Hub And Spoke Gourmet - Valley Cottage

As soon as I entered, the delightful aroma of freshly house-cured, crispy bacon filled the air. Within moments, I was offered a sample straight from the oven. If you’re a bacon lover— and I mean authentic bacon, fresh and never frozen or stuck on a shelf for days— you must come here and give it a try. What I experienced was merely the beginning. The house-cured salmon was another revelation. It wasn’t the dry, heavily smoked, nearly jerky type of salmon; rather, it was lightly smoked and cured just the right amount, making it incredibly moist and perfectly seasoned— the best I’ve ever had, anywhere. While I usually enjoy lox on a bagel with cream cheese and a sprinkling of onion, this salmon was so fresh and tender that adding cream cheese felt unnecessary. I simply devoured it straight off the paper before I even stepped out the door. The deli's display case showcased a wide variety of offerings, including eggplant, chicken, assorted salads, homemade full sour pickles (which were absolutely fantastic), fresh cookies, and more. Everything is genuinely made in-house. Not only will I be returning regularly, but I also plan to place my holiday catering order with them this year. The owner struck me as a serious food enthusiast, the kind of person who likely has a secret stash of exceptional dishes not on the menu but that he might share with his loyal customers. I intend to become one of those loyal customers and will keep you updated!

Located right next to Rockland Lake on Route 9W, this gourmet deli surpassed my expectations. Aimed at local residents of the valley and cyclists passing through, the deli boasts bike racks, a free air pump, and outdoor benches, adding to its charm. The food was exceptional. My wife enjoyed the bacon onion quiche, which she found delicious, while I opted for a classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich that was anything but ordinary. The egg was cooked over easy, allowing it to ooze with goodness, and the home-cured bacon offered a fresh, rich flavor that was a delightful surprise. I also appreciated the selection of cheeses, and I suspect the chef added a touch of buffalo sauce, as it elevated the flavor of the sandwich to one of my top ten favorites. Overall, it’s an excellent establishment with a professional staff, all of whom were extremely friendly. Notably, two of the chefs are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America.

The interior of the deli is beautifully decorated, and there's even a sink for customers to wash their hands, which is a thoughtful touch for the many cyclists who might stop by. I can't forget to mention the tempting selection of homemade desserts, including brownies, cookies, and cakes. Outside, there are picnic tables with umbrellas, creating a lovely space to enjoy a meal. I'm definitely planning to visit this fantastic deli regularly!

Hub and spoke is closed.