Greene County Success Stories

Building a Destination for French Cuisine in the Historic Village of Athens, NY

Building a Destination for French Cuisine in the Historic Village of Athens, NY

In the fall of 2014 Joe Landa and Brooke Lynski were driving through Greene County, NY when they discovered the historic village of Athens, NY. They fell in love with its beauty and charm, and soon after, they bought a house in the village.

Then they took over an old, run down building in the center of the village where Joe, nearly single-handedly, renovated the entire structure from basement to attic over the course of year. With Brooke’s talent for design and décor the two of them set out to create a beautiful and warm dining room with a relaxing ambiance.

People Dining After cooking in New York City’s finer restaurants Joe decided it was time to open his very own. He brings his talent to Rive Gauche Bistro with the goal of giving everyone who visits an amazing experience in great food and wine. He sources local farms and markets to bring the freshest ingredients possible to his cooking and is environmentally responsible in all ways. Born in Newfoundland Canada, Joe had the opportunity to travel the world at a young age and experience many different cultures and cuisines. He recently appeared on the Food Network’s hit show “Chopped” where he was crowned “Chopped” champion! Joe is also winner of many national recipe contests.

Table set up The restaurant is located on the southeast corner of Second Street and Washington Street (NYS Route 385) in the heart of the village of Athens.

The menu is tres magnifique with Joe’s presentation of classic bistro fare including: Moules Frites (Mussels served a la Provincal or Pernod), Tartes Flambees (Classic: Gruyere, Proscuitto, Capers and Crème Fraiche or Mushroom: Cepes, Herbed Goat Cheese & Truffle Oil) and a wide range of entrée favorites like Coq Au Vin, Seared Chicken Paillard, and Pan Roasted Salmon Dijonaise. Comfort foods abound with hand-cut Pomme Frites, Macaroni au Gratin, and Braised Short Rib Bourguignon.

Display of SpiritsThe elegant, yet casual environment at the bar offers a masterfully crafted selection of Boissins (cocktails) in true bistro tradition. They actually make a Sazerac (Rye, Peychaud Bitters, Absinthe, and Sugar)!  Their curated wine list includes over 20 selections that pair perfectly with which ever meal you choose, and Bieres include New York IPAs, Stouts, Special Ales as well as Belgians and Lagers.

Rive Gauche Bistro is open Monday through Thursday from 5PM to 10PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 5PM to 11PM and Sundays from 12N to 9PM.

If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.

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Topics: Success Stories

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