Hudson Valley Mediterranean - August, 2025

Food, Recipes, Vino, and Updates from Gigi 🌼🍽

Happy August, All! 🌞🍃

Wow—this summer is flying by! As we dive into the peak of the summer harvest, I’m sharing a delicious seasonal recipe along with some tomato tips to help you make the most of this vibrant time of year. I’m also spotlighting summer libations—both spirited and spirit-free—to help you stay refreshed and hydrated.

Here’s a glimpse at what’s happening at Gigi and beyond this month:

We’re thrilled to spotlight two wonderful Rhinebeck residents and dear friends of Gigi—Eric and Pina Lynch. Their story is a special one, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Also inside: updates on Gigi’s private room, perfect for gatherings and celebrations, and a peek into my ongoing adventures in the Food is Medicine world of nutrition.

And don’t miss our next Women’s Networking Wednesday on August 13th—a fun, relaxed evening of conversation, community, and connection at the Gigi bar.

Keep reading for all the delicious details!

Laura

✨Women’s Networking Wednesday – August 13th!✨

Welcome Back! Women’s Networking Wednesday – August 13th!

We missed you! After taking a break in July, we are thrilled to welcome you back for another fantastic Women’s Networking Wednesday. For this toasty August event, in addition to the 50% off glasses of wine, we’re also offering 50% off frozen Sakaritas to keep you cool as we reconnect and continue building meaningful relationships!

Join us on Wednesday, August 13th, from 5 PM to 7 PM for a fun, casual evening of networking, conversation, and connection. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network or meet new friends, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy great company.

Enjoy tasty snacks and refreshing drinks while connecting with amazing women in our community. We can’t wait to see you there!



Feel free to bring along friends and colleagues—everyone is welcome!

A Gift to Rhinebeck (and to Gigi): Eric & Pina Lynch

In 2018, Rhinebeck—and Gigi—received an incredible gift: Eric Lynch and Pina Martinelli Lynch found the town they now call home.

The year before, they had been trying to buy a home in Yonkers. When that deal fell through, they bought a big RV and camped at Interlake RV Park in Rhinebeck for nearly a year. During that time, they fell in love with the village, the community, and—lucky for us—Gigi. Eventually, they found their forever home on Oak Street, just a short walk to everything they love.

While their home was a true fixer-upper, it has since been transformed—mostly by Eric himself—into a warm, handcrafted haven. Over the garage, Eric even built a guest house that doubles as his construction mancave.

Eric is no stranger to hard work. A retired member of FDNY’s elite Squad 1, he spent decades serving the people of New York City, solving structural challenges under immense pressure—often in the literal heat of the moment. Tragically, in 2001, he lost 12 members of his squad in the 9/11 attacks. Eric continues to honor their memory and the legacy of all first responders with deep commitment and reverence.

Pina retired in 2017 as Director of Administrative Services and Event Management at Bronx Community College. Her sharp mind and warm heart have been equally welcome additions to the Rhinebeck community.



Rhinebeck gained a great deal when Eric and Pina chose to make it home—but on a personal level, Cornelius and I gained two of our dearest friends. We’ve spent many of our "day off Mondays" cooking together, laughing, and sharing meals. And let me tell you—this fireman can cook!

Recipe: "Filleto Tonnato" ~ Pork Tenderloin in Chilled Tuna Sauce

A flavorful twist on the classic Vitello Tonnato, this dish swaps veal for tender, poached pork tenderloin. Served cold with a silky, savory sauce of puréed tuna, anchovies, capers, lemon, and olive oil, it's elegant, unexpected, and perfect for warm-weather entertaining.



This recipe yields enough to serve a crowd, but it can easily be halved. That said, you may want to make the full batch—this addictive tonnato sauce is just as good spooned over vegetables, used as a dip for crudités, or spread on sandwiches.

Serves: 8



Ingredients

Pork:

2 pork tenderloins (1–1¼ pounds each)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1–2 teaspoons olive oil

Tonnato Sauce:

½ cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)

½ cup olive oil

2 large whole eggs

⅓ cup fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

4 anchovy fillets

2 teaspoons capers, rinsed (plus more for garnish)

2 (6-ounce) cans wild-caught tuna in olive oil, drained

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

For Garnish:

Thinly sliced lemons

Flat-leaf parsley, celery leaves, or fennel fronds

Additional capers

Instructions

1. Roast the Pork:

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the pork tenderloins on a rimmed baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and rub to coat. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 140°F (60°C). Let cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, or up to 48 hours.

2. Make the Tonnato Sauce:

This sauce comes together easily with an immersion blender, but a food processor works well too. In the bottom of a tall container or blender cup, combine the eggs, lemon juice, capers, anchovies, and Dijon mustard. Begin blending, then slowly drizzle in the avocado and olive oils while keeping the blender head at the bottom of the container. Raise the blender slightly once the emulsion begins to form. Add the tuna and blend until the sauce is creamy and smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of cold water to loosen. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Refrigerate until ready to use. (The sauce can be made up to one day ahead.)

3. To Serve:

Slice the chilled pork tenderloin very thinly and arrange in overlapping layers on a platter. Spoon the tonnato sauce generously over the top. Garnish with lemon slices, herbs, and a sprinkle of capers. Serve cold.

🍅 It's Tomato Time! 🍅

We've waited long enough—this precious time of year is finally upon us! 🍅 The tomato harvest is here, and for the next two months, we’ll have an abundance of these flavorful gems. It's time to get creative in the kitchen and make the most of this bounty with quick and delicious meals that celebrate summer's peak. Here's 10 ideas to get you started:

1) Caprese Salad – Slice ripe tomatoes and layer them with fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a simple and refreshing dish.

2) Tomato Bruschetta – Toast some bread, then top with diced tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick appetizer.

3) Tomato Jam – Cook down tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and spices to create a sweet and savory jam that pairs beautifully with cheeses and grilled meats.

4) Homemade Salsa – Combine diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime, and a little jalapeño for a vibrant homemade salsa to serve with chips or tacos.

5) Tomato Soup – Simmer fresh tomatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs, then blend it into a creamy soup for a comforting bowl. Or, for a no-cook option, puree juicy tomatoes with day-old bread, vegetable or chicken stock, olive oil, quality sherry vinegar, salt, pepper, and herbs.

6) Tomato and Egg Scramble – Sauté tomatoes with onions, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, then add eggs for a quick, healthy breakfast.

7) "Minute" Tomato Sauce – Simmer fresh tomatoes with garlic, basil, and olive oil for a simple, fresh tomato sauce to top your favorite pasta.

8) Roasted Tomatoes – Roast halved tomatoes with olive oil and your favorite herbs to intensify their flavor—perfect as a side or added to salads.

9) Grilled Cheese & Tomato Sandwiches – Or simply make a tomato sandwich on whole grain or sourdough with a touch of mayonnaise for a quick and satisfying meal.

10) Tomato Salad with Cucumber – Toss diced tomatoes with cucumber, red onion, olive oil, and vinegar for a crisp and refreshing summer salad.

Nutritional Spotlight: Tomatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Rich in vitamin C, they support immune health and skin vitality. At the same time, their high antioxidant content, especially lycopene, has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Additionally, tomatoes provide fiber, which aids digestion, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Their versatility in both raw and cooked forms ensures you can enjoy their health benefits all year long! 🍅

Hot Weather, Cool Libations

Gigi's Private Room: Meetings, Celebrations, Gatherings

As we begin to look ahead to the fall, don’t forget about our cozy and festive private room, perfect for all types of gatherings. Whether you're planning a milestone event or simply celebrating with friends and family, our room can accommodate up to 32 guests and is ideal for:



• Rehearsal dinners
• Birthday parties
• Family gatherings
• Meetings and presentations
• Bridal or baby showers
• Anniversary celebrations
• Graduation parties
• Retirement parties
• Networking events
• Corporate retreats or team-building events
• Wine or food-tasting events
• Book club meetings or social gatherings
• Charity fundraisers or awareness events

The room also features a 65-inch HDMI-compatible TV, perfect for presentations, watching events, or sharing photos and videos during your celebration.

Looking ahead to fall celebrations? Celebrate with Gigi in our private room! For reservations and menu planning, please call 845.758.8060 or email our banquet manager at: reservations@gigihudsonvalley.com.

If you're celebrating outside of Gigi, check out our catering menus below!

On a Personal Note...

While my passion for Gigi Trattoria and the wonderful community we’ve built remains as vibrant as ever, I'm thrilled to share that I've also been reconnecting deeply with my lifelong commitment to nutrition and the "Food is Medicine" movement. 🍽️💚

From co-authoring the Strang Cancer Prevention Center Cookbook in my 20s, to later celebrating local farm-to-table fare in Hudson Valley Mediterranean, my culinary journey has always centered around the idea that food can truly heal and nurture.

At Gigi, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do—every ingredient we select, every recipe we craft, and every dish we serve aligns with my belief that great food and good health go hand in hand.

Recently, I launched my new personal website, laurapensiero.com—a project I proudly built myself! The process has been deeply rewarding, allowing me to reflect on my career in food and nutrition and crystallize my vision for the future, especially around personalized nutrition and functional foods.

With the site live, I'm excited to share knowledge, delicious recipes, and stories designed to inspire and support you on your wellness journey. I’d love for you to visit, explore the content, and share your thoughts with me. Your feedback is invaluable as this exciting new chapter unfolds. 🌱



Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay connected and receive the latest updates and insights. Here's to nourishing both body and mind—together!