Irish Music Brunch at Heather Ridge Farm
2023 Note: Heather Ride Farm is no longer serving brunch. Instead, they are operating as a farm store, open Saturdays from 11am to 2pm, offering delicious prepared food, frozen meats, and woolen goods. My 2017 blog post follows.
Walking up the stone and gravel steps on a hill thick with flowers that are taller than a toddler, Heather Ridge Farm feels like the world's most idyllic brunch spot. And on second Sundays this summer from noon to 2pm, you'll emerge through the purple shoots of salvia and fiery orange coreopis to find a circle of musicians playing gentle, lilting Irish reels between the lavender picnic tables. If you're lucky, you may spot Chef Rob Handel popping out the kitchen window to join in with his tin flute. It's hard to imagine a cuter scene:
Chef Rob Handel plays tin flute through the kitchen window.
The session brings together traditional Irish, Old Time, Cape Breton, and Scottish musicians, which means the music feels as timeless and soothing as the mountain breeze. It's a far better brunch accompaniment than, say, a rowdy Irish Rover cover band, and the perfect side dish to Rob's incredible breakfast skillet.
Brunch and traditional Irish music at Heather Ridge Farm
The eggs here are my almost-3-year-old daughter Ramona's favorite food. I caught her literally licking the plate.
I think it's worth a trip all the way from Brooklyn, and certainly worth a little drive into Preston Hollow if you're already in the area.
Toddler-tall flowers at Heather Ridge Farm
Heather Ridge Farm's store and cafe is located at 989 Broome Center Road in Preston Hollow, NY; 518-239-6234, but their website says, "We find that GPS directions can often take you ways we’d never dream of suggesting to you!" Click here and scroll down for directions.
