Last year we were out visiting and wrote about Papa’s Best Batch, a popular BBQ joint operating out of a converted 1972 Airstream trailer on Greig Farm in Red Hook. We recently heard about a bunch of new “stuff” that’s been going there since last time we were there, so we decided to take a ride out.
These days it is very difficult for farmers to maintain a sustainable business in traditional ways. This has caused more farmers in the Hudson Valley to turn to agritourism as a way to link agriculture and tourism to help make ends meet. Norman Greig, owner of Greig Farm, is a perfect example of this and what he has created is a destination that has something for all!
When we got to the farm we were greeted by Jonathan Korzen who offered to take us on a tour to meet all the people who now call the farm home.
First on the tour was is it’s newest addition, the SOHU (South of the Hudson). Housed in a restored 1850 dairy barn, SOHU is a beautiful artisanal market featuring local artisans and crafts people. 35 vendors ranging from treats for your favorite canine companion, to ceramics, clothing and woodworking. Open Thursday through Sunday 10-5 through the fall.
Besides the barn collective, there’s a gallery—Farm Salon, currently featuring a retrospective of Patti Hill Gordon, an artist from Red Hook. There’s also a newly built studio where you’ll find jeweler Dennis Higgins crafting beautiful earrings, rings and more out of silver, brass and steel.
On Saturdays from 10-3 you can wander through the farmers’ market and pick up some great seafood, produce from the farm, olives and oils from Italy along with breads, eggs, coffees and other goodies to make your weekend meal planning a snap.
During the week, the farm has its own Café and Market where you can pick up prepared meals to eat there or take home as well as local groceries and just picked veggies. Beginning in June you can pick your own strawberries, blueberries and apples depending on the season.
But we were really there for all the smoky goodies coming out of the Airstream housing Papa’s Best Batch. Just voted #4 best BBQ in Upstate NY according to Yelp. Papa’s is known for their great selection of “sammiches” or you can get any of their smoked meats by the pound to enjoy at home. We got to try a new off the menu item The Perfect Plate (technically 3 plates) which is a great way for two people to try all the menu items.
On plate 1 there was a mound of the smoked Asian brisket, over cole slaw and topped with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing. A pair of smoked deviled eggs and some smoked hummus filled that plate to overflowing.
Plate 2 had the smoked salmon, topped with cream cheese, pureed capers and red onions. Two more deviled eggs, a mound of potato salad and a serving of the smoked chicken salad completed that plate, leaving plate 3 with a couple of toasted ciabatta rolls, ready to be called into duty for dipping or creating your own sammich. It was all delicious and a fun way to taste everything!
Each plate was full of goodness and very hard to stop eating even when we were past full.
Greig Farm creates a perfect back drop to enjoy lunch from Papa’s. It doesn’t get much better than sitting under a the canopy of a wistful willow tree, enjoy the panoramic view while eating your favorite “sammich”.
And don’t forget Papa’s other business--their nuts and jerky can now be found at over 170 retail locations in New York and New England or you can buy them on their website.
Make Grieg Farm and Papa’s Best Batch a must-stop on your next visit to the Red Hook area. You’ll have fun and eat well in a beautiful setting and isn’t that what summer is all about?
227 Pitcher Lane
Red Hook NY 12571
845-758-8007
