Local farms like the Hudson Valley Cattle Company and Lowland Farm Beef are emerging purveyors who gently raise their livestock on natural pasture, completely free of antibiotics and drugs. "Foodies around the tri-state area have begun to appreciate what we have known for years," says Zygmunt adding, "Cuisine designed around the finest, freshest locally produced ingredients have advantages in flavor, freshness and quality." A completely new generation of diners is discovering places like the Crystal Inn offering this field-to-table experience.
Vegetables and herbs vary with the season. Consequently, each season offers a different selection from the previous month or period, although, Mother Nature rarely provides a clear boundary between one season and the next, especially since climatic changes are more commonplace now.
During the last decade there has been a burgeoning agri-tourism industry blossoming in the suburbs north and west of New York City. Zygmunt notes that the Culinary Institute of America, the Black Dirt produce region, artisan bakeries, dairies, the Shawangunk Wine Trail and fruit orchards are increasingly attracting food lovers to the Hudson Valley.
1964 - The building is purchased out of foreclosure, over the phone via a bank auction on Christmas Eve, by Benjamin Zygmunt, father of current owner, Gus Zygmunt, and grandfather of general manager, Ryan Zygmunt.
1965 - Gus Zygmunt institutes a simple, hearty menu of burgers, homemade soups and sandwiches at the newly rechristened Crystal Inn, creating a comfortable place for camaraderie and community among the local population of farmers and producers.
1975 - Homemade gourmet pizzas introduced, a local takeout favorite to this day.
1977 - County Route 1 opens. Pine Island Turnpike renamed Amity Road, a rural route.
1980-1993 - Menu refinements focus on rising popularity of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and in 1990 barroom and dining rooms are reversed to accommodate more seating for the increasingly popular dining experience.
2002 - Ryan Zygmunt takes the helm as general manager, bringing his passion for high quality, locally-produced ingredients to the third generation of management.
2004 - Crystal Inn becomes a gathering place for the agricultural community and a destination for foodies with gourmet, field-to-table sensibilities.
2010 - The Crystal Inn will celebrate 45 years of quality, attracting and pleasing discerning palates from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and beyond.