It’s been about six months since John Reilly and Karen Schneck became the new owners of the Village Market and Bakery. If you stop by early in the morning on your way to work, you will find great organic coffee, an unbelievable cinnamon bun, or maybe fresh fruit cut in perfect bite sized pieces.
“The bus drops off their seventh grade son Jordan and a few classmates, who enjoy their afternoon snack chocolate chip cookie at the store before heading off to Majestic Park for the afternoon. The Village Market has become a real hub in the community of Gardiner. It’s a place, like the post office, where you can meet friends and run into neighbors. It is warm and welcoming, and the food is wholesome, creative, delicious and local. How about their amazing array of cupcakes—Boston cream, carrot, lemon-curd filled—and the half-size pies? I just had a homemade “Hostess” cream filled cupcake with chocolate icing and the little icing swiggle on top. It looked just like the originals except this one is made of real ingredients instead of chemicals! And by the way, The Village Market was just granted their beer and wine license, and can now serve you a beer or a glass of wine with lunch as well as sending you out with a six pack.
What is behind all of this understated expertise? How do they make it look easy? A lot of practice and an intense commitment to professionalism and delicious, healthy cuisine is the answer.
John Reilly, as it turns out, is one of the most highly regarded special events chefs in the country. He is a James Beard award-winning chef who has risen to success through his passionate commitment to quality. His extensive client list includes movie and music stars, heads of state and dignitaries such as Presidents Gerald Ford, George Bush, William Jefferson Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Both John and Karen bring their love of the outdoors and the Hudson Valley to the table. The best part is that this Mom and Pop haute cuisine is right here in the center of Gardiner accessible to all of us. They will cater your large or small event, as well as make dinner for you, and let you take the credit.
The Village Market and Bakery is open 7 days a week from 6:00 AM to 6PM except on Sunday and Monday when they close at 4:00. They can be reached at 845 255-1234.