Poughkeepsie Journal from Poughkeepsie, New York • Page 7D

Dining Out at The Cherry Blossom By Larry Herli Jonrnil tuff Sometimes, wonderful things can come in small, unobtrusive packages. The Cherry Blossom, for example. This Japanese restaurant sits inconspicuously in the middle of the Grand Union shopping plaza, just off Main Street in the village of Fishkill. The sign is particularly hard to see from the highway in the evening because of poor lighting But make the effort to find the Cherry Blossom. It's worth it The restaurant is clean, orderly and well designed And there's plenty of experience in the kitchen.

Co owners Tetsuo Nakatsu and Yoshisuke Watanabe have a combined total of more than 40 years in the business. Nakatsu first received a license for Italian cooking, of all things, on the Ginza in Tokyo. Watanabe studied under a chef who once prepared cuisine for the Japanese emperor. Both are former head chefs at the Gasho House in Central Valley. They are assisted by their wives, Mary Ellen Nakatsu and Sayoko Watanabe, and sushi chef Masa.

Before the meal begins, while drink orders are taken, customers are provided with hot, moist hand towels. When the menus arrive, the difficult choices begin. The selection is ample and varied and everything we tried on our three visits was delicious. krk Cherry Blossom, 150 Main Grand Union Shopping Plaza, Fishkill. 897 9691.

Description: Large rectangular room, sparsely yet tastefully decorated with Japanese paintings, other artwork. An authentic sushi bar and three traditional Japanese tataml (floor seating) rooms on the right, booths and tables on the left. Open: Tuesdays through Sundays; lunch 11:30 am. lo 3 dinner 5 30 till closing Credit Cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express. Reservations.

Accepted The stars signify: Four, excellent; three, very good; two, good, one, fair. Ratings are based primarily on food in relation to other establishments in the area with atmosphere, price and service taken into consideration. Sushi isn't for everyone. In fact, raw fish, rice and seaweed aren't exactly this reviewer's favorite delicacies. So I took along some sushi enthusiasts and asked them to rate it.

They had no trouble reaching a consensus: My sushi reviewers report that it is tender and delicious and the portion sizes are ample. I can report from personal experience (heck, you have to be brave if you want to be in the restaurant reviewing business) that the kappa maki (cucumbers and rice, wrapped in seaweed) was superb. As many as 25 different kinds of sushi are available as appetizers or as full dinners, for up to $16. There's also plenty of wonderful food for us sushi eschewers. Appetizers range in price from $2.50 for hiyayako (bean curd seasoned with ginger, scallions and soy sauce), to $4.50 for skewered shrimp or tempura (seafood and vegetables, deep fried in a light batter).

All dinners come with soup and salad. The soup is a wonderfully flavorful clear broth of chicken andor fish stock (the chefs vary the recipe from time to time, I'm told), scallions, tofu and mushrooms. Those with more traditional tastes can opt for the miso soup, made from adashi (fish stock) and soybean paste. The salad consistently cold and crisp comes with a light Japanese dressing consisting of sesame oil, soy, rice vinegar and seasonings The entrees offer something for anyone's taste. Those who aren't quite ready to plunge into exotic Japanese cuisine may choose the Cherry Blossom Special ($14 95), a combination of beef and boneless chicken breast in a a light, exquisite sauce.

The Pakura Special ($18 50) is the priciest meal on the menu, but well worth it. It consists of a healthy portion of large, tender broiled shrimp and quite possibly the most tender and best tasting filet mignon I have ever had. Seafood lovers should try the Customer's Choice a choice of flounder or salmon. On one occasion, the flounder was a bit dry as if it had been sitting in the kitchen for a while before the waitress picked it up. (This happened on a busy Saturday night the same night the waitress neglected to bring us our hot towels before dinner.) The salmon was tender, moist and delicious both times we ordered it.

For my taste, the best buy on the menu is the sukiyaki $12 50), a delicious mixture of thinly sliced beef, tofu and Japanese vegetables. The flavors and textures in this dish blend perfectly. The Cherry Blossom's dessert menu has some room for improvement What there is is good, but there isn't much of a selection (Mary Ellen Nakatsu told me that additional desserts are in the planning stages, but that the chefs felt that they ought to concentrate on the sushi, appetizers and main courses first The house specialty is the Geisha Secret, a ball of vanilla ice cream with cherries, nuts and liqueur in the center, all wrapped in a hard chocolate shell. There's plenty here for two customers. The other choices are mitsumom a traditional Japanese dessert consisting of fruit and gelatin over vanilla ice cream and lychee nuts, which look a little like large, tan cherries and taste a little like grapes.

The Cherry Blossom is a welcome addition to the Hudson Valley restaurant scene. The quality of the food, the elegance of the service and the clean, unfettered atmosphere make dining there a pleasant experience My first thought, upon finsihing my first meal there, was "I'll be back." I plan to make the 36 mile round trip from my house regularly. Friday, March 7, 1986 Poughkeepsie Journal 7D im xL if I communiTY children theater of Dutcheu County Inci "RUMPELSTILTSKIN" 1 A Music Play for the Young of All Ages DIRECTOR Chris Soman MUSICAl DIRECTOR Rod Schools Saturday, March 8 2 perf.i 10:30 and 1:30 Mm junuuy, munn tt i ana it at Spockenkill High School, Spockenlcill Rood, Poughkeepsie Info. reservations: 221 7224. $3.00 admission for all at door.

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NY f76 7077 Oldest Inn" circa 1766 OPN, SEVEN DAYS Some luncheon specialties Cobb Salad, Shrimp Louis, Omelettes, Jumbo Hamburgers Dinner 5 OOpm 10 OOpm featuring nightly specials of game, fresh seafood, smoked meats along with regular fare such as Poached Salmon, Veal wilh Artichokes, Bay Scollops with, snow peas. Boned Duck with Raspberry Sauce and our famous Prime Ribs Bountiful Sunday Buffet Brunch 10 OOam 2 OOpm. Raled (K ir Hudson Valley Magarine Reservations plealttr Credit Cord welcomed CHERRY BLOSSOM JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1 50 Main Grand Union Plaza Fishkill, N.Y. 897 9691 Now there is a choice in the Hudson Valleyl Enjoy Japan's charm in a casual setting featuring tataml rooms as well as traditional seating. We offer the finest in Tempura.

Chicken Teriyakl, Sukiyaki, noodle dishes, steak and shrimp, and sushi and sashlmi The Cherry Blossom experience Is like spending an evening in Japan Lunch 1 1 30 3. Dinner 5 to Closing. Closed Mon. Major Credit Cards CHEZ MARCEL Rt. 9, Rhlnebeck, NY 876 8189 Enjoy Continental Cuisine carefully prepared by owner chef Marcel and graciously served to your table Delicious weekend specials offered Open Sunday from noon to 9 00 pm.

Tuesday through Saturday from 5 00 pm 10 00 pm closed Monday NICK INN Route 55. LaGrange, NY 473 5455 Your hosts: lldy David Barley A tasty experience A very unique eating and dunking establishment The Nick Inn, where the usual is quite the unusual features the likes of which you are not likely lo find in this area Exciting lunches and dinners are served continuously Monday through Thursday 11 30 am 10 pm Friday and Saturday 11 30 am II 00 pm. Sun 4 pm 9 pm Happy Hour Monday through Friday 4 pm 7 pm Privole parties available tor groups up lo 30 people RIO BRAVO Hudson Plaza, Rt. 9 473 3659 Dutches County Newest Mexican Restaurant featuring authentic heafty" tionai Mexican cuisme prepared fresh daily ad Tastpfully presented in a reloxing, rustic setting A tittle bit of Mexico in Dutchess Co Open daily Happy Hour 4 6 Bar Drinks I 2 price Lunch 1 1 am 4 pm Dinner Sun Wed4 pm 10 30 pm, Thurs Sat 4 1 pm Amencgn Express Cards Welcome THE OSBORNE INN Oibomo Hill Road, Flihkill NY (just off Rout 9) 896 9973 lnnkpm John and Doris Caihln A very special place for lunch, dinner, brunch Light snacks are also served All dishes cooked to order Blackboard specials available daily Enjoy the dining room or the fireplace lounge Banquet facilities Lunch 1 1 30 4 30 pm Dinner 5 00 pm 10 00 pm daily Sunday 1 1 .30 am 9 00 pm Brunch Sunday 1 1 30 am 3 00 pm. Major Credit Cards.

Live Entertainment in our Piano Lounge Fn Sat Evenings Closed Tues CHRISTO'S RESTAURANT 1 55 Wilbur Boulevard, Poughkeepsie, NY 471 3400 Christo'8 invites you to a Traditional Continental Restaurant to Sample some of our Favorite dishes Enjoy excellent food and service In a romantic, candle light country club setting Apart from the extensive menu and wine list, we offer a variety of seasonal items Open to the public. Lunches Tues. Fri 1 1 30 2.30. Dinners Tues. Sat.

5 10. Closed Sunday and Monday KARL EHMER RATHSKELLER RouMa 9 53, Flihkill, NY I 896 9946 Ge'rrnan cooking at Its "finest Featuring daily specials that are TRULY SPECIAL including Our Famous Karl Ehmer Bratwurst Kitchen open dally 11 30 am to 9 pm. Friday and Saturday 11 30 am. to 1 0 pm, Sunday noon to 9 pm. Our second floor is now open to accomodate small parties up to 80 people LA FONDA DEL SOL Old Rout 9, Woppingers Foils NY 297 5044 Authentic and Spanish cuisine in a charming Mexican style atmosphere Excellent Mexican Combinations seasoned mild or hot to suit your taste Hours Monday Friday 11 30 am 10 30 pm.

Saturday 2 00 pm 10 30 pm. Sunday 2 00 pm 10 30 pm Entertainment in Cantina Wednesday Thursday 9 30 pm 2 00 am Friday and Saturday 10 00 pm 2 OOam Cocktails available Bienvenidot THE MAHARAJA ROOM Moin Millerton, NY (Across from Cumberland Farms) (518)789 4808 A dining experience devoted to authentic Indian cuisine and atmosphere Full service bar Luncheon Buffet $4 95. Lunch 12 3 pm, Dinner 5 9 pm Closed Tuesdays Reservations suggested Visa, Mastercard Accepted. $cttde 4 SHIP LANTERN INN Rout 9W, Milton, NY 79S 54O0 Oldest Continental Restaurant Ownership In the Hudson Valley Third generation of family management Seasonal specialties Banquets and private parties with a Continental touch Gift certificates Luncheon Tuesday Friday 12 noon 2 pm Qinner 5 00 pm 9 30 pm Saturday dinner 5 00 pm 10 30 pm Sunday dinner 1 00 pm 8 00 pm Closed Monday Visa. MC SPANKY'S 85 Main Street.

Poughkeepsie N.Y. 485 2294 The superb flavor ond excitement in Dining that only "Louisana's Coun Cuisine'' can offer Served in a warm, airy, and personable atmosphere Sieak, poultry and seafood abound Dinner entrees served Coun style and Non Caun style as well lunch and dinner served Monday Saturday dinner only on Sunday TaTeTnTgnl Bill of Fore served from 10 pm 2 am Wednesday Saturday Bourbon Street Hour 4 6 pm daily hot hors oeuvrcs served Fridays Motor credit cords accepted STOCKYARD RESTAURANT Turner Street, Hopewell Junction 221 3444 Just over the Bridge on Route 82 Delicious seafood and steaks Dining in a rustic, comfortable setting Monday Thursday 4 00 pm 10 30 pm. friday 3 00 pm 1 130 pm Saturday 12 noon 1 1 OQypm Sunday 12 noon 10 30 pm "MORE THAN REASONABLE PRICES TAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT 244 West Moin Street, Woppingers Falls Rt. 9D opposite mall in ornate house) 297 6667 Authentic Indian cuisine served In a charming atmosphere Taj Mahal's chef prepares food with spices to suit each individual taste Variety of Indian breads baked each day with fresh dough prepared without yeast Weekday lunch special offered Lunch 11 30 am 2 pm Dinner 5 30 pm 10 pm Closed Mondays Major credit cards accepted TOM7S COLONIAL RESTAURANT' jAT THE HOLIDAY INN OF FISHKILL JRout 9 and Interstate 84 Flihkill ,896 6281 Dmo in our lovely new greenhouse The finest in American cuisine featuring our ialod bar wuh dinner Breakfast 6 30 am to I I 30 am luncheon hours 30 am 4 40 pm daily Dinner hours 4 30 pm 10 00 pm doily live, entertainment nightly 'PAOLUCCI'S Rout 44, Mlllbrook, NY 1 2545 677 9774,677 3178 Country Italian culaine encompassing the flavors and techniques of all the regions of Italy, south to north, with some bordering on French and Swiss fare The owner chef. Joseph Paolucci.

has combined the best of cuisine with the comforts of country ambiance All dishes cooked to your preference Dinner Tuesday through Saturday 5 00 pm 10 00 pm, Sundays I 00 pm 9 30 pm Luncheon parties by reservation Closed Mondays VICTORIA PEAK Rt. 9 North, Opposite D. Fair Ground! Rhlnbck. N.V. (914) 876 7933 Traditional Chinese Cumne served in the area's most elegant surroundings Crystal Chondeliers vidonan und oriental antiques and fine Chinese cuisine will make "eaiing Chinese a memborable dining experience Enioy fireside cocktail in our gracious cockto I lounge or at our mognihcenl IVth Century Victorian bar Dinner weekrmjhis Sun to 10 Fn Sat 5 to II PM Closed Mon Am (press MARIKO'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT BtlwHn Rhirwback Rd Hook on Rt.

9 1 mil N. of Rt. 9 9G Inflection In Rhlrwlwck (914)876 1234 Hudson Valley's only authentic Japanese cuisine. Full Japanese menu Teriyakl chicken. Tempura.

Neglmekl beef, Tonkatsu pork. SUSHI and SASHIMI. Also brown rice end vegetarian SUSHI. Party package and catering available. from Poughkeepsie Journal Restaurant Review.

Wed. Sot 5 10 Sun 4 9pm Shakuhachl, Japanese Bamboo Flute, performed Sunday evenings 6 3Q 9 00 Closed March 1 2 March 20 for renovations PATIO CAFE RESTAURANT BAR 49 51 Market St. Pooghk.p.l, N.Y. 914)432 3022 'Just an old fashioned place to dine where you know what you're getting, and know It will be good Charles Alva Hoyt Our dinners are freshly prepared and cooked to order Solid, homemade, and reasonable In cost. Meals accompanied by our Grand Piano Wed Frl 5.30 8 30 Open Mon Sat Lunch 11 00 4 30.

Dinner 4 30 9 00 Full Bar Service Lunch Dinner YCJBO ORIENTAL RESTAURANT (1051 Union Av. Nswburgh HSU3UI Enler the world of Yobo whore you C(jn kick off your ihoei grid" line od bobbltng brookt and bridge! Thu unique rekluuranl with Pun menu variety of Asian cuivmos from Indonesian Sate lo Japanese Hibalchi and Sushi Irom Korean Bulgogi lo oil Ihe provincial cooking ol china Yobo master chefs waitresses and staff offer you the best tn hospiialilv ond real art ol Asian cooking Open 7 days lunch and nner Located nei lo eil7S, Rie 84 and Lkii 17 Ihruwuv Muior credit cords accepted rceservat on Jr'e'Tti I lWWIVVw4.