Poughkeepsie Journal from Poughkeepsie, New York • Page 7D

Friday. July 11, 1986 Poughkeepsie Journal '7D Dining Out at the Capri 400 By Larry Hcrti Journal staff The Capri 400 has one of the best salad bars and best views of the Catskill Mountains of any restaurant in the Mid Hudson Valley. The food's a puzzle. It was well below par on our first visit and well above par on the second. Since this friendly, attractive eatery has been around for quite a while, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and say we just caught it on a bad night the first time.

As the name implies, the specialities here are Italian food and seafood. In addition to a wide variety of pasta, shellfish, and Italian veal dishes, however, the menu includes an impressive array of beef and steak entrees. But before your main course arrives, prepare yourself for a lot of wonderful fare from the salad bar. The standard stuff is there: crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, a good assortment of dressings. But there are also crocks! ul of antipasto, fruit salad, bean salad.

Capri 400, Route 9V, Port Ewen, 331 9400 Open: Monday through Saturday 5 p.m. till closing; Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., dinners 1:30 till closing. Reservations: accepted Credit cards: All major cards accepted. Description: Plush carpets, marble table tops, Roman sculpture and other Italian decor.

Large dining room to the left of the bar, augmented by a greenhouse covered porch festooned with hanging plants. hot peppers, very hot peppers and at the end of the table a large, iced bowl full of tender baby shrimp and gallons of cocktail sauce. It takes a modicum of willpower not to ruin your appetite on all of this good stuff. On my first visit, though, I wished I had. I ordered what I thought would be a safe bet: prime rib and twin lobster tails.

The beef was tender and tasted all right, but it contained lots of fat. And the lobsters were mushy and cooked almost beyond recognition. It marked the first time I can remember that I didn't eat all of a lobtser dish that was put in front of me. My dinner companions didn't fare much better. The veal marsala and pasta primavera were mushy and overcooked, too, and both lacked any distinctive flavor.

Our second visit was an overwhelmingly pleasant surprise. The salad bar was just as good as the first time. The homemade chicken rice soup was hot and delicious. And the dinners and desserts were superb. My veal Francese ($9.95) medallions of veal dipped in an egg batter and lightly sauteed were tender and moist.

The penne ari biota ($10.50) ziti smothered in a spciy tomato sauce was perfectly cooked and more than ample. And one of the house specials mussels, clams and shrimp on a bed of linguini provided more food than one hungry person could finish. Every mussel, clam and shrimp was tender and tasty a'nd the linguini was cooked al dente. This time, buoyed by our success with the main courses, we tried dessert. Capri 400 features one of those sinful, 10,000 calorie pastry trays.

From it, we selected the chocolate torte ($2.75) whose taste and texture are not to be believed. We also ordered fresh raspberries over vanilla ice cream. It's hard to find a dessert that costs $5 50 that's worth the price, but this is one of them. Each berry was large and plump and perfect, and the ice cream (a local brand called Highland, from Newburgh, the waitress told us) was about the best I've ever had. After we finished this meal, it was hard to believe it was the same place that had served the previous one.

But the view and the salad bar alone are worth the trip to Port Ewen (about 15 miles from Pough keepsie), and when the food is good at Capri 400, it is very, very good. Give it a try. IBfll NFJfk TnMlJaaaaaaWBMSiKNrl' ti 'ri IT Ptr Schoef The first of throe Aston Magna concerts is tonight, 7t30, in the Bard College chapel. Othor porformancos are set July 1 8 and July 25. Bard hosting Aston's performance institute ANNANDALE ON HUDSON For the first time this year, the Aston Magna Foundation, Great Bar rington, Mass.

has brought its Performance Practice Institute to the Bard campus At the invitation of Bard president Leon Botstcin. the institute is housed at Bard's Blythewood Mansion instead of its usual site at Simon's Rock of Bard College, Great Bar nngton. The institute needed more space, so moved to Bard. Participants come from all over the country for the performance oriented program performed in the style of 17th and 18th century musicians. This summer the focus is on 17th and 18th century France.

Aston Magna concerts will be offered beginning tonight, and on July 18 and July 25 at 8 in the college Chapel of the Holy Innocents. Daily 4:30 6 p.m. Sun. noon 5 p.m. Choice of: English Cut Prims Rib 7.95 Lt.

Weight NY Strip 7.95 Broiled Salt Water Fish ....6.95 Half Belted Chicken 6.50 Fresh Chopped Beefsteak .5.95 Includes: Soup, Salad Bar, Potato or Rice, Ice Cream and Coffee. Eilllll 'infill i i.ii i. 'h5yir if IK! lKJL'Mt(it((iM fttJ2sll Ik liua lorn as. MaWr 111 'Sssaiftsefeg C'c 622 DUTCHESS TURNPIKE POUGHKEEPSIE 471 4460 DINNER DAILY 4 30 9 30 FRI, SAT. TILL 10 30 SUN.

12 9 PM Rsrvationi xcapt Sot. 471 6660 ttr A XAVIER ft WWW tfV, I fir 'inner Specials I A I ft MM ZA A SXiAiJilJ 1 a visssj Spaghetti Bolognese Veal Marsala Linguini with a succulent clam sauce (red or white) Roast Prime Rib Au Jus 6.50 7.95 11.00 All above complete dinner includes potato, vegetable, salad, bread butter Dutchess County'' Beit Kept Secret TABLESlDt COOKING li.Minai i A MMkMbhhN at OrA elf ry Catering to All Occaaion. Up to BO tWJ a. Artvnburg ru vNj ff LaO.aNV vV 4 TT RESTAURANT Rt. 9.

Hyde Park. N.Y 229 9113 WEEKEND SPECIALS APPETIZER: Soup Do Jour Visit Our Aquarium Cocktail Lounge VEAL PARMIGIANA A LA ROMANO Stuffed With Eggplants Ricotla Cheese, Topped With Tomato Sauce Mozzarolla FRESH FILET OF SOLE A LA FLORENTINE Stuffed With Spinach Ricotla Cheese, Baked in a White Wine Butter Sauce All Above Served With Spaghettis. Salad OPEN 7 DAYS IOPEN7DAYT1 YOUR CHOICE $895 fcEEKMAN ARMS Rhinebeck. NY A74 7077 "America's Oldest Inn" circa 1766. OPEN SEVEN DAYS.

Some luncheon specialties Cobb Salad, Shrimp louis. Omelettes, Jumbo Hamburgers. Dinner 5 00pm 10 OOpm feolurlng nightly specials of game, fresh seafood, smoked meals along with regular fare such os Poached Salmon, Veal with Artichokes, Day Scallops with snow peas. Boned Duck with Raspberry Sauce and our famous Prime Ribs. Bountiful Sunday Buffet Brunch Ifr00anv2 OOpm.

Rated Cf CritVi Hudson Volley Reservations please. Credit Cords welcomed. BERTIES 9 1 1 liberty (off Main Mall) Poughkeepsle 432 BERT An upscale menu serving lunch and dinner with continental specials prepared by Cher Anthony LaFalce Every Sat. night, all you can eat buffet for only 7 95. with July's month long complete dinner specials: Steak Scampi 9 95; Stuffed Flounder '8 95; and Steak terlyaki 10.95 Includes soup, salad, coffee, tea and dessert.

Kitchen open Won. thru Sat. 1 1 :30 t0: Late Night Deli and dancing until 4 a.m. Wed. Sat.

Jazz Band on Tuesday nights. Major credit cards accepted. Banqueta and private parties welcomed. BRADY'S PUBLICK HOUSE 39 Garden Poughkeepiie, N.Y. 432 4300 Within the heart of Poughkeepsle's Financial District and conveniently located near the Bardavon and Civic Center.

Brady's offers lunch and dinner seved in a comfortable pub atmosphere. In addition to the regular menu Items, Brady's features the most unique chalkboard specials available In the area. Lunch served Mon. 11:30 4.00; dinner Mon. Sat.

5.00 10 00. Every Wed. is Tex Mex Night. Happy Hour, Mon. Frl.

4.30 6.30, closed Sundays during July and August. All major credit cards accepted. CANTON Restaurant 763 South Road Poughkeepiie 297 7722 Enjoy a leisurely dining experience in an authentic oriental atmosphere Choose from Cantonese. Szecnuan and Polynesian specialties Full American menu also available Try our 6 course buffet lunch served Tues Fri for only $4 40 Dinner served six days. Closed Mondays Take out oprders Banquet Facilities CASCADE MT.

WINERY Amenio, N.Y. Follow Slant 3 milai no. of Amanlo light on Rt. 22 914 373 9021 CELEBRATE AMERICA! Come and lunch in rural splendor while you sample some of the regions finest wines. We feature local delicacies, including a choice of two delicious pates, smoked salmon, trout, barbequed local beef or lamb, served with freshly baked French bread butter, vegetable fresh fruit for only $6 00.

Free tours tastings 10 6 daily Lunch 1 1 3 m. CHERRY BLOSSOM JAPANESE RESTAURANT 1 50 Main Grand Union Plaza FUhkitt, N.Y. 697 9691 i Now there Is 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 Terlyaki. Sukiyakl. noodle dishes, steak and shrimp, and sushi and sashlml The Cherry Blossom experience Is like spending an evening in Japan Rated by Poughkeepsle Journal Lunch 1 1 30 3.

dinner to Closing Closed Mon Major Credit Cards CHEZ MARCEL Rt. 9, Rhlnobeck, 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. CHRISTO'S RESTAURANT 1 35 Wilbur Boulevard, Poughkeepiie, NY 471 3400 Chrlsto's invites you to a Traditional Continental Restaurant to Sample some of our Favorite dishes. Enjoy excellent food end 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. Frl.

1 1 .30 2.30. Dinners Tues. Sat. 5 10. Closed Sunday and Monday.

CIRCLE ON THE POND Poughquag, N.Y. 1 2370 (914)724 4900 Bob and Frances Low of "Le Cercle des Gastronomes serve dinners for lovers of fine French cooking Celebrate anniversary, birthday or gathering of friends on tree shaded terrace overlooking pond Menus include poached fish, reck of lamb and roast veal with fresh herb sauces Raves from Gerry Raker In the "Journal'' and Deanne Scheckley in the "News Call for reservations. COPPERFIELDS Route 44 Millbrook Vi mile east of Toconk Pkwy. 677 8188 FOR THOSE WHO APPRECIATE THE DIFFERENCE Our atmosphere Is natural and relaxing our food Is exciting end delicious Chef Richard Omer Jr cooks to perfection with an International flair. Including daily lunch and dinner specials Our lunches are enjoyable Our dinners ere unique and fulfilling Our Brunch Bunch on Sundays Is great way to wind up the weekend.

Served from 1 1 30 AM 2 PM Wo Include a complimentary cocktail Lun. cheon hours 1 1.30 2 30 dinner hours 5 30 9 BON APPETIT EL BORRACHO Rt. 44 Millbrook, NY 677 3888 Outstanding Mexican cuisine served in a beautiful country setting Just 5 miles east of Millbrook. All food prepared on premises, and Includes such specialties as chiles rellenos. mole pablano.

chimicnangas end much more. Well worth the scenic drive to discover the home of the half quart Marguanta Dinner Wed Sun. from 5p closed Mon. Tues. Visa.

MC. 'KARL EHMER RATHSKELLER Routes 932, Flihkill, NY 896 9966 German cooking at Its finest. Featuring dally specials that are TRULY Our Famous Karl Ehmer Bratwurst. Kitchen open daily 1 1 30 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 1 1 .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. Restaurant LE CHAMBORD RESTAURANT Route 32 Carpenter Hopewell Junction, N.Y. 221 1941 POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL'S HIGHEST RATINGI French nouvelle cuisine 6et in a 1863 Georgian Colonial estate The inn and dining rooms are enhanced by a display of fine American and European paintings and antiques Featuring a magnificent wine cellar Open 7 days a week Lunch Mon Fri 1 1 30 2.30. Cocktail Hour 4 30 7. Dinner Mon Fri 6 10.

Sat 6 1 1, Sun 5 9 Sunday Buffet Brunch 1 1 .30 2 30. Major credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended. Your host Roy Benlch. THE MAHARAJA ROOM Main Millerton, NY (Across from Cumberland Farms) (518)789 4808 A dining experience devoted to authentic Indian cuisine and atmosphere Full service Dar.

Luncheon Buffet $4 95. Lunch 12 3 PM Dinner 5 9 Closed Tuesdays Reservations suggested. Catering for private parties of 1 5 people or more VISA. Mastercard accepted. MARIKO'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT Between Rhinebeck A Red Hook on Rt.

9 I mile N. of Rt. 9 a 90 Intersection In Rhinebeck 1914)876 1234 Hudson Valley's only authentic Japanese cuisine Full Japanese menu Terrlyakl chicken, Tempura. Neglmakl beef. Tonketsu pork, Susfia and Sashimi.

Tokyo Nouvelle Specialties. Vegetarian dinners available Party Package and catering available. from Poughkeepsie Journal Restaurant Review Wed Mon 5 10 pm. Sun. 4 9 pm Shakunacki, Japanese Bamboo Flute, performed 6 30 9 pm 2nd and 4th Sundays each month NICK fNN Route 55.

LoGronge. NY 473 5455 Your hosts: tidy ft Dovld PorUy A tojty experience A very unique eohng and drinking eMoblihmonl Tho Nick inn, where ihe utual it quite the unusuol feature, the like, of whictyou ore not likely to find thi area Exciting lunches and dinner, are served continuou.l Monday through Thursday II 30 am 10 pm Fndoy ond Sotu'day II 30 am II 00' pm. Sun 4 pm 9 pm Happy Hour Monday through Fnda 4 pm 7 pm Private parties ovailobto for groups up to 30 people THE OSBORNE INN Osborno Hill Road, Flihkill NY (ust off Route 9) B96 9973 Innkoepsersi John and Doris Cashin 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, piano loungo or the patio deck Banquet facilities. Lunch 1 1 30 4 30 P.M Dinner 5 00 PM 10 00 PM daily Sunday 11 30 A 9 00 M. Brunch Sunday 11 30 A 3 00 M. Major Credit Cards. Closed Tues Entertelnment Fri.

Sat Eves PAOLUCCI'S Route 44, Millbrook, NY 1 2543 677 9774,677 3178 Country Italian cuisine encompassing the flavors and techniques of ell the re gions of Italy, south to north, with bordering on French end Swiss fare. The owner chef, Joseph Paoluccl, 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 1.00 pm 9 30 pm.

Luncheon parties by reservation Closed Mondays PETER'S PLACE 34 Fairmont, Poughkeepsle NY 471 5151 Cory, condlelit pub Daily blackboard specials Seafood, steaks, prime ribs, fresh vegetables, delectable salads Lunch served 1 1 30 am to 5pm, Dinner served 5 pm to 9 30 pm Bar open 'til 4 em. RIO BRAVO Hudson Plaio, Rt. 9 473 3659 Dutchess County's newest Mexican Restaurant featuring authentic, hearty traditional Mexican cuisine prepared fresh daily and Tastefully presented In a relaxin rustic setting A little bit of Mexico in Dutchess Co. Open dally. Happy Hour 4 bar Drinks 'A price Lunch 1 1 AM 4 PM.

Dinner Sun Wed 4 PM 10 30 PM Thurs Sat 4 1 PM. American Express CardseFREE V4 PITCHER OF SANGRIA PER COUPLE OR FULL PITCHER FOR 3 OR MORE WITH DINNER. SHIP LANTERN INN Route 9W, Milton, NY 795 5400 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 Dinner 5 00 PM 9 30 PM Saturday dinner 5 00 PM 10 30 PM Sunday dinner 1 00 PM 8 00 PM Closed Monday Closed Monday Visa. MC. SPANKY'S 85 Main Street, Poughkeepsle, N.Y.

485 2294 The 6uperb flavor and excitement in Dmlng that only "Louisana's Cajun Cuisine" can offer Served in a warm. airy, and personable atmosphere Steak, poultry and seafood abound Dinner entrees serve Cajun style and Non Cajun style as well Lunch and dinner served Mon Fn dinner only Sat Sun Lato night Bill of Fare served Wed Sat from 10pm Bourbon St Hour 4 7p daily hot hora d'oeuvres Fridays Hours Sun Thur 5 10. Fn Sat 5 11 Credit Cards STOCKYARD RESTAURANT Turner Street, Hopowoll Junction 221 3444 Just over the Bridge on Route 82 Delicious seafood ond steaks Dining in a rustic, comfortable setting Monday Thursday 4 00 pm 10 30 pm. Friday 3 00 pm 1 1 30 pm. Saturday 12 noon 1 1 00 pm Sunday 12 noon 10 30 pm "MORE THAN REASONABLE PRICES TOM'S COLONIAL RESTAURANT AT THE HOLIDAY INN OF FISHKILL Rout 9 and Intantate 64.

Flihkill 6781 Dine in Our lovuly no The in American Cu.imo ferj luring our so I fid Ixir with dinner BrcuHtjl 6 30 orn lo 11.30 am luncheon hours It 30 arn 4 40 prn dtj.ly Dinner hou'l 4 30 prn 10 00 prn doily livo enlortoirirncnl nightly VICTORIA PEAK Rt. 9 North. OppoiiU D. C. Fair Grounds Rhinebeck.

N.Y. (914) 876 7933 Traditional Chinese Cuisino served in the area's most eloganl surroundings Crystal Chandeliers. Victorian and oriental unhques, and fine Chinese Cuiline will make "eohng Chinese" a memboroblo dining experience EnOy fireside toe Mai I in Our groooul cocktail lounga or at Our mognifirenl I9lh Century Victorian bar Dinner weekmghis un 5 lo 10 PM In Sal lio II PM Closed Mon Am press YOBO ORIENTAL RESTAURANT 1051 Union Newburgh 914 564 3848 Enter the world of Yobo where you can kick off your shoes and dine admidst babbling brooks ond bridges This uniquo restaurant with its Pan Asian menu, offcr9 a variety of Asian cuismcs from Indonesian Sate to Japancso Hibatchi and Sushi, from Korean Bulgogi to all Ihe provincial cooking of China Yobo's master chefs, waitresses and start offer you the best In hospitality and in real art of Asian cooking Open 7 days Lunch and Dinner Located next to exit 7S, Rto 84 end Exit 17 YS Thruway Major credit cards accepted Reservations I.