Food & Fashion: Hidden Gems

Walking down main street in the city, one can daily be enamored with the alluring scent of natural spices and aromas of varying cuisine offering a buffet of tastes that overwhelm the senses. Visitors to the region are often surprised to find a myriad of Western and Asian food types available for savoring, all in a one-mile radius of the city center. For many residents living in the city of Poughkeepsie, the taste of the Caribbean, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Latin America, China, and Thailand offer variety in dining options reserved for the privileged; except this is upstate New York and so much diversity of food choices is not supposed to be evident in such a place. Except for travelers who prefer basic food items such as hotdogs, burgers, and pizzas, there are vibrant culinary delights to be had in the city, and this is in exception to the American Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, NY. Duchess County is blessed with some of the most delectable foods anywhere in the Hudson Valley, but Poughkeepsie in particular rises above other cities situated in the valley. Travel along main street and you will be able to acquire freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, pizzas, Italian cuisine, and fast foods on every corner. However, the knowledgeable diner will seek out specific locale for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

While there are many locations to savor a variety of cuisine, there are a few that are worth mention for the visitor who has not become familiarized with the area. The Golden Crust Restaurant’s upper main street is a Jamaican spot where one can get the most Jamaican dishes and pastries. So too are Montego Bay Restaurant, Sylvia’s, Pats Kitchen, and Island Hut to name a few. Additionally, the most visible Latino spot is Nelly’s, and this is also located on the main street. For the curious visitor wishing to savor some good food Nelly’s and Pat’s Kitchen are in proximity within walking distance and will be the focus of this highlight. Pat’s Kitchen offers a wide variety of Jamaican foods, soft drinks, and pastries. This family-owned business is quite visible in the city of Poughkeepsie and is the go-to spot for many Jamaican dishes. The place can be said to be “little but dem tallawa”, as they are big on quality and consistent taste.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not dampened the spirit of the family, and with measures in place to manage risks, the business is now offering curbside pickups as well as limited inhouse dining with strict rules of mask enforcement. Dishes range from oxtails, goat meat, chicken, fish, patties, cocoa bread, pastries, and shrimp. There are also Jamaican delicacies such as roti, jerk chicken, jerk pork and a variety of soups. For breakfast there are several Jamaican recipes enjoy. Ensure you sample fried dumplings with ackee & saltfish, cornmeal porridge, greens, fritters, fried breadfruit. The business is opened 6 days/week except on holidays. 8am-8pm.

Nelly’s is a Latino spot specializing in Spanish/Latino cuisine. The business is also family owned and operated and is opened 7 days/week. Excellent customer service with inhouse dining as well as curbside pickup.

Currently if one needs to visit, restrictions are in order so visitors must adhere to the guidelines.

As part of the continued development of the main street corridor, the city has witnessed the emergence of new businesses to complement the fashion industry and provide variety and uniqueness of styles for the confident divas. This has paved the way for a revolutionary concept of style embolden by trailblazer Katherine Pena. Miss Pena is the owner-operator of the Real Divas Boutique, the realization of a dream that is manifested to empower young entrepreneurs as well as expose emerging trends in women’s fashion at an affordable price.

Her vision is to create value with a difference for female shoppers as well as the astute male purchaser. The focus is on exceptional customer service to enhance the client’s shopping experience along with quality merchandise to suit every need. The business is open 7 days/week and holidays. Visitors to the city will be enthused to experience a unique shopping experience when they stop by.