Jan 14, 2021
In August, chef Dan Barber announced plans to step down from his kitchen duties and pivot his Grand Award–winning Blue Hill at Stone Barns into a chef-in-residence concept. That came to fruition this week, with Jan. 13 marking the start of the first season of chef residencies at the farm and restaurant in Pocantico Hills, N.Y.
For five weeks, each chef will lead the kitchen and offer their spin on regional cuisines using produce from Stone Barns Center and other surrounding farms. “Each of these chefs will explore the intersection of cooking and farming but also culture, identity, community and health,” Barber wrote in a statement. “A vision for food that is both physical and philosophical, and so much greater than the sum of its parts.”
Where to dine outdoors in the Capital Region this winter
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As winter weather settles into the Capital Region, here are some of the local restaurants still offering outdoor seating.Provided photo
With winter settled in and COVID-19 numbers continuing to climb locally, we ve put together a list of some of the Capital Region restaurants that continue to offer outdoor seating. In this rapidly changing environment, it s best to call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you haven t been to the establishment before.
Capital Region restaurants where outdoor dining is a winter fixture
Excelsior Pub
Albany. Outdoor tables, no heaters. From 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends, closed Monday.
Empire State Development is offering grants of up to $5,000 for restaurants adjusting to COVID-19 safety guidelines. The $3M+ Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund supported by Diageo North America, Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits (a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits), National Development Council and ESD offers NYS restaurants up to $5K to support COVID-19-related upgrades.
“Raising the Bar” grant funding can be used for COVID-19-related improvements and equipment that will allow the business to comply with social distancing guidelines, expand take-out/delivery operations, or accommodate outdoor dining such as plexiglass barriers/partitions, signage promoting social distancing and hygiene protocols, heaters, heat lamps, weatherization upgrades and insulated delivery bags; improvements that will allow the business to continue operating through the winter months such as filtration system upgrades and food heaters to maintain temperature for to-go orders and purchas