Like the Accidental Locavore did, you could pass Noshi’s for ages without it registering in your consciousness. But if you did that, you’d be missing out on a really good local hot dog joint. At the end (or the beginning) of Main Street in Poughkeepsie there’s a faded sign, a couple of tables plopped on the sidewalk, and a warm welcome when you walk in.
A family-run place, it’s usually Dave, his wife, or one of his daughters ready to take your order. While hot dogs, in various combinations, are the house specialty, everything we’ve eaten there has been great! There are almost as many hamburger variations as hot dogs, and if that’s not enough for you, there are a couple of salads and some great sandwiches.
What’s spoiled me from all other local diners is their gyro. Actually sliced from a spit (instead of those weird, diner-processed slices), the meat is then sautéed on the flat top, giving you a mix of nicely browned bits along with some tender inner pieces. All this is tossed on a griddled pita with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato and onions. Since I often leave most of the pita, Dave’s daughter whispered that you can order it as a salad. I’m not sure why it’s not as successful that way — maybe just too much lettuce in relationship to meat, but I prefer it as a sandwich (even if I eat it with a fork).
My husband, when he’s not eating his way through the hot dog menu, loves the steak sandwich. This is high praise indeed from someone who comes from the home of highly-contested steak sandwiches — Philly! Real cheese and decent bread makes this a winner, and 168 miles closer. If Noshi’s were open past 5:00, I’d probably be cooking a lot less; as it is, Frank tries to keep it to a once-a-week lunch treat.
