The DeBruce
In this latest edition of Cultivating Conversations, we chat with Anastasija Ocheretina, who oversees The DeBruce, a hidden gem nestled in the Catskills. Since joining Foster Supply Hospitality in 2020, Anastasija has played a key role in shaping the experience at The DeBruce, where guests are welcomed with a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Surrounded by 600 acres of private land, Anastasija shares the unique offerings that make The DeBruce a destination like none other.
© Photo by Lawrence Braun
can you tell us a little about your journey and your work at The DeBruce?
I've been working with Foster Supply since the summer of 2020, when I started volunteering with the Family Meal Program launched in response to the pandemic by our nonprofit A Single Bite. Since then, I've transitioned through various roles at FSH and am currently overseeing The DeBruce. I started my career in hospitality so to have found my way back into an industry that shaped who I am is very special.
How would you describe the unique experience of staying at The DeBruce to someone who’s never been before?
Picture yourself in front of a fire, with a cocktail, anticipating the amazing meal ahead. That is a moment I wish for everyone who joins us to have — to retreat from the busy work week, to relax into a couch, to not have anywhere to be, other than your dinner reservation that's just steps away from where you're sitting.
“Guests regularly describe the experience as staying at a friend's country estate — relaxed but luxurious.”
© Photo by Lawrence Braun
What role does The DeBruce's location in the beautiful Willowemoc Valley have in shaping the guest experience?
“Let's start with the fresh air and the quiet!”
Aside from that, I'd say our particular corner of the world, the Willowemoc Valley, regularly likes to show off, and we're lucky to get a front row seat in our glass encased Dining Room, what we call internally, the “jewel–box”. There are the moody, misty early mornings, snow capped mountains in the winter, dinnertime dusk where daylight fades and we're left with the string lights leading to the bonfire, even an occasional dramatic rainstorm only adds to the cozyness of what's happening indoors.
Your dining experience has received national recognition, including a James Beard nomination. How do you balance the refinement of your cuisine with a connection to local ingredients?
Chef Eric Leveillee does such an exceptional job at developing beautiful presentations — to see guests' reactions when that 'wow' dish hits their table is a joy.
“But, everything begins with the ingredients.”
Your plate of pristine oysters is served with a mignonette made with ramps that our kitchen team pulled out of the ground; our breakfast omelette has a mountain of spinach on top of it that was grown minutes away and delivered by the farmer to the kitchen; the crispy troutlings are a unique product our local hatchery produces — we text the owner to coordinate drop offs! We dress these products up, we put them on the pedestal of gorgeous presentation that they deserve, but we already have deep respect for them in their raw state, and are so grateful to be able to introduce guests to our region's produce season after season.
© Photo by Bernardo Mancebo (Left)
Could you share how your team draws inspiration from the Catskills when crafting new dishes?
“Every progression (our seasonal theme change) of our Tasting Menu represents the Catskills in some way.”
My absolute favorite is 'Heritage' — the progression we begin each year with. In 2025, we took our guests on a journey through the history of the Catskills, up to the Golden Age of Catskills resorts and beyond. The food was glorious and it was really lovely to see both our servers and cooks present each dish and describe the period of time that inspired it to our guests. For one course, the team recreated a Grossinger's chopped liver recipe tableside.
For those who’ve never been, what’s the most surprising or unexpected aspect of staying at The DeBruce?
When they first arrive — The Tackle Room. People literally 'ooh' when they come to this space, which is the in–between space to our grounds and offers guest–specific lockers and seasonal amenities: walking sticks, trail maps, pool towels, s'mores kits, and more. It's always fun to see this look of discovery on guests' faces. However, when they leave…
“guests are often surprised by the impact our team had on their stay.”
We're a small group of hard working and enthusiastic folks and I'm always really proud when guests ask me to thank a specific person on the team as they're checking out for some thoughtful touch. We have such a strong foundation to The DeBruce experience — the building, the grounds, the food — but it's our people who bring it all together and foster meaningful connections between our guests and this property.
© Photo by Bernardo Mancebo
How do you curate experiences that allow guests to truly immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape?
Going for a walk on our trails is an immersive experience in itself. Guests come back having spotted our beavers, geese, deer, turtles, bald eagles, and other critters. While the trails are always accessible we also organize regular guided walks like our recent wild ramp foraging walk. Guests can also book private experiences through our vendors, including introductory fly fishing lessons so you literally immerse yourself in the landscape by wading into the historic Willowemoc!
The DeBruce has a rich history that’s deeply woven into the property. How do you balance honoring that heritage while introducing modern comforts and amenities?
One example is the messaging feature we launched last year. Guests receive a link to a mini app ahead of their stay where they can easily access information about the property and things to do, and it also provides a texting option which they can use to quickly get in touch with the team ahead of arrival or even during their stay. We have so many analog experiences for guests to engage with — board games, printed 'things to do' guides, shuffle board, the fire pit, clawfoot tubs, etc. We have sand clock nap timers in the room.
“We want guests to be engaged with their surroundings and disconnect.”
While at the same time, having the option to use your phone to message downstairs if you need some ice in your room or if you're out and about and want lunch suggestions.
© Photo by Lawrence Braun
How do you integrate sustainability into your operations, and how do guests experience it during their stay?
As much as possible, we source products from neighboring farms, from people we know. We try to share the history of the place, and what’s happening in the mountains and streams right on our 600–acre property.
“As a company, supporting our community is an important part of our mission at Foster Supply.”
Whether that’s providing local lunch recommendations, sending guests off to visit the local alpaca farms and breweries, to feeding and educating neighbors in need with real, local food through our non–profit organization, A Single Bite.
Looking ahead, what exciting developments or initiatives can guests expect from The DeBruce in the near future?
“I'm very excited about the launch of our new Farm Tasting Menu.”
The menu has been carefully crafted by Chef Eric with seasonal produce. Plus, we're planning some fun events around the progression, so watch out for those!
A little bit further out, we've been exploring what a dedicated DeBruce membership could look like. We have so many devoted guests who love coming back to The DeBruce to celebrate their special occasions or simply to have a go-to country getaway, and we'd love to come up with a meaningful way to deepen this experience for them and provide additional levels of access in the future. More to come here as we develop the right approach.
© Photo by Lawrence Braun
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone planning a stay at The DeBruce, what would it be?
“Plan at least two days if you want to explore beyond The DeBruce (and you should!).”
I love sharing our team's go-to's in Livingston Manor and beyond. There are so many amazing spots and so many of our neighbors doing cool things in the area that I know our guests would appreciate — it's usually just a matter of how much time they planned for their trip.
© Photo by Sophie Andreassend