Beyond the Screen: Culinary Greats Up Close
There must be something in the water in the Great Western Catskills that invites and fosters talented chefs, cookbook authors, restaurant owners and those passionate about food and hosting. The fleeting seasons, access to fresh food, land to farm and architecture with history serve as a backdrop, inspiration and way of life for our culinary all-stars. Not only are these people carving out space for themselves in Delaware County but they have received national and even global acclaim on TV shows, features from major publications and online attention. Get a glimpse of some of our local restaurant celebrities and ways in which you can engage with their content or have in-person experiences with their restaurants and offerings.
Photo of Alexis deBoschnek by Ivy Elrod/ NYT Wirecutter
Alexis deBoschnek, Uplands Farm & Gardens
Alexis deBoschnek, who grew up in the rolling hills of the Great Western Catskills, is a cookbook author, recipe developer and writer who runs an Uplands Farm & Fargens in Delaware County, NY. On top of writing two hugely successful cookbooks, Alexis and her husband raise poultry that can be purchased at the Delhi Farmers’ Market, picked up locally or shipped. Wirecutter met with Alexis on her farm and shared the feature article through the New York Times. Read all about the farm, Alexis’s takes on hosting, and how she finds beauty in the day-to-day.
Photo of Alison Roman from The Washington Post
Alison Roman, First Bloom Corner Store
Alison Roman is an acclaimed cookbook author and internet food personality who has made a name for herself through various avenues such as the YouTube series Home Movies with Alison Roman, three New York Times Bestselling Cook Books and a new cook book in stores this November. Roman crossed off a bucket list moment in September 2023 when she opened her own grocery store, First Bloom Corner Store, in Bloomville, NY. The Washington Post visited the shop and wrote a feature about the experience. People Magazine also caught up with Roman about her transition into motherhood.
Photo of Derek Curl and The Andes Hotel crew by Christian Harder
Derek Curl, The Andes Hotel
The Andes Hotel has been the heart beat of Andes, NY, since the 1850s. Throughout its 170 years of operation and multiple ownership transitions, the property has seen its most significant renovations under the stewardship of current owner Derek Curl. The revitalization of the space caught the attention of Magnolia Network and The Andes Hotel was featured in the television series, In With the Old. Curl has a background in film so the match up with Magnolia Network was effortless and natural.
Photo of Sohail and Sara Zandi courtesy of Brushland Eating House
Sara & Sohail Zandi, Brushland Eating House
Sara and Sohail Zandi, a husband and wife duo, own and operate Brushland Eating House in Bovina, NY. Additionally to hosting Persian meals and dinner at the restaurant, the couple has renovated a number of houses. Most notably, they transformed an 1800s barrel workshop into a style-ish, livable home and shared the process on Magnolia Network’s Diary of an Old Home. The couple also spoke to NBC News about how they adapted during the Covid-19 shutdown.
Featured photo of the Brushland Eating House by Torkil Stavdal
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Each article written on Great Western Catskills may be time or season dependent. While the event may have past, articles may be archived on our site. Please make sure to check the dates of every article and check with the business or attraction to make sure the dates or offerings have not changed.