Hudson Valley Mediterranean – August, 2026

News from Gigi: 🍋🌿🍓🍷☀️

☀️ July certainly kept us on our toes. Between powerful storms, smoky skies, and the unpredictability that summer sometimes brings, it reminded us that not everything is within our control. What we can count on, though, is the comfort of good food, a glass of wine, and the company of people we enjoy.

Now, somehow, we've arrived at the last full month of summer. August invites us to slow down, linger a little longer, and savor the incredible abundance surrounding us. Tomatoes, corn, peppers, eggplant, herbs, peaches, berries, and so many other local treasures are reaching their peak, inspiring the seasonal Mediterranean cooking that defines this time of year at Gigi.

This month we're also continuing our Table & Place Sunday Supper Series, traveling to Sicilia for an afternoon celebrating one of Italy's most vibrant regional cuisines. We hope you'll join us for another memorable culinary journey.

Finally, I want to recognize the remarkable team that makes Gigi what it is. Whether adapting to unexpected challenges, welcoming guests with genuine warmth, or turning beautiful ingredients into memorable meals, they consistently rise to the occasion. It's a talented, caring, remarkably low-drama group of professionals who simply come together each day to do their jobs well—and to make your experience with us as enjoyable as possible. For that, I'm deeply grateful.

Here's to making the most of these long August days. We look forward to welcoming you soon.



Laura

Everything Gigi. One Easy Scan

Gigi has become so much more than a place to enjoy lunch or dinner. Whether you're joining us for a meal, planning a celebration, picking up dinner on the way home, or looking for Mediterranean inspiration, we're here to make gathering around good food a little easier.

With one quick scan, you can:



• Make a reservation
• View our lunch, dinner, brunch, and beverage menus
• Order takeout or delivery
• Explore our Easy Entertaining catering menu
• Learn about private dining and special events
• Purchase Gigi gift cards
• Discover our Table & Place Sunday Supper Series with Chef Rich Reeve
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter
• Follow upcoming seasonal events, Women's Networking Wednesdays, and other happenings at Gigi

Whether you're planning tonight's dinner, your next celebration, or simply looking for inspiration, everything you need is just one easy scan away. We look forward to welcoming you—whether it's at your table or ours.

Women’s Networking Wednesdays: Connections that Matter

Thank you to everyone who reached out after my last newsletter to say you'd love to see Women's Networking Wednesday continue this summer. Your enthusiasm made the decision an easy one—we're on!

Join us on Wednesday, August 12, from 5:30–7:30 PM at Gigi Hudson Valley for another evening of conversation, connection, and community.

One of the things I love most about these gatherings is that whether there are 15 women or 40, the connections are always genuine. Every event has its own energy, but they all share the same spirit: thoughtful conversation, generous networking, new friendships, and a room full of women eager to support one another. You'll find an inspiring mix of professionals and entrepreneurs alongside women who simply want to meet interesting people and become part of a welcoming community. It has become one of my favorite evenings at Gigi.

Enjoy complimentary light Mediterranean bites and 50% off wines by the glass while making new connections.



A little early heads-up: Please save the date for Wednesday, October 14, when we'll combine Women's Networking Wednesday with a special book signing celebrating Helen Jonsen's new book, Kaleidoscope Careers, to be released this September. Let's come together to support Helen, celebrate this exciting milestone, and enjoy another inspiring evening of conversation, connection, and community.

I hope you'll join us on August 12—and again in October!

✨Table & Place: Next Stop, Sicilia 🇮🇹

Community Spotlight: Paul Haight

One of the greatest rewards of owning Gigi for more than two decades has been having a front-row seat to the lives of the people in our community. We've watched children become adults, families grow, careers flourish, and longtime guests become lifelong friends. Paul Haight is one of those people.

Paul has been a regular at Gigi since our earliest days, and over the years he's become part of our extended family—not just to Cornelius and me, but to our entire staff. Whether he's stopping in for a late afternoon bite, meeting friends at the bar, or enjoying dinner with his family, it's always a pleasure to see him walk through the door.

Born and raised in Stanfordville, Paul met his future wife, Erin, while they were teenagers working together at Wilcox Memorial Park. After graduating from Skidmore College, Paul and Erin, a Siena College graduate, moved to New York City, where they spent 17 years building careers and a life together in Hell's Kitchen. Even then, they escaped to the Hudson Valley most weekends, joking that they were "local weekenders" long before they officially moved home.

Paul's family has long been woven into the fabric of our community. His mother, Donna, owned The Phantom Gardener, where she served as both business manager and instructor, sharing her love of gardening and floral design with countless Hudson Valley residents. In Gigi's earliest years, she generously helped us with our floral décor. His late stepfather, Dr. Al "Doc" Stanley of Countryside Animal Hospital, cared for generations of pets throughout the Hudson Valley—including my own dogs—and was one of those familiar faces who seemed to know everyone.

Paul's own career is a testament to hard work and perseverance. He began in the printing industry, working 12-hour overnight shifts in a pressroom before steadily advancing into sales leadership. Today, he manages major accounts including the New York Yankees—despite being a lifelong Mets fan—and Ethan Allen.

When their son, John, was born in 2011, Paul and Erin stayed in the city for a few more years before returning to Rhinebeck so he could enjoy the same kind of public education and close-knit community they had growing up. Looking back, Paul often laughs, "Why didn't we do this five years earlier?"

Like so many Hudson Valley families, life now revolves around practices, games, work, and travel. As a busy sports family juggling soccer, basketball, and baseball schedules, they have happily made Gigi their "second kitchen." Paul often tells me how much he appreciates being able to call ahead for dinner on the way home from a game or stop in after work, knowing there's always something thoughtfully prepared waiting for his family. We've also had the joy of watching John grow up here—from ordering chocolate milk as a little boy to graduating to ginger ale.

Paul's commitment to the community extends well beyond his own family. Over the years, he's volunteered as a T-ball and Little League coach and has also helped coach basketball in the Rhinebeck school district, giving back to the next generation just as others did for him.

When he's not traveling for work or cheering John on from the sidelines, you'll likely find Paul tending the garden with Erin, relaxing by the pool, or on the golf course. A former employee, past vice president, and now member of Red Hook Golf Club, golf has been one of his lifelong passions.

When John heads off to college, Paul and Erin plan to make the Village of Rhinebeck their home, putting Gigi within easy walking distance. Speaking for Cornelius, me, and our entire team, we have a feeling we'll be seeing even more of two of our favorite regulars. After all these years, Paul and Erin aren't just longtime guests—they're part of the Gigi family.

From Garden to Table: The Magic of Fresh Herbs

There may be no easier way to elevate a meal than stepping outside with a pair of scissors and gathering a handful of fresh herbs.


Whether you have a backyard garden, a few pots on the patio, or basil growing on a sunny windowsill, herbs transform everyday cooking with remarkable ease. A quick snip of basil into tomatoes, parsley over grilled fish, mint tossed into a summer salad, rosemary on roasted vegetables, or thyme stirred into beans instantly adds vibrant flavor—often reducing the need for excess salt, sugar, or heavy sauces.

As a registered dietitian, I love herbs for another reason: they're packed with naturally occurring plant compounds that contribute far more than flavor. Many herbs are rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, substances that help protect our cells from oxidative stress and support long-term health. Some, like oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme, have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while parsley, basil, cilantro, and mint contribute vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals that complement an overall Mediterranean eating pattern.

The best part? You don't need a large garden. A handful of pots on the patio—or even one thriving basil plant—can inspire healthier cooking all season long.

Every August, I find myself appreciating this simple ritual of walking outside, snipping a few herbs, and letting nature finish the dish. It's one of the quiet joys of summer that I miss most when the colder months arrive.



Try it this week: Before reaching for the salt shaker, reach for fresh herbs instead. You'll be surprised how much brightness and flavor a few fresh leaves can bring to the table.

Food Talks to Your Genes: Where Nutrigenomics May Take Us

One of the most exciting frontiers in nutrition is nutrigenomics—the study of how the foods we eat influence how our genes function. While we can't change the DNA we're born with, emerging research suggests that nutrients and naturally occurring compounds in food can influence gene expression, helping determine which genes are "turned on" or "turned off" throughout our lives.

Where might this science take us?

In the years ahead, nutrigenomics may allow healthcare professionals to personalize nutrition with far greater precision. Instead of broad recommendations, dietary advice could be tailored to an individual's genetic profile, helping optimize cholesterol management, blood sugar control, inflammation, nutrient metabolism, and even how we respond to caffeine or certain medications.

Researchers also hope nutrigenomics will improve disease prevention by identifying people who may benefit from earlier lifestyle interventions for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and some cancers. Combined with advances in precision medicine, nutrition may become an even more powerful tool for maintaining health throughout our lives.

Yet perhaps the greatest promise of nutrigenomics isn't that it will tell us exactly what to eat. Rather, it may help explain why people respond differently to the same foods, allowing nutrition guidance to become more personal, more preventive, and more effective.



Interestingly, as our understanding of genetics becomes more sophisticated, the science continues to reinforce many of the principles we've known for years. Dietary patterns centered on vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, seafood, and other minimally processed foods consistently support health across diverse populations. In many ways, the future of nutrition may lead us back to some of its oldest wisdom: eat real food, embrace the seasons, and gather around the table whenever you can.

Recipe Alert! ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Tuscan Lamb & Cannellini Bean Stuffed Tomatoes

Peak summer tomatoes filled with lamb, cannellini beans, garden vegetables, fresh herbs, and Pecorino Romano

Few ingredients capture late summer like a perfectly ripe tomato. Here, tomatoes become edible vessels for a savory filling of lamb, cannellini beans, garden vegetables, fresh herbs, and just enough Pecorino Romano to bring everything together. As they bake, the tomatoes soften into the filling while holding their shape, creating a rustic, elegant dish that's unmistakably Mediterranean.

Serves: 6 | Prep: 25 minutes | Cook: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 large beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 5 ounces riced cauliflower
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Reserved tomato pulp, chopped
• 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
• 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped capers
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chopped Calabrian chiles packed in oil (optional)
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Cooked farro or grilled country bread, for serving (optional)

Optional Crispy Topping

• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, and olive oil until evenly moistened.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice the tops from the tomatoes and reserve. Carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving shells about ¼ inch thick. Chop the reserved pulp and set aside. Lightly salt the tomatoes and place upside down on paper towels for 10–15 minutes to drain.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the zucchini, riced cauliflower, and garlic and cook another 2–3 minutes. Add the reserved tomato pulp and tomato paste and cook until thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Return the lamb to the skillet. Stir in the cannellini beans, parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary, capers, Calabrian chiles, and pine nuts, if using. Cook for 2 minutes, gently crushing a few of the beans to help bind the filling. Fold in the breadcrumbs and Pecorino. Season well with salt and pepper.
5. Arrange the tomatoes in a lightly oiled baking dish. Fill generously, mounding the filling slightly above the rim. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and replace the tomato tops, if desired.
6. Bake for 25 minutes. If using the Optional Crispy Topping, remove the tomatoes from the oven, sprinkle the topping evenly over each tomato, and return to the oven for 10–12 minutes, until the topping is golden and the tomatoes are tender. If not using the topping, continue baking for an additional 10 minutes (35 minutes total), until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is lightly browned. Broil for the final 1–2 minutes, if desired. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Serve warm over cooked farro or alongside grilled country bread.

Vegetarian Variation

Omit the lamb and increase the olive oil to 4 tablespoons. Brown 12 ounces of riced cauliflower over medium-high heat until lightly caramelized and most of its moisture has evaporated, about 8–10 minutes. Add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic, and cook until softened. Continue with the recipe, stirring the browned cauliflower into the filling along with the beans, herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese.

Easy Summer Entertaining ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to everyone who made Gigi part of your summer gatherings in July. We were delighted by how many of you turned to our Easy Entertaining menu for backyard dinners, family celebrations, weekends with houseguests, and casual get-togethers.

If you haven't explored it yet, there's still plenty of summer left.

Our Mediterranean-inspired catering menu is designed for sharing, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your guests. From our local and imported cheese platters, charcuterie boards, and colorful crudités platters to a whole roasted Mediterranean salmon side, pasta trays that generously serve 8–10 guests, Moroccan roasted cauliflower, and so much more, there's something for every gathering. Complete your menu with an abundance of seasonal salads, vegetable sides, hors d'oeuvres, and entrées—all prepared with the same seasonal ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors you enjoy at Gigi.

Simply order online a few days ahead, pick up your selections, and let us take care of the cooking.

Planning something a little larger? Our Private Room offers a warm, fully serviced setting for up to 30 guests—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners, business gatherings, or simply bringing family and friends together without lifting a finger.

There's still plenty of summer to enjoy. Gather your favorite people—we'll take care of the rest.



🔗 Gigi Easy Entertaining Catering

📞 845.758.8060

💌 catering@gigihudsonvalley.com

The Heart of Gigi

As I reflect on another summer at Gigi, I realize something has changed. Knock on wood, restaurant life feels a little more joyful these days. That's not because the work has become easier—hospitality will always be full of surprises—but because I'm surrounded by exceptional people.


I'm incredibly grateful to Cornelius, whose steady partnership supports every part of this journey, and to our talented team, whose professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for one another create the kind of low-drama, high-trust culture every restaurant hopes for. They adapt, solve problems, and welcome our guests with grace every single day.


I'm also excited about the energy Chef Rich Reeve has brought to Gigi. Beyond leading our Table & Place Sunday Suppers, Rich has become a true creative partner—collaborating on seasonal menus, elevating our weekly specials, helping develop new catering and event experiences, and bringing fresh ideas that continue to inspire both our kitchen and our guests.

After twenty-five years, it's a wonderful feeling to know that Gigi isn't standing still. It's growing, evolving, and becoming even stronger because of the remarkable people who make it what it is.

Thank you, as always, for allowing us to be part of your table.



With gratitude,

Laura