A Culinary Farewell: Richard and Mary Anne Erickson Reflect on Bistro-To-Go Legacy

By inside + out | November 22, 2024

Long-time Woodstock residents Richard and Mary Anne Erickson are the former owners of Bistro-To-Go, the beloved culinary institution known for its excellent gourmet take-out, laid-back café atmosphere and local catering for weddings, birthdays and special events. The Ericksons’ passion for food and commitment to exceptional service quickly earned their restaurant and team a loyal following. It has long been a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its great meals that embody the essence of the Hudson Valley: quality, locally sourced ingredients, joyous service, and a community-minded spirit.

Throughout their 30+ years in business, the Ericksons have demonstrated their dedication and generosity. They created an inviting hub where inclusivity and creativity thrived, and hosted and catered countless private and commercial events, helping to weave lasting and important memories in the community. The Ericksons have also left a rich legacy, giving back through ongoing donations to local food banks, soup kitchens, and fundraisers.

The Good News: While the establishment has recently changed hands, there’s no need to worry; it will continue to offer the beloved “Feel Good Food” under new ownership, maintaining many of the same dishes, staff, and overall vision.

We applaud Richard and Mary Anne Erickson for all they have contributed to our community. Want to find out what they’re cooking up next?

Richard Erickson chaf and owner from Bistro-to-Go in Kingston NY

Chef Richard Erickson: I have always been interested in food long before I decided to devote my life to it, so it is hard to imagine food not being involved in some way; that said, I look forward to pursuing other interests. Exactly what’s next has yet to reveal itself to me.

How has your approach to cooking grown and changed over the years?

Opening a takeout store was a huge change. Serving plated meals in a restaurant was all I had ever done; every plate had to make an impression or statement. With Bistro-to-Go, I focused more on comfort foods that never go out of style. I reached back to not only my childhood but the childhoods of everyone I knew, dishes I never would have dreamed of serving in a restaurant when I was younger. I gave up trying to impress and listened to what people asked for to make the experience more interactive for me and them. I then tried to give them the best and most authentic version of whatever I could at a reasonable price.

What are you most proud of in your career as a chef in the Hudson Valley?

We have created relationships with the community and with our staff. I like to think that we have always treated everyone as partners in what we do, acknowledging them for helping create a safe and fun place to be day in and day out. That, in turn, is why I feel we have had an enduring business for so long.

Chicken from Bistro-to-Go in Kingston NY

What do you think you have contributed to the food scene here?

I like to think that the Bistro and a handful of other restaurants that opened around the same time helped raise the quality and expanded people’s awareness of food. With the restaurant and, to a lesser extent, Bistro-to-Go, we embraced the Mediterranean way of eating and the Slow Food movement. We have used the tagline “Slow Cooked Fast Food,” which I feel captures our style. We have also embraced Oldways, a food think tank that keeps traditional ways of eating, cooking and living alive.

How do you feel your food has made an impact on the community?

Our brand, also the title of our cookbook, is “Feel Good Food.” Over many years, we’ve been moved by the stories our customers have shared with us…stories about how our food helped them through difficult times in their lives. This was especially true during the pandemic. It might sound a bit corny, but we love making and serving good food. We also love that others feel good sharing it. I can’t think of anything better than that.

What values would you like to see sustained by the new owners of your business?

We have always valued honesty and integrity with our team and our customers, as well as creating joy every day in the workplace. Another one of our mottos, which we used to describe our catering business, is “Every Day’s a Celebration.”

What are some of the changes you’ve seen in the food scene in the 31 years you have been a chef in the Hudson Valley?

The sheer number and diversity of food establishments is certainly a huge change. We had a small tapas bar in 1996, which was the first of its kind. That seems so quaint and commonplace now. The other big change is money. We started on a shoestring with credit cards, a second mortgage on the house, etc. That would be hard to repeat today; I think someone starting a business from scratch would need a lot more capital.

What is your current state of mind?

I would have answered that very differently before November 5th. I’m looking forward to whatever doorways might open for me to continue to make a difference in the world. Being an important part of this great Hudson Valley community has been an honor and a privilege. I’m excited to see what new paths will unfold!