Chefs on the Mountain

Jim Palmeri is Executive Chef at Mohonk Mountain House. Since arriving at Mohonk Mountain House in 2007, Chef Palmeri has created an outstanding culinary experience that embraces a farm-to-table philosophy, highlighting the bounty of the Hudson Valley region.  The Wisconsin native graduated from the nationally acclaimed Culinary Institute of Kendall College in Chicago and has worked in resorts for most of his professional career. A good part of it was with Hyatt Regency properties in places such as Scottsdale, Arizona; Coral Gables, Florida; Las Vegas, and even the Cayman Islands. Palmeri also worked at the Four Seasons in big cities including Washington D.C. and Chicago.

Audrey Billups is the Executive Pastry Chef at Mohonk Mountain House and has more than 15 years of experience in baking and pastry operations.  Before returning to Mohonk in January 2017, Billups served as the pastry chef at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, New York where she artfully prepared bread, breakfast pastries, desserts, ice cream, sorbets, and mignardise for the seasonal restaurant. Prior to her role at Topping Rose House, Billups was the pastry sous chef at Ai Fiori, a one Michelin-starred and New York Times three-star restaurant and Marea, a two Michelin-starred and New York Times three-star restaurant, in New York City. Early in her career, Billups served as an assistant pastry chef at Mohonk Mountain House before moving to California to work as the pastry chef de partie at Addison at The Grand Del Mar in San Diego.

Established in 1980 by Kip and Susan Bedell, Bedell Cellars has evolved into the benchmark winery of the eastern U.S. Acquired by the Lynne family in 2000, the winery champions sustainability, cultivating grapes on three vineyard sites across 75 acres, including some of the nation’s oldest grapevines. With a commitment to a natural balance between vine, soil, and sunlight, Bedell Cellars produces wines that highlight the unique terroir of the North Fork while preserving the surrounding ecosystem. Today, Bedell Cellars continues to be a beacon of sustainable viticulture, capturing the essence of the region’s flavors in each bottle.

Nestled within the embrace of a 170-year-old estate, Hudson House Distillery meticulously crafts small-batch spirits under the guidance of proprietors Charles Ferri and Paul Seres. The estate’s history begins in the 1850s when philanthropist Archibald Russell erected the stately Glen Albyn on the grounds. Subsequently passing into the hands of the Durkee family in 1885, known for their influential spice and condiment business. In the 1920s, the Christian Brotherhood took ownership, transforming the estate into the Santa Maria Novitiate, a working monastery that stood for over a century. As you traverse the corridors of time, Hudson House Distillery invites you to explore not just the aged barrels, but the echoes of a bygone era within the estate’s venerable structures. Discover the nuanced flavors of history and craftsmanship that define the heart of Hudson Valley at Hudson House Distillery.

Established in 1999, Sculpted Ice Works is a leading force in the art of ice carving, guided by the expertise of award-winning carver Mark Crouthamel. The skilled team, boasting over two decades of experience, creates a diverse range of sculptures, from wedding centerpieces to live carving demonstrations, as proud members of the National Ice Carving Association. Committed to quality, the company exclusively uses clear, in-house manufactured ice and offers customization options, including freezing objects within the ice. Renowned for handling large-scale projects with over 100 tons of ice, Sculpted Ice Works remains a top choice for distinctive and awe-inspiring frozen creation, serving the tristate region of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Chronogram Magazine has hailed, “Natalie Forteza introduces herself as a commanding vocalist and songwriter of considerable impact…[Forteza] shines here with her dynamic range of rhythms and emotions…” Natalie’s unique, recognizable voice summons emotion through layers of Alt-Soul, Indie, Pop, and World Music.  Along with her band, she has played beloved NYC venues as Rockwood Music Hall and The Iridium, highlights of her artistic debut have been opening for Allen Stone, and Soul singer/songwriter Mutlu, opening for Charlie Hunter and touring with The Latin Dead, all in her Hudson Valley backyard.  Raised in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley area for most of her life, she draws much of her inspiration not only from her own personal experiences but from nature, from food, and from the mélange of different kinds of music she loves and grew up listening to. Grammy winner Michael League of Snarky Puppy, who produced her debut EP “01,” has said, “My favorite musicians are those who have their own sound-the ones you recognize the instant you hear them. This is how I felt when I first heard Natalie. She creates a vibe from the first note, and holds you until the last one…”