By Jessica Schultz
You should remember the Ashford Station Bistro in West Valley, NY. It boasted great food, sweet desserts and the smiling face of owner Emily Tingue as she worked hard to make sure every guest had a great time. Sadly, the bistro closed down but that hasn’t stopped Emily from making a big dream a wonderful realization. Lucky Day Homestead, located at 5111 Roszyk Hill Roard in Machias, NY is open and everyone in our communities is invited to visit. The Villager had the opportunity to speak with Emily Tingue about the homestead and what she would be offering there.
The Villager (V): You have a lot of new things going on, what’s new at the Lucky Day Homestead?
Emily Tingue (T): “We are moving backwards in time, so to speak…really digging into the land and what it has to offer as well as reconstructing the buildings. Our vision is to transform them into a rustic and elegant spot for guests. The historic hay barn and carriage house are near completion…we have worked diligently to bring the old classic woods, stone and antiques throughout. The hay barn will be transformed into a venue for small events, wedding ceremonies/receptions, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, bridal and baby showers booking for 2023. We will be hosting a couple Farm to Table dinners in the 120-year-old site and cannot wait to work with some local and possibly nationally known chefs. A few local farms in mind to showcase, with hopes to bring in some local breweries, distilleries and wineries for guests to sample while enjoying a four to five course meal with live music. The hay barn will also become a center for the community to share homesteading ideas and techniques, hosting monthly clinics spring throughout the fall. In the fall and winter the smaller of the two barns we call the “carriage house” becomes a spot for coffee, desserts and locally crafted items, open 5 days a week. Fresh baked pies and seasonal desserts…whole pies, tartletts, cookies, fudge and caramels are offered. A great spot to seek out unique, locally crafted gifts for the holidays and sweet treats while visiting with friends.”
V: You are offering great classes, what is your next one and how can people sign up for it?
E: “Yes, we have started holding small classes and workshops. Our next class Forage Wreath Making is scheduled for Thursday November 17th at 6pm. In this class we invite you to come make an all-seasons wreath. Grape vines are gathered from the homestead and twisted into wreaths before our guests arrive. Refreshments and light farm to fork dinner is served buffet style for our guests to snack casually while they craft. Feathers and fungus, moss and twigs, rose hips and dried flowers are gathered and each guest will be guided in crafting a wreath that will last for many years and learn about the items that are being suited onto the piece. This specific class is $25 per guest, each one varies depending on the activity and complimentary selections. To sign up for our classes you can call 716-353-0193 or email luckydayhomestead@ gmail.com. We also mail out a seasonal newsletter to folks… to be placed on our mailing list we ask that you call or stop by the homestead.”
V: You are still selling baked goods right, what kinds and how can one order those?
E: “The carriage house is open currently for pick up only, Wednesday to Saturday 8am – 6pm and Sunday 9am – 6pm. We stock an array of whole pies, tarts, caramels and such… folks can come in and grab a goodie for the weekend if it lasts thru the car ride. Our current favorites are French Apple Pie, which is a combination of apples, raisins and spices topped with a vanilla orange frosting, as well as the French Silk Chocolate Pie, which is one that is delicious topped with local maple syrup or, topped with marshmallows and popped into the oven to brown and sprinkle with hot cocoa. I personally suggest grabbing a mini tart and a whole pie when you come to visit, as we get many calls that the pies are gone in a flash and the minis are devoured before arriving at the destination. We are taking orders for Thanksgiving pies currently; folks can call the baker to place an order at 716-353-0193 or email luckydyahomestead@ gmail.com.”
V: What are your next projects going to be?
E: “We are gathering some experts and preparing classes for folks to become more confident and share information about their techniques. Our guests may come and learn about Raised Bed Gardens, Planting by the Moon Phases, Rotational Planting, Edible Flowers, Medicinal Plants, Foraging Basics, Cooking from the Garden, Seasonal Baking Classes, Preserving Techniques, Seed Collecting and Closing your Raised Bed Gardens. These events will be listed on Facebook and Google as well as mailed in our Newsletter and will take place once a month.”
V: Anything else you would like to add?
E: “Our guests that book our Airbnb cabin have the opportunity to experience the homestead and adventure the property in a family built tiny house, we also offer private tours and breakfast brought to the cabin for our renters. Villager readers will likely agree that adding a warm, farm fresh breakfast brought to your doorstep on a winter morning is a delightful treat after a day of skiing. So that is something we are adding this winter season to our program. We can’t wait to treat our guests!”
For booking visit https://airbnb.com/h/ luckydayhomesteadcabin. We also want to thank the Villager for their continued support and readers, its truly a pleasure to greet you all at the homestead, and honor to bake for you this holiday season.”
Thank you, Emily, for taking the time to share your creative vision with us. We encourage everyone to take a trip out to the Lucky Day Homestead for some old-fashioned fun or just to grab a delightful after dinner dessert.