By Olivia Treubig

Nu Cavu Review

Every mother knows that the best place to eat with your kids is a place to eat without your kids! Simply put, although we love these little critters to the moon and back, our individual dining needs vary. Children eat to satisfy two things, hunger and their parent’s pleas to eat more peas. Both are done as fast as possible, enabling them to return to the delight of their fairy lands and intense imaginary competitions, all at high speed; very high speed. As in, not still and sitting at a table. Parents want to sit; very still. Preferably with a generous glass of wine, coffee or cocktail in hand. Note, these are typically served in glass, not conducive to jittery legs and sticky hands.

Bring on Nu Cavu (Kobelt Airport.) This secret Gem is the epic spot to dine with children, in the warm months of the year. Nu Cavu is located in scenic upstate NY. Nestled into the middle of farmland in a rural town called, Wallkill, NY, which is approximately 75 miles north of New York City. Popular tourist spots nearby include Mohonk Mountain House and the Shawangunk Mountains. The majestic beauties set a backdrop to the Hamlet of Wallkill. If one is visiting the nearby mountain range, a 10 minute drive will bring you to Nu Cavu.

While you sit and enjoy the back patio area, your children can run free in the adjoining field. The helpful waiter told me there are tons of kids there each weekend. The draw, this is a landing place for nearby skydivers from “the Ranch” in Gardiner, NY. On select night, diners can take in the aerial beauty, watch a game in the popular bar, eat in the pretty yet rustic indoor dining room or a little of everything.

A show, a meal and kid friendly all in one. I was told that they even hold raffles on Friday nights where the winner-goes Skydiving for dessert!

Even though this would have parents eating here regardless of food quality, the appetizers, drinks and dessert we had were all equally delicious. We were here for drinks and starters, but I’m told the entrees are equally amazing.

We started with succulent Oysters served in a smooth wine sauce. I relaxed into the warm crusty bites of fresh bread, dipped into the buttery broth. This was no back country taste, if I closed my eyes I could imagine that I was in Tuscany. We also savoured a crispy calamari. The popular flavor combination of crumbly blue and buffalo excites the craving for salty and provides a kick of heat all at once.

As the evening chill settled into the air, my steamy French onion soup melted into my mouth. Expertly served hot and gooey, with a flavorful bisque. The sensation neither bland nor salty, just a mingling of savory to compliment the mouthful of cheese. I would say, perfection in a crock! Did someone say, homemade hand cut fries and mac a cheese? Bring on the kid’s portion, large and healthy and attacked by the little ones. I can’t say big hands didn’t reach in for a large dose of crusty fries. The taste revealing a crisp outside and thick pillow of soft potato inside. The dish brought me back to mom’s kitchen where mac and cheese bubbled in the oven on winter evenings, ahhh soul food! It was goopy, flavorful, smooth and way above typical kid food standards.

For dessert, my caffeine fiend mother, claimed the espresso was the best she EVER had. The bold flavor woke us up out of our wine buzz. Melting into the tart berries and creamy sweet cheesecake literally took me to my happy place. And for the second time, we were joyfully warmed, this time by the heat of the bread pudding. A slightly sweet aroma balanced out perfectly with a lemony after taste and who can complain about a drizzled caramel topping. To top it all off, a fried ice cream that felt like it captured a sparkly summer night at the state fair, on a plate.

A must visit place for parents, sky diving enthusiasts or anyone who just wants some above average tastes to grace their palette.