Germantown has been yearning for a restaurant/nightspot for years. So understandably, many locals are very excited about Gaskins, and reluctant to say anything negative. I count myself in that group. But my first three experiences have not been very good. Details below...
On the positive side, the place is tastefully designed (though somewhat predictable, as far as trendy conventions now go in the Hudson Valley). There are multiple areas from which to choose: a small bar, an outdoor deck, and a large dining room with both booths and tables. The dining room definitely needs some soundproofing. The waitstaff is young, hip, and pleasant, and the host ingratiating.
However, other than the pleasant décor--and the fact that it is the only game in town--Gaskins needs to up its game on most every level.
On our first visit, we were initially charmed by the short menu, which seemed both fun, balanced and locally sourced. But a macaroni and cheese appetizer was unnecessarily oily. One of our party was vegetarian, and not being in the mood for pasta, chose what turned out to be a very strange and unappetizing-looking mountain of stuff... mainly chickpeas. Everything was too salty.
Figuring this was just beginner's blues, and that things would improve, some friends tried to make a reservation for a large party for several days beforehand. But no one seems to pick up the phone or messages until well into Thursday evening. And so no return confirmation was made until long after we were sitting at a Hudson restaurant instead. The owners might want to make sure they check messages during the first half of the week.
Lastly, we tried again on the late side on a weekend, and found that the kitchen was already closed. Since the bar was still open and we'd driven to go there, we sat down for a drink at the bar. But the surly, monosyllabic bartender seemed irritated to have to fill any more orders. Our drinks seemed to have little or no alcohol, and we noted that when we paid he did not give us the coin portion of our change. That was deducted from the modest tip he had not even really earned.
One other note/warning: There is almost no cell service at this location.
Really, Germantown needs a place like this, and the owners seem too earnest and skilled for these problems to remain. But we won't go back for several months in hopes that things smooth out between now and the late Fall. read more