“After passing car dealerships, a Mavis Discount Tire, a laundromat, a Family Dollar, and a Car Wash, I arrived at the Sri Lankan promised land.Red Pepper Diner is a small brick building that looks more like a house or apartment building than a restaurant, but I find these types of restaurants generally have the most character.I walked in at 5:35pm to avoid a dinner rush, but when I opened the brown door, the place was dead. It was only 2 other patrons and I.I stood there awkwardly for a bit as there was no host stand or anything, and just took in the ambiance: Colored tablecloths, the walls littered with paintings and newspaper clippings with glowing reviews of the place, and a TV playing Sri Lankan ASMR sounds and cooking visuals. It felt more like a spiritual center or a spa than a restaurant.After about 30 seconds, the owner came out and met me with a big smile and a “Just for 1?”He welcomed me to sit anywhere, and I opted on taking a 4 top in the corner as it had the least amount of seating.He was doubling as my waiter, and I asked him what the move was. He kind of recommended everything ahahaha so I just went with one of the House Specialties (Deviled Pork), as I wanted something Sri Lankan authentic, and the Sri Lankan Special Fried Rice because who doesn’t like fried rice…I also got an appetizer sampler because I’m a beast. I know what you're thinking, yeah fine, I was a little chunksterWhen I asked the owner if this was too much food, he furrowed his brow and said “No! Just take whatever you don’t eat to go…” This was the exact answer I wanted as we both know this was way too much food for one person ahaha. Sometimes I just want someone to tell me what I want to hear. Respect.After ordering and sipping on an Authentic Sri Lankan beer, the food began to roll in. The appetizer sampler was my first victim, with the Vegetable Spring Roll being the standout.Next was the Sri Lankan fried rice with an egg on top, and the presentation was beautiful. It was an amalgamation of fried rice with shrimp, calamari, and chicken garnished with spring onions, fried onions, and fresh coriander sprigs. It was DELICIOUS.After I demolished fried rice, the owner came over and picked up the clean plate and said, “Look, no oil. Our ingredients the best!” in his heavy accent. He wasn’t lyin though!The deviled pork came last, and it was essentially just pork with sauteed onions, peppers, and Traditional Sri Lankan spices. I love how simple, yet flavorful these dishes were. It was filled with flavors my tastebuds have seldom come across, but was fantastic.It was at this point I think the owner saw me taking pictures of the food with my Canon G7X camera, and really turned the hospitality up to 11 ahahahaha.I was pretty full at this point as I had just MOGGED two entrees and an appetizer sampler, but he brought out an authentic Sri Lankan dessert called Kiri Pani for me to try.Kiri Pani is a buffalo curd with a palm sugar syrup. It wasn’t for me to be honest ahahaha. My tastebuds felt violated. I did the thing where I kind of mash it around to make it look like I ate more than I did.The food was really starting to settle, so I was FULL at this point. And after that Kiri Pani I just wanted the check, but he brought out another Sri Lankan dessert.I felt like the grinch judging the Who Pudding competition where they are just stuffing desserts in his face as he is just trying to survive ahahaha.But actually, it was super nice and thoughtful. He came over and explained to me what it was but I was so focused on locking in to eat this next dessert that I didn’t really hear him.It was something light wrapped in a green little tortilla that tasted coconut flavored. I finished all of it because I’m a warrior, and because it was pretty tasty.I got the check and the owner came up and gave me his business card, and asked me to write reviews on Yelp and google ahahahaha like bro that’s literally why I’m here. I got a quota to hit.IG @jnov_Tiktok @jnov__reviews“
“I have visited this restaurant twice. That is a positive sign by itself. Sotanos is located on Main Street in Fishkill, NY. The area is easy to get to as it it right off of I 84 and Route 9, a major thoroughfare. There is ample parking in the back of this white, quaint, vintage house turned into an eatery. That's a good thing because at peak hours, there is no Street parking to be found. You will be greated immediately upon arrival and seated in one of the dining areas to the left OR at the small bar to your right. We ordered fried calamari and shrimp ? wrapped in bacon ? as appetizers. A universal truth is that bacon makes everything taste better! Both were tasty and devoured so fast that I forgot to take pretty, unmolested pictures of them. You will notice immediately that the portions here are adequate, so you do not feel robbed, but unless you had gastro surgery, there will not be a lot of take out boxes clogging up your refrigerator You get JUST enough with lots of sauce to trick the ? eyes into thinking ? the plates ? are loaded. The main courses ordered were a fillet mignon with scallops and a "crispy" duck that was not crispy at all. Reportedly, the duck was delicious, but the crispy description was on the menu. The steak was a good grade, tender, and prepared to my liking. The scallops were some of the best ? that I ever had. As you can see in the picture, you don't get many of them. Gelato as a desert is my recommendation. The service was excellent. I like the non rushed eating experience on well spaced tables on beautiful, 100 year old broad plank floors. The bathroom was clean. I can see a pretty good wait for this room if the place is crowded. If memory serves me, it is a single use bathroom. It's a VERY nice place to go for a delicious meal, perhaps for a special occasion. I would and will absolutely visit again unless I can find a comparable restaurant with slightly larger portions for the price. Sotanos is a wonderful experience although not a great value. Your mileage may vary. Enjoy!Parking: May spots in the rearKid-friendliness: Kristen was informative and attentive.“
“I have ordered delivery from these guys once or twice a month for the past five years give out take. I have never once been disappointed. Their food is always amazing and delicious. Eating one of their salads right this second and holy $#!T it's so good!!!“
“I'm glad I stopped in here. From the outside it might look a little like a dive, but thanks be to God one shouldn't judge by the outside. Inside the atmosphere was very quaint and relaxing. The falafel works sandwich was absolutely delicious. The presentation was what blew me away to start. Panini press marks with some olive oil and parsley on tops. The falafel itself was well mixed and cooked just right. The combination of all the vegetables made the pita and falafel out of this world. This is my new go-to for falafel, and I can't wait to come back and try their other dishes.“
“There aren't many vegan options in the mall and I was really happy to find a great one. The falafel at Mediterranean Xpress is very fluffy and delicious, as is the rice. When he offered me yogurt sauce and I began to decline, he immediately offered me tahini sauce and specified that it's dairy-free. He knew what's up. Very happy and thankful for the awesome service and big, delicious plate of food I got for a great price. I was just passing through but if I end up in Poughkeepsie again, I'll definitely stop by here again for a meal.“
“Met another couple there who travel probably about 40 miles to this place when they can! I had the gorgonzola shrimp which was light and amazing (be sure to get extra bread for the sauce!) And for main course Veal Parmesan which was so tender and amazing! The canoli to finish it off was fresh and crispy shell! Definitely going back!?“