Here's a breakdown of the audience:

• Survived the angst’s of their 20’s -- Check.
• Possibly hung out in Maximus in New City at that time-- Check.
• Spent many years assisting with homework and take-home projects-- Check.
• Raised, loved, cherished and disciplined their children or at least was nice to a niece or nephew once or twice--Check.
• Held various careers, returned to school as an adult, shivered and shook when their first child started driving--Check.

Somewhere between diapers and dissertations, parents decided that they just want to have fun. With their children getting a bit older and more self-sufficient, they are looking for places to go to enjoy themselves.  To let their graying hair down. Get a bite to eat. Listen to some live music. Meet up with friends or some other idiosyncratic characters; think the old NBC show “Cheers”.

One place to get away in New City is CB Kitchen and Bar.

Chef Reilly

CB Kitchen and Bar on Main Street in New City seems to have hit on a niche for this older, wiser crowd looking for some entertainment.  “After 10 in the evening the crowd is about 35-55,” explains TC Conklin, restaurant and events Manager.

That isn’t to say that CB does not serve all ages, with or without young children, they certainly do. Chef Kevin Reilly, part-owner of CB’s, who studied at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and grew up in Clarkstown, has worked at fine restaurants including One Midtown Kitchen in Atlanta, Union Square Cafe, Zoe, China Grill, Elmo, Silverleaf Tavern, The Water Club, all in Manhattan. Reilly was the chef for Café Barcel for its first year in business.

“My signature dishes at CB’s are very different than Café Barcel,” Reilly explains. “At CB’s, barbeque, hamburgers (made from fresh ground kosher meat from Ben’s in New City; 50% chuck, brisket and hanger steak) tacos and my chicken and waffles are our special dishes here.”

Reilly’s boneless buttermilk fried chicken on a Belgian waffle with warm maple syrup and Jack Daniels apple butter come in a half and full portion. A very special combination combining warmth, crispness and sweet tanginess all in one bite. Of course there are also healthy options on the menu including grilled lemon chicken w/roasted sweet potato and wilted arugula.  Chef Reilly is also adding more fish and vegetables to the menu for the summer.

But when dinner is over and the tables toward the back of the restaurant are put away, a little magic happens.

What people are saying

PJ Delia, publicity manager for the group Thieves (www.joedelia-thieves.com) who played at CB’s a few weeks ago had this to say:

"I'm not surprised that there would be a resurgence of live music in New City. Places like CB Kitchen & Bar do three things that would power that kind of change. One, they create a friendly club that has space with no cover. That makes it accessible for regular people (the best music fans!) and a place they will return. Two, the staff at CB Kitchen are music friendly. They work on aspects too many venues don't anymore to make the show successful, like working with the musicians to make it a show, instead of treating bands like a necessary evil.  The bands they book are good.”

One New City resident, Susan Pietropaolo, explained her visit to CB’s, “My husband and I recently stopped by CB Kitchen on a rainy, miserable Saturday night to see Ten Fingers Band (http://tenfingersband.com). I was surprised to see so many people out; the place was full of energy, all enjoying classic rock ‘n roll music. For us “empty nesters”, it’s fun to have a nearby place to go and listen to live music; it reminds us of the days of Maximus, which was just a few doors down.”

Whether you venture to CB’s for Chef Reilly’s famous hamburgers and Southern style fare, or for their music events, be sure to say hello to Debbie, Hurricane Katrina, Bud Light Mike and Irv.  The bar is huge and the bartending staff is legendary. If you attend the music events often enough these liquid aficionados will know your name.

“Making your way in the world today takes everything you got, taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot…sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name.”

CB Kitchen Bar, 190 South Main Street, New City (Located between the Movie Theater and DeCicco's on South Main Street in New City, NY) 845-499-2294

Upcoming Music Events:

Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm

June 8, John Maroski; June 16 Ron Brandt

Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m.

Friday June 10 Trippin Carla

Saturday June 11 Radio Flyer

Friday June 17 Ten Fingers

Saturday June 18 Georgia 5

Friday June 24 Blue Tip Band

Saturday June 25 Cover-Up Band