Kingston’s Chleo Offers A Stylish Space For Wine and Tasty Small Plates

Kingston’s mix of interesting eateries now includes the stylish wine bar Chleo, opened by Hope Troupe Mathews and her husband chef Charles Mathews. The duo have worked in restaurants in cities across the US and both worked at the Michelin-starred Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Westchester. They moved from Colorado to Kingston in 2020 with the dream of opening a restaurant that reflects their distinctive vision. The result is Chleo, a cozy, beautifully designed wine bar that serves small plates, allowing visitors a chance to savor an array of dishes.

We stopped by Chleo on a Wednesday night and saw many familiar faces enjoying wine and an array of creatively plated tapas. Everyone was excited about this new hot spot, and raving about their dishes. We ordered wine and sampled a few dishes:

• Salt Baked Celeriac, Brown Butter, Hazelnut
• Wild Mushrooms, Porter Vinaigrette, Egg Yolk, Breadcrumbs
• Potato Rosti, Caramelized Onions, Buttermilk Cheese
• Grilled Short Rib, Black Trumpet Duxelles, Jus

Every bite was a deliciously sublime experience, but the mushroom dish…let’s just say, we can’t wait for our next visit! The menu change often, and with the seasons. Here is the current Dinner Menu and Drinks Menu.

Located at 288 Fair Street, the restaurant seats around 30 guests. An open kitchen plan means guests can watch the food being prepared whether they sit at a table or at the bar.  The space that formerly housed another restaurant was re-envisioned by Brooklyn’s Islyn Studio. The redesigned interior is bright and airy, featuring expanses of natural woods, subtle colors and dried flowers.

Yes, it’s a wine bar, but Chleo serves everything from beer to champagne. The dishes are tapas style, deliciously flavored, including vegetable forward plates as well as short ribs, steak and charcuterie. What’s served will change seasonally, taking advantage of fresh local produce. For example, the flavorful winter menu includes bolognese bianco topped with aged gouda and potato rosti with caramelized onions and buttermilk cheese. #getinmybelly

While savoring a favorite wine, guests can also satisfy a sweet tooth with dessert. Sweet treats on the winter menu include caramel apple cake with bay laurel ice cream and a flourless chocolate torte with vermouth cherries and cream. The restaurant is open from 4 to 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday and from 4 to 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Reservations are not required, but seating for larger groups may be limited. The space is available for private events.

Featured Photo: Terry Dagrosa

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