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February - March 2018
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boatingonthehudson.com
“IN THE SHADOW OF THE TOWERS”
1972, 19” x14” watercolor.
One of the most important paintings ever
created by MICHAEL MENDEL.
Conceived in 1972 forty-three years ago,
this image was conceived as a black and
white photo for a page in a children’s book
tentatively titled, “Jamie Visits the Harbor.”
Sad to say, the idea of a photographic book
aimed at youngsters rather than the traditional
illustrations, was rejected by publisher after
publisher and thus...the concept was scrapped.
Forty three years later, Mendel came upon a
proof sheet of photos taken in 1972 and saw
this tiny 2x2” photo. It showed one of the Twin
Towers prominently looming in the distance
and a lone tug gently plying the still waters
of the Hudson River. Mendel thought it would
make a stirring painting and sure enough, he
has been proven right!
Mostly monochromatic, this is a scene that
instantly catches one’s eye and holds one’s
attention.
Fish and chips for $4.95 and $6.95 as well as imported
Scottish ale are available at Red Hook’s newest restaurant, Wee
MacGreegor’s, on Route 9 (914-758-0039). For French food, try
Chez Marcel on Route 9 north of Rhinebeck (914-876-8189),
where a recent dinner for four came to $69 (including tax and tip,
but without wine).
In Rhinebeck, the Beekman Arms, which boasts that it is the
oldest inn in America (914-876-7077), is open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner. A special attraction there is Sunday brunch, with a
dazzling display of food for $12.95.
In Red Hook, don’t be put off by the storefront appearance of
Green and Bresler’s, a trendy new small restaurant just off Route
9, west of the only traffic light in town. Not only are the meals
good, and moderate in price ($12 to $17 for main courses), but
there is also a take-out counter with boxed picnic lunches from $6
to $12 that include pate, galantine, salads and desserts.
And if you go picnicking, the best place to enjoy it is a few miles
north of Red Hook via Route 9G. The grounds of the Clermont
State Historic Site in Germantown, the ancestral home of the
Livingston family, afford splendid views of the Hudson River and
the Catskill Mountains - as good a vista as the Hudson River
artists ever saw.