But theequalstar of the show?
The cozy fine dining restaurant Matilda, from acclaimed chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra.
We looked for two years and put offers on a bunch of properties, Ely says.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
As we were looking, we got reconnected with the chefs.
They were looking to do something upstate, like a wine bar.
Our idea snowballed from there.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
You wake up and you see how light comes in, Ely says.
You know where the sun streams into the restaurant and whats illuminated.
You let your understanding of a space evolve if you keep your eyes open.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
They stripped walls and tore off the roof.
They removed the carpeting and vinyl flooring.
Danielle lime washed, painted, stained, and tiled.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
As a result, The Hensons aesthetic is born from items both elevated and sentimental.
In addition to doing woodwork themselves, the couple tapped several artisans to collaborate on the project.
All of the banquettes were done by a local craftsperson.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
Day June and Paracasa were not planned, Stone tellsVogue.
Only The Henson was planned.
The other two were the result of the vision and ambition of Ely and Danielle.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
They see the potential in this area more than anyone else.
In a lot of ways, its less draining, von Hauske Valtierra says.
There is less stress over trying to become something.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
Its almost easier to be creative.
When mapping out Matilda, Ely told the chefs not to hold back.
Do whatever you would do at Contra or Wildair, he told us.
Photo: Courtesy of The Henson
you’re free to do that here because thats whats missing in the area.
Talking to a lot of locals, they agree, Stone says.
We also wanted to see how far we can take it.
Sustainability is a key component, as is making use of their own garden and foraging locally.
Its driven by what we can get, Stone continues.
Things are on the menu not because theyre adventurous but because theyre whats available.
Some things feel like theyre being adventurousbut they have a place.
Dessert, too, does not fail to impress.
We wanted to revisit Contra but with the influence of the Catskills, von Hauske Valtierra says.
Theres nothing more grounded than potatoesit might feel a bit out there, but its true to this region.
When Contra closed, we realized thats not who we were anymore.
Theres a lot that the area has to offer.
Its what brought the Frankos north in the first place, after all.
Everyone yearns for nature, Ely says.
When you come to the Catskills, you see the stars in the sky.
You recognize that this is where youre supposed to be, even if youve never been here before.
