A Catskills Gathering to Celebrate Local Purveyors
A three hour drive from New York City led me through quiet country highways and misty mountains until I finally reached the expansive western Catskills, an area that has quickly become a favorite of mine. The region is far enough to feel secluded and untouched from the sprawl of city culture, but its beauty cannot be denied and it has long attracted a special community of makers, farmers, and visionaries. It is this community that has welcomed me into their homes, studios, restaurants, and farms and most recently, to a special dinner at The Annex in Andes, NY last month.
The Annex, a space that dates back to 1850, has housed many businesses over the last century, but was taken over this past season by Sean Scherer of Kabinett & Kammer, and Alex Wilson and Irene Hussey of Wayside Cider. Together, they used the impressive 19th century space to showcase the best talent of the area through art, shopping, and tastings from May until November; “We wanted it to be an immersive experience that engaged all the senses,” said Alex. After a fruitful collaboration, a gathering was planned to commemorate the end of a successful season in Delaware County where food producers and makers could join and celebrate together. “When you work for yourself in the Catskills, there is not much time to sit back, you always have to be thinking about the next season,” said Sean referring to the intention behind the dinner.
The space was warm and bright despite the lack of electricity and heat. Local Greentree Home Candles filled the room, antique american flags hung from every wall, and each guest brought an impressive dish to add to the spread. Local purveyors including Burnett Farms, Heaven on Main Street, and Evans and Evans Farm, carried in food that perfectly displayed their specific talents, a story behind every plate. The evening was a visual step back in time, but the conversations focused on the vibrant future of this ever expanding region.
Photos by Natalie Chitwood, Words by Emma Tuccillo