If you are looking for an amazing, romantic French brassiere tucked inside one of the smallest and nicest towns around the state of New York, Le Bouchon should be your destination. I must have been to this tiny restaurant built on the porch and the ground floor of a historical Cold Spring townhouse 4 times in 2 years (although it is a 1.5 hour drive from Manhattan).

Located right on Main St., the infamous and the only popular street of Cold Spring constructed on a hill overlooking the Hudson river, filled with antique shops, Le Bouchon is unintentionally disguised as a regular mediocre restaurant. It’s real face is revealed only when the visitors take the step inside. Painted in flashy red with bottles of red wine casually displayed on the walls, the brassiere reminds one of an unexpected intimate celebration spot. The fake fireplace inside the dining room increases the warmth and the menu expands the appetite.

Recommended Red Wine: Gigondas

Recommended Food: French Onion Soup, Les Moules, Filet Mignon and for dessert: Les Profiteroles

Every time I visit Le Bouchon, I feel like I step into a movie set. A movie set that takes me away from the noisy, crowded and bright streets of Manhattan. I calm down and enjoy the food, the history and the silence.  I tell myself “I should drive up here more often”.

I recommend you avoid the highways and take the 9W right next to the Hudson.