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46 Hudson Valley Parent n May 2014 Dining out Dutch Ale House 255 Main St., Saugerties 845-247-2337 • dutchalehouse.com Perfect for date night Perfect for the kids It isn't often my family of four ventures out to a restaurant. Taking twin 3-year-olds out to eat is usually more disastrous than a fine dining experience. But we were excited to give the Dutch Ale House in Saugerties a try. We de- cided a lunch date with our girls was safer than braving the dinner crowd. When we first entered the long narrow bar area I wondered, "How fami- ly friendly is this place?" As we moved past the small tables and limited seating areas, we found a side room that was brightly lit and had enough space for a family to settle in. Appetizer: We started with the truffle parmesan frites and white bean hummus with pitas. The french fries are tossed with tuscan herbs, parmesan cheese and white truffle oil and served with roasted garlic aioli and balsamic drizzle — a garlic lover's dream! It's a delightful mix of savory and mild sweetness. My picky eaters devoured the creamy white bean hummus and pitas and enjoyed the light kick of lemon zest. Entrées: Our entrées arrived in timely succession, meaning my kids had little time to fidget. Since it was St. Patrick's Day weekend, my husband selected the Bangers and Mash. The Irish sausages were served over mashed potatoes, caramelized onions with a Guinness demi-glace. I selected a grilled sandwich called The Pilgrim. It is roast- ed turkey, stuffing and provolone cheese grilled on rye bread. Cranber- ry sauce and gravy were served on the side for dipping. This twist on a favorite traditional meal gives a plain grilled cheese a favorable upgrade. Dessert: The kids and I went with apple crisp à la mode and my hus- band chose the Bailey's Irish Cream cheese cake. The apple crisp was sweet and tart with just the right amount of crumbled topping. The cheesecake was as decadent as it was creamy. While the atmosphere in the main bar area might mislead one to believe they are in a local tavern, the side room is inviting for fam- ilies. The Dutch has beautiful local artwork, light music and plenty of room to negotiate a stroller. Portion sizes are just right — plen- ty to eat with a little left to take home. Prices are comparable to what one might find at a familiar chain restaurant, but with better quality food and an unexpected wholesome atmosphere. Roxanne Ferber lives in Saugerties with her husband and 3-year-old girls. HUNGRY FOR MORE? Visit our guide for kid-friendly restaurants in your area hvparent.com/restaurant-guide Lunch date at the Dutch A family-friendly Saugerties gastropub 3 3