One of my all-time favorite restaurants in our Town was the Beau Rivage. Though it’s long gone, it’s not forgotten. I had many a good meal there. While many of you reading this will remember this elegant venue, there are those who won’t and have never tasted the fine cuisine they served.
The Beau Rivage was located on River Road, about two and a half miles north of Newburgh, just as you were entering Roseton. A great location with a fantastic view of the Hudson River and the valley. Couple this setting with a continental menu and it was a winner!
Originally, the structure was the home of John B. Rose and his family. This family founded Roseton and the Roseton Brick Yard. Some of you may have seen vintage bricks with the ROSE name proudly displayed. Thanks to photos in the great book, “Lost Towns of the Hudson Valley” by Wesley Gottlock and Barbara H. Gottlock we can all see the magnificent home along with its later reincarnation. Their work is definitely worth reading, especially if you wish to learn the story of Roseton. The attention to detail and the photos are outstanding.
The original design of the home was later modified as the Greek revival style came into vogue. Now, the stately home could be said to resemble a plantation mansion from the antebellum period associated with the American Civil War.
After Mr. Rose’s death, the building was purchased by Angelo Sasso. Angelo and his wife, Carole, turned the stately structure into a venue for fine dining. This was an upscale establishment that hosted many celebrations including wedding banquets and business events. The original business papers were filed in the Orange County Clerk’s office by Angelo Sasso, of Ozone Park, Long Island, and Silvio B. Orlando, of Millburn, NY, on August 3rd, 1951, to operate a hotel and restaurant named the Beau Rivage.
The Sassos retired in the mid 1970s, but the name and fine cuisine continued under new owners.
Sadly, on New Year’s Eve, 1982, a fire occurred. The weather, the location, and the collapse of electric power lines hampered the valiant efforts of the six fire departments that responded to the disaster. With the power out, the nearest fire hydrant was inoperable and water had to be brought to the scene by tankers. The downed power lines also presented hazardous conditions for the first responders.
I recently took a drive past the location. There is nothing left, only memories. And, good memories they are.
