"Miracle on Canal Street"   My Rating
7 Truly	Posted on: Thursday, March 06, 2008
	Review: I simply couldn't believe it the first time I walked into Aroma Thyme, soaked in the ambiance, and took a look at the menu. What's a great restaurant like this doing in a run-down town like Ellenville? The answer is, the owners (Marcus and Jamie) grew up in the area and wanted to give something back. And trust me, it's worth the drive from anywhere in the Hudson Valley/Catskills to experience the outstanding quality of the food they are offering. The menu is definitely omnivorous, but it is very accomodating to vegetarians and even vegans (menu clearly marked). The focus is on organic and local ingredients, eschewing refined flour, white sugar, butter, and cream. Essential oils and Gary Null supplements add an interesting twist to the recipes. The interior is warm dark wood and soft greens. A bar stretches across half the restaurant and is usually manned by a knowledgeable bartender armed with an extraordinary wine and beer list, which includes organic selections. There are always a few interesting beers on tap. Local artists' work is often on display. Live music on weekends, theme nights, and beer/wine tastings make Aroma Thyme a community as well as a restaurant. And I haven't even told you about the food! I have trouble going there without ordering the Puree of Organic Sweet Potato & Yellow Curry Soup and the Organic Mesclun salad with Grated Golden Beets, Praline Walnuts & Tarragon Dressing. That alone could be a meal but I never stop there. There are always interesting specials (at least one veg-friendly). The seitan cutlets with Asparagus, Smoked Black Pepper and Roasted Tomatoes is a delicious standby if the specials don't interest me. The whole wheat thin crust pizzas are delicious for a lighter choice. Save room for dessert - in particular, the Chocolate Ganache Torte, which is vegan and deceptively simple (the only ingredients are raw cocoa, coconut oil, and maple syrup plus a few Gary Null supplements) but incredibly rich and tasty. My husband and I can barely finish one thin slice between us. Aroma Thyme has thrived for four years in a town where a restaurant or store is lucky to last six months. This is a testament to Marcus and Jamie's committment to holistic, high quality food in a convivial atmosphere. If anyone can bring Ellenville back to its Catskill-era glory days, it is these two.   Pros: Outstanding food * Incredible wine list * Friendly staff Cons: Pricey (but worth it) * *
1 of 1 visitors found the above review beneficial  Respond | Contact Member | Was this review useful?  - report abuse -

"Hudson Valley Vegetarian Haven"   My Rating
1 icelandico dy	Posted on: Sunday, April 22, 2007
	Review: My wife and I discovered Aroma Thyme 14 months ago when spending our Valentine's weekend in Saugerties and couldn't have been happier. The food was outstanding as is the wine list. Marcus (chef and owner) took the time to visit our table and gave wonderful recommendations when he was told we are vegan. Aside from how delicious all of the dishes are, what truly stands out is the quality and freshness of the ingredients. My review only gets better...fast forward a year and my wife and I are again in the Hudson Valley area on Feb. 13th. Well, we probably should have checked their website for when they are open, as it turned out they are closed every Tuesday. We didn't learn this until we reached the front door of the restaurant and found it locked. Seeing us at the door Jamie (owner) came out to explain that they were closed and preparing for tomorrow's Valentine's rush, but when we explained that we had driven two hours to visit Aroma Thyme, she insisted that we come in and eat. We tried to turn down the invitation, but she and Marcus insisted and proceeded to strike up the oven and serve us yet another outstanding meal. It was absolutely amazing. Marcus and Jamie made us feel so welcome and truly are wonderful hosts. We can't thank them enough or recommend more highly their restaurant. We have plans to visit more wineries in June with some friends and have made a trip to Aroma Thyme for dinner our one requirement for the day.   Pros: incredible quality food * friendly service * knowledgeable staff Cons: * *
1 of 1 visitors found the above review beneficial  Respond | Contact Member | Was this review useful?  - report abuse -

For Business Owners, if you see an unfair review- read this
Why was my review removed?- details
Reviews are not endorsed by HappyCow.net - review terms

Has Aroma Thyme Bistro closed, shut down, moved, or changed? Please use the Update Form.