Ahi Tuna   

Smoked Paprika Chicken   

Mesquite Pork Chop   

Quinoa Stuffed Chile Rellenos

and Gulf Coast Fish

You can even order a Coca Cola from Mexico. The one with the cane sugar, just as you remember it growing up.

I had no expectations whatsoever and I was not hungry, although the chile rellenos sounded good. Under steaks, I opted for the strip steak open sandwich. My wife ordered the chile rellenos. We both thought that the steak might be what we call in Boston a steak and cheese. Or in Philadelphia, a cheese steak.

They have a very sweet, competent, friendly waitstaff. Ours was here from Romania.

Our meals arrived. My steak was cut in slices and about one half an inch thick. The bread slices underneath were delicious. Fries on the side and broccoli for a vegetable. There were five toppers to choose from: poblano rajas, chimichurri, mushroom demi glaze, chipolte crema, and the one that I chose, garlic butter. Underpriced for such a large portion I thought.

Are you getting hungry?

Having traveled extensively through Mexico and the American Southwest for the past 46 years, we feel a little bit like experts. Especially on chili rellenos. I was shocked when my wife said that it was the very best chili rellenos that she has EVER had. I tried it and agreed. My steak was fabulous and although it was a large portion and I wasn't hungry, I finished it all.

Don't get the wrong idea. It is not a Mexican restaurant. There are all kinds of side dishes, starters, soups and salads, and as I said, steaks. Four different kinds.

The 1893 wooden building that houses The Bullhouse is beautiful, and reminds you very much of a ski town in the snowy mountains of Colorado or Utah.

Two days later we were back. With us were our friends visiting from Albuquerque. They agreed that it was the best chile rellenos ever. Quite an endorsement from New Mexico and Texas residents. They were on a 30-day road trip and said that this was their best meal yet. An Italian restaurant in Saint Louis came in second.

The owner, Lonnie Shenefield, says so far it has been a learning experience. It is her first restaurant. I suggest you make your reservations now.

This restaurant is and will be a huge success. Exit 25 off the Northway Route 87 on the main street in Chestertown New York.

                 

If I lived 30 miles or even 40 miles away from there, I would go back monthly. I already know where we will have our first meal out come next August’s vacation in the Adirondacks.

factoid  .....  Rachael Ray grew up 20 minutes away in Lake George New York.