SAUGERTIES- Diamond Mills, the luxury boutique hotel and conference center on the bank of Esopus Falls in Saugerties, announces the opening of BLACKBARN Hudson Valley. Helmed by acclaimed chef and restaurateur John Doherty, the sister restaurant to renowned BLACKBARN NoMad will expand on its close relationships with local purveyors within the newly renovated space featuring its signature farmhouse-inspired design. The restaurant will be open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, lunch on Friday and weekend brunch.
BLACKBARN NYC is co-owned by childhood friends Tom Struzzieri and Chef John Doherty and has been praised by critics and regulars alike for its sophisticated farm-to-table fare and striking urban farmhouse design. For Struzzieri, owner of Diamond Mills, bringing BLACKBARN to the Hudson Valley is a natural fit. “It just works in so many ways,” Struzzieri said. “Of course, I have always admired John’s skills as a chef, and we have had a great experience with BLACKBARN in the city. I wanted to bring his craft and excellence to Saugerties, to my hometown, where we could truly make “farm-to-table” happen. The local farms and purveyors in the Hudson Valley are amazing, and I want to showcase everything this beautiful area has to offer.”
Chef Doherty is a James Beard award recipient and a graduate of the Hudson Valley’s Culinary Institute of America. During his 30-year tenure as executive chef at the Waldorf-Astoria, he served more presidents, kings and heads of state than any other chef in the world. Doherty’s passion for excellence in his craft is the perfect complement to Struzzieri’s vision for Diamond Mills.
“This meeting of minds couldn’t be more perfect,” Doherty said. “Tom, [Diamond Mills Executive Chef] Marcos [Castro] and I share an obsession with local, seasonal, high-quality ingredients and a love for the Hudson Valley. As BLACKBARN NYC continues to grow and charm diners nightly, it made sense to add a sister property to our beloved family and bring upstate some of the signature items craved by our regulars while introducing unique, fun options “BLACKBARN Hudson Valley-style,” Doherty concluded.
BLACKBARN Hudson Valley’s opening marks the first stage of a reinvigoration and expansion of Diamond Mills, known for its luxury boutique hotel and elegant banquet hall 100 miles north of New York City in charming Saugerties. Under the direction of owner Tom Struzzieri and designer Gillian Viola, Diamond Mills will soon unveil updates including the transformation of the restaurant into a rustic upstate-take on the BLACKBARN design, as well as updates in the banquet and conference center. New landscaping and special touches around the property will bring an all-new feel to Diamond Mills, while preserving its signature charm and luxuries with stunning views of the majestic Esopus Falls from every building.
Soon, Diamond Mills will also be adding unique lodging options around town, with several private and semi-private cottages and lodges from two to six rooms, perfect for families, wedding parties and guests needing more space. Each building will have its own design identity, all with nods to the Hudson Valley’s rich history, natural beauty and artistic heritage.
Diamond Mills also plans to complete the renovation of its marina property at 2 Ferry Street on the Esopus Creek this summer and fall. In addition to the current event space and marina, a second historical building and a brick house will be fully renovated to feature a fitness center and a spa and wellness center. This extension of Diamond Mills will be fully open by 2024 with club memberships offering full access to the gym, spa and wellness center, boat slips and waterside dining.
