Abundant in the Hudson Valley, the ramp is an early spring vegetable that has long been celebrated by Appalachian Mountain folk who believe it to have a powerful ability to ward off the diseases of winter. Known for its strong, garlicky odor and onion-like flavor, it's a favorite among locavore chefs. Ramp Fest features original dishes with the ramp as the central ingredient crafted by chefs hailing from the Hudson Valley and New York City. Last year's dishes include ramp-mint ice cream, ramp sausages, and shots of whiskey with pickle ramp chasers. Participating restaurants include: Swoon Kitchenbar in Hudson, The Farmer’s Wife in Ancramdale, The Red Onion in Saugerties, Café Le Perche in Hudson, and New York City’s Fatty Crab and Fatty ‘Cue, Sfoglia, and Cookshop. The second annual Ramp Fest will be held at the Basilica Hudson on May 5 from 12–4 pm. Rampfesthudson.com.
