JULY/AUGUST 2020
CRL
CAPITAL REGION LIVING Special
FLIP Edition!
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BESTIES FOOD&
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Capital Region Living 7.625 x 10.125 due April 14
Red, White and Blue Mini Trifles SERVES 6 Ingredients: 2 oz.
Hannaford Fat Free Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup
StonyfieldÂŽ Organic Whole Milk Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt
1/2 tsp.
McCormickÂŽ Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 (7 oz.) Hannaford Angel Food Cake, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 quart
Strawberries, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 pint
Blueberries
Optional 2 Tbsp.
Planters Lightly Salted Cocktail Peanuts
Directions: 1. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, yogurt and vanilla extract. Mix well until light and fluffy.
Celebrate July with a delicious red, white and blue treat! These patriotic mini trifles are full of satisfying textures and refreshing summer flavors. Make and serve trifles in stemless wine glasses or small dessert bowls so everyone can have their own individual serving. Thank you to our sponsors for partnering with Hannaford to offer free dietitian services. Our dietitians communicate their own nutrition expertise, views and advice, using carefully selected products in recipes and demonstrations to share information on healthful eating.
2. Place 3 to 4 pieces of angel food cake each in 6 stemless wine glasses or small bowls. Layer spoonful of berries on top of the cake, then a spoonful of yogurt mixture. Repeat layering the trifle components until all of cake and yogurt mixture are used. 3. Top trifle with a few blueberries, pieces of sliced strawberry and an optional teaspoon of chopped peanuts for added crunch. Enjoy.
simply healthy from your Hannaford Dietitians Have questions about your health? Our team of registered dietitians offer free nutritional services online and in-store. Visit hannaford.com/dietitians to learn more.
HL_Capital_Living_ad_July_7.625x10.125.indd 1
Nutritional Information: Amount per serving: Calories 200; Total Fat 2.5 g; Saturated Fat 1 g; Cholesterol 5 mg; Sodium 450 mg; Carbohydrate 41 g; Fiber 3 g; Protein 7 g; Total Sugar 27 g
6/17/20 11:12 AM
inside J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0
BEST ROMANTIC DINING Yono’s
11
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
Besties 2020 FOOD & DRINK BY KAREN BJORNLAND
11
10
Cover Story
TAK EO U T TAKEOVER BY NATALIE MOORE
38
45 C R L’ S P O P C U L T U R E R O U N D U P
42
52 BEFORE YOU GO: CHASING SUNSETS
C RL’S P ETS O F I NSTAGRA M STAYCAT I O N, ALL YO U E VER WANT E D BY VIKKI MORAN The Grateful Traveler
42
9 UP FRO NT: HOT SP OTS FO R CO LD T RE ATS
BY JOHN GRAY ADVERTISING SECTIONS
30 WINNERS’ CIRCLE 49 50+ LIVING
ON THE COVER: Some of the most popular dishes from Canali’s Restaurant, the winner of the Bestie award for best takeout. Shot by Konrad Odhiambo on location at the restaurant in Rotterdam, NY
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and a half, you’re probably a little confused seeing “Besties” on the cover of this issue. We typically announce the awards for the “people and places” categories in our March issue, while the awards for “food and drink” arrive in our May issue. This year, though, we made the difficult decision of postponing the latter issue, because many of the bars and restaurants that our readers voted on were still closed in May due to the COVID-19 crisis. But at press time, outdoor dining had been allowed for a few weeks, and socially distanced indoor dining had just been approved, so it’s a start. And we thought, now was the perfect time to reveal our food and drink Besties winners. What better way to give our local bars and restaurants a muchneeded boost, after months of being able to offer only takeout/to-go orders? (Many of them are still doing that, too, of course.) So, when you flip to page 11 for the complete list of Besties winners, we encourage you to patronize the restaurants and bars you find listed there. After all, they are CRL reader approved. Also, be sure to also check out our roundup of some of the best spots in the region to get a frozen summer treat on page 9, a feature on the area’s top takeout restaurants on page 10 and the Grateful Traveler on enjoying a successful Capital Region staycation on page 42. After all, right here is still a great place to be, don’t you think?
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We all scream for ice cream!
CRL
UP FRONT
Hot Spots for Cold Treats » From Loudonville to Queensbury, these ice cream shops are must-visits this summer. «
BY GABRIELLE VUILLAUME
CURRY FREEZE
ROTTERDAM Curry Freeze has been serving up sweet treats in Rotterdam for more than 50 years. Besides its homemade ice cream flavors, which include French Roast Coffee and Rocky Mountain Raspberry, Curry Freeze also makes its own Italian ices and fanfavorite sherbets.
THE FARMER’S DAUGHTERS’ DRIVE-IN
SARATOGA SPRINGS Farmer’s Daughters’ has been Saratoga’s go-to spot for ice cream since the ’60s. Along with its famous soft and hard ice cream (plus loads of toppings, including its signature Oreo and sprinkle “zebra” mix), the shop also carries Italian ices, slushies, popsicles, shakes, specialty sundaes and a full food menu, which includes classic sandwiches, burgers and all manner of fried delicacies.
FRANK’S
LOUDONVILLE Both an ice cream parlor and restaurant, Frank’s in Loudonville has the best of both worlds. Its eye-popping ice cream menu boasts a long list of flavors (good luck choosing between options such as Panda Paws, Cloud Nine and Bittersweet Sinphony), as well as sundaes. Plus, Frank’s is open year round and takes custom orders for its luxe ice cream cakes.
GUPTILL’S ICE CREAM
LATHAM Known for its giant, Guinness World Record-holding roller skating arena, Guptill’s is
also famous for its ice cream shop, which carries 80 awardwinning hard and soft ice cream flavors. (Forget chocolate and vanilla soft serve—Guptill’s carries choices such as black raspberry, mint, creamsicle and cotton candy.) The Latham shop’s extensive menu also includes shakes, sundaes and flurries, as well as a number of frozen yogurts and nondairy options.
KURVER KREME
COLONIE Kurver Kreme has been blessing the town of Colonie with its frozen goodness since 1952. Its huge menu of sweets features soft and hard ice cream in flavors that change weekly, 20 flurry flavors, 20 float flavors, a mouth-watering sundae list (try Monkey in the Middle or PB Mallow), plus delicious ice cream cakes made with Kurver’s signature “krunch” filling.
MARTHA’S DANDEE CREME
QUEENSBURY Across the street from Great Escape, Martha’s Dandee Creme has been serving customers a rotating menu of its famous soft serve ice cream for more than seven decades. After a long day of rollercoaster riding, nothing beats going to Martha’s for a giant raspberry chocolate twist on a cone or a classic vanilla Dandee Cremewich. Martha’s has a full grill menu as well.
THE SNOWMAN
TROY Since the early 1950s, The Snowman in Troy has been treating Collar City residents to premium soft and hard ice cream, frozen yogurts and sherbets. The shop prides itself on using only the finest ingredients for its products, and the proof is in the pudding (or ice cream, we should say!). Popular treats on the menu include an array of sundaes, shakes, flurries and order-ahead ice cream pies in to-die-for flavors like Chocolate Overload and Samoa.
JULY/AUGUST 2020 | CRLMAG.COM | 9
Takeout Takeover COVID-19 forced classic takeout to up its game. Let’s dig in...to the trend.
10 | C A P I T A L R E G I O N L I V I N G | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KONRAD ODHIAMBO
in our industry—at our place, especially,” says Canali’s Owner Henry Alteri of takeout orders. Canali’s isn’t alone: In 2018, Restaurant Business magazine reported that 86 percent of consumers were using off-premises dining services at least monthly, and that food delivery was projected to grow 12 percent over the next five years. With the rise of food delivery companies such as Uber Eats, Doordash and Latham-based Mealeo, as well as with shifting consumer attitudes toward getting everything from Amazon purchases to groceries delivered, restaurants have had to adapt to this new “to-go” world order. The key to a successful takeout
operation, Alteri says, is to serve the same food a restaurant would serve in its dining room, but even more quickly and efficiently. “One of the things we never do is cut back on quality and quantity,” says Alteri of the Schenectady establishment’s takeout service. “We always make sure we use the best ingredients.” For Canali’s, that means organic chicken from Tyson, triple net zero flour and only the best tomatoes, from California farmers. Canali’s has been offering its delicious Italian food to go for 30 years, so it’s no surprise the restaurant has perfected the craft. But COVID-19 or not, it seems the takeout ball is just getting rolling. Are you ready, Capital Region?
KONRAD ODHIAMBO
W
hen CAPITAL REGION LIVING readers voted Canali’s Restaurant in Rotterdam the best takeout in the area at the end of 2019, no one had any idea just how crucial takeout would soon become for the food industry as a whole. As restaurants were forced to close their doors to in-house dining due to the COVID-19 crisis, many had to scramble to put together online ordering systems from scratch and figure out how to facilitate new curbside pickup options. But did COVID-19 simply accelerate an already existing trend? “It seems to be even before COVID that it’s been growing
» BY NATALIE MOORE «
Besties CAPITAL REGION LIVING
FOOD AND DRINK B Y KA R E N BJ O R N L A N D
Note from the editors: A big congratulations from the CRL team to every single Bestie winner! At press time, the Capital Region’s phase three of reopening was in full swing, and restaurants had just started to reintroduce inside dining. We hope that by the time you read this, we’ll be even further along with the reopening process, and you’ll be able to celebrate the best that every restaurant has to offer, inside and out. Let’s eat!
APPETIZER
New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520 When it comes to apps, veggies rule at New World, with one million Blackened String Beans served. Brussels sprouts? Yeah, baby. The restaurant turns those cute little cabbages into four different tasty treats.
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Innovo Kitchen 1210 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1466
BAGEL
Uncommon Grounds Multiple locations Every day, at every location, Uncommon makes the “Bestie” bagel—chewy on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside. It’s been mixin’ and bakin’ them since 1996. Even bagel snobs from New York City give its bagels a big thumbs up.
Bagel Tyme Multiple locations West End Bagels 5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park (518) 952-4762
BAKERY
Bella Napoli Bakery & Café 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 721 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 Cannoli, biscotti, zeppole, cioffe. Bella Napoli is the Capital Region’s sweet epicenter for Italian pastries, cookies and cakes for every occasion. Craving something more savory? Bella also makes delicious breads, too.
Dolce & Biscotti 1758 US Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-6173 Villa Italia 226 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 355-1144
BBQ
Brooks’ House of BBQ 5560 State Highway 7, Oneonta (607) 432-1782
When summer rolls around, Brooks’ BBQ hits the road, fires up its traveling outdoor barbecues and forks over its famous sweet-and-tangy chicken and ribs. Did you know that the Beard Foundation honored Brooks’ with an America’s Classics award?
Pig Pit BBQ 1 Niver Street, Cohoes (518) 235-2323 PJ’s Bar-B-QSA 1 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-7427 or (518) 583-2445
BEST-KEPT SECRET Lost & Found 942 Broadway, Albany (518) 694-0670
Lost & Found is just three years old, but people in Albany are already calling this craft beer/ casual dining spot a classic. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, L&F supports local farms and has outdoor seating.
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033
Joe’s Tavern 16 Division Street, Cohoes (518) 235-6555
BEVERAGE CENTER
Oliver’s Beverage Center 105 Colvin Avenue, Albany (518) 459-2767 Better known as the Brew Crew, these guys were into craft beer long before the rest of the Capital Region was. Today, you can find 4,000 beers from around the globe at the Brew Crew’s two locations: Oliver’s and Westmere, also making a cameo in this year’s Besties.
Delmar Beverage Center 242 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7275 Westmere Beverage Center 1756 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 456-1100
BLOODY MARY
Innovo Kitchen 1210 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1466 At Innovo’s DIY Bloody Mary bar, go beyond the celery and
RED Denotes Winner | GRAY Denotes Finalist J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 | C R L M A G . C O M | 11
transform your sassy cocktail into a movable feast with garnishes like bacon, shrimp, olives, hunks of cheese and cherry tomatoes.
Bella Napoli Bakery & Café 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 721 River Road, Troy (518) 274-8277
Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern Multiple locations McGeary’s Irish Pub 4 Clinton Square, Albany (518) 463-1455
BREAKFAST
BISTRO
New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520 No stranger to the Bestie Awards, New World Bistro Bar’s kitchen was, until recently, under the helm of Executive Chef Ric Orlando (he twice won Chopped on the Food Network and his potato latkes beat Bobby Flay’s on a different show). At press time, the restaurant was closed while it searched for a new chef, but we have no doubt it’ll be back soon, better than ever.
Sage Bistro 2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland (518) 608-5410 Garden Bistro 24 5 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands (518) 439-3832
BREAD
Perreca’s Bakery 31N-33 North Jay Street, Schenectady (518) 372-1875 In Schenectady’s Little Italy, the Perreca family has been baking bread in the same brick oven, without a temperature gauge, since the 1920s. The loaves, with their thick crust and unique nutty flavor, are the same kind that was made more than a century ago by the family’s ancestors in a village near Naples, Italy.
Bountiful Bread 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-3540
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Café Madison 1108 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-1094 359 Northern Boulevard, Albany (518) 898-9630 Breakfast isn’t boring at Café Madison, where you can dig into a smoked salmon omelet or roasted berry crepes with brie and walnuts. Six kinds of bread are also made in house. Vegans and vegetarians get excited about Café Madison’s six menu choices, including a popular seitan maple sausage breakfast sandwich.
More Perreca’s 31N-33 North Jay Street, Schenectady (518) 372-1875 Iron Gate Café 182 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 445-3555
BREWERY
Druthers Multiple locations When Druthers opened eight years ago in Downtown Saratoga, it was the only brew pub in the city. Now it’s a hot spot for award-winning, handcrafted beer (and food!) in Albany and Schenectady, too. At each location, customers can see the tanks where their beer is brewed.
Brown’s Brewing Company 417 River Street, Troy (518) 273-2337 S&S Farm Brewery 174 Middle Road, Nassau (518) 336-0766
BRUNCH
Café Madison 1108 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-1094
359 Northern Boulevard, Albany (518) 898-9630 Did someone say oatmeal pancakes with raspberries and real maple syrup? Light and tender, these flapjacks rock the brunch at Café Madison. If you are in the mood for a cocktail, lift your spirits with a mimosa, Bloody Mary or booze-spiked coffee.
Risotto 320 Northern Boulevard, Albany (518) 747-6886 Iron Gate Café 182 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 445-3555
BURGER
Innovo Kitchen 1210 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1466 I scream for Innovo’s i-Burger, smothered in onion jam and topped with house-made bacon. Or maybe go crazy for their “b-a-a-a-d” lamb option, topped with feta and arugula. Oh, and its tater tots are made from scratch, too.
Lost & Found 942 Broadway, Albany (518) 694-0670 Nighthawks 461 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1000
CAKE
Dolce & Biscotti 1758 US Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-6173 Dream up a cake for any occasion, and Dolce & Biscotti’s brilliant designers and bakers can whip it up and wow your party guests. Recent hits include a dead-on replica of a Louis Vuitton bag, and graduation masterpieces in flavors such as Reese’s peanut butter and blond grasshopper.
Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe 390 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
(518) 477-2140 54 State Street, Albany (518) 813-9557 Coccadotts Cake Shop 1179 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 438-4937
CALAMARI
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033
Squid-licious! What else can you say about Yanni’s Too, where you can order original calamari, lightly fried with lemon, garlic and wine sauce— or Buffalo, Mediterranean, Rhode Island, Calamari Red or Chipotle styles? It’s no wonder that owner Marc Yanni is called “The Calamari King.”
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 Track 32 1368 Indian Fields Road, Feura Bush (518) 439-0032
CHEESECAKE
Blue Rose Cheesecake & Bake Shop 1815 State Street, Schenectady Bakery: (518) 393-2765 Restaurant: (518) 393-2600 Pumpkin and pistachio, amaretto and white chocolate raspberry. That’s only four of the special cheesecake flavors offered at Blue Rose. For traditionalists, there’s plain vanilla, with or without fruit. If you prefer a lighter, less sweet dessert, slice into Blue Rose’s Bavarian cheesecake.
Cheesecake Machismo 293 Hamilton Street, Albany (518) 427-7019 J&S Watkins 1675 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 383-1148
CHOCOLATE SHOP/ CANDY STORE
Krause’s Homemade Candy 1609 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 869-3950
Besties | Food and Drink
BEST-KEPT SECRET Lost & Found
Interested in some oldfashioned peanut brittle, the sweetest chocolate-dipped strawberries or creamy fudge? In 1929, Alfred Krause brought his candy making know-how to America, and today the third generation of his family crafts sweet treats in Colonie.
LARK STREET PHOTO
Uncle Sam’s All American Chocolate Factory 2571 Albany Street, Schenectady (518) 372-2243 594 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 608-4949 Candy Kraft Candies 2575 Western Avenue, Altamont (518) 355-1860
CIDER DOUGHNUT
Indian Ladder Farms 342 Altamont Road, Altamont (518) 765-2956 You don’t have to wait until
autumn: Indian Ladder makes cider doughnuts all year round. But will that luscious dozen survive the car ride home? Probably not.
Golden Harvest Farms 3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683 Cider Belly Doughnuts 25 North Pearl Street, Albany (518) 253-4640
CHICKEN WINGS
The Ruck 104 Third Street, Troy (518) 273-1872 *Tied With* My Place & Company 241 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7610 1640 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack (518) 477-5555
Truck to The Ruck for chicken wings that many say are similar to the ones they make in Buffalo, the city where wings first became a thing. The Troy hangout, with its roughed-up wooden tables, has a real neighborhood pub vibe and keg after keg of craft beer. To round out the twofer, the wings at My Place, a familyfriendly sports bar, fly onto plates in flavors like garlic, hickory, honey BBQ and pineapple ghost pepper. These are not your Grandma’s wings.
Rusty Nail Grill & Tavern 1781 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 371-9875 The Towne Tavern 2850 NY 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3040
CHILI
Druthers Multiple locations Saddle up, cowboys and cowgirls, and gallop to your favorite Druthers. Saratoga, Schenectady and Albany all serve skillets of dense Chili Mac with pickled jalapeño and a crunchy Frito topping. Yee-haw!
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Otis & Oliver’s Restaurant & Pub 30 Mill Road, Latham (518) 785-9291
CHOWDER
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Yanni’s Too is a Troy Chowder Fest winner and a Capital
J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 | C R L M A G . C O M | 13
BEST CUPCAKES Coccadotts Cake Shop
Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations Chris’ Café 1048 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7701
COFFEE
Stewart’s Shops Multiple locations Wherever you roam, whenever you need java, Stewart’s will perk you up. It’s got hot, iced or cold brew—and you can make its special blend at home with ground coffee and S-Cups.
A Perfect Blend 376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537
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Wired 652 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 650-7615
COOKIES
Bella Napoli Bakery & Café 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 721 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 Italian butter cookies just like your Nonna’s. With coffee or espresso, they are the perfect, no-fuss dessert for any dinner party or family gathering—and you can find the Bestie of the Bestie at Bella Napoli.
The Cookie Factory 520 Congress Street, Troy (518) 268-1060 Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe 390 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 477-2140
54 State Street, Albany (518) 813-9557
COMFORT FOOD
Lanie’s Café 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 With melt-in-your-mouth Prime Rib Dip, heaping plates of spaghetti and meatballs and desserts such as cheesecake and carrot cake, Lanie’s Café is all about the comfort food.
Druthers Multiple locations Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern Multiple locations
CUPCAKES
Coccadotts Cake Shop 1179 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 438-4937
The cute confections from Coccadotts are hard to resist– choose from Red Velvet, S’Mores, Coconut, Strawberry Milkshake and many more. Is your child still very much in the unicorn cake phase? Each sparkly unicorn cupcake sports a pointy horn and horsey ears tucked into the decadent frosting.
Dolce & Biscotti 1758 US Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-6173 Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe 390 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 477-2140 54 State Street, Albany (518) 813-9557
DELI
McCarroll’s The Village Butcher 406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3936 Liverwurst and capicola, ham
COCCADOTTS CAKE SHOP
Region seafood destination, so it’s no surprise that it reeled in a Bestie for its New England clam chowder. Spoon it up on the deck with a view of the Hudson.
Besties | Food and Drink and Swiss cheese: these are just some of the deli meats the McCarroll family has been slicing for nearly a century. Conveniently located in Delmar Marketplace, The Village Butcher is known for its award-winning breakfast sandwiches, too.
Gershon’s Deli & Caterers 1600 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 393-0617 Pellegrino Importing Multiple locations *Tied With* Roma Foods 9 Cobbee Road, Latham (518) 785-7480 222 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-6004
DINER
Alexis Diner 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603 Could you give me a minute? I need to study the menu and its 300 choices. At Alexis Diner, you’ll have to decide between options such as burgers, sandwiches and seafood; plus Greek salad, souvlaki and gyro. Big bonuses: breakfast all day and outdoor dining.
Latham ’76 Diner 722 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3793 Blue Ribbon Restaurant 1801 State Street, Schenectady (518) 393-2600
DISTILLERY
Albany Distilling Company 78 Montgomery Street, Albany (Distillery) 75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (Bar & Bottle Shop) (518) 949-2472 Whiskey, rum, vodka and the ever-popular Cocktail Club–a refreshing, zero-carb blend of vodka, fruit flavor and club soda–are all crafted here, one small batch at a time. Enjoy your drink in the refashioned,
19th-century Nabisco factory in Downtown Albany.
Harvest Spirits 3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-1776 Yankee Distillers 5 Fairchild Square, Clifton Park (518) 406-3245
FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANT Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations
Did you know that the Ted’s in Watervliet was the first location and that it opened more than 60 years ago? Ted Deeb started the business, and today his son and grandson run it. Their specialties are the mouthwatering classics you’d expect: fish and chips, mini hot dogs, strawberry milkshakes, you name it.
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879
FINE DINING
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 Executive Chef Ken Kehn is all about pleasing fine diners, who flock to his steakhouse for lobster bisque and veal Milanese, but mostly his famous steaks–even his “limited” to-go menu during the COVID-19 crisis, which includes nine cuts of beef. “I love to see someone brighten up or really enjoy themselves while eating something that I have made,” he says. “It gives me intense satisfaction.”
Yono’s 25 Chapel Street, Albany (518) 436-7747 Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Avenue, Round Lake (518) 899-6000
FISH FRY
FRIED CHICKEN
Founded by the son of a Lebanese immigrant in 1949, Ted’s is fish fry central for Capital Region folks, with six family-friendly locations. Served in a steamed hot dog bun, and topped with your choice of sauce, Ted’s fish fry is comfort food from the sea.
Hattie’s fried chicken, juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, has been made from the same Southern recipe since 1938. And now there’s Hattie’s Nashville Hot Chicken. Let the good times roll!
Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations
Off-Shore Pier Fish Market and Restaurant 637 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer (518) 283-9880 Gene’s Fish Fry 300 Troy Road, Rensselaer (518) 286-3767
FISH N’ CHIPS Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations
Fried fish, French fries and coleslaw. That’s your standard Fish & Chips lunch special at Ted’s. For a big kahuna kind of dinner, add a side order of crab cakes or onion rings. Cheesecake for dessert? Now that’s a whale of a meal.
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Off-Shore Pier Fish Market and Restaurant 637 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer (518) 283-9880
FRENCH FRIES Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations
Ted’s regular ol’ fries are “the Bestie,” readers tell us. Or go freaky with your fries and get them with cheese or “loaded” with homemade meat sauce.
Lost & Found 942 Broadway, Albany (518) 694-0670 Junior’s 1094 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-2025 48 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 244-3535
Hattie’s Restaurant 45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-4790
The Cuckoo’s Nest 234 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 650-7215
GLUTEN-FREE SELECTION
Wheatfields 54 Crossing Boulevard, Clifton Park (518) 383-4444 440 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-0534 Don’t let the word “wheat” in its name fool you. Wheatfields offers more than 30 gluten-free menu items. Pizza, for sure, plus pasta dishes made with corn penne, brown rice fusilli and rice linguini.
Liza’s 53 Third Street, Troy (518) 805-8881
HAPPY HOUR
dp An American Brasserie 25 Chapel Street, Albany (518) 436-3737 Happy hour is over the top at dp, the brasserie brought to you by Dominick Purnomo of Yono’s. It also has creative small plates, a seafood tower, one of the region’s largest list of wines by the glass, artisanal spirits and craft beer.
Wheatfields 54 Crossing Boulevard, Clifton Park (518) 383-4444 440 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-0534 City Line Bar and Grill 1200 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 504-1200
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HOMEMADE PASTA
Canali’s Restaurant 126 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam (518) 355-5323 (Restaurant/ Banquets/Catering) (518) 355-3663 (Takeout) Manicotti, ravioli, fettucine, cavatelli, spaghetti. At Canali’s, the restaurant makes five of its own pastas with special flour imported from Italy. Mamma mia!
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 Ferrari’s Ristorante 1254 Congress Street, Schenectady (518) 382-8865
HOT DOG
Gus’s Hot Dogs 212 25th Street, Watervliet (518) 273-8743 Our readers go crazy for those little hot dogs swimming in spicy meat sauce. Cheap, regional eats at their best.
Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations Mike’s Hot Dogs 1135 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady (518) 382-9213
ICE CREAM STAND
Guptill’s Ice Cream 1085 New Loudon Road, Cohoes (518) 785-0660 The summer season is 92 days long, and Guptill’s has 80 flavors of ice cream. So you could order a different flavor every day and still have time for a sundae, flurry, shake or banana split. Big menu, big parking lot, fast service. That’s Guptills, now in its 26th year.
The Snowman 531 Fifth Avenue, Troy (518) 233-1714 Samascott’s Garden Market 65 Chatham Street, Kinderhook (518) 758-9292
KID-FRIENDLY DINING Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations
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Chicken fingers and French fries? Your tot will love the kid’s menu at Ted’s. It even has a child-sized fish fry for your small fry.
O’Kenny’s Express 3321 State Route 9H, Valatie (518) 784-2941 Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-in 5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia (518) 535-4747
LATE-NIGHT DINING
Bob’s Diner 929 19th Street, Watervliet (518) 274-2393 Hey, night owls and shift workers: Bob’s is open 24 hours a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bottomless coffee? Bob’s has it!
Latham ’76 Diner 722 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3793 My Place & Company 241 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7610 1640 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack (518) 477-5555
LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033
Oh, lobster mac and cheese! Let me the count the ways I love thee! At Yanni’s Too, the restaurant mixes the sweet lobster chunks with penne pasta, shrimp and cheeses, adds a sherry lobster sauce, tops it with buttered crumbs and bakes it until it’s gooey hot.
Druthers Multiple locations The Century House 997 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-0834
LUNCH SPOT
Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple locations
When you’re on the run, Ted’s can feed you fast. Fish fry on a roll, a hot dog or a burger. Grab
the goodies and go. And don’t forget those fries.
O’Kenny’s Express 3321 State Route 9H, Valatie (518) 784-2941 Chris’ Café 1048 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7701
MAC AND CHEESE Druthers Multiple locations
You can’t make mac and cheese like this at home. Well, that is, if you don’t read Saratoga Living. Seven cheeses (wow!), housemade pasta and a crunchy topping of house-made chips and Panko. Now that’s some cheesy goodness.
Tipsy Moose & Tavern Multiple Locations Chris’ Café 1048 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7701
MARGARITA
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 280-2657
La Fiesta has all your favorite brands of tequila and mixes up some of the coolest drinks, like a passion fruit margarita. A pitcher of lime margaritas for the table? Sure, let’s get this party started.
El Loco Mexican Café 465 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 436-1855 El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant 289 Hamilton Street, Albany (518) 432-7580
MARTINI
The Standard Restaurant & Lounge 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany (518) 452-7007
“Shaken, not stirred.” We can imagine James Bond ordering a martini at The Standard, because our readers tell us it’s the “Bestie,” not just for a classic cocktail but for the 10 other mixed drinks on the menu, including The Audrey Hepburn.
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 City Line Bar and Grill 1200 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 504-1200
MEATBALLS
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879
At Verdile’s, you can get your meatballs on eight different kinds of pasta, including a gluten-free option. Hold the sausage just this once, Mama, because we’re craving the meatballs.
Canali’s Restaurant 126 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam (518) 355-5323 (Restaurant/ Banquets/Catering) (518) 355-3663 (Takeout) Testo’s 853 Fourth Avenue, Troy (518) 235-0444 769 Pawling Avenue, Troy (518) 326-1177
MUFFINS
Bella Napoli Bakery & Café 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 721 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 Delizioso. That’s how you describe the muffins at Bella Napoli, where Italian pastries, cookies and cakes are just the tip of the bakery iceberg.
Golden Harvest 3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683 Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe 390 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 477-2140 54 State St, Albany (518) 813-9557
NEW RESTAURANT WITHIN PAST YEAR
SOHO Asian Bistro 751 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 666-7888
Congratulations, SOHO! Of all the new restaurants in the Capital Region, our readers
Besties | Food and Drink
BEST DISTILLERY Albany Distilling Company
picked you as the Bestie. They like the large and creative Asian menu, including hibachi and stunning plates of sushi, plus the stylish interior and bar area.
Café Monocle 95 Remsen Street, Cohoes (518) 244-3667 The Tasting Lab 4856 State Route 81, Greenville (518) 966-0020
ALBANY DISTILLING COMPANY
OMELETS
Café Madison 1108 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-1094 359 Northern Boulevard, Albany (518) 898-9630 Pesto, caramelized onions... and 14 other options for that made-just-for-you omelet. And maybe you’d like fresh greens, avocado or guacamole with that? How “egg-citing!”
Latham ’76 Diner 722 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3793 Duncan’s Dairy Bar 890 Hoosick Road, Troy (518) 279-9985
OUTDOOR DINING
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Only 20 minutes from Downtown Albany, Yanni’s Too overlooks the Coeymans Marina, and its large patio is one of the best places to relax and watch the boats motor up and down the Hudson River. Plus, it’s casual dining— sandals not stilettos, please.
Lanie’s Café 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005
Lost & Found 942 Broadway, Albany (518) 694-0670
PASTA SAUCE
Testo’s 853 Fourth Avenue, Troy (518) 235-0444 769 Pawling Avenue, Troy (518) 326-1177 We all know how picky Capital Region residents are about their sauces. With all the Italian restaurants around here, the competition is stiff. Huge congrats to Testo’s, which sells jars of its homemade sauce and scooped up the big prize for the second year in a row.
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 Canali’s Restaurant 126 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam
(518) 355-5323 (Restaurant/ Banquets/Catering) (518) 355-3663 (Takeout)
PIES
Grandma’s Pies & Restaurant 1273 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-4585 At Thanksgiving time, pumpkin and apple pies fly off the shelves at Grandma’s. But don’t forget birthday and graduation pies in decadent flavors like coconut cream, lemon meringue and strawberry. Grandma’s bakes 24 yummy types in all.
Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop 4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa (518) 882-6598 Golden Harvest Farms 3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683
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BEST FISH FRY Ted’s Fish Fry
Kay’s Pizza 10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park (518) 674-5413 Arriving by car or boat from Burden Lake, pizza lovers jam Kay’s from April to October. Our readers rave about the puffy, crisp crust and mounds of cheese and toppings. Off season, devoted customers stop by for make-your-own Pizza Kits.
DeFazio’s Pizzeria 266 Fourth Street, Troy (518) 271-1111 Romo’s Pizza 365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont (518) 449-5871
PUB
Purple Pub 2 Cohoes Road, Watervliet (518) 273-9646
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Brought to you by the Rentz family since 1972, the Purple Pub is all about family, friends and good food, such as its award-winning pizza and wings. Hey, Purple Pub’s got the fiery. stuff too, including jalapeño appetizers and a Mexican Heat Pizza.
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant & Pub 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-5634
RIBS
Otis & Oliver’s Restaurant & Pub 30 Mill Road, Latham (518) 785-9291 The baby backs at Otis & Oliver’s are the meatier Danish kind. The restaurant uses a dry rub, slow cooks them, then
brushes them with its own apple-infused BBQ sauce. Our readers dig them bones!
The Towne Tavern 2850 NY 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3040 *Tied With* Warehouse Grill & BBQ 219 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 489-5227 PJ’s BAR-B-QSA 1 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-7427 or (518) 583-2445
ROMANTIC DINING
Yono’s 25 Chapel Street, Albany (518) 436-7747 Keep the love light burning with a romantic dinner à deux at Yono’s, where tables are elegantly set, the service is excellent, and the wine list is
superb. Shall we begin with a dozen oysters?
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 15 Church 15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-1515
SALAD
Lanie’s Café 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 For lunch with a crunch, there’s Lanie’s and its awesome menu of 12 salads, including baconwrapped shrimp spinach and grilled swordfish salads. Or create your own veggie plate.
Bountiful Bread 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-3540
TED’S FISH FRY
PIZZA
Besties | Food and Drink Crisp 594 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 782-2747
SANDWICH/SUB
McCarroll’s The Village Butcher 406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3936 During the week, Delmar residents run into their neighbors shopping at McCarroll’s, and on weekends, they stand in line for their scrumptious egg sandwiches. The subs there are huge, packed with meat cut to order—and the delicious turkey and pork are roasted in house.
Pellegrino Importing Multiple locations Roma Foods 9 Cobbee Road, Latham (518) 785-7480 222 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-6004
SEAFOOD
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Seafood lovers cast their vote again and again for Yanni’s Too. The reason? Its award-winning calamari served six ways; chardonnay steamed mussels with pesto cream sauce; and other ocean delights like scallops, shrimp and mahi mahi. Baked, stuffed, broiled or fried. How would you like your fish?
Off-Shore Pier Fish Market and Restaurant 637 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer (518) 283-9880 30 Lake 30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 539-3474
SLIDERS
Slidin’ Dirty 9 First Street, Troy (518) 326-8492 After Slidin’ Dirty rocketed
to food truck fame, after appearing on Live! with Kelly and Michael, it wasn’t long before its bad-ass bites turned up in a Troy brick and mortar. And its sliders aren’t just tasty; with names like Dirty Pig and Dirty Cowboy, they’re fun to order, too.
Jack’s Drive In 24 Main Avenue, Wynantskill (518) 283-5110
SOUP
Chris’ Café 1048 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7701 Homemade soup is comfort food, and Chris’ Café always offers at least three bellywarming concoctions each day: chicken noodle, taco and bean. Forget the Campbell’s; get to Chris’ stat.
Bountiful Bread 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-3540 Samascott’s Garden Market 65 Chatham Street, Kinderhook (518) 758-9292
SPORTS BAR
Junior’s 1094 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-2025 48 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 244-3535 On a normal summer day at Junior’s, you’ll find a YankeesRed Sox game on the big screen, with fans enjoying a nice cold beer and a plate of hot wings. What more does a sports fan need? Our readers picked Junior’s for its multiple screens, friendly bartenders, selection of beer and yummy burgers, too.
Forty One Sports Bar & Grille 41 112th Street, Troy (518) 235-4141 City Line Bar and Grill 1200 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 504-1200
STEAKHOUSE
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 Yes, the beef at 677 Prime is Iowa Prime. That’s sustainably raised and processed Black Angus, folks. Don’t forget toppers like au poivre and black truffle butter, plus immaculate sides such as lobster mac and cheese and jalapeño creamed corn.
The Barnsider 480 Sand Creek Road, Albany (518) 869-2448 Black & Blue Steak and Crab 1470 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 313-7388
SUSHI
Sushi Thai Garden 44-46 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 580-0900 Escape to “The Garden,” a serene and lovely dining room where the waitstaff, adorned in colorful Thai dress, graciously serves you sushi and sashimi from the expansive menu. Sushi Thai’s been a Saratoga favorite for many years—and wins a Bestie this year.
Sushi Tei 1800 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 218-0388 Shogun of Delmar 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 729-5727
TAKEOUT
Canali’s Restaurant 126 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam (518) 355-5323 (Restaurant/ Banquets/Catering) (518) 355-3663 (Takeout) When it comes to Besties, Canali’s is a frequent flyer, and this year it took top prize in a category that has carried extraspecial weight for customers during the COVID-19 crisis: best takeout. Where else can
you pick up five kinds of Italian dishes with homemade pasta? Tiramisu-to-go, too.
Chris’ Café 1048 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7701 Testo’s 853 Fourth Avenue, Troy (518) 235-0444 769 Pawling Avenue, Troy (518) 326-1177
TAPAS/SMALL PLATE
Twisted Vine Wine & Tap 384 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3241 Twisted Vine is known for its unique plates for sharing with the whole table: pancetta flatbread, Asian sweet potato noodles, an eggplant tower or Aunt Rita’s Meatballs served in a freshly baked French boule. Plus, it has suggested pairings from its menu of 50 wines. A match made in heaven.
Spindles on Remsen 241 Remsen Street, Cohoes (518) 326-1731
TEA
The Whistling Kettle Multiple Locations “I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.” And our readers say that the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who coined this phrase, would be in heaven at The Whistling Kettle, where he could peruse a menu of more than 120 teas or take home a bag (or 10) of his own.
Short and Stout Tea Company 1736a Western Avenue, Albany (Tea Lounge and Bubble Tea Bar) (518) 456-8327 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany (Matcha and Macaron Bar with Tea Retail) (518) 313-7863 The Tailored Tea 1010 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-5137
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VEGETARIAN SELECTION New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520
We tried to count the number of vegetarian menu selections at New World Bistro and just gave up. From eggplant “meatballs” and cauliflower “wings” to house-made veggie burgers and delectable entrées made with tofu and seitan, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Berben & Wolff’s 227 Lark Street, Albany (518)-599-5306 156 Fourth Street, Troy (518) 326-0334 Bliss 278 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-0739
VEGAN SELECTION Berben & Wolff’s 227 Lark Street, Albany (518)-599-5306 156 Fourth Street, Troy (518) 326-0334
At Berben & Wolff’s, one of the Capital Region’s top vegan delicatessens, chow down on “bacon,” “pastrami” and “ham” made from plants not animals. It’s got meatless versions– Reubens, burgers and BLTs–too.
New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520 Bliss 278 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-0739
WAITSTAFF
Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 Our readers appreciate good service and pick Yanni’s Too for the high honor of best waitstaff in the Capital Region. Friendly and attentive, its servers are simply outstanding. And after finally getting back to our favorite restaurants after months of
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isolation, those smiles have never been more appreciated.
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520
WINE LIST
we asked our readers to create a fantasy menu:
APPETIZER
Calamari at Yanni’s Too Restaurant 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033
ENTRÉE
Lucas Confectionery 12 Second Street, Troy (518) 326-3450
Prime Rib at The Century House 997 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-0834
Lucas Confectionery, in the heart of historic Troy, is the place to experience a unique selection of wines—and a staff that can uncork the nuances or backstory of every vintage.
Carrot Cake at Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 The Shaker & Vine 221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady (518) 630-6318
WINE/WINERY
The Saratoga Winery 462 NY 29, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9463 Locals and tourists have fallen in love with Saratoga Winery, a unique rustic wine-tasting destination four miles from Downtown Saratoga. New York State and its grapes are the stars of this show, featured in the wine and melomel (a wine-and-honey drink) that’s made onsite.
Hudson Chatham Winery 1900 Route 66, Ghent (518) 392-9463 Altamont Vineyard & Winery 3001 Furbeck Road, Altamont (518) 355-8100 *Tied With* Oliva Vineyards 250 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 350-4515
READER’S CHOICE MENU Here’s what happened when
DESSERT
BEVERAGE
Coffee Vodka at Albany Distilling Company 75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 949-2472
Nanola, where Southern- and New Orleans–inspired foods, like gumbo, jambalaya, catfish and fried pickles, all feature on the menu. How about some Gator Bites? Yep, it’s real alligator meat (don’t flinch–it tastes like chicken).
CARIBBEAN
First Choice Caribbean 451 Fulton Street, Troy (518) 560-5341 Owner and chef Ricky BrownBurnett, who grew up in Jamaica, whips up island comfort foods—curry goat, oxtail and jerk chicken. Vegans savor his Ital, too, a stew made of potatoes, carrots and plantains simmered in coconut milk.
CUISINE
Roy’s Caribbean Restaurant 769 State Street, Schenectady (518) 346-1677 Lil’ Deb’s Oasis 747 Columbia Street, Hudson (518) 828-4307
AMERICAN
CHINESE
New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520 A long-time favorite, New World Bistro hits it out of the park with its famous string beans and wings (chicken or seitan) with sauce options ranging from chimichurri to “dirty blonde.” Heartier bistro fare includes everything from jerk and Korean fried chicken to gouda-stuffed, bacon-wrapped meatloaf.
Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 The Barnsider 480 Sand Creek Road, Albany (518) 869-2448
CAJUN
Nanola 2639 Route 9, Malta (518) 587-1300 Let the good times roll at
Ala Shanghai 468 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 783-8188 Food adventurers have discovered Ala Shanghai and its menu of traditional Chinese dishes. Diners can try sautéed, shredded eel; sea cucumber with brown sauce; and Eight Jewels Duck, a whole bird stuffed with nuts, rice and veggies. Ala Shanghai’s dim sum menu is a gem, too, with more than 20 dumplings, buns and other items.
Plum Blossom Chinese Restaurant 685 Hoosick Road, Troy (518) 272-0036 Gold Coin 1360 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 439-6428
Besties | Food and Drink
BEST FRENCH CUISINE Provence Restaurant & Wine Bar
FRENCH
try its mouthwatering Flamm Burger, Schnitzel Sammy and bratwurst. It might just be a good idea to wear your elasticwaist lederhosen too.
Alexis Diner 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603
Shalimar 180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-4200
INDIAN
ITALIAN
Bouillabaisse, a fish stew that originated in Marseille; and cassoulet de canard, a slowcooked casserole of duck confit and beans, are just two of the traditional French dishes you can find at Provence. C’est bon!
Wolff’s Biergarten Multiple locations Wunderbar Bistro 744 Warren Street, Hudson (518) 828-0555 (Takeout)
Karavalli 9 Johnson Road, Latham (518) 785-7600 Year after year, Karavalli rules the Indian food category. Is it the fresh herbs and spices? Or the aromatic choices of naan (think garlic chilli, rosemary and paneer cheese)? Or maybe it’s the tried-and-true Indian dishes that diners return for– favorites such as chicken tikka masala, goat curry and all the vegetarian entrées. Its lunch buffet is also super popular.
Award-winning D’Raymond’s has been serving fine Italian cuisine in the Capital Region since 1979. Kick off your meal with its famous antipasti plate (for one, two or four people), and then move on to braised short rib ravioli, clams bianco or orrechietti carbonara. Fun fact: Gregory Cordelle, owner and head chef, was only 13 years old when he started working there.
Provence Restaurant & Wine Bar Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 689-7777
PROVENCE RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
La Serre 14 Green Street, Albany (518) 463-6056
GERMAN
The Flammerie 7 Hudson Street, Kinderhook (518) 758-1509
This farm-to-table restaurant takes its name from the “flammkuchen,” a.k.a. German flatbread. Be sure to
GREEK
Athos Restaurant 1814 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 608-6400 Award-winning Athos is our readers’ pick for Greek dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the Capital Region– choose from grilled octopus, giant lima beans, pasticcio, moussaka and so much more.
The Greek House 27 Third Street, Troy (518) 272-6058
Taj Fine Indian Cuisine 365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont (518) 977-3050
D’Raymond’s Restaurant 269 Osborne Road, Loudonville (518) 459-6364
Caffe Italia 662 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-8029 Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879
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BEST CLIFTON PARK RESTAURANT Pasta Pane
Sake Japanese Steakhouse 611 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 785-7215 At Sake, sushi-making is high art—each piece you eat is a delicate, colorful masterpiece. The drink menu is über-special too, with 20 kinds of (you guessed it) sake.
Hana Japanese Steak House 1620 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 452-4262 Koto Japanese Restaurant 260 Wolf Road, Latham (518) 869-8888
LEBANESE
Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant 206 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 434-3901 Happiness is a warm pita stuffed with grilled veggies.
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Mamoun’s is all about good food that’s good for you. For dessert? Baklava!
MEDITERRANEAN
Tara Kitchen 431 Liberty Street, Schenectady (518) 708-3485 172 River Street, Troy (518) 328-6281 “Never give up your taste for adventure.” That’s the motto at Tara Kitchen, one of the only Moroccan restaurants in the Capital Region. And it’s accented by the addicting smells of cumin, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, curry and hot chili powder. Tagine, anyone?
Athos Restaurant 1814 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 608-6400 Barcelona Restaurant 1192 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-1144
MEXICAN
El Mariachi 289 Hamilton Street, Albany (518) 432-7580 El Mariachi is the best not only for its authentic Mexican cuisine, like pipian, a pumpkin seed sauce, and incredible mole poblano, but also its menu of Spanish tapas. In the summer, dining on the patio is absolutely delightful.
El Loco Mexican Café 465 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 436-1855 La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 280-2657
POLISH
Muza 1300 15th Street, Troy (518) 271-6892
Making pierogi by hand is a time-consuming labor of love. But those tender pillows of potato, cheese and onion are on the Muza menu every day, along with stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and shredded beets. It’s Polish-style comfort food at its absolute finest.
Euro Deli and Market 231 Wade Road Extension, Latham (518) 785-0103
SPANISH
Barcelona Restaurant 1192 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-1144 Olive oil, garlic and wine are the essences of Barcelona, and the seafood menu (see: swordfish puttanesca) is sublime. At the bar, nibble on some tapas with a glass of red or white sangria.
PASTA PANE
JAPANESE
Besties | Food and Drink Romantic outdoor dining is also available in the summer.
THAI
Sushi Thai @ The Park 1707 Route 9, Suite 100, Clifton Park (518) 348-0100 A Capital Region favorite for Thai and Japanese, Sushi Thai is known for its exquisite food presentation. There’s curry, pad thai and many other noodle dishes and soups for all you carnivores; plus tofu options for vegetarians, too.
Celadon Thai Bistro 461 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 389-6190 2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady (518) 952-4140 Sweet Basil Thai Restaurant 370 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 729-4111
VIETNAMESE
Van’s Vietnamese Restaurant 307 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 436-1868 Van’s is one of Downtown Albany’s hidden treasures, with fabulous pho, minty spring rolls and a yummy array of vegetarian dishes.
Pho Yum 1558 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 869-9866 Saigon Spring 1683 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 982-0425
COUNTY ALBANY
New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520 When it comes to Besties, New World Bistro Bar is a real champion, winning not only this 2020 Bestie, but also awards in these other Bestie categories: bistro, vegetarian selection, waitstaff, American food and Albany restaurant.
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 D’Raymond’s 269 Osborne Road, Loudonville (518) 459-6364
COLUMBIA
Jackson’s Old Chatham House 646 Albany Turnpike, Old Chatham (518) 794-7373 For generations, this homey Old World–style pub has been a gathering place for Columbia County folks. Pork osso bucco and chicken cordon bleu are two of its heartiest menu choices. Save room for a side of sweet potato fries.
Carolina House 59 Broad Street, Kinderhook (518) 758-1669 Labella Pizza 2967 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-6611
FULTON/MONTGOMERY Raindancer Restaurant 4582 State Highway 30, Amsterdam (518) 842-2606
Raindancer is one of those family-friendly, family-run restaurants that’s always busy. The place is big and so is the menu, with a whopping 80 dishes. Try the steak or seafood, dig into a flowering colossal onion (or at least some mozzarella sticks), and crunch into its bread baked in house. There’s even a pickup window.
Parillo’s Armory Grill 67 Bridge Street, Amsterdam (518) 842-2004 Lanzi’s on the Lake 1751 State Highway 30, Mayfield (518) 661-7711
GREENE
Red’s Restaurant 12005 State Route 9W, West Coxsackie (518) 731-8151
Red’s, named after the guy who opened the restaurant in 1944, is the oldest one of its kind in Greene County. The ownership has changed over the years, but fresh, high-quality seafood is still the main attraction. Where else can you find everything from appetizers like cheese curds and asparagus fries to original dishes such as a smoked salmon Cuban sandwich or grouper Florentine with Hollandaise sauce?
Mountain View Brasserie 10697 State Route 32, Greenville (518) 966-5522 Crossroads Brewing Company 21 Second Street, Athens (518) 945-2337 201 Water Street, Catskill (518) 444-8277
OTSEGO
Brooks’ House of BBQ 5560 State Highway 7, Oneonta (607) 432-1782 Brooks’ House of BBQ, which seats 300, boasts the largest indoor charcoal barbecue pit in the East. Yep, its world-famous chicken is a fixture on the grill, along with Brooks’ House’s pork, beef, ribs and burgers.
RENSSELAER
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 Verdile’s racked up a bunch of Besties this year, including one for its delish carrot cake, which is our “reader’s choice” dessert. An extraordinary Italian restaurant run by the same family since 1943, Verdile’s is a Rensselaer County landmark.
Casey’s Restaurant 77 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer (518) 463-3318 Chez Mike 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730
SARATOGA SPRINGS The Olde Bryan Inn 123 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-2990
Locals and tourists always feel at home at “the OBI,” a cozy pub set in a stone house that dates from 1825. Our readers rave about the food and the friendly service. Handmade Saratoga Chips, in the city that invented them? Yes, please.
15 Church 15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-1515 Lake Ridge Restaurant 35 Burlington Avenue, Round Lake (518) 899-6000
SCHENECTADY
Johnny’s 433 State Street, Schenectady (518) 982-5657 Four kinds of pasta are made fresh every day at Johnny’s, a Downtown Schenectady mainstay for Italian food. And its sauce? Many locals say it’s as good as homemade “gravy.”
Canali’s Restaurant 126 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam (518) 355-5323 (Restaurant/ Banquets/Catering) (518) 355-3663 (Takeout) Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174
SCHOHARIE
Chieftans Restaurant and Bar 548 Main Street, Cobleskill (518) 823-4208 Cottage pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips–you can count on these belly-warming dishes to always be on the menu at Chieftans. Plus Guinness and Smithwick on tap, of course.
WARREN
The Log Jam Restaurant 1484 State Route 9, Lake George (518) 798-1155 The Log Jam is a real log
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cabin, with massive fireplaces and antler chandeliers. The atmosphere is quintessential Adirondacks and the food, including the big salad bar, is Warren County’s finest.
Pasta Pane has a friendly but classy atmosphere, with an Italian menu (see: Arancini, wood/stone-oven pizzas, pasta and steak) that changes with the seasons.
George Henry’s 3735 Main Street, Warrensburg (518) 623-5186
Sushi Thai @ The Park 1707 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 348-0100 Ravenswood 1021 Route 146, Clifton Park (518) 371-8771
CITY/TOWN ALBANY
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463
“Take one part farm fresh seasonal ingredients, one part passion for our craft, sprinkle with a generous dose of love and serve it in a beautiful space.” That’s the recipe for operating 677 Prime, says General Manager Jaime Ortiz.
New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 694-0520 Caffe Italia 662 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-8029
BALLSTON SPA
Augie’s Family Style Italian Restaurant 17 Low Street, Ballston Spa (518) 884-8600
Born and raised in the Bronx, Augie Vitiello learned to cook homestyle Italian fare from his parents. In Ballston Spa, Augie’s is where local families gather to pass around big plates and bowls of his salad and pasta, then tote home their “Augie Doggie Bags.”
Next Door Kitchen & Bar 51 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3249 Iron Roost 36 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3535
CLIFTON PARK
Pasta Pane 18 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 371-5762
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COLONIE
Lanie’s Café 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005
Summer (and our current environment) is all about dining al fresco, and at Lanie’s, the outdoor seating is especially lovely. The restaurant is known for spectacular salads and dishes presented with flair.
The Barnsider 480 Sand Creek Road, Albany (518) 869-2448 DeMarco’s 1965 Central Avenue, Colonie (518) 456-7574
DELMAR/SLINGERLANDS O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant & Pub 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-5634
Opened in 2015 by two Irish immigrants, O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant & Pub is the real deal, serving up Guinness beef stew and cottage pie. Regulars rave about the fish and chips and a Reuben sandwich made with corn beef braised in Irish ale.
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 472-0522
EAST/NORTH GREENBUSH
Chez Mike 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730
Chez Mike, noted for its eclectic American food that changes with the seasons, has been snagging Besties for years. People rave about its braised short ribs with gremolata, lamb burgers and scallop appetizer.
Alexis Diner 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603
GUILDERLAND
Athos Restaurant 1814 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 608-6400
Athos is not your average Greek diner. It’s an upscale dining adventure with best-of-the-best Greek cuisine and impeccable service. People travel miles for the award-winning Greek food at Athos, drawn in by the yummy traditional spreads, the best spanakopita around and delectable entrées such as Mediterranean lamb and chicken souvlaki.
MezzaNotte Ristorante 2026 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 689-4433 Pizza Gram Plus 2514 Washington Avenue, Guilderland (518) 464-4726
LAKE GEORGE
The Log Jam Restaurant 1484 State Route 9, Lake George (518) 798-1155 Rustic vibe. Check. Antler chandeliers. Check. For Adirondack-style dining, you can’t beat The Log Jam, known for its steaks, burgers and decadent desserts (save room for an Adirondack Log brownie or old-fashioned mud pie). Outof-towners love its location, only steps away from the Factory Outlets of Lake George.
Boathouse Restaurant 3210 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George (518) 668-2389 The Inn at Erlowest 3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George (518) 668-5928
LATHAM
Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern 185 Old Loudon Road, Latham (518) 631-4444 An Adirondack-themed outpost in an Albany suburb, Tipsy Moose is a fun place to meet for beer and snacks (poutine, smoked meats, wings) served on metal plates and in cast-iron skillets. And the ol’ moose is everywhere; a silhouette of the animal is even imprinted on the restaurants rolls.
The Century House 997 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-0834 Innovo Kitchen 1210 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1466
ROTTERDAM
Canali’s Restaurant 126 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam (518) 355-5323 (Restaurant/ Banquets/Catering) (518) 355-3663 (Takeout) Italian recipes passed down through four generations and the best ingredients make Canali’s a multiple-Bestie winner. There are five kinds of house-made pastas, and its tomatoes are top-shelf Stanislaus brand, grown in California.
Armondo’s Villa Tuscan Grill 273 Duanesburg Road, Schenectady (518) 355-2090 Bellevue Café 2630 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 393-7720 or (518) 377-8615
SARATOGA SPRINGS
The Olde Bryan Inn 123 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-2990 The Olde Bryan Inn serves up delicious pub food in a historic 19th-century stone building with fireplaces and plank floors. Hundreds of pewter tankards
Besties | Food and Drink
BEST BRUNCH Café Madison
hang over the bar, where happy hour is a longtime Saratoga Springs tradition.
15 Church 15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518)-587-1515 Solevo Kitchen + Social 55 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-7094
SCHENECTADY
CAFÉ MADISON
Johnny’s 433 State Street, Schenectady (518) 982-5657 Johnny’s is a double Bestie winner, for both the city and county of Schenectady. Families, business groups, tourists and couples out for a date are all fans of its expertly prepared Italian cuisine, from baked Littleneck clams and chicken cognac in a Dijon cream sauce, to a coterie of
homemade pastas, each tastier than the last.
Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 Tara Kitchen 431 Liberty Street, Schenectady (518) 708-3485
SCOTIA/GLENVILLE
Jade Bistro 120 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia (518) 377-6637 Jade Bistro, a stunning Asian fusion restaurant housed in a former Chinese restaurant, is the pride and joy of Downtown Scotia. Its food is almost too pretty to eat, expertly plated like pieces of edible art. Dig in anyway; the teensy, tasty bites of shrimp tempura and heaping plates of fresh sushi are too delicious to miss.
Mohawk Taproom and Grill 153 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia (518) 357-8005 The Glass Tavern 115 Saratoga Road, Glenville (518) 952-7443
TROY/RENSSELAER
Verdile’s Restaurant 572 Second Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 Holy cannoli! Verdile’s was voted best restaurant in the county and best in Troy/ Rensselaer. The hot spot has been family run for 77 years. Now that’s a lot of meatballs!
Moscatiello’s 99 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 283-0809 Nighthawks 461 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1000
WEST SAND LAKE/ AVERILL PARK
The Towne Tavern 2850 NY 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3040 Hitch up your wagon and trot over to The Towne, an old blacksmith’s shop where you can relax with a craft beer and a munchie or entrée from its mile-long menu. It’s also known for its award-winning chicken wings; Southwest-style onion soup, with a zesty cap of pepper jack cheese; and barbecue with four kinds of sauce.
Kay’s Pizza 10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park (518)-674-5413 Lakeview on Crystal Lake 4 Old Route 66, Averill Park (518) 674-3363
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PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP
CULTURE ART GALLERY
Albany Institute of History & Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany Albany Center Gallery 488 Broadway, Suite 107, Albany The Hyde Collection 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
CMOST (Children’s Museum of Science & Technology) 250 Jordan Road, Troy
OUTDOOR SUMMER VENUE
Saratoga Performing Arts Center 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs Park Playhouse in Washington Park Madison Avenue at New Scotland Avenue, Albany Tanglewood 297 West Street, Lenox, MA
SEASONAL EVENT Albany Pro Musica 30 Second Street, Troy
miSci (Museum of Innovation & Science) 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady
Saratoga Race Course 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs Night Terrors Haunted Farm 4193 Route 7, Schoharie
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga 69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs
THEATER
CONCERT HALL
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 30 Second Street, Troy Saratoga Performing Arts Center 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs Palace Theatre 19 Clinton Street, Albany
COUNTY FAIR
Altamont Fair 129 Grand Street, Altamont Columbia County Fair 182 Hudson Avenue, Chatham Saratoga County Fair 162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa
MOVIE THEATER
Crandell Theatre 48 Main Street, Chatham Scotia Cinema 117 Mohawk Street, Scotia
MUSEUM
New York State Museum 222 Madison Avenue, Albany Albany Institute of History & Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany The Clark 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA
Proctors 432 State Street, Schenectady Mac-Haydn Theatre 1925 New York 203, Chatham Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 30 Second Street, Troy
SERVICES ANIMAL HOSPITAL The Animal Hospital 2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands
East Greenbush Animal Hospital 2 Springhurst Drive South, East Greenbush Sand Creek Animal Hospital 130 Wolf Road, Albany
APPLIANCE STORE
Green’s Appliance 1207 Central Avenue, Albany Marcella’s Appliance Center 560 Broadway, Schenectady Market 32 Plaza - Shoppers World 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park Earl B. Feiden Appliance 785 Route 9, Latham 1775 Route 9, Clifton Park
AUTO SERVICE
Broadway Auto Clinic 3 Wolfert Avenue, Menands
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Bethlehem Auto Service 62 Hannay Lane, Glenmont Gochee’s Garage Inc. 329 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
BANK
Pioneer Bank Multiple Locations
CUSTOMER SERVICE
CapCom Federal Credit Union Multiple Locations Worksite Benefits 3991 Route 2, Cropseyville Broadway Auto Clinic 3 Wolfert Avenue, Menands
Trustco Bank Multiple Locations Berkshire Bank Multiple Locations
CUTTING EDGE (ORIGINAL BUSINESS)
CATERER
The Tasting Lab 4856 Route 81, Greenville
Mazzone Hospitality 743 Pierce Road, Clifton Park The Healthy Café Catering Co. 50 Yardboro Avenue, Albany Nicole’s Special Events & Catering 556 Delaware Avenue, Albany
Dove + Deer 32 Dove Street, Albany
Native Lakes 14 Harriman Road Extension, Averill Park
DAY SPA
CHEF
Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness 221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Ric Orlando New World Bistro Bar 300 Delaware Avenue, Albany
Kimberley’s A Day Spa 982 New Loudon Road, Latham Spa Mirbeau 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany
Ian Brower Lost & Found 942 Broadway, Albany
Jamie Ortiz 677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany
CHIROPRACTOR
Dr. Tim Talmage Delmar Chiropractic 204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Dr. Lee Masterson Delmar Chiropractic 204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Dr. Timothy Kelly East Greenbush Chiropractic 569 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
CREDIT UNION
CapCom Federal Credit Union Multiple Locations SEFCU Multiple Locations Sunmark Federal Credit Union Multiple Locations
DRY CLEANER
Stena Dry Cleaning 451 Albany Shaker Road, Albany Best Cleaners Multiple Locations Silvestri Dry Cleaners 69 Fuller Road, Albany 145 Vly Road, Schenectady
FACIAL
Breathe Massage 48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness 221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Kimberley’s A Day Spa 982 New Loudon Road, Latham
FITNESS CENTER Capital District YMCA Multiple Locations
Vent Fitness Multiple Locations
Long Energy Various Locations
Top Form Multiple Locations
HOSPITAL
FLORIST
Ambiance Floral 116 Everett Road, Albany Felthousen’s Florist & Greenhouse 1537 Van Antwerp Road, Schenectady 250 Columbia Street, Cohoes Renaissance Floral Design 1561 Western Avenue, Albany
FURNITURE STORE
Old Brick Furniture 33-37 Warehouse Row, Albany 2910 Campbell Road, Schenectady Mooradians Furniture 800 Central Avenue, Albany 1758A Route 9, Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park Taft Furniture 1960 Central Avenue, Albany 121 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs
HAIR SALON
Choices Hair Studio 180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Rumors Salon and Spa 626 New Loudon Road, Latham Fusion Salon 18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs
HEALTHCARE/HMO
CDPHP 500 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Albany MVP Health Care 625 State Street, Schenectady Blue Shield of Northeastern New York 40 Century Hill Drive, Latham
HEATING & COOLING
Crisafulli Brothers Plumbing & Heating 520 Livingston Avenue, Albany Family Danz Heating & Cooling 404 North Pearl Street, Albany
Albany Medical Center 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany St. Peter’s Hospital 315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany Ellis Hospital 1101 Nott Street, Schenectady
INSURANCE AGENCY
Worksite Benefits 3991 Route 2, Cropseyville
Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina 70 Shady Harbor Drive, New Baltimore Coeymans Landing Marina 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans
PILATES STUDIO
MASSAGE
Albany Pilates Center 3 Vatrano Road, Albany
Laberge Massage Therapy 204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Breathe Massage 48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness 221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
MEDICAL ESTHETICS
John R. Zongrone Insurance Agency Inc. 1566 State Street, Schenectady
Lucie Capek, MD, Plastic Surgery Capital Region Health Park 713 Troy Schenectady Road, Suite 308, Latham
LANDSCAPER
Artistry of Face 475 Albany Shaker Road, Albany
Aurora Inc. 120 Broadway, Albany
Faddegon’s Nursery, Inc. 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
Amazingly Ageless Medi-Spa 1202 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
Traditional Landscaping & Design 16 Van Rensselaer Road, Albany
PAVING/SEALCOATING
George’s Market & Nursery 945 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany 240 Wade Road Extension, Latham
L. Browe Asphalt Services US 20, Castleton-On-Hudson
LAW FIRM
Luizzi Brothers Sealcoating & Paving 70 Tivoli Street, Albany
Meier Law Firm, PLLC 10 Utica Avenue, Latham Naviasky Law Firm, PLLC 1802 Eastern Parkway, Schenectady 125 Adams Street, Delmar Rupp Baase Pfalzgraf Cunningham Attorneys, LLC 25 Walton Street, Saratoga Springs
MANI/PEDI
Rumors Salon and Spa 626 New Loudon Road, Latham Rainbow Nails & Spa 1170 Central Avenue, Albany Deluxe Nails & Spa 241 Route 9W, Glenmont
MARINA
Albany Yacht Club 75 Broadway, Rensselaer
Gabriel Contractors, Inc. 382 Truax Road, Amsterdam
PET SPA
Free Movement Pilates 500 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar Pilates Principle 578 New Loudon Road, Latham
TREE SERVICE
On A Limb Tree Care onalimbtreecare.com Mark’s Tree Service 1971 Western Avenue, Albany Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping 1277 Route 9W, Selkirk
YOGA STUDIO
Heartspace Yoga & Healing Arts 747 Madison Avenue, Albany 10 Second Street, Troy The Hot Yoga Spot Multiple Locations Jai Yoga 5 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands
SHOPPING APPLE ORCHARD
Indian Ladder Farms 342 Altamont Road, Altamont Golden Harvest Farms 3074 US Highway 9, Valatie Samascott Orchards 5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook
Pet Styles 1886 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
BIKE SHOP
Pet Spas & Suites 1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Albany Head to Tail 1604 Union Street, Schenectady
CK Cycles 1370 Central Avenue, Albany Steiner’s Sports Multiple Locations
PHOTOGRAPHER
BOOKSTORE
Hitlin Photography hitlinphoto.com
All Occasions Photography alloccasionsphoto.net Dino Petrocelli Photography dinopetrocelliphoto.com
Mad Dog Bicycles 561 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
I Love Books 380 Delaware Avenue, Delmar The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany Northshire Bookstore 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
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PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP 4869 Main Street, Manchester Center, VT
49 Fourth Street, Troy (November-March)
DeAnna’s 3991 Route 43, West Sand Lake A Love Story 501 Broadway, Troy
Delmar Farmers’ Market Bethlehem Central Middle School, 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (May-December) Schenectady Greenmarket 105 Jay Street - City Hall, Schenectady (May-October) 432 State Street - Proctors, Schenectady (November-April)
CSA/COMMUNITY CO-OP
GARDEN NURSERY
BRIDAL SHOP
Angela’s Bridal 501 Broadway, Troy
Honest Weight Food Co-op 100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany Fox Creek Farm 182 Fox Creek Farm Road, Schoharie Niskayuna Co-op 2227 Nott Street, Niskayuna
CAR DEALER
Keeler Motor Car Company 1111 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham Lia Auto Group Multiple Locations DePaula Chevrolet 785 Central Avenue, Albany
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE Truly Rhe 1 Broadway, Troy
Fancy Schmancy 641 New Loudon Road, Latham Circles Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
Some Olde, Something New 1969 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands Finders Keepers Consignments 1603 Route 9, Clifton Park The Attic 3027 Main Street, Valatie
FARMERS’ MARKET
Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market Monument Square, Troy (April-October) The Troy Atrium
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Faddegon’s Nursery, Inc. 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham Hewitt’s Garden Centers Multiple Locations Samascott ‘s Garden Market 65 Chatham Street, Kinderhook
GIFT SHOP
The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop 3143 US Highway 9, Valatie Wit’s End Parkwood Plaza 1762 Route 9, Clifton Park Pearl Grant Richmans Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany
HARDWARE STORE
Robinson’s Hardware 1874 Western Avenue, Guilderland 1900 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
Northeastern Fine Jewelry Multiple Locations Harold Finkle Your Jeweler 1585 Central Avenue, Albany
LIQUOR/WINE
Empire Wine & Liquor 1440 Central Avenue, Albany Exit 9 Wine & Liquor 9 Halfmoon Crossing Boulevard, Halfmoon All Star Wine & Spirits 579 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
SUPERMARKET Hannaford Multiple Locations
Price Chopper/Market 32 Multiple Locations Honest Weight Food Co-op 100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany
TIRE STORE
Adirondack Tire & Service Multiple Locations
Mark Thomas Men’s Apparel Wolf Road Shoppers Park 5 Metro Park Road, Albany
Warren Tire Service Centers Multiple Locations Grand Premier Tires and Custom Wheels 591 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush 3361 South Thompson Street, Schenectady
MUSIC STORE
TRAVEL AGENCY
MENSWEAR SHOP
Parkway Music Store 1777 Route 9, Clifton Park John Keal Music Company, Inc. 819 Livingston Avenue, Albany 1758 Parkwood Plaza Route 9, Clifton Park Blue Sky Studios 118 Adams Street, Delmar
OPTICAL CENTER
Buenau’s Opticians, Inc. 228 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
AAA Hudson Valley Multiple Locations
Blue Skies Travel LLC 15 Troy Road, East Greenbush Yankee Trails 569 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer
PEOPLE AND MEDIA
DiNapoli Opticians Multiple Locations Hughes Opticians 411 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
AFTERNOON ANCHOR
Phillips Hardware Multiple Locations Mario’s Home Center 1057 Kinderhook Street, Valatie
SHOPPING MALL/ CENTER
John Gray
Colonie Center 131 Colonie Center, Albany
MORNING ANCHOR
HEALTH FOOD STORE
Crossgates Mall 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany
MORNING TEAM
Honest Weight Food Co-op 100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany Four Seasons Natural Foods 120 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs Green Grocer Natural Foods 1505 Route 9, Clifton Park
JEWELER
Joyelles Jewelers 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Benita Zahn
EVENING ANCHOR
Subrina Dhammi
NewsChannel 13 Team
SPORTING GOODS STORE
METEOROLOGIST
Sievert’s Sporting Goods 4804 State Highway 30, Amsterdam Alpin Haus Multiple Locations
MUSIC RADIO
Steiner’s Sports Multiple Locations
Steve Caporizzo
WGNA
NEWS RADIO WAMC
LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
Paul Vandenburgh
LOCAL PRINT JOURNALIST
Schodack Island State Park 1 Schodack Island Way, Schodack Landing Lake George Escape Campground 175 East Schroon River Road, Lake George
DAY TRIP (3 HOURS) Lake Placid
John Gray
Cooperstown Lake George
SPORTSCASTER
DOG FRIENDLY
Rodger Wyland
PLACES ADIRONDACK INN
Mirror Lake Inn 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid Friends Lake Inn 963 Friends Lake Road, Chestertown Garnet Hill Lodge 39 Garnet Hill Road, North River
ASSISTED LIVING/ NURSING HOME
The Sentinel of Amsterdam 10 Market Street, Amsterdam Pine Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 201 Main Street, Philmont Daughters of Sarah Senior Community 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany
B&B (3 HOURS)
Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant 39 West Road, Manchester Village, VT Red Lion Inn 30 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA Mirror Lake Inn 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid
CAMPGROUND
Rogers Rock Campground 9894 Lake Shore Drive, Hague
Washington Park State Street and Willett Street, Albany
GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)
Mohawk Golf Club 1849 Union Street, Schenectady Wolferts Roost Country Club 120 Van Rensselaer Boulevard, Albany Troy Country Club 100 Troy Country Club Road, Troy
GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC) Saratoga National Golf Club 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Normanside Country Club 150 Salisbury Road, Delmar Orchard Creek Golf Club 6700 Dunnsville Road, Altamont
HIKING TRAIL
John Boyd Thacher State Park 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville Five Rivers Environmental Education Center 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar Peebles Island State Park 1 Delaware Avenue, Cohoes
HOTEL
The Desmond 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany The Adelphi Hotel 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs The Century House 997 New Loudon Road, Latham
HUDSON VALLEY INN Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa 220 North Road, Milton
Mohonk Mountain House 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz
KID’S BIRTHDAY VENUE The Pottery Place 1475 Western Avenue, Albany KJ’s Gymnastics 3143 US Highway 9, Valatie ClubLife SportsZone 3143 US Highway 9, Valatie
KIDS CAMP
Camp Lovejoy 3476 Love Joy Road, Altamont Camp Fowler 152 Pelcher Road, Lake Pleasant YMCA-Camp Chingachgook 1872 Pilot Knob Road, Kattskill Bay
PARK
John Boyd Thacher State Park 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville The Crossings of Colonie 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville Washington Park State Street and Willett Street, Albany
PICNIC SPOT
John Boyd Thacher State Park 830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville Saratoga Spa State Park 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs Grafton Lakes State Park 254 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton
ROMANTIC GETAWAY INN Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
The Inn at Erlowest 3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George Mirror Lake Inn 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid
SARATOGA INN/HOTEL The Inn at Saratoga 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Adelphi Hotel 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
SKI AREA
Gore Mountain Ski Resort 793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort 37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA Whiteface Mountain 5021 Route 86, Wilmington
VERMONT INN
The Crafts Inn 10 West Main Street, Wilmington Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant 39 West Road, Manchester Village The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa 3567 Main Street, Manchester Village
WEDDING VENUE
Old Daley on Crooked Lake 2339 New York 43, Averill Park Saratoga National Golf Club 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs Glen Sanders Mansion 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia
55+ RETIREMENT COMMUNITY The Spinney Group Multiple Locations
Shaker Pointe at Carondelet 1 Bell Tower Drive, Watervliet Beverwyck 40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands
Thank you for your participation!
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ADVERTISING SECTION
H WINNERS’ CIRCLE H
Serving as Albany's community-owned co-op for 44 years and counting puts us in a unique position. Our size and independence allows us to better meet the needs of our community. Needs that are changing in real time; needs that we are here to greet with care and compassion. Because our long-standing relationships with local farmers aren't just business; they're friendship. Our partnerships with local producers allow us to support our neighbors while navigate around national supply chain bottlenecks. All our decisions, big and small, are made right here. Our goal, as ever, is to keep our staff and our community happy and healthy. We're here for you, Albany, but we're also right here with you.
Thank you for voting us this year’s Best Community Co-op and Best Health Food Store!
•
www.HonestWeight.coop
ADVERTISING SECTION
Thank you for voting us
BEST COFFEE
Thank You
for your votes!
“#1 Best entree - PrIMe rIB!” WIN
NER
TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY AVAILABLE! EASY ONLINE ORDERING www.TheCenturyHouse.com
(518) 785-0834 | 997 New Loudon Rd (Rt 9), Latham
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VOTED BEST EAST/NORTH GREENBUSH RESTAURANT
At Chez Mike, our goal is to provide a superior dining experience through exceptional service and fresh, from-scratch food, in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. We are a casual restaurant serving Eclectic American Cuisine changing seasonally.
596 Columbia Tpke Hannaford Plaza East Greenbush • 518.479.4730 chezmikerestaurant.com
ADVERTISING SECTION
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES
Stop by and see why we were voted #1 Ribs and a finalist for Chili by the readers of Capital Region Living Magazine. Quality food, great service and a “Cheers like” atmosphere is what you’ll get at Otis & Olivers. Located at Mill Road Acres Golf Course you’ll enjoy a beautiful view and our patio is open in the warmer months. We also have a banquet room available for up to 60 people.
30 Mill Road Latham • 518.785.9291 www.otisandolivers.com
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES
The Gold Coin restaurant was first opened in 1987 in it’s present location at 1360 New Scotland Avenue Slingerlands, NY. Owned and operated by the Kung and Cheung families, the restaurant was torn down in 2004 and completely rebuilt. It now accommodates 70 people and includes a full bar with flat-screen TV. The restaurant is open six days a week and closed on Tuesdays.
1360 New Scotland Road • Slingerlands 518.439.6428 • goldcoinrestaurant.com
ADVERTISING SECTION
premium 2021 dates still a va ila b le call us about a private to u r
voted best wedding venue
i m a g e b y c h r i s sa w i c k i
2 3 3 9 N Y - 4 3 , Av e r i l l P a r k , N Y 1 2 0 1 8 518.674.3132 o l dda l e y . c o m
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VOTED BEST WEST SAND LAKE/ AVERILL PARK RESTAURANT
The Towne Tavern invites guests to enjoy its award-winning food in the warm, cozy, and comfortable renovated creek-side blacksmith shop from the 1800s. Whether you are looking for a relaxed drink with friends or a dinner with the whole family, there is something for everyone on the tavern menu, from barbeque specialties to home-style entrées. Good Food ~ Good Times ~ Good Friends
2850 NY 43 • Averill Park 518.674.3040 • thetownetavern.com
CELEBRATING 47 YEARS!
THANK YOU! VOTED BEST
TROY RESTAURANT, MEATBALLS, AND DESSERT (HOME MADE GIANT SIZED CARROT CAKE!)
For over 75 years, Verdile’s classic Italian-American restaurant has offered an expansive menu ranging from casual, family friendly traditional favorites to finer dining dishes, using only quality ingredients. Our cozy, nostalgic family run eatery has a full-service cocktail lounge and servers in tuxedos reminiscent of a golden era gone by.
VOTED BEST CALAMARI
Yanni’s by Car…Yanni’s by Bike… Yannis by Boat! 2 large outdoor patios overlooking the majestic Hudson River. You Book it, We’ll Cook it! Your place or ours! Holiday parties, weddings, elegant banquet, graduation, family reunion, BBQ, brunch or corporate lunch. It’s never to early to plan your event. Voted #1 for Chowder, Seafood, Outdoor Dining, Lobster Mac & Cheese and Waitstaff
We take pride in making sure you have the best dining experience. Family owned and operated for over 40 years we know what our patrons have come to expect: great food, at a reasonable price, served fast with a friendly smile.
20 Marina Drive • Coeymans 518.756.7033 • YannisRestaurants.com
722 New Loudon Road, Route 9 518.785.3793 • latham76diner.com
Yanni’s Too Restaurant
572 Second Avenue • Troy 518.235.8879 • www.verdile.com
Good Food = Good Mood THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES
CRL s Pets of Instagram These Insta-famous fur babies are irresistible.
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Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center and Historic Lansing Manor
Closed Temporarily For updates, visit our website or email visitbg@nypa.gov
Visitors Center Energy & STEAM exhibits
Historic Lansing Manor Federal style country estate FREE ADMISSION & PARKING Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project Visitors Center 1378 State Route 30, North Blenheim NY 12131 nypa.gov/BGVisitorsCenter
05-226-20 BADVDGENR ad_r6.indd 1
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Pets of Instagram
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Staycation, All You Ever Wanted… How to travel with the best of them–without ever leaving the Capital Region.
Hank Hudson Brewing Company is located at the Fairways of Halfmoon Golf Club in Mechanicville.
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PHOTO CREDIT
» BY VIKKI MORAN, T HE GRAT E FUL T RAVE LE R «
S
eals & Crofts’ 1972 hit song “Summer Breeze”—deftly covered in 2015 by Capital Region rock star (and The Voice winner) Sawyer Fredericks, with help from hitmaker Pharrell Williams—is my summer relaxation/let-loose song. For many of us, the itch for a change of scenery has these go-to songs playing on a loop in our brains. And while many of us will likely be staying put this summer due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, there’s nothing more enjoyable and authentically liberating than a well-thought-out staycation. If ever there was a time to embrace the Capital Region and its environs, it would be this summer.
A Horse, of Course
No fans allowed at Saratoga Race Course this season? No problem! Ride your own horse. Horseback riding and dude ranches are plentiful in the region. The Roaring Brook Ranch Resort in Lake George is one of the best and offers day-trippers an opportunity to horseback ride at a per-person rate. (It’s also conveniently located just two miles from Lake George Beach State Park.) Afterwards, enjoy a socially distanced al fresco bite or beverage at The Stable Door Lounge, or order from the resort’s restaurant, The Paddock.
Tee It Up
Golf has been one of the lone sports allowed during the majority of pandemic, and while you could get a tee time at the “same old, same old,” why not try out a new course? It could be good for your soul and swing. Nestled between the Berkshire Mountains and lovely Copake Lake, Copake Country Club has a wonderfully designed 18-hole course with stunning, tranquil views. The bucolic Columbia County course truly delivers. After golf, grab a bite at The Greens, the course’s restaurant and bar, which serves club fare and finely prepared American cuisine. It’s a hole-in-one-worthy end to the day.
Tube Time
With so many lakes, creeks, ponds and the mighty Hudson near the Capital Region, a water getaway (waterway?) could make for a splish-splashing good staycation sensation. And many an option offers fabulous family fun. I’d suggest packing a lunch, breathing in nature’s goodness, and enjoying a day floating and cruising down the Esopus Creek in Phoenicia, just south of Albany. Rent a tube at Town Tinker Tube Rentals, then wade into the refreshing water and tube your way to bliss. Do be aware that there are patches of rough waters, but they are short and very manageable. After your trip, head over to see the world’s largest kaleidoscope at the Emerson Resort & Spa in nearby Mount Tremper. Trust me; it’s a hoot. Pay a small fee to enter the kaleidoscope show, and then lean back and enjoy. Once the show’s over, there are a ton of options for photo ops and selfies outside.
You’re on a Boat
Snug Harbor Marina, with locations on Lake George in Silver Bay and Ticonderoga, is one of the top boat rental companies for a day on the lake. While the Adirondack lakes can get crowded during the summer months, you can still find plenty of space to weave around the islands and enjoy the majesty of the “Queen of American Lakes.” Have some poles and tackle? Make it a pleasure cruise and fishing outing all in one.
Top It Off
Whether you’re going antiquing in Hudson, wine tasting in the Finger Lakes or history seeking in Hyde Park—or are more into amusement parks (like the Great Escape in Queensbury), local distilleries (like Harvest Spirits in Valatie) or breweries (like Hank Hudson Brewing Company in Mechanicville), all are add-ons to make a memorable staycation even more unforgettable. Each night can end with a drive-in movie at one of the many regional theaters (like Jericho in Glenmont) or late-night dinner under the stars (that’s all you). Never look at what you are missing—only what you can enjoy to the fullest. Who knows what local adventures you will discover?
(from top) Copake Country Club; tubers on Esopus Creek; Harvest Spirits.
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TO A L L D O C TO R S , N U R S E S A N D E SS E N T I A L WO R K E R S
Thank you.
BLUEIRISPHOTOS.COM
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518.320.4862
Pop Culture
Roundup
CRL breaks down the podcasts, shows, books and movies you should be getting familiar with this summer.
BY MORGAN FECHTER (The Club 27) Podcast
Podcasts
(When They See Us) ATSUSHI NISHIJIMA/NETFLIX
Local: The Historians Amsterdam native Bob Cudmore hosts this weekly podcast exploring the rich history of the Mohawk Valley. Cudmore interviews notable Mohawk Valley residents about our region’s fascinating past, covering everything from architecture to industries and celebrities. Be prepared to gain a new appreciation for our neck of the woods. Listen on either bobcudmore.com or Apple Podcasts
podcast, Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos explains the research behind the concept of happiness and provides helpful advice for living a happier, more fulfilling life. Listen at happinesslab.fm or through Apple Podcasts New: The 27 Club Music fans will love this new podcast dedicated to the lives of musicians who died at age 27, a hallowed list that includes idols Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse, among others. The first season focuses on Hendrix, with each episode chronicling a different story from the music legend’s tragically short life. Listen on either 27clubpod.com or Apple Podcasts
TV Shows Local: Succession Take a break from your own family drama and tune in to a fictional one about the Roy clan, dysfunctional media moguls who are fighting for control over their aging father’s
empire on HBO’s hit series Succession. Keep an eye out for the scenes filmed last summer in Albany, Lake George and Lake Placid. Available on HBO Topical: When They See Us This Netflix miniseries tells the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of five teenagers of color falsely convicted of attacking a white female jogger in Central Park in 1989. Director Ava DuVernay’s four-part series explores the factors that led to the conviction and its aftermath, tackling topics of racism and incarceration. Available on Netflix Just for Fun: Schitt’s Creek If you haven’t already binge-watched all five seasons of Schitt’s Creek, now is the time. The Canadian sitcom, whose muchanticipated final season aired earlier this spring, exposes the hilarity (see Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy and his scion, Daniel Levy) of a once-wealthy family adapting to life in the titular, middle-of-nowhere town after they lose everything. Seasons 1-4 available on Netflix
Topical: Horse Racing Happy Hour You don’t have to wait until 5 o’clock to enjoy this happy hour. Every Thursday, grab your favorite drink and tune in to the Horse Racing Happy Hour podcast, on which hosts Megan, Mike and Louis recap the most important events in the world of horse racing. Listen on Apple Podcasts Just for Fun: The Happiness Lab It’s no secret that many of us are measuring low on the happy-o-meter right now. In this
Netflix’s When They See Us
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eyes of journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates. Written in the form of a letter to his son, Coates’ book is deeply personal in its depiction of the reality of what it’s like being a black man in the United States today.
New: White Lines The sister of a famous DJ, who was murdered on the infamously decadent Spanish island of Ibiza, sets out to find the truth about his mysterious death. In the meantime, she meets up with his old party crew who would rather not dig up the past. Available on Netflix
Just for Fun: Educated by Tara Westover Tara Westover’s No.1 New York Times best-selling memoir about her upbringing by survivalist Mormons in rural Idaho should be your next socially distanced beach read. Bill Gates put it best: “It’s even better than you’ve heard.”
BOOKS Local: Caffè Lena: Inside America’s Legendary Folk Music Coffeehouse by Jocelyn Arem and Joe Alper This book traces the history of Saratoga Springs landmark Caffè Lena, from its inception 60 years ago and onward. Flip through more than 200 images and interviews depicting some of the most notable artists from the venue’s heyday, including the incomparable Bob Dylan.
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Topical: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates This 2015 nonfiction bestseller explores the role of race in America through the
New: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins This 2020 novel tells the story of bookstore owner Lydia Quixano Pérez, who is forced to flee her home in Acapulco, Mexico when her husband publishes an exposé on a local drug cartel. Stephen King described this novel as “extraordinary,” and it was one of Oprah’s Book Club picks. Need we say more?
“...Folks in the Capital Region, if you are looking for the best Mexican food in the area, this is it. - Adrienne B., Yelp
111 Wolf Road Albany, NY | torocantina.com | 518-949-2211
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A Place Beyond the Pines
Movies Local: A Place Beyond the Pines Anyone who was living in the Capital Region eight years ago will remember when Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes and Bradley Cooper descended upon Schenectady to film A Place Beyond the Pines, a fictional story based in the Electric City. It’s certainly not a happy tale but is definitely worthy of a viewing (or rewatch). Topical: Contagion This 2011 thriller has been trending on Netflix since the COVID-19 outbreak occurred earlier this spring. The film, which depicts the spread of a respiratory virus culminating in a global pandemic, bears an eerie resemblance to our current situation.
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Just for Fun: Emma Fans of period pieces will love this charming film adaptation of author Jane Austen’s classic novel. Escape 2020 and get lost in the Regencyera world of Emma Woodhouse, where the most pressing concern is finding a suitable husband. New: The Way Back This sports drama, starring Ben Affleck, has garnered widespread praise since its release in early March. Affleck plays an alcoholicconstruction-worker-turned-high-schoolbasketball-coach trying to lead an underdog team to victory. The film is a reminder that sometimes people (in real life and on screen) deserve a second chance.
50+ LIVING Advertising Section Daughters of Sarah Senior Community 180 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany 518.456.7831; daughtersofsarah.org
The mission of Daughters of Sarah is to enhance the quality of life, assure the safety and dignity and foster the independence of those served by the senior community’s facilities and programs. One such facility is the awardwinning Massry Residence, the premier independent living option in the Capital City. Massry Residence apartments are private, spacious and airy, and include a number of amenities, such as onsite wellness activities and delicious kosher dining. From the Massry Residence, it’s also an easy transition to Daughters of Sarah’s Nursing Center, which boasts 210 private rooms and a home-like setting, should the needs of a resident change.
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50+ LIVING Advertising Section
Nina Sher, Senior Real Estate Specialist Hunt Real Estate ERA 1365 New Scotland Rd., Slingerlands 518.368.5578; huntrealestate.com
Are you thinking about downsizing? One of the worst things people can do is wait too long to reach that decision. Nina had been contemplating a move for more than a year, but her husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis forced them to make a decision sooner. She sold her home last fall, moved into a townhouse and couldn’t be happier. No regrets! How about you? Are you stuck? Nina created the Smart Downsizing Guide to help baby boomers get clarity around this huge decision. Call her to receive your free copy and get one step closer to living a happier life.
Lindsay Drug
416 5th Ave., Troy 518.235.2522; lindsaydrug.com Consider Lindsay Drug your
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one-stop shop for all of your medicine and health equipment needs in the Troy area. This local, family-run, independent healthcare center and pharmacy is packed with everything you might need to keep your family happy and healthy—from walkers and wound care items to wheelchairs and aging in place accessories for the home. The drugstore’s in-house associates are specially trained to fit customers with the perfect crutches, quad canes or canes, including decorative ones. Plus: Shop for post-mastectomy prostheses and brassieres and compression therapy garments, including custom stockings for hard-to-fit sizes.
ambulette service. Its award-winning fleet of modern vehicles is expertly maintained by in-house mechanics and boasts the highest quality wheelchair lifts, wheelchairs and stretchers. Every step is taken to make your ride comfortable and safe, from the hiring of the very best drivers to Safe Care’s pledge to arrive on time and with a smile. Its service is perfect for medical appointments, nursing home transfers and hospital discharges; plus, Safe Care is the only Upstate New York provider to offer bariatric stretcher service.
Meier Law Firm, PLLC
Safe Care Mobility Services
10 Utica Ave., Latham 518.313.7809; themeierlawfirm.com
Compassion is key at Safe Care Mobility Services, which provides the best possible medical transportation and
COVID-19 created chaos and made us all aware that life can change in an instant. Now that we are entering our new normal, let the team at Meier Law Firm, PLLC help you take control. We
456 N. Pearl St., Albany 518.462.5923; safecaremobility.com
provide counsel without judgment to assist our clients with planning for incapacity and death. We prepare wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies and living wills. We also create trusts when appropriate for our clients’ needs, and assist clients with Medicaid planning (including applications), as well as the administration of estates and trusts. Contact the Meier Law Firm today to discuss your estate planning needs.
The Sentinel of Amsterdam 10 Market St., Amsterdam 518.896.0010; sentinelalf.com
The Sentinel was created with a vision centered on providing individualized care in a home-like setting for seniors. Family owned and operated, The Sentinel brings decades of experience in the provision of quality care to its residents. Its philosophy focuses on taking a positive approach to senior living, and its goals are to build an active and full life in a person’s retirement years. The Sentinel takes great pride in its dedicated, caring and professional staff. Each staff member is carefully chosen for his or her courtesy and commitment to The Sentinel’s residents.
HELPING YO U STAY CONNECTED
This ad made possible by THE CUCKOO’S NEST and
CAPITAL REGION LIVING BY GIVING
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before you go...
CHASING SUNSETS BY JOHN GRAY
W
hen you visit Cape Cod, there are just two things you need to know after crossing the Bourne Bridge and heading east on Route 6: when the tide goes out and when the sun sets. The answer unlocks this hidden treasure: walking along the bay, just as the sun slips silently into the distant ocean. If you’ve never walked along the bay on Cape Cod when the tide is out, I can only describe it as a painting come to life—one that you don’t just look at but inhabit. On the ocean side of the Cape, like most ocean beaches, the tide goes out only about half the length of a football field, but on the bayside, the sand stretches for miles and nature leaves patterns and gifts behind: Not just seashells but shallow pools of water filled with hermit crabs and tiny fish. Of all the vacations I have ever taken—including the most extravagant, expensive ones— nothing compares to walking along the bay in Cape Cod when the ocean retreats and the sun slips away beneath the horizon. One day, not so long ago, I was walking along the bay near Rock Harbor Creek when I saw, far off in the distance, a formation
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of rocks I’d never noticed before. I walked towards them, and as I got closer, my poor eyes revealed that the rocks had square, uniform shapes and seemed to be in a pattern. I realized they weren’t rocks at all. It was getting late in the day, and my legs were weary, but I needed to know what the dark objects were, so I pressed on. When I finally came upon them, I spied an army of small cages covered in seaweed. I assumed they were lobster traps but could not make out a single lobster that had been outsmarted. That’s when I saw him, a man in his early 60s, down on his hands and knees in the wet sand, warm bay water just starting to lap at his rubber boots as the tide began to slowly return. There was no urgency in his movements—instead, he had a contented smile on his face, the type one might see on a child playing with a new toy. He looked up, and realizing he had an audience, said a hearty, “Hello!” I revealed that I was no seaman when I asked him if he was trying to catch lobsters, learning instead that the cages were for growing oysters. For a moment I turned my head the way a dog does when you ask him if he wants a bone, then said without thinking,
“Oysters? I thought they were just found in the wild; I didn’t know you could grow them.” The man smiled and told me that I was standing on the front porch of his oyster farm. He was opening each cage, taking out shells and measuring them to see if they were big enough to take out and sell. I asked him if there was good money in being an oyster farmer, and he laughed out loud, saying, “Oh, son, I don’t do this for the money. Just the opposite.” As he continued to measure and toss shells into a plastic container, the man told me that he’d struck gold on Wall Street in New York City. “I made my fortune in stocks and trading, but I wasn’t happy,” he said. “The only time I’d really find joy was when I was here doing this.” He looked up at the orange sky now and took a deep breath, as if inhaling medicine. The man told me he and his wife had battled the crowds and noise of the big city and earned enough to buy all the things the TV commercials promise will make you happy. Then they bought a place on Cape Cod, and one day, while out for a walk along the bay, he came upon a man raising oysters and something clicked. He thought to himself, rather than make a fortune producing nothing in the city, he could lose money and gain peace here in the bay. He told me that he still did work in Manhattan part time, but that his blood pressure would immediately drop when he drove northeastward toward his oysters. Not all of us have the means to buy a dream home and life to escape to, but there are ways that we can all find that same peace right in our own backyards. If this pandemic has done nothing else, it has forced all of us to slow down and look at the simple treasures around us: long walks with the people we love; and long, latenight talks over coffee, with the TV off and smartphones charging in the other room. It’s ironic that this man had to grow something in a steel cage in order to unlock his own prison cell and set himself free. We are all the warden of our own confinement, capable of just such a daring escape. How silly we would feel to spend a lifetime trapped in an empty life, only to realize, later, the closed door keeping us frozen in doubt was never locked in the first place.
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