The Cornwall Local and The News of the Highlands are introducing a monthly series on food and beverage establishments in the area.
Name of establishment:
The River Grill
Date opened:
July 11, 2000
Owner:
Mark Mallia
Why did you get into the restaurant business:
I grew up in the restaurant business. My father owned a restaurant in Highland Falls, Joseph’s Restaurant, which is now the Hacienda.
How did you get your start:
I trained underneath my father and then I went and worked in a few places on my own. I trained under some very reputable chefs at the time. I came back to the Newburgh area and was presented with an opportunity to be chef-manager of The River Grill in late 1999. I’ve been here ever since.
Do you own any other restaurants:
I owned Joseph’s Restaurant in Highland Falls. It was a well-known Italian restaurant. I was partner in some restaurants in Rockland County.
How did the restaurant get its name:
My partner and I at the time, when we went to open there were a few names tossed around. We got it down to two and just picked one. It was pretty much down to The River Grill because we have a huge grill in the back and a lot of our product was going to be grilled. Plus we’re right here on the Hudson River.
What type of food do you serve:
American continental ranging from steaks, pastas, and seafood.
What is a popular item on your menu:
The most popular items would be the seafood paella, the raw bar featuring oysters, clams, and shrimp cocktail, as well as the bounty which is a combination of all three seafood dishes. We’re known for our New York angus shell steak finished with a truffle butter.
What is your signature:
The seafood paella or the seafood fra diavolo.
Why should visitors to the Hudson Valley stop at your restaurant:
We try to please as many people as we can. What’s unique about The River Grill is we’ve tried to stay consistent in our product. The menu is well-rounded. There’s something for everyone. We can always accommodate any dietary restrictions. The views are fantastic. You see a dining room with historical pictures of Newburgh. You walk out onto our patio which offers one of the best views of Mount Beacon, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, and, of course, the Hudson River. The Newburgh waterfront itself is a draw. There is a variety of quality restaurants here. It all depends on what your taste is.
Location:
40 Front St., Newburgh
Hours:
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m. (Monday through Thursday, Sunday); 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 5 to 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday.)
Phone number:
845-561-9444
