Staff Picks Julian Hom Staff Picks Julian Hom

Staff Pick: Gladiator

This week, Nick recommends Gladiator.

Rotten Tomatoes user Grant R. says, "One of the best movies ever made. So fresh. Russel Crowe is amazing."

Have you seen it? What did you think? Comment your favorite movies. We'll share your response with the staff.

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Garlic Ice Cream at the Garlic Festival

Alleyway won’t be at the Garlic Festival this year, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go.

Five Reasons to go:

1. Garlic Galore: As you stroll through the festival grounds, you'll find garlic varieties you never knew existed. Engage with passionate local farmers who are more than happy to share their garlic wisdom. Sample the spectrum, from sweet and mellow to bold and fiery.

2. Garlic Like Never Before: Think garlic fries, garlic knots, garlic-stuffed mushrooms, garlic smoothies, and even garlic ice cream.

(Not at Alleyway, though!)

3. Culinary Score: Want to master the art of garlic-infused cooking at home? Join the cooking demonstrations hosted by talented chefs who will share their garlic tips and tricks.

4. Live Entertainment: Live music sets the perfect backdrop. Dance performances and children's activities ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy.

5. Artisan Marketplace: Explore the artisan marketplace, a treasure trove of locally crafted goods, garlic-themed products, and artwork.

Practical Details:
When: September 30th and October 1st.
Where: Cantine Field, Saugerties, NY

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Staff Pick: Love Island

This week Madison recommends Love Island.

CBS's LOVE ISLAND, a summer series based on the global hit phenomenon, features single "Islanders" in a Las Vegas villa for dating, romance, and relationships. Islanders couple up every few days, risking elimination if single. Challenges, new arrivals, and twists add drama. Viewers influence events and choose the winning couple for love and a cash prize.

Comment with your favorite reality show. We'll share your response with the staff.

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The Ice Cream Cone Monopoly You Never Knew Existed

Did you know nearly 70% of the cones sold in US stores come from one company?

What started 100 years ago as a small shop with just one hand-powered oven has become an empire. Today, Joy Baking Group churns out 10m cones per day. So how did Joy Cone come out on top? And what does the family of the inventor of the first original ice cream cone think about it? Watch the video to find out.

Something cool I learned, you can take a tour of their Hermitage, PA factory from August through November. Contact Joy to book a tour.

We use Joy cones. I tried some other brands, but they're just not as good.

Fun fact, we could have cones made with custom printed jackets, but unfortunately, the minimum order is 1 million cones.

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Staff Pick: Emmental

This week's pick comes from Caroline. Caroline says Emmental is your cheesy bestie. Fondue, quiche, cheese boards, and don't get her started on paninis, she recommends it all. If you're feeling all healthy and stuff, pair it with some sliced apples or pears.

Need cheese? Check out The Corner Counter in Red Hook.

Reply with your favorite cheese and your other recs. We'll share your response with the staff.

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Ruby Hill Farm

Established in 2016, Ruby Hill Farm is a family-owned and operated gem nestled in the heart of Clinton Corners. Rich and Diana Romero offer local meat, chicken, pork, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and products made in the Hudson Valley, and, of course, Alleyway Ice Cream. They are proud to contribute to the local economy by establishing business partnerships that promote trust. Eating healthy and knowing where food comes from is essential and they wish to share this passion and experience with the community.

This past year Ruby Hill Farm opened Madi’s Way Schoolhouse, built in memory of Madison Dingee, their beloved daughter. Madi’s Way is dedicated to children of all ages, especially those who have suffered losses in their life. Madi’s Way is a place for everyone to come together in a loving and peaceful atmosphere to learn and grow together. The schoolhouse offers life skill classes such as sewing, reading, yoga, and mindfulness experiences. Classes are offered through scholarships based on need and supported by the adult classes.

Ruby Hill Farm and Madi’s Way Schoolhouse are open year-round. If you're curious about what's in season, just give Diana a ring at 917-733-9363. While you're there, make sure to say hello to the chickens, pigs, miniature goats, sheep, and ponies. Day passes are up for grabs, so why not make it a family outing?

You can find Ruby Hill Farm and Madi’s Way at 2325 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners, NY 12514. For updates, check out www.rubyhillfarm.com and find them on Instagram and Facebook.

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Staff Pick: Behind Closed Doors

This week Madison recommends Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. 

From the book: Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister.

Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.

Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.

Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed.

What do you recommend? Comment your picks and we'll share them with the staff.

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