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SUMMER 2022
THE HEART OF THE EMPIRE STATE
L IP I S S U EF
BESTIES FOOD AND DRINK Sweet Dreams
8
LOCAL DESSERTS READERS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF
PLUS + SLOW COOKER SHORT RIBS FROM CHEZ MIKE + STEVE CAPORIZZO'S NEW PET COLUMN + AN ADIRONDACK PHOTOSHOOT IN THE CLOUDS
@crlmagazine | crlmag.com
Cottage Cheese Caprese Toasts SERVES 2 Ingredients: 2 slices
Hannaford Mini Wheat Italian Bread 2 Tbsp. Cedar’s® Garlic Hommus 1/2 cup Good Culture® Low-Fat Cottage Cheese 1 Tomato, sliced 3 to 4 leaves Fresh basil, torn into bite-sized pieces McCormick® Sea Salt, to taste McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper, to taste 1 Tbsp. Hannaford Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
Directions:
This Mediterranean-inspired meal is protein-packed and perfect for breakfast, lunch or a mid-day pick-me-up.
1. Toast two slices of wheat Italian bread. 2. Once toasted, spread hommus and cottage cheese evenly between two slices. 3. Top with sliced tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. 4. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top of toast and enjoy.
simply healthy from your Hannaford Dietitians
Nutritional Information We’re committed to supporting your health and wellness goals. Our team of registered dietitians offer free nutritional services online and in-store. Thank you to our sponsors for partnering with Hannaford to offer free dietitian services. Visit hannaford.com/dietitians to learn more. 2 | CAPITAL R EGI O N L I VI N G | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
Amount per serving: Calories 180; Fat 8 g; Saturated Fat 1 g; Cholesterol 10 mg; Sodium 380 mg; Carbohydrate 16 g; Fiber 2 g; Sugar 5 g; Added Sugar 0 g; Protein 10 g Source: Recipe adapted from goodculture.com
: grown or created closer to where we live Better for the Community
Keeps money circulating in the community, supports local farmers and makers, reflects the unique characteristics of the shared space we call home
Better for the Environment Less transportation emissions, increased air quality, less waste, preserves open space
Better for the People
Fresher food, cultivates community, endless educational and collaborative opportunities
Thank you for voting us this year’s
Best Community Co-op and Best Health Food Store!
20
21
DeliveredThank to you for voting us this
Your Door year’s Best Community Co-op
Find us on: and Best Health Food Store!
www.HonestWeight.coop
inside SUMMER ISSUE
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY B LU E I R I S P H OTO G R A P H Y
47 THE EXPERTS
S TA R S : R A C H E L L E B O O T H T R AV E L : B E N J A M I N L E R N E R PETS: STEVE CAPORIZZO
BOOKENDS 9
10 Just Desserts
NEW AND NOW
56
Cover Story by Stacey Morris
B E F O R E YO U G O B Y J O H N G R AY
P H OTO G R A P H Y BY AU D R E Y K N I Z E K
15 FOOD & DRINK 32 PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP ADVERTISING SECTIONS
38 HOME IMPROVEMENT 44 WEDDINGS 53 WELLNESS
37
42 BEHIND THE LENS BY J U L I A STA R K E Y
55 RECIPE
SHORT RIBS WITH CHEF MIKE COHEN
ON THE COVER: Pastries from Bella Napoli, a cupcake from Coccadotts Bake Shop and cider doughnuts from Indian Ladder Farms photographed by Audrey Knizek exclusively for CAPITAL REGION LIVING.
Bella Napoli (AUDREY KNIZEK); family portrait (BLUE IRIS PHOTOGRAPHY)
The Besties
37 PET SPOTLIGHT
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Thank you for voting us
BEST COFFEE as well as making us a finalist for
BEST CHILI! 4 | CAPITAL R EGI O N L I VI N G | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
THE HEART OF THE EMPIRE STATE
Abby Tegnelia CEO EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF CONTENT
Will Levith Steve Teabout Natalie Moore
CONTRIBUTORS
Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland Rachelle Booth, Steve Caporizzo Francesco D’Amico, Samantha Decker Dori Fitzpatrick, Tracy Fluty, John Gray Audrey Knizek, David A. Kubikian Dustin Lanterman, Benjamin Lerner Stacey Morris, Konrad Odhiambo Tara Buffa SALES MANAGER PUBLISHER, SARATOGA LIVING CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER SALES ASSISTANT
Annette Quarrier Tina Galante Tracy Momrow
EMPIRE MEDIA NETWORK, INC. Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR
Abby Tegnelia PRESIDENT/CEO
Tina Galante CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US!
VOLUME 19, NO.3
6 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 PHONE: 518.294.4390 FIND US ONLINE AT crlmag.com Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Many of the ads in this issue were created by Empire Media Network, Inc. and cannot be reproduced without permission from the publisher. ESTABLISHED 2003.
SUBSCRIPTIONS $35 per year (nonrefundable) FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AT: @capitalregionliving @crlmagazine TWITTER @crlmagazine
Voted the #1 Best Ice Cream Stand
in the Capital Region
531 5th Ave, Troy, NY 12182 (518) 233 - 1714 | thesnowmanicecream.com
S U M M E R 2022 | CRL MAG.COM | 5
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST CAKES
226 BROADWAY, SCHENECTADY
518.355.1144
VILLAITALIABAKERY.COM
NOW BOOKING
WOLFERTS ROOST COUNTRY CLUB
6 | CAPITAL R EGI O N L I VI N G | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
FOR 2022 & 2023 WEDDINGS! sales@wolfertsroost.com (518) 449-3223 www.wolfertsroost.com
From The Editors
AUDREY KNIZEK
W
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
hat if, instead of worrying about getting our bodies “bathing suit–ready” this summer, we all just…didn’t. Instead, we could eat as many of the desserts featured on the front of this magazine as we’d like, and satisfy the rest of our foodie cravings at the area’s top bars and restaurants. Sound like a plan? Good. Check out eight iconic Capital Region desserts we know we’ll be treating our body-positive tastebuds to all summer long on page 10, and the rest of this year’s Food & Drink Bestie winners on page 15. Besides the Besties, this issue also features a look at how one Adirondack photographer shot a magical engagement in the clouds (page 42), a recipe The Snowman for slow cooker short ribs from Bestie winner Chez Mike (page 55), and a first-of-its kind pet column, written by none other than 2022 Bestie-winning meteorologist and pet adoption advocate Steve Caporizzo (page 50). Oh, and back to the Besties—we can’t wait to celebrate this year’s winners at BestieFest, which this year will be held June 14 at Century House. Did your business take home a Bestie this year? Expect an invitation to our annual awards ceremony in your inbox in the coming weeks. And, oh yes, there will be plenty of award-worthy food there, too. —The Editors
THANK YOU!
VOTED BEST MEATBALLS AND TROY/RENSSELAER RESTAURANT For nearly 80 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.
572 Second Avenue • Troy 518.235.8879 • www.verdile.com S U M M E R 2022 | CRL MAG.COM | 7
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NEW NOW AND
All-day breakfast, our (still) growing beer scene and locals on TV: hot happenings to kick off this Capital Region summer. BY NATALIE MOORE PET HELP
This April, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society received two big-time donations: One was from NEWS10 ABC anchor and CRL columnist John Gray, his wife, and his blind/ deaf dog Keller, who together raised nearly $30,000 for MHHS—in just one week. Then, later that month, Ed and Lisa Mitzen’s Business for Good Foundation gave the society its largest single donation in its 135-year history: $1 million. The organization’s animal care center in Menands will henceforth be known as the Lisa Mitzen Animal Care Center. Lisa and Ed Mitzen presenting MHHS with $1 million
NEW BREW TV PHONE HOME
Yes, we all know by now that HBO’s The Gilded Age filmed in Downtown Troy. But did you know there’s a familiar face among the corsets and bustles? Actress Kelley Curran, who grew up in Slingerlands, plays the rather scandalous Turner, an ambitious lady’s maid who isn’t afraid of using Kelley Curran as Turner seduction to get what she wants—or at least trying to. You can catch her in Season 1 of the show, now streaming on HBO Max. Then flip the channel to find another Capital Regionite, Soul Fire Farm’s Brooke Bridges, on GardenFit, a new PBS show that helps gardeners and farmers minimize physical aches and pains by way of mindful movements.
Other One Brewing Company
The already robust local beer scene is about to get a little bigger, and we’ll say “cheers” to that. For one, popular Capital Region brewpub Druthers Brewing is planning to open its fourth location in Clifton Park this summer. Then, there are two more brand-new breweries that, at press time, were planning to open their doors in the coming months: Other One Brewing Company in Halfmoon and Speckled Pig Brewery in Ballston Spa.
(Kelley Curran) ALISON COHEN ROSA/HBO
BIZ WIZ
Kathleen Maeve
Spring wasn’t the only thing that sprung recently in the Capital Region. Here’s a quick update on post-COVID new business news that caught our eye: Tatu Tacos & Tequila, formerly of Saratoga, is eyeing a May opening for a sizzling new location in Troy. Cooley Kill Restaurant and Bar opened at Clifton Park’s Van Patten Golf Club in April. Old-school diner Naughters, which opened in Troy in February, has become a hip spot for all-day breakfast. Saratoga designer Kathleen Rourke launched pastel-centric clothing line Tatu Tacos & Tequila Kathleen Maeve, which carries cute dresses perfect for a day at the races. And lastly, youth, individual and family service agency Vanderheyden opened The Vandy Thrift Shoppe behind Fort Orange General Store, with the dream CRL to have the store operated and run entirely by the individuals Vanderheyden serves.
S U M M E R 2022 | CRLMAG.COM | 9
Just Desserts THE CAPITAL REGION IS KNOWN FOR ALL SORTS OF SWEET TREATS—HERE ARE EIGHT DECADENT LOCAL DESSERTS THAT CRL READERS VOTED THE BEST OF THE BEST.
BY STACEY MORRIS P H O T O G R A P H Y BY AUDREY KNIZEK
Coccadotts Cake Shop
10 | CAPITAL R EGI O N L I VI N G | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
BEST CUPCAKES COCCADOTTS CAKE SHOP
1179 Central Avenue, Albany coccadotts.com Coccadotts in Albany has you covered for custom-designed cakes. (Need a diminutive confection for a little one’s first birthday? They have it. A cake in the shape of a Gucci bag for a graduation? No problem.) But we’re here to discuss the sinfully snackable versions that nabbed the cake shop a Bestie. Opened in 2007 by Rachel and Luke Dott, Coccadotts is perhaps most visited
for its plethora of artfully decorated gourmet cupcakes (which come topped with everything from Sponegbob Squarepants to succulents). For those craving the classics, chocolate, vanilla and carrot cake cupcakes are always at the ready. The best-selling varieties though? Cookies and cream, cannoli and peanut butter. Gluten-free cakes and cupcakes are also available. “People love them,” manager Michael Kaczor says of the shop’s cupcakes, “because they’re always fresh and delicious.”
BEST CHEESECAKE Blue Rose Cheesecake and Bake Shop
BLUE ROSE CHEESECAKE AND BAKE SHOP
1815 State Street, Schenectady blueribbonrestaurant.com/bakery When Schenectady’s Blue Ribbon Diner opened in 1977, word of its mouthwatering cheesecakes and other housemade desserts spread like wildfire. Eventually, brothers Angelo and Jerry Menagias, the hot spot’s co-owners, decided an expansion was in order and, some 40 years later, the Blue Rose Cheesecake and Bake Shop opened next door to the diner. Manager Jenna McLennan says Blue Rose’s bestseller by far is the fluffy-but-dense vanilla cheesecake, which comes topped with fruit (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or pineapple). For flavored cheesecakes, she adds, the most popular are chocolate chip, cookies ‘n cream, pistachio and cherry almond. Fans of the dessert can get their fix by the slice at the bakery or diner; the bakery also offers six-, nine-, and 10-inch specialty cheesecakes, which come crustless or with traditional graham cracker or cookie crumble crusts.
S U M M E R 2022 | CRLMAG.COM | 11
BEST CIDER DOUGHNUTS INDIAN LADDER FARMS
342 Altamont Road, Altamont indianladderfarms.com Picking a half-bushel of Honey Crisp apples may be the reason Upstate New Yorkers have been trekking to 90-acre apple orchard Indian Ladder Farms for more than a century, but it’s the cider doughnuts that are the Altamont hotspot’s pièce de résistance. Snatched up by adoring visitors as fast as staff can fry them, the doughnuts are available in the orchard’s farm market and bakery, which is open April to December and also sells locally produced meats, dairy, honey, fruits and vegetables. Wash down your just-sizzled doughnut with a cold beer or hard cider from the on-site cidery and brewery. While you’re at it, you can begin planning your next trip to Capital Region doughnut lovers’ Hole-y Grail—with a mouthful of those doughnuts, a return trip couldn’t be dreamed up soon enough.
BEST COOKIES THE COOKIE FACTORY
520 Congress Street, Troy 1705 US 9, Clifton Park cookiefactoryllc.com Since it opened in Troy in 2006, The Cookie Factory has been living up to its motto: “Cookies like no other.” Not content to purvey only conventional varieties of cookies, owners (and
12 | CAPITAL R EGI O N L I VI N G | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
Indian Ladder Farms
BEST BAKERY BELLA NAPOLI
21 River Street, Troy 672 New Loudon Road, Latham bellanapolibakery.com
Bella Napoli
brothers) Chris and Joe Alberino offer best-selling cookie sandwiches (justbaked cookies in creative shapes melded together with creamy spreads and fillings) and cookie tops (tempting flavor combinations atop a chewy, homemade cookie). Perhaps the shop’s most famous creation is the Fudge Fantasy, its flagship sugar cookie topped with a fudge frosting. And while cookies are certainly The The Cookie Factory Cookie Factory’s bread and butter, the brand’s two locations also serve up—yes— bread and buttery desserts including pies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, doughnuts, muffins, pastries…The list goes on and on.
Walk into either of Bella Napoli’s Capital Region locations and prepare to be dazzled by cases brimming with Italian pastries that rival the crown jewels of the old country. You’ll have a hard time choosing between limoncello cannoli, creamy eclairs, filled pasticciotti, flakey sfogliatelle and decadent tiramisu doughnuts filled with mascarpone and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder; or maybe you’re in the mood for a bear claw, a massive glazed fritter delicious enough to break anyone’s willpower. And then there are cookies, biscotti, muffins and specialty cakes, to boot. But this impressive, sugar-filled lineup isn’t news to true Capital Regionites: Bella Napoli has been serving the community since Italian immigrant John Mainella opened the business as a bread bakery in Downtown Troy 65 years ago. As the menu expanded, so did Bella Napoli’s loyal following, who visit in droves not only for the pastries, but also for the loaves of that crusty Italian bread that launched Bella Napoli into local stardom all those years ago.
BEST PIES
SMITH’S ORCHARD AND BAKE SHOP 4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa smithspieshop.com
According to Smith’s Orchard and Bake Shop owner Shelley Smith, there’s never a slow season when it comes to pies—but let’s just say her staff brace themselves for late fall, when operations go into overdrive. Come Thanksgiving time, customers clamor for Smith’s signature hand-crafted fruit pies, which come in varieties such as apple cranberry, blackberry, cherry, raspberry peach, blueberry and strawberry rhubarb; and her Tollhouse, pumpkin and pecan pies, too. Smith’s top seller, the classic apple pie, is actually the reason the bake shop opened in 1999, after a shuttering of mom-and-pop grocers led to a sudden surplus of apples at the 300-acre Ballston Spa orchard. Business began slowly, but word quickly spread; out-of-state fans have been known to drive four hours for a trunk-load of Smith’s pies. The secret, she says, is an old family recipe for the crust. That, and using only New York State–grown fruit.
Smith’s Orchard and Bake Shop
out the seasonal Cider Belly doughnut sundae, ice cream pies and candy-filled flurries, plus 25 flavors of hard ice cream made right on the premises. Also on the menu: sherbets, vegan ice cream, softserve in rotating flavors and a fat-free, fructose-sweetened frozen yogurt. But the biggest draw of all? The Snowman’s oversized portions—quality and quantity, it seems, are the recipe for the success of Troy’s time-honored ice cream destination.
include vegan, gluten-free and regular varieties in flavors such as yellow, marble, chocolate, carrot and red velvet. Eight-inch cakes are always available at the café for pick-up, as are an array of to-die-for pastries. But wait, there’s more: Villa Italia also operates a satellite location at Rivers Casino & Resort, where winning gamblers can gobble up singleserving sizes of the bakery’s signature CRL Italian cream cakes.
BEST CAKES
BEST ICE CREAM STAND
VILLA ITALIA BAKERY
226 Broadway, Schenectady villaitaliabakery.com
THE SNOWMAN
531 Fifth Avenue, Troy thesnowmanicecream.com Now in its 69th season, The Snowman, with its smiling, neon-lit snowman sign, pulls aficionados across county lines for its buzz-worthy bounty of creamy cones and sundaes served a gazillion different ways; check
Founded in 1965 by Joseph Mallozzi, who learned the tricks of the bakery trade from his family’s business in Italy, Villa Italia has quickly become the Capital Region’s mecca for pastries and cakes. The Schenectady staple is now owned by Joseph’s son, Bobby, and still cranks out its long-time best-sellers: Italian strawberry cake filled with vanilla custard and fresh strawberries, and Italian cream cake, a rum-soaked sponge cake layered with chocolate and vanilla pastry cream and topped with whipped cream and sliced almonds. Special-order cakes
Villia Italia Bakery
The Snowman S U M M E R 2022 | CRLMAG.COM | 13
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Besties CAPITAL REGION LIVING
FOOD AND DRINK
APPETIZERS SWIFTY’S RESTAURANT & PUB 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com
BAKERY BELLA NAPOLI
672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 721 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 bellanapolibakery.com
Lanie’s Cafe 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 laniescafe.com
Villa Italia Bakery 226 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 355-1144 villaitaliabakery.com
Druthers Brewing Company (tie) Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com
Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery 376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537 perfectblendcafe.com
Daley’s on Yates (tie) 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com
BAGELS UNCOMMON GROUNDS Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com
West End Bagels 5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park (518) 952-4762 westendbagels.com Manhattan Bistro and Bagel 123 Saratoga Road, Glenville (518) 399-3887 manhattanbistroandbagel.com
BBQ PJ’S BAR-B-QSA
1 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-2445 pjsbarbqsa.com Wagon Train BBQ 671 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 356-0650 wagontrainbbq.com Pig Pit BBQ 1 Niver Street, Cohoes (518) 235-2323 pigpitbbqny.com
BEST-KEPT SECRET YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Daley’s on Crooked Lake 2339 Route 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3132 olddaley.com The Greens at Copake Country Club (tie) 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 thegreensatcopake.com Whitman Brewing Company (tie) 20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-3602 waltandwhitmanbrewing.com
BEVERAGE CENTER GLENVILLE BEVERAGE
96 Freemans Bridge Road, Glenville (518) 374-4615 glenvillebeverage.com Minogue’s Beverage Center Multiple Locations minoguesbeverage.com Oliver’s Beverage Center 105 Colvin Avenue, Albany (518) 459-2767 brew-crew.com
S U M M E R 2022 | C RL MAG.COM | 15
Yanni’s Too 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
BREAD PERRECA’S
31-33 North Jay Street, Schenectady (518) 372-1875 perrecas.com
Too Good
We’ll just get it out of the way now: Yes, Yanni’s Too won an outrageous number of Besties categories, yet again. Calamari King Marc Yanni (obviously) won best calamari, in addition to best chili, chowder, pasta, ribs, seafood, takeout and waitstaff; best American food, kid-friendly dining and outdoor dining; plus best family-owned restaurant best-kept secret and, to top it all off, best chef. Maybe Marc’s new nickname should be the Besties King.
BISTRO DELMAR BISTRO
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-1000 thedelmarbistro.weebly.com Sage Bistro 2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland (518) 608-5410 sagebistrony.com Garden Bistro 24 (tie) 5 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands (518) 439-3832 gardenbistro24.com Tighe’s Bistro Américain (tie) 2703 Route 43, Averill Park (518) 712-5166 tighesbistroamericain.com
BLOODY MARY TIPSY MOOSE TAP & TAVERN Multiple Locations tipsymoosetavern.com
Innovo Kitchen 1214 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1466 innovokitchen.com
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Bountiful Bread Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany (518) 438-3540 bountifulbread.com Prinzo’s Bakery (518) 463-4904 prinzosbakery.shop
BREAKFAST CAFE MADISON
1108 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-1094 359 Northern Boulevard, Albany (518) 898-9630 cafemadisonalbany.com Nighthawks Restaurant and Bar (tie) 461 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1000 nighthawkstroy.com Iron Gate Cafe (tie) 182A Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 445-3555 irongatecafe.com
BURGER NIGHTHAWKS RESTAURANT & BAR 461 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1000 nighthawkstroy.com
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com Halfway House Tavern 26 Main Street, Ravena (518) 756-9720 @halfwayhousetavern on Facebook
CAKES VILLA ITALIA BAKERY
226 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 355-1144 villaitaliabakery.com Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe (tie) 54 State Street, Albany 390 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer (518) 477-2140 zacharyspastryshoppe.com Coccadotts Cake Shop (tie) 1179 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 438-4937 coccadotts.com
Duncan’s Dairy Bar 890 Hoosick Road, Troy duncansdairybar.com
Bella Napoli Bakery & Cafe 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 721 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 bellanapolibakery.com
BREWERY BROWN’S BREWING COMPANY
CALAMARI YANNI’S TOO
417 River Street, Troy (518) 273-2337 50 Factory Hill Road, North Hoosick (518) 205-5049 brownsbrewing.com Druthers Brewing Company Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com The Real McCoy 20 Hallwood Road, Delmar 29 Washington Street, Ballston Spa (518) 439-3652 therealmccoybeerco.com
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Chez Mike 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730 chezmikerestaurant.com Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com
CHEESECAKE BLUE ROSE CHEESECAKE & BAKE SHOP 1815 State Street, Schenectady (518) 393-2765 blueribbonrestaurant.com
Cheesecake Machismo 293 Hamilton Street, Albany (518) 427-7019 cheesecakemacchismo.com J&S Watkins 1675 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 383-1148 jswatkins.com
CHICKEN WINGS RUSTY NAIL GRILL AND TAVERN 1781 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 371-9875 myfavoritetaverns.com The Towne Tavern 2850 NY 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3040 thetownetavern.com My Place and Company 241 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7610 1640 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack (518) 477-5555 myplaceandcompany.com
CHILI YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Stewart’s Shops Multiple Locations stewartsshops.com Park Pub (tie) 2701 Lavin Court, Troy (518) 274-7275 park-pub.com Ravenswood (tie) 1021 Route 146, Clifton Park (518) 371-8771 ravenswoodpub.com
CHOCOLATE SHOP / CANDY STORE KRAUSE’S HOMEMADE CANDY 1609 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 869-3950 krausescandy.com
Uncle Sam’s All American Chocolate Factory Newtown Plaza - 594 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 608-4949 2571 Albany Street, Schenectady (518) 372-2243 unclesamscandy.com Candy Kraft Candies 2575 Western Avenue, Altamont (518) 355-1860 candykraft.com
CHOWDER YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Chez Mike 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730 chezmikerestaurant.com The Towne Tavern 2850 NY 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3040 thetownetavern.com
S U M M E R 2022 | CRL MAG.COM | 17
Uncommon Grounds Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com
COMFORT FOOD DRUTHERS BREWING COMPANY Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com
The Nest (tie) 512 State Street, Schenectady (518) 672-3018 thenest518.com
Four the Win
If you missed the news in our New And Now story earlier in this magazine, Druthers Brewing Company is expanding yet again. With current locations in Saratoga (the brewpub’s flagship), Schenectady and Albany, Druthers is eyeing a 2022 opening for its Clifton Park location. This year the local chain won Besties for comfort food and mac & cheese... Who knows, maybe the fourth location will enhance Druthers’ winning ways come next year.
CIDER DOUGHNUTS INDIAN LADDER FARMS 342 Altamont Road, Altamont (518) 765-2956 indianladderfarms.com Golden Harvest Farms 3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683 goldenharvestfarms.com Cider Belly Doughnuts (tie) 25 North Pearl Street, Albany (518) 253-4640 ciderbelly.com Lakeside Farms (tie) 336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake (518) 399-8359 lakesidefarmscidermill.com
COFFEE STEWART’S SHOPS Multiple Locations stewartsshops.com MochaLisa’s Caffé Multiple Locations mochalisa.com
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Hattie’s Restaurant (tie) 45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-4790 hattiesrestaurant.com Kay’s Pizza (tie) 10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park (518) 674-5413 kayspizza.com
COOKIES THE COOKIE FACTORY
520 Congress Street, Troy (518) 268-1060 1705 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-7644 cookiefactoryllc.com Bella Napoli 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 21 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 bellanapolibakery.com
The Cookie Factory (tie, third place) 520 Congress Street, Troy (518) 268-1060 1705 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-7644 cookiefactoryllc.com Dolce & Biscotti (tie, third place) 1758 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-6173 dolceandbiscotti.com
DELI GERSHON’S DELI
1600 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 393-0617 gershonsdeli.com McCarroll’s The Village Butcher & Deli 406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3936 delmarmarketplace.com Pellegrino’s Importing 1197 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-4472 pellegrinoimporting.com
DINER ALEXIS DINER
294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603 alexisdiner.us Diner Time 813 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-0200 dinertimeny.com
Upstate Cookie Shack 474 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer (518) 244-5181 upstatecookieshack.com
The Silver Spoon Cafe (tie) 11 Madison Avenue, Ravena (518) 756-3463 The Silver Spoon Café on Facebook
CUPCAKES COCCADOTTS CAKE SHOP
Latham ‘76 Diner (tie) 722 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3793 latham76diner.com
1179 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 438-4937 coccadotts.com Bake For You (tie, second place) 5001 Dunhill Court, Slingerlands (518) 207-5430 bakeforyou.com Bella Napoli (tie, second place) 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 21 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 bellanapolibakery.com
DISTILLERY ALBANY DISTILLING COMPANY 75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 949-2472 albanydistilling.com Harvest Spirits 3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-1776 harvestspirits.com
Yankee Distillers (tie) 5 Fairchild Square, Clifton Park (518) 406-3245 yankeedistillers.com Cooperstown Distillery (tie) 453 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 217-3990 cooperstowndistillery.com
FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANT YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple Locations tedsfishfry.com Verdile’s Restaurant 572 2nd Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 verdile.com
FINE DINING 677 PRIME 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com
Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com
The Olde English Pub 683 Broadway, Albany (518) 434-6533 theoldeenglish.com
FRIED CHICKEN HATTIE’S RESTAURANT
45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-4790 hattiesrestaurant.com
15 Church 15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-1515 15churchrestaurant.com
The Cuckoo’s Nest 234 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 650-7215 cuckoosnestalbany.com
FISH FRY TED’S FISH FRY
The Nest 512 State Street, Schenectady (518) 672-3018 thenest518.com
Yanni’s Too 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
GLUTEN-FREE SELECTION DALEY’S ON CROOKED LAKE
Multiple Locations tedsfishfry.com
2339 Route 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3132 olddaley.com
S U M M E R 2022 | CRLMAG.COM | 19
HOT DOG GUS’ HOT DOGS
212 25th Street, Watervliet (518) 273-8743 Gus’ Hot Dogs on Facebook Famous Lunch 111 Congress Street, Troy (518) 272-9481 famouslunch.org
Muffin Tops
While we gave Bella Napoli a shoutout in our desserts cover story for its Bestie win in the best bakery category, we neglected to mention it also won big in another very important realm: muffins. (Are they dessert or a breakfast food? Hard to say.) But the Capital Region was divided in this instance—the same number of muffin-lovers voted for Hannaford as did for Bella Napoli. In the case of a tie, there’s only one thing you, CRL reader, can do: Try both and decide for yourself.
Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com Track 32 1368 Indian Fields Road, Feura Bush (518) 439-0032 track32ny.com
HAPPY HOUR PASTA PANE
Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In (tie) 5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia (518) 393-6101 jumpinjacksdriveininc.com
LUNCH SPOT KONI’S BROADWAY KAFE
357 Broadway, Troy (518) 273-2233 @konisbroadwaykafe on Facebook Whitman Brewing Company 20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-3602 waltandwhitmanbrewing.com
ICE CREAM STAND THE SNOWMAN
The Whistling Kettle Multiple Locations thewhistlingkettle.com
531 5th Avenue, Troy (518) 233-1714 thesnowmanicecream.com
Guptill’s Ice Cream 1085 New Loudon Road, Cohoes (518) 785-0660 @Guptillsicecream on Facebook Pirate’s Hideout 175 Guideboard Road, Waterford (518) 373-8438 pirateshideout.com
KID-FRIENDLY DINING YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Kay’s Pizza 10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park (518) 674-5413 kayspizza.com The Greens at Copake Country Club 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 thegreensatcopake.com
City Line Bar & Grill 1200 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 504-1200 citylinebar.com
LATE-NIGHT DINING LATHAM ‘76 DINER
20 | CAPI TAL R EGI O N L I VI N G | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
The Ruck (tie) 104 3rd Street, Troy (518) 273-1872 getrucked.com
Mike’s Hot Dogs (tie) 1135 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady (518) 382-9213 Mike’s Hot Dogs on Facebook
18 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 371-5762 pastapane.com
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com
Nighthawks Restaurant and Bar (tie) 461 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1000 nighthawkstroy.com
722 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3793 latham76diner.com Bob’s Diner 929 19th Street, Watervliet (518) 274-2393 bobsdinerny.com
MAC & CHEESE DRUTHERS BREWING COMPANY Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com
Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern Multiple Locations tipsymoosetavern.com Yanni’s Too 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
MARGARITA TORO CANTINA
111 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 949-2211 torocantina.com El Loco Mexican Cafe (tie) 465 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 436-1855 ellocomexicancafe.com El Mariachi (tie) 289 Hamilton Street, Albany (518) 432-7580 elmariachirestaurant.com
MARTINI DALEY’S ON YATES
10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com
9 Maple Avenue 9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs 9mapleave.com 677 Prime (tie) 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com Innovo Kitchen (tie) 1210 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-1466 innovokitchen.com
MEATBALLS VERDILE’S RESTAURANT (TIE)
DeFazio’s 264 & 266 4th Street, Troy (518) 271-1111 75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 977-4041 defaziospizza.com
MUFFINS BELLA NAPOLI (TIE)
672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 21 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 bellanapolibakery.com
572 2nd Street, Troy (518) 235-8879 verdile.com
HANNAFORD (TIE)
CARDONA’S MARKET (TIE)
The Cookie Factory 520 Congress Street, Troy (518) 268-1060 1705 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-7644 cookiefactoryllc.com
Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com
Testo’s 853 4th Avenue, Troy (518) 235-0444 769 Pawling Avenue, Troy (518) 326-1177 testosrestaurant.com
Multiple Locations hannaford.com
Schuyler Bakery (tie) 637 3rd Avenue, Watervliet (518) 273-0142 schuylerbakery.com Bake For You (tie) 5001 Dunhill Court, Slingerlands (518) 207-5430 bakeforyou.com
NEW RESTAURANT (PAST 12 MONTHS) SEA SMOKE WATERFRONT GRILL 10 Starbuck Drive, Green Island (518) 326-4164 seasmokegrill.com Tighe’s Bistro Américain Route 43, Averill Park (518) 712-5166 tighesbistroamericain.com Finnigan’s on the Lake (tie) 175 Lake Road, Ballston Lake (518) 952-7185 finnigansonthelake.com
EST. 1921
“THE NEXT GENERATION”
Thank you to our loyal patrons and staff for supporting our Family Owned & Operated restaurant as we begin Season 24! Feel like you are on vacation with a Tropical Cocktail on our 2 large outdoor patios overlooking the majestic Hudson River. Our award winning menu has something for everyone! From the freshest seafood to the homemade pasta to the house smoked BBQ! Join us Wednesday through Sunday for lunch & Dinner. Live music on the weekends! Voted best Calamari 8 years in a row! Top Finalist in 18 categories in 2022!
Yanni’s Too Restaurant
20 Marina Drive • Coeymans 518.756.7033 • YannisRestaurants.com
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 SANDWICH/SUB OVER 100 YEARS IN BUSINESS!
We offer delicious meats cut by our master butchers, Boars Head products, award winning Breakfast and lunch sandwiches, fresh homemade salads, ready-to-go meals and baked goods. We cater all types of events and gatherings. We are truly the Village Butcher Shop and so much more. We look forward to serving our loyal customers for many years to come.
McCarroll’s The Village Butcher
Delmar Marketplace 406 Kenwood Avenue • Delmar 518.478.9651 • delmarmarketplace.com
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US AS A
BESTIE IN 5 CATEGORIES!
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 S U M M E R 2022 | C RL MAG.COM | 21
Iron Gate Cafe (tie) 182A Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 445-3555 irongatecafe.com
OUTDOOR DINING YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
Daley Double
Another big winner in this year’s Besties survey was the Old Daley family of services. Encompassing the wedding venue, fine dining and catering realms with Daley’s on Crooked Lake, Daley’s on Yates and Old Daley Catering respectively, the longtime Capital Region family business won best gluten-free selection, best martini, best romantic dining and best restaurant for both the Schenectady and West Sand Lake/Averill Park categories, plus a pair of categories in last issue’s People & Places section: best wedding venue and caterer.
Rooted + Rind (tie) 14 Booth Road, Delmar (518) 599-5055 rootedandrind.com
OMELETTES DUNCAN’S DAIRY BAR 890 Hoosick Road, Troy (518) 279-9985 duncansdairybar.com
Alexis Diner 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 763-5738 alexisdiner.us Cafe Madison (tie) 1108 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-1094 359 Northern Boulevard, Albany (518) 898-9630 cafemadisonalbany.com
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Carson’s Woodside Tavern (tie) 57 Route 9P, Malta (518) 584-9791 carsonswoodside.com Lanie’s Cafe (tie) 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 laniescafe.com Daley’s on Yates (tie) 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com
PASTA YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Verdile’s Restaurant 572 2nd Street, Troy (518) 235-8879 verdile.com DeFazio’s 264 & 266 4th Street, Troy (518) 271-1111 75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 977-4041 defaziospizza.com
PASTA SAUCE DEFAZIO’S
264 & 266 4th Street, Troy (518) 271-1111 defaziospizza.com Testo’s 853 4th Avenue, Troy (518) 235-0444 769 Pawling Avenue, Troy (518) 326-1177 testosrestaurant.com Cardona’s Market Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com
PIES SMITH’S ORCHARD BAKE SHOP 4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa (518) 882-6598 smithspieshop.com
Lakeside Farms 336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake (518) 399-8359 lakesidefarmcidermill.com Bella Napoli (tie) 672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196 21 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277 bellanapolibakery.com Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery (tie) 376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537 perfectblendcafe.com
PIZZA DEFAZIO’S
264 & 266 4th Street, Troy (518) 271-1111 75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 977-4041 defaziospizza.com Kay’s Pizza 10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park (518) 674-5413 kayspizza.com Clifton Park Pizza 1716 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 371-5780 cliftonparkpizza.com
PUB O’SLATTERY’S IRISH RESTAURANT AND PUB 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 438-5634 oslatterys.com Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com Purple Pub 2 Cohoes Road, Watervliet (518) 273-9646 purple-pub.com
RIBS YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
J&J Smokehouse BBQ (tie) 550 Main Street, Catskill (518) 943-5053 jjsmokehousebbq.com Otis & Oliver’s (tie) 30 Mill Road, Latham (518) 785-9291 otisandolivers.com
ROMANTIC DINING DALEY’S ON CROOKED LAKE 2339 Route 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3132 olddaley.com 677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com The Greens at Copake Country Club 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019 thegreensatcopake.com
SALADS LITTLE PECKS
211 Broadway, Troy (518) 326-3450 littlepecks.com Bountiful Bread 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 281-0964 108 State Street, Schenectady (518) 387-9997 bountifulbread.com Lanie’s Cafe 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 laniescafe.com
SANDWICHES / SUBS MCCARROLL’S THE VILLAGE BUTCHER & DELI 406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3936 delmarmarketplace.com
Bountiful Bread 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 281-0964 108 State Street, Schenectady (518) 387-9997 bountifulbread.com Pellegrino’s Importing 1197 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-4472 pellegrinoimporting.com
SEAFOOD YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill (tie) 10 Starbuck Drive, Green Island (518) 326-4164 seasmokegrill.com Daley’s on Yates (tie) 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com
S U M M E R 2022 | C RLMAG.COM | 23
Jack’s Oyster House 42 State Street, Albany (518) 465-8854 jacksoysterhouse.com
Shogun 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 729-5727 shogunofdelmar.com
Take Two Cafe (tie) 433 State Street, Schenectady (518) 280-9670 taketwo518.com
SLIDERS SLIDIN’ DIRTY
TAKEOUT YANNI’S TOO
VEGAN SELECTION MEATY MAX VEGAN MEATS
Jack’s Drive-In 24 Main Avenue, Wynantskill (518) 283-5110 Jack’s Drive In on Facebook
Whitman Brewing Company 20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-3602 waltandwhitmanbrewing.com
SPORTS BAR RECOVERY ROOM SPORTS GRILL
Kay’s Pizza 10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park (518) 674-5413 kayspizza.com
9 First Street, Troy (518) 326-8492 slidindirty.com
Multiple Locations recoverysportsgrill.com Junior’s Bar & Grill 1094 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-2025 48 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 244-3535 juniorsbarandgrill.com Forty One Sports Bar & Grille 41 112th Street, Troy (518) 235-4141 fortyonesportsbar.com
STEAKHOUSE 677 PRIME 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com
Barnsider 480 Sand Creek Road, Albany (518) 869-2448 barnsiderrestaurant.com Black & Blue Steak and Crab 1470 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 313-7388 blackandbluesteakandcrab.com
SUSHI SUSHI KING
200 Broadway, Troy (518) 274-0015 troysushiking.com Mr. Fuji 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 269-3999 19 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park (518) 383-5538 mrfujisushi.com
24 | CAPI TAL R EGI O N L I VI N G | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com
TAPAS / SMALL PLATES BOCA BISTRO 384 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-2800 bocabistro.com Twisted Vine Wine & Tap 384 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3241 twistedvinedelmar.com The Shaker and Vine 221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady (518) 630-6318 theshakerandvine.com
TEA THE WHISTLING KETTLE Multiple Locations thewhistlingkettle.com
Saratoga Tea and Honey (tie) 348 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 871-1419 saratogateaandhoney.com Short & Stout Tea Lounge (tie) 1736 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 456-8327 shortandstouttea.com
VEGETARIAN SELECTION THE HOLLOW BAR + KITCHEN 79 North Pearl Street, Albany (518) 426-8550 thehollowalbany.com
Meaty Max Vegan Meats (tie) @MeatyMaxVeganMeats on Facebook
@MeatyMaxVeganMeats on Facebook Take Two Cafe 433 State Street, Schenectady (518) 280-9670 taketwo518.com Subculture Vegan Deli and Provisions 227 Lark Street, Albany (518) 599-5306 subculturevegandeli.com
WAITSTAFF YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Daley’s on Crooked Lake 2339 Route 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3132 olddaley.com Chez Mike 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730 chezmikerestaurant.com
WINE LIST 677 PRIME (TIE)
677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com
JACK’S OYSTER HOUSE (TIE) 42 State Street, Albany (518) 465-8854 jacksoysterhouse.com
Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com The Shaker and Vine 221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady (518) 630-6318 theshakerandvine.com
WINE / WINERY GALWAY ROCK VINEYARD AND WINERY 998 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake (518) 280-6554 galwayrockwines.com
S U M M E R 2022 | C RLMAG.COM | 25
Lanie’s Cafe (tie) 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 laniescafe.com
CAJUN NANOLA
2639 Route 9, Malta (518) 587-1300 nanolarestaurant.com
One and Only
In most Besties categories, Capital Region voters can’t make up their minds—hence the many ties you’ve seen thus far. In the cases of Cajun, Caribbean and Polish restaurants, though, it really was no contest, as is evidenced by the single winner in each category. Nanola, Roy’s Caribbean Restaurant and Muza may be one of a few or the only place in the area to get a certain type of food, but we commend them for bringing rich diversity to the Capital Region food scene.
Hudson Chatham Winery (tie) 1900 State Route 66, Ghent (518) 392-9463 hudsonchathamwinery.com Saratoga Winery (tie) 462 Route 29, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9463 thesaratogawinery.com
CUISINE AMERICAN YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com Daley’s on Yates 10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com Chez Mike (tie) 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730 chezmikerestaurant.com
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CARIBBEAN ROY’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
769 State Street, Schenectady (518) 433-1343 @royscaribbeanrestaurant on Facebook
CHINESE THE PLUM BLOSSOM RESTAURANT
685 Hoosick Road, Troy (518) 272-0036 The Plum Blossom Restaurant on Facebook Ala Shanghai (tie) 468 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 783-8188 alashanghai.net Gold Coin (tie) 1360 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 439-6428 goldcoinrestaurant.com
GREEK ATHOS RESTAURANT
1814 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 608-6400 athosrestaurant.com Greek House 27 3rd Street, Troy (518) 272-6058 thegreekhouse.net Grecian Gardens 1612 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 373-9950 greciangardensny.com
INDIAN KARAVALLI, REGIONAL CUISINE OF INDIA 9 Johnson Road, Latham (518) 785-7600 karavalli.com Shalimar Multiple Locations shalimarny.com Taj Fine Indian Cuisine 365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont (518) 977-3050 tajfineindian.com
ITALIAN D’RAYMOND’S
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville (518) 459-6364 draymonds.com Verdile’s Restaurant 572 2nd Street, Troy (518) 235-8879 verdile.com Donna’s Italian Restaurant (tie) 217 Broadway, Troy (518) 326-3450 donnasitalian.com Canali’s Italian and American Restaurant (tie) 126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 355-5323 canalisrestaurant.com
JAPANESE AKANOMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT (TIE) 2568 Western Avenue, Altamont (418) 357-0888 akanomisushi.com
SHOGUN (TIE)
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 729-5727 shogunofdelmar.com Kinjo Japanese Steakhouse (tie, second place) 68 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-8888 kinjosaratoga.com Sake (tie, second place) 611 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 785-7215 sakelatham.com Hana Japanese Steak House Restaurant (tie, third place) 1620 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 456-1505 hanaalbany.com Hanzo Japanese Steakhouse (tie, third place) 102 Van Rensselaer Avenue, Rensselaer (518) 650-7212 hanzony.com
MEDITERRANEAN ALI BABA 2243 15th Street, Troy (518) 273-1170 alibabatroy.com
Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant (tie) 206 Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 434-3901 mamounsalbany.com
Thank You for your votes!
#1 RESTAURANT - LATHAM
PRIVATE DINING
available
997 NEW LOUDON RD (RT 9)
|
THECENTURYHOUSE.COM
VOTED BEST BLOODY MARY
Finalist for Best Mac & Cheese and Latham Restaurant
At the Tipsy Moose, we’re serving delicious & shareable comfort food. We aim to pair this food with one of our 20+ beers on tap or a specially crafted cocktail to offer you the best food and drinks that Capital District has to offer.
Latham • 185 Old Loudon Road • 518.631.4444 Troy • 62 Vandenburgh Ave • 518.966.8448 Albany • 261 New Scotland Ave •518.631.4448
tipsymoosetavern.com S U M M E R 2022 | C RL MAG.COM | 27
Barcelona Restaurant (tie) 1192 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-1144 barcelona-albany.com
MEXICAN PANCHO’S
VIETNAMESE BANH MI 47
74 North Pearl Street, Albany (518) 512-9762 banhmi47.com
1536 Crescent Road, Clifton Park (518) 383-2930 panchoscliftonpark.com
Saigon Spring 1683 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 982-0425 saigonspring.com
El Loco Mexican Cafe (tie, second place) 465 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 436-1855 ellocomexicancafe.com
Van’s Vietnamese Restaurant 307 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 436-1868 vansrestaurantny.com
El Mariachi (tie, second place) 289 Hamilton Street, Albany (518) 432-7580 elmariachirestaurant.com La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant (tie, third place) 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 280-2657 lafiestamexican.com
BY CITY/TOWN ALBANY CAFE CAPRICCIO
Twisted Vine and Tap 384 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3241 twistedvinedelmar.com Romo’s Pizza 365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont (518) 449-5871 romospizzany.com
CATSKILL BARNWOOD RESTAURANT 14 Deer Lane, Catskill (518) 943-2200 barnwooddining.com
Crossroads Brewing Company Catskill Taproom 201 Water Street, Catskill (518) 444-8277 crossroadsbrewingco.com
49 Grand Street, Albany (518) 465-0439 cafecapriccio.com
J&J Smokehouse 550 Main Street, Catskill (518) 943-5053 jjsmokehousebbq.com
TORO Cantina (tie, third place) 111 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 949-2211 torocantina.com
677 Prime 677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463 677prime.com
CHATHAM / OLD CHATHAM JACKSON’S OLD CHATHAM HOUSE
POLISH MUZA
Jack’s Oyster House (tie) 42 State Street, Albany (518) 465-8854 jacksoysterhouse.com
1300 15th Street, Troy (518) 271-6892 muzaeuropeanfood.com
THAI SRI SIAM THAI RESTAURANT (TIE)
337 Columbia Thai Restaurant, East Greenbush (518) 915-1654 srisiamthaifood.com
SUSHI THAI @ THE PARK (TIE) 1707 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 348-0100 sushithaiatthepark.com
Celadon Thai Restaurant 860 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 250-5551 2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady (518) 952-4140 celadonthaimenu.com Sadudee Thai Food 51 Main Avenue, Wynantskill (518) 326-0976 sadudeethaifood.com
Caffe Italia Ristorante (tie) 662 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-8029 caffeitaliaalbany.com
BALLSTON SPA NEXT DOOR KITCHEN & BAR
Chatham Brewing (tie) 59 Main Street, Chatham (518) 697-0059 chathambrewing.com Yianni’s Restaurant at The Chatham House (tie) 29 Hudson Avenue, Chatham (518) 392-7700 yiannisatchathamhouse.com
51 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3249 nextdoorkitchenandbar.com
CLIFTON PARK PASTA PANE (TIE)
Augie’s 17 Low Street, Ballston Spa (518) 884-8600 augiesrestaurant.com
RAVENSWOOD (TIE)
The Whistling Kettle 24 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 884-2664 thewhistlingkettle.com
BETHLEHEM SWIFTY’S RESTAURANT & PUB 367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com
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646 Albany Turnpike, Old Chatham (518) 794-7373 jacksonsoldchathamhouse.com
18 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 371-5762 pastapane.com 1021 Route 146, Clifton Park (518) 371-8771 ravenswoodpub.com Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar 54 Crossing Boulevard, Clifton Park (518) 383-4444 wheatfields.com Venezia Pizza and Pasta 629 Plank Road, Clifton Park (518) 371-3943 veneziapizzaandpasta.com
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COLONIE D’RAYMOND’S
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville (518) 459-6364 draymonds.com Barnsider (tie) 480 Sand Creek Road, Albany (518) 869-2448 barnsiderrestaurant.com TORO Cantina (tie) 111 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 949-2211 torocantina.com Lanie’s Cafe 471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 laniescafe.com
EAST / NORTH GREENBUSH CHEZ MIKE
596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730 chezmikerestaurant.com Alexis Diner 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603 alexisdiner.us Salsa Latina 315 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 426-7050 misalsalatina.com
GUILDERLAND AKANOMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
The Maker 302 Warren Street, Hudson (518) 509-2620 themaker.com
15 Church 15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-1515 15churchrestaurant.com
KINDERHOOK / VALATIE CHRIS’ CAFE
SCHENECTADY DALEY’S ON YATES
1048 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7701 @ChrisCafe518 on Facebook
10 Yates Street, Schenectady (518) 901-0174 daleysonyates.com
Main Street Diner 3032 Main Street, Valatie (518) 758-1233 valatiediner.com
Cornells in Little Italy 39 North Jay Street, Schenectady (518) 630-5002 cornellsitalian.com
La Bella’s 2967 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-6611 labellavalatie.com
The Nest 512 State Street, Schenectady (518) 672-3018 thenest518.com
LAKE GEORGE THE LOG JAM 1484 US 9, Lake George (518) 798-1155 logjamrestaurant.com
The Chateau on the Lake (tie) 15 Allen’s Alley, Bolton Landing (518) 644-7094 thechateauonthelake.com The Inn at Erlowest (tie) 3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George (518) 668-5928 theinnaterlowest.com
LATHAM THE CENTURY HOUSE
2568 Western Avenue, Altamont (518) 357-0888 akanomisushi.com
997 Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-0834 thecenturyhouse.com
Athos Restaurant (tie) 1814 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 608-6400 athosrestaurant.com
Tipsy Moose Tap and Tavern Multiple Locations tipsymoosetavern.com
Mezza Notte Ristorante (tie) 2026 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 689-4433 mezzanottealbany.com
HUDSON CA’MEA RESTAURANT
214 Warren Street, Hudson (518) 822-0005 camearestaurant.com Hudson Food Studio 746 Warren Street, Hudson (518) 828-3459 hudsonfoodstudio.com
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Latham ‘76 Diner 722 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3793 latham76diner.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS WHITMAN BREWING COMPANY 20 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-3602 waltandwhitmanbrewing.com
Panza’s 129 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-6882 panzasrestaurant.com
SCOTIA / GLENVILLE TURF TAVERN 40 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia (518) 393-3671 turftavern.com
Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive In 5 Schonowee Avenue, Scotia (518) 535-4747 jumpinjacksdriveininc.com
TROY / RENSSELAER VERDILE’S RESTAURANT 572 2nd Street, Troy (518) 235-8879 verdile.com
Lo Porto 85 Fourth Street, Troy (518) 273-8546 loportostroy.com Nighthawks Restaurant & Bar 461 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1000 nighthawkstroy.com
WEST SAND LAKE / AVERILL PARK DALEY’S ON CROOKED LAKE 2339 Route 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3132 olddaley.com
La Perla Restaurant at The Gregory House 3016 Route 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3774 gregoryhouse.com The Towne Tavern 2850 NY 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3040 thetownetavern.com
CRL
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PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP
CULTURE
SEASONAL EVENT HOWE CAVERNS HAUNTED CAVE TOUR
Yanni’s Too (tie) 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans
CHEF MARC YANNI
ART GALLERY ALBANY CENTER GALLERY (TIE)
255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave
488 Broadway, Albany
Capital Holiday Lights in the Park Washington Park, Albany
THE CLARK (TIE)
Saratoga Racing Season 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
225 South Street, Williamstown, MA Albany Institute of History and Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany Collar Works 621 River Street, Troy
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM MISCI 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady The Children’s Museum at Saratoga (Temporarily closed) Children’s Museum of Science + Technology (CMOST) 250 Jordan Road, Troy
CONCERT VENUE SPAC
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs Palace Theatre 19 Clinton Avenue, Albany Troy Savings Bank Music Hall 30 Second Street, Troy
COUNTY FAIR ALTAMONT FAIR
NY-146 and Arlington Street, Guilderland Saratoga County Fair 162 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa Washington County Fair 392 Old Schuylerville Road, Greenwich
MUSEUM NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 222 Madison Avenue, Albany
miSci 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady Albany Institute of History & Art 125 Washington Avenue, Albany
OUTDOOR SUMMER VENUE SPAC
108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs Saratoga Race Course 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs Tanglewood 297 West Street, Lenox, MA
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SERVICES ANIMAL HOSPITAL THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
2 Rocking Horse Lane, Slingerlands Miller Animal Hospital (tie) 380 North Greenbush Road, Troy Sand Creek Animal Hospital (tie) 130 Wolf Road, Albany Delmar Animal Hospital 910 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
APPLIANCE STORE MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER
Yanni’s Too 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans Jeff Michael Old Daley Catering Michael Cohen Chez Mike 596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
CHIROPRACTOR DELMAR CHIROPRACTIC
204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Keith Donato 70 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs Shannon Chiropractic Wellness LLC 397 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
CREDIT UNION CAP COM Multiple Locations
560 Broadway, Schenectady 15 Park Avenue, Clifton Park
SEFCU Multiple Locations
Earl B. Feiden Appliance Multiple Locations
Sunmark Multiple Locations
Green’s 1207 Central Avenue, Albany
CUSTOMER SERVICE WORKSITE BENEFITS
AUTO SERVICE GIL’S GARAGE
817 Saratoga Road, Burnt Hills 219 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park Bethlehem Auto Service 62 Hannay Lane, Glenmont Eagle Auto Repair 19729 Route 9W, West Coxsackie
BANK TRUSTCO BANK
Multiple Locations Pioneer Bank Multiple Locations Bank of Greene County Multiple Locations
CATERER OLD DALEY CATERING olddaley.com
Mazzone Hospitality 743 Pierce Road, Clifton Park Saati Deli and Catering (tie) 586 New Loudon Road, Latham
3991 NY-2, Cropseyville CAP COM Multiple Locations Trustco Bank Multiple Locations
DAY SPA COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS 221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Kimberley’s A Day Spa 982 New Loudon Road, Latham Spa Mirbeau 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany
DRY CLEANER BEST CLEANERS Multiple Locations
Stena Dry Cleaning 451 Albany Shaker Road, Albany Silvestri Dry Cleaners 145 Vly Road, Schenectady
PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP
FACIAL COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS 221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Empire Plan empireblue.com
Mack & Associates, PLLC 270 Mount Hope Drive, Albany
HEATING & COOLING FAMILY DANZ HEATING & COOLING
Cioffi, Slezak and Wildgrube P.C. 1473 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady
404 North Pearl Street, Albany
MANI/PEDI COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
Choices Hair Studio 180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Adams Heating & Cooling Co. 2088 Curry Road, Schenectady
Breathe Massage Therapy 48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar
Crisafulli Bros. 25 Industrial Park Road, Albany
221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
FITNESS CENTER GOOD KARMA STUDIO
HOME BUILDER BELMONTE BUILDERS
Passion Nail Spa and Lashes 351 Southern Boulevard, Albany
12 Walker Way, Albany
1743 Route 9, Clifton Park
Happy Nails 2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland
Vent Fitness Multiple Locations
Hanifin Home Builders 420 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
Focusmaster Fitness 828 Hoosick Road, Troy
Amedore Homes (tie) 1900 Western Avenue, Albany
FLORIST FLOWERS BY PESHA (TIE)
Hodorowski Homes (tie) 796 Burdeck Street, Schenectady
CASTAWAY MARINA (TIE)
RENAISSANCE FLORAL DESIGN (TIE)
HOME HEALTHCARE MARQUIS CERTIFIED HOME CARE
Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina 70 Shady Harbor Drive, New Baltimore
Chatham Flowers (tie) 2117 Route 203, Chatham
Eddy Visiting Nurse and Rehab Association 433 River Street, Troy
Frank Gallo & Son Florist (tie) 1601 State Street, Schenectady
Kingsway Community 323 Kings Road, Schenectady
Fleurtacious Designs (tie) 492 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
HOSPITAL ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER
501 Broadway, Troy
1561 Western Avenue, Albany
FURNITURE STORE OLD BRICK FURNITURE
33-37 Warehouse Row, Albany 2910 Campbell Road, Schenectady Mooradian’s Furniture 800 Central Avenue, Albany 1758A Route 9 Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park Taft (now Raymour & Flanigan) Furniture 1960 Central Avenue, Albany 121 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs
HAIR SALON CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
180 Delaware Avenue, Delmar BLUSH Salon 211 Old Loudon Road, Latham Pure Elements Salon (tie) 1728 Western Avenue, Albany Genesis Hair Studio (tie) 1658 Central Avenue, Albany
HEALTH CARE/HMO CDPHP cdphp.com
MVP Health Care mvphealthcare.com
1762 Central Avenue, Albany
43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany St. Peter’s Hospital 315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany
MARINA COEYMANS LANDING MARINA (TIE) 20 Marina Drive, Coeymans
2546 Route 9L, Queensbury
Troy Downtown Marina 401 River Street, Troy
MASSAGE LABERGE MASSAGE THERAPY 204 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Breathe Massage Therapy 48 Hudson Avenue, Delmar Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness 221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Hospital 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs
MEDICAL ESTHETICS THE PLASTIC SURGERY GROUP
INSURANCE AGENCY WORKSITE BENEFITS
The Rejuva Center at Williams 1072 Troy Schenectady Road #102, Latham
3991 NY-2, Cropseyville
SEFCU Insurance Agency 469 State Street, Schenectady Anatriello Agency 130 Main Street, Ravena
LANDSCAPER FADDEGON’S LANDSCAPING
455 Patroon Creek Boulevard, Albany
Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness 221 Wolf Road, Albany 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
PAVING/SEALCOATING L. BROWE ASPHALT SERVICES 19 Sun Oil Road, Rensselaer
1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
Cobleskill Stone Products cobleskillstoneproducts.com
Troy’s Landscape Supply 1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes
Luizzi Asphalt Services 70 Tivoli Street, Albany
Green Fields Lawn & Landscaping greenfieldsny.com
PET SPA PET SPAS & SUITES
LAW FIRM MARTIN, HARDING & MAZZOTTI 111 Washington Avenue, Albany
1 Cerone Commercial Drive, Colonie Shampoodle 266 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
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PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP
LA Pet Salon and Spa 2443 Route 9, Malta
Golden Harvest Farms 3074 Route 9, Valatie
Something Olde, Something New (tie) 1969 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands
PHOTOGRAPHER ALYSSA SALERNO
Bowman Orchards 147 Sugarhill Road, Rexford
The Closet Shop (tie) 337 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Leann Fyvie fyviefilms.com
BIKE SHOP FREEMAN’S BRIDGE SPORTS
38 Freemans Bridge Road, Scotia
FARMERS’ MARKET TROY WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET
alyssumphoto.pixieset.com
T.R. Laz trlaz.com
Mad Dog Bicycles 561 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
PILATES STUDIO CORE PILATES
Steiner’s Sports Multiple Locations
Free Movement Pilates 500 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
290 River Street, Troy
Monument Square, Troy (April-October) 865 2nd Avenue, Troy (November-March) Delmar Farmers’ Market 332 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
BOOKSTORE MARKET BLOCK BOOKS
Schenectady Greenmarket 105 Jay Street - City Hall, Schenectady (May-October) 432 State Street - Proctors, Schenectady (November-April)
Pilates Principle 578 Loudon Road, Latham
I Love Books (tie) 380 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
GARDEN NURSERY HEWITT’S GARDEN CENTER
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL MARCIA MURRAY, MARCIA MURRAY & ASSOCIATES REALTY
Open Door Bookstore (tie) 128 Jay Street, Schenectady
4 Palisades Drive, Albany
63 Putnam Street #202, Saratoga Springs 24 Mallard Cove, Ballston Lake Nina Sher, Hunt Real Estate 1365 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands Leanne Royer, CM Fox Real Estate (tie) 2390 Western Avenue, Guilderland Anthony M. Gucciardo, Gucciardo Real Estate Group (tie) 1074 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
TREE SERVICE DAVEY TREE
1 Runway Avenue, Latham Advantage Tree Service (tie) 772 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Wade’s Tree Service (tie) wadestreeservice.com
YOGA STUDIO GOOD KARMA STUDIO 12 Walker Way, Albany The Hot Yoga Spot Multiple Locations Heartspace Yoga & Healing Arts 747 Madison Avenue, Albany 10 2nd Street, Troy
SHOPPING APPLE ORCHARD INDIAN LADDER FARMS 342 Altamont Road, Altamont
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BRIDAL SHOP ANGELA’S BRIDAL 188 River Street, Troy
DeAnna’s Boutique 3991 Route 43, West Sand Lake Lily Saratoga 6 Franklin Square, Saratoga Springs
CSA/COMMUNITY CO-OP HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP 100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany Niskayuna Co-op 2227 Nott Street, Niskayuna Denison Farm 333 Buttermilk Falls Road, Schaghticoke
CAR DEALER KEELER MOTOR CAR COMPANY
1111 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham Lia Auto Group Multiple Locations Goldstein Auto Group 1671 Central Avenue, Albany
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE TRULY RHE 1 Broadway, Troy
Circles Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany
Multiple Locations
Faddegon’s Nursery 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham Troy’s Landscape Supply 1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes
GIFT SHOP CROSS EYED OWL
3143 US Highway 9 #8, Valatie Wit’s End 1762 Route 9, Clifton Park 5th Corner Goods and Gifts 395 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
HARDWARE STORE ROBINSON’S ACE HARDWARE
1874 Western Avenue, Guilderland 1900 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands Phillip’s Hardware 6495 Route 158, Altamont 235 Delaware Avenue, Delmar Hatchet Hardware Multiple Locations
HEALTH FOOD STORE HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP 100 Watervliet Avenue, Albany Uncle Sam’s Health Foods 77 4th Street, Troy 646 New Loudon Road, Latham Healthy Living Market & Cafe 3065 NY-50, Saratoga Springs
Violet’s of Saratoga 494 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
JEWELER JOYELLES JEWELERS
CONSIGNMENT SHOP WORTH REPEATING
Northeastern Fine Jewelry Multiple Locations
123 Saratoga Road, Glenville
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP
Hannoush Jewelers 112 Wolf Road, Albany 1750 Route 9, Clifton Park
SUPERMARKET HANNAFORD
PRINT JOURNALIST JOHN GRAY, CAPITAL REGION LIVING
LIQUOR/WINE EMPIRE WINE
Price Chopper/Market 32 Multiple Locations
SPORTSCASTER RODGER WYLAND, NEWSCHANNEL 13
1440 Central Avenue, Albany All Star Wine & Spirits 579 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham
Multiple Locations
ShopRite Multiple Locations
Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse 9 Halfmoon Crossing, Clifton Park
TIRE STORE WARREN TIRE
MENSWEAR MARK THOMAS MEN’S APPAREL
LaBarge’s Tire and Auto Service (tie) 52 Route 9W, Glenmont
5 Metro Park Road, Albany 385 Broadway Suite 2, Saratoga Springs Britches of Troy 216 River Street, Troy Amore Clothing 595 Loudon Road, Latham
MUSIC STORE THE RIVER STREET BEAT SHOP 197 River Street, Troy
John Keal Music 819 Livingston Avenue, Albany 1758 Parkwood Plaza, Clifton Park Drome Sound Music Store (tie) 1875 State Street, Schenectady Parkway Music (tie) 1777 Route 9, Clifton Park
OPTICAL CENTER BRASS EYE CENTER
1783 Route 9 #106, Clifton Park 713 Troy Schenectady Road #135, Latham DiNapoli Opticians Multiple Locations Buenau’s Opticians 228 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
SHOPPING MALL/CENTER COLONIE CENTER 131 Colonie Center, Albany
Crossgates Mall 1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany
SPORTING GOODS STORE MOUNTAINMAN OUTDOOR SUPPLY COMPANY
490 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Bullseye Jim’s Archery 517 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush Steiner’s Sports Multiple Locations
Multiple Locations
Grand Premier Tires & Custom Wheels (tie) 591 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush 3361 South Thompson, Schenectady KisKis Tire (tie) 978 Albany Shaker Road, Latham
TRAVEL AGENCY AAA TRAVEL Multiple Locations
Blue Skies Travel 2 Pittsfield Avenue, East Greenbush Fort Orange Travel 9 Woods Way, Clifton Park
PEOPLE & MEDIA AFTERNOON ANCHOR STEPHANIE RIVAS, NEWS10 ABC EVENING ANCHOR JOHN GRAY, NEWS10 ABC LYDIA KULBIDA, NEWS10 ABC MORNING ANCHOR CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC MORNING TEAM NEWS10 ABC TEAM METEOROLOGIST STEVE CAPORIZZO, NEWS10 ABC MUSIC RADIO WGNA NEWS RADIO WAMC RADIO PERSONALITY PAUL VANDENBURGH, TALK 1300AM & 98.7FM WGDJ
PLACES ADIRONDACK INN MIRROR LAKE INN
77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid Whiteface Lodge 7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid
ASSISTED LIVING/ NURSING HOME KINGSWAY COMMUNITY 323 Kings Road, Schenectady The Sentinel of Amsterdam 10 Market Street, Amsterdam Teresian House (tie) 200 Washington Avenue Ext., Albany Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation (tie) 85 Bloomingrove Drive, Troy
B&B (within 3 hours) GARDNER FARM INN 59 Brunswick Road, Troy
The Inn at Erlowest 3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George
CAMPGROUND ADVENTURE BOUND DEER RUN CAMPGROUND (TIE)
200 Deer Run Drive, Schaghticoke
MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK (TIE)
605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort Moffit Beach Campground 205 Page Street, Lake Pleasant
DAY TRIP (within 3 hours) LAKE GEORGE visitlakegeorge.com Lake Placid lakeplacid.com Cooperstown thisiscooperstown.com
DOG FRIENDLY SPOT THE CROSSINGS OF COLONIE 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville Bye-i Brewing (tie) 122 Remsen Street, Cohoes
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PEOPLE & PLACES RECAP
Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course (tie) 65 O’Neil Road, Albany Elm Avenue Park (tie) 261 Elm Avenue. Delmar
GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE) THE COUNTRY CLUB OF TROY 100 Troy Country Club Road, Troy
Wolferts Roost Country Club (tie) 120 Van Rensselaer Boulevard, Albany Colonie Golf and Country Club (tie) 13 Country Club Lane, Voorheesville
GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC) SARATOGA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs Saratoga Spa Golf Course 60 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs Frear Park Municipal Golf Course 2701 Lavin Court, Troy
Simply Elegant… Whether you’re celebrating a big day or just treating yourself, cake makes everything better.
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830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville The Crossings of Colonie 580 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville Saratoga Spa State Park 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs
55+ RETIREMENT COMMUNITY BEVERWYCK (TIE) 40 Autumn Drive, Slingerlands
THE SPINNEY AT VAN DYKE (TIE)
6 Parker Mathusa Place, Delmar The Spinney at Pond View 2490 Pond View, Castleton-On-Hudson Kingsway Community 323 Kings Road, Schenectady
HIKING TRAIL JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK
ROMANTIC GETAWAY INN THE INN AT ERLOWEST
830 Thacher Park Road, Voorheesville
3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George
Five Rivers 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar
The Sagamore Resort (tie) 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing
Vroman’s Nose Hiking Trail (tie) 264 Mill Valley Road, Middleburgh
The Reluctant Panther (tie) 39 West Road, Manchester Village, VT
Grafton Lakes State Park (tie) 254 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton
The Adelphi Hotel (tie) 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
HOTEL CROWN PLAZA ALBANY - THE DESMOND
SARATOGA INN/HOTEL THE INN AT SARATOGA
660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany
231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Renaissance Albany Hotel 144 State Street, Albany
Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
The Adelphi Hotel 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Adelphi Hotel 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
KIDS BIRTHDAY VENUE GOOD KARMA STUDIO
SKI AREA GORE MOUNTAIN
12 Walker Way 1A, Albany
793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek
KJ’s Gymnastics 3143 Route 9, Valatie
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort 37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA
FunPlex Fun Park 589 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush
WEDDING VENUE OLD DALEY ON CROOKED LAKE
KIDS CAMP CAMP FOWLER
1179 Central Avenue, Albany 518.438.4397 • coccadotts.com
PARK JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK
2339 NY-43, Averill Park
152 Pelcher Road, Lake Pleasant
Franklin Plaza 4 Fourth Street, Troy
Good Karma Studio 12 Walker Way 1A, Albany
Pat’s Barn 110 Defreest Drive, Troy
YMCA Adventure Camp 1 Camp Nassau Lane, Guilderland
THANK YOU!
CRL
CHELSEA’S W RLD
The winner of our annual spring pet photoshoot is every bit as sweet as she looks.
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y L I N D A P E L U S O, B L U E I R I S P H O T O G R A P H Y
C
helsea is an energetic 3-year-old long-haired Weimaraner that lives in Delmar. A hard-charging natural runner, she has been clocked at more than 20 miles per hour while pulling a roller-blader down a local country road. Chelsea loves swimming with her brother, Chase, in a local wooded area and hiking with our daughter, Kaitlyn. Chelsea is affectionate, kind and obedient. —Kim Pike, Chelsea’s owner
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Advertising Section
Make Your Home Into Your Dream Home
Eleven local businesses that can help you with any home improvement project in the book. Luizzi Asphalt Services
GNH Lumber
Luizzi Asphalt Services’ mission is to be the most trusted name in quality products and dependable service for homes and businesses across the Capital Region. Luizzi is a thirdgeneration company that has provided services to thousands of satisfied customers over the years. The Luizzi name has been in the Capital Region for more than 50 years, and the family has built a reputation it is proud of! Call Luizzi Asphalt Services for skilled solutions to all of your asphalt maintenance and repair needs.
GNH Lumber’s expert kitchen and bath team, led by the esteemed Jacqueline Newell, is ready to make your dream home vision a reality. Take advantage of Newell’s 20 years of rich experience helping clients visualize each layer of their kitchen and bath design, from floor plan to finish. A true visionary with an acute sense of space, she brings in the perfect surfaces, textures, colors and lighting to deliver a beautiful and functional kitchen or bath design, helping homeowners reach their home’s optimum value. Visit the GNH Lumber showroom, or call today to schedule a free virtual consultation.
70 Tivoli Street, Albany 518.459.7325; luizziasphalt.com
Concord Pools
136 S Broadway, Saratoga Springs 156 Sparrowbush Road, Latham 518.587.4949; concordpools.com The in-ground pool professionals at Concord Pools, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, are here to make your backyard dreams come true. Create your own retreat for family and friends with a featurepacked in-ground pool (both fiberglass and vinyl available), master-crafted spa by the award-winning and technologically advanced Master Spas, and comfy and durable pool furniture by Ashley. Every project is customized with Concord’s personal touch. Call today for your free consultation.
Albany Community Action Partnership 333 Sheridan Avenue, Albany 518.463.3175; albanycap.org
The Weatherization Assistance Program available through ACAP allows households to become more energy efficient. Each year, families pay thousands of dollars for unneeded heating and energy costs because their homes are not properly weatherized. The ACAP team wants to improve your health, safety and the overall comfort of your home. Household energy-use reductions can result in cost savings averaging more than 20 percent. Visit ACAP online to see if you’re eligible.
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898 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.313.1229; gnhlumber.com
CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces, Inc. 15 Drywall Lane, Voorheesville 518.765.4279; crgaslogs.com
CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces has been a leader in the hearth and patio industry in the greater Capital Region for more than 30 years. Employees pride themselves on providing each customer with high-quality service and advice, whether he or she is looking for a cozy interior fireplace or an elaborate, custom outdoor kitchen. Whatever you’re thinking, CR Gas Logs’ staff will help educate you on the right choice for your home. CR Gas Logs’ goal is for all its customers to leave, whether or not they made a purchase, feeling like they had a positive shopping experience.
Redbud Development
2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton 518.691.0428; redbuddevelopment.com Redbud Development, Inc. is a landscape construction company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. With a creative and collaborative approach, Redbud helps clients imagine and build exterior environments that connect seamlessly with their interiors to
reflect their personality and lifestyle. Some examples of additions include custom-designed pools, outdoor kitchens, stone patios and wooden structures for entertaining friends or simply enjoying nature. Call today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.
J. Hunziker Paving, LLC
25 Corellis Drive, Rensselaer 518.858.7917; jhunzikerpavingllc.com When it comes to driveway paving, work only with seasoned driveway contractors who can ensure that your driveway is smooth and functional. Avoid the frustration and disappointment of dealing with unprofessional driveway paving contractors by doing business with J. Hunziker Paving, LLC, instead. Owner Jason Hunziker has 20 years of experience serving the residential and commercial paving needs of customers throughout Troy and the surrounding areas, and he is committed to providing his customers with the best possible workmanship and service. When you need topquality driveway paving for your home or place of business, Jason will be there to help. Turn to him for all your asphalt driveway paving needs.
Wolberg Lighting Design & Electrical Supply Multiple locations wolbergelectric.com
Are you looking to renovate this fall? Remember to include a lighting layout plan to take your renovation to the next level. A good lighting plan integrates comfort, control and energy efficiency to create a healthy and safe home environment. Begin by assessing the activities that take place in each room; most rooms are in need of layered lighting to address different needs. Talk to the lighting experts at the Albany, Schenectady or Saratoga lighting showrooms for the best guidance in lighting terminology, types of lighting and choosing the right LED bulbs.
The History of Power & Power of History
Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center & Lansing Manor
• Fun, Interactive Exhibits at Visitors Center, Open Year-Round
• Early American Life at
Historic Lansing Manor, Open May — Oct
Calendar of Events
2022
Apr 23 & 24
May 7 Garden Party
• Free Events & Activities
Jun 18 Touch-A-Truck
For the Whole Family, Year-Round
Jul 17 Antique Car Show Aug
Summer STEAM programs
Sep 17
Wildlife Festival
Oct 22
Festival of Frights
Nov 6, 13, 20, 27 Dec 3
Scan for Details
Earth Day Weekend
Sunday Movies Holly Jolly Party
FREE ADMISSION & PARKING
Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project Visitors Center 1378 State Route 30 North Blenheim NY 12131
Info 1-800-724-0309 nypa.gov/BGVisitorsCenter
03-88-22 BADVEVCRL_r3.indd 1
4/1/22 5:39 PM
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tops as unique as you
OUTDOOR LIVING D ES I G N & B U I L D EXPERTS
our unique custom butcher block and glue up tops are perfect to upgrade your dining table, bar top, counters, vanities, and more. call or visit us in person or online to learn more.
Ghent wood products
(518) 828-5684 • 1262 Rte 66, Ghent, NY ghentwoodproducts.com
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W W W. R E D B U D D E V E LO P M E N T. C O M 518.691.0428
L. Browe Asphalt Services
518.479.1400; broweasphalt.com L. Browe Asphalt Services has served thousands of residential and commercial customers in the greater Hudson Valley. Their installations are built to last, with correct elevations and subtle detailing to ease the job into the land. Transitions are smooth with good, level flow and slight changes in elevation to provide proper water drainage. L. Browe mills the end of the drive so that it retains its thickness and is not subject to being lifted up by plowing equipment. The end product is a true, level, aesthetically pleasing job with artistic curves and superior function that completes and enhances the entire property setting.
Ghent Wood Products
1262 Route 66, Ghent 518.828.5684; ghentwoodproducts.com Summer is finally here, and with it we find ourselves in the midst of home improvement projects! The Ghent Wood Products team has dubbed this season “outdoor living season” because of barbecues and late nights with friends and family by the fire pit. When it comes to making sure your outdoor living space is to your liking, Ghent Wood is there to help, whether you’re installing that stone patio or walkway, mulching your flower beds or re-siding your entire home. With its vast array of wood and stone products, Ghent Wood can help to make your dream outdoor living space a reality!
30 Riverside Drive, Saranac Lake, NY
Rhinebeck, NY 518-637-2524
518-891-5224
www.adkgreatcamps.com
Info@adkgreatcamps.com
Eye on Closets
315.729.0119; eyeonclosets.com Emily Baker is an award-winning designer who has served the Capital and Central New York regions for more than 25 years. She creates high-end, functional designs while keeping an “eye” on her clients’ budgets, and feels it is important to maximize space and function while creating an aesthetically pleasing outcome. As a homeowner, you have probably dreamed of having a beautiful, organized and brightly lit closet space; let Eye on Closets help you design and install your new closet, mud room, pantry or laundry room, making for a beautiful and functional space at a reasonable price.
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[The Lens] BEHIND
THE COUPLE ON CLOUD NINE How one Adirondack photographer turned a typical engagement photoshoot into an intimate session in the clouds—without Photoshop. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIA STARKEY
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he Adirondack region is a wonderful area for shooting wedding photography. The mountains, lakes, fields and quaint towns all provide beautiful locations for photos, which is a huge reason why many of my couples choose to celebrate their wedding day here. As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to step out of the ordinary to create something unique. This photo was taken during a summer engagement session on the top of Whiteface Mountain. Although this is a stunning location on its own, I always want to provide my couples with something special. You can create an image like this one without Photoshop or fancy editing programs. All you need is a reflective surface, such as a small mirror or even your cell phone. Hold the mirrored surface up to your eye parallel to the ground. A mirror image of what is in front of you will be reflected on the surface. Try it first without your camera to get a feel for what’s happening. Then, hold the mirror or phone right up to your camera lens parallel to the ground. You may need to tilt it forward or backward to get the desired look. Lastly, take the photo! Next time you are at a lake or mountaintop, I suggest trying it out! CRL Never stop experimenting as a photographer: You never know what fantastic image is just around the corner. See more of Julia Starkey’s work on Instagram at @JuliaRebeccaPhotography.
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WEDDINGS
Advertising Section
Say “I Do” to Local These businesses are winning the Capital Region wedding game.
Joyelles Jewelers
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.9993; joyellesjewelers.com If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, Joyelles Jewelers is her husband-tobe’s best friend! For a wide selection of jewelry, wedding bands, engagement rings and more, head directly to Joyelles, located in Delmar’s Main Square Shoppes. A family-owned and -operated shop, the Joyelles staff is more interested in assisting clients and maintaining a warm relationship with them than making a big sale. At Joyelles, you’ll know you’re getting the best price on all your jewelry needs— and the best service.
Coccadotts Cake Shop
1179 Central Avenue, Albany 518.438.4937; coccadotts.com Born in Albany in 2007, Coccadotts Cake Shop has now become the Capital Region’s go-to spot for all things adorable and delicious cupcakes. (Owner Rachel Dott has since opened a second location in Myrtle Beach.) But in addition to the shop’s wide selection of specialty cupcakes, Coccadotts also offers custom cakes for birthdays, showers, graduations and, yes, weddings. Future brides and grooms who want a beautiful and one-of-a-kind cake for their big day should consider Coccadotts, where each cake is as unique as the customer who orders it.
Copake Country Club
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville 518.325.0019; thegreensatcopake.com The Greens Restaurant at Copake Country Club and The Barn at Copake Lake are must-see venues for those seeking a laid-back wedding weekend surrounded by nature. With rustic chic indoor décor and amazing views, the feel of both properties will instantly set the tone for a unique, memorable experience. Personalized service with an onsite coordinator, catering by a
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CIA-trained chef, beautiful spaces and options to customize your entire event make this a popular choice for couples wishing to create a one-of-a-kind celebration.
boast warm and accommodating staffs, delicious comfort-inspired food and an attention to detail that’s second to none.
Lucie Capek, MD Plastic Surgery
997 New Loudon Rd., Latham 518.785.1857; thecenturyhouse.com
713 Troy Schenectady Road #308, Latham 518.786.1700; capekplasticsurgery.com Always be ready for life’s biggest moments. Dr. Capek and her team of licensed professionals will have you looking and feeling your best with a full range of cosmetic surgery and MedSpa services. Plan ahead to get Dr. Capek’s signature naturallooking surgical transformations; even last-minute skincare appointments can make a big difference. Dr. Capek will work with you to create an individualized plan to achieve your aesthetic goals, which will have you glowing with confidence. The Capek team has you covered from head to toe, from Signature HydraFacial and LASER packages to injectable treatments and CoolSculpting. Treat yourself or someone special. Gift cards are also available.
Old Daley on Crooked Lake 2339 NY-43, Averill Park (518) 674-3131
Old Daley Custom Catering (518) 235-2656 olddaley.com
Congratulations on your engagement! Old Daley’s goal is to exceed your expectations while creating an unforgettable experience that you, your family and your friends will always remember. Celebrating your wedding at Old Daley on Crooked Lake will lead you to the magical, memorable and well managed day that you’ve always envisioned. Going with Old Daley Custom Catering will also ensure a seamless and memorable event at a location of your choosing. Both sister companies have won “Best Of” accolades for more than 10 years and
The Century House
Plan your dream wedding at The Century House! With the perfect balance of traditional elegance and modern rustic charm, The Century House provides an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. Whether you’re having a grand affair for 300 or an intimate celebration for 25, the ballrooms and event spaces are easily transformed to match your vision. The garden tent, located on a halfmile-long nature trail, is the perfect location for outdoor ceremonies or casual celebrations. Featuring unique menus, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces and an onsite hotel, The Century House and its acclaimed staff will manage every detail of your day to ensure that your expectations are not only met but exceeded.
Jackson’s Old Chatham House 646 Albany Turnpike, Old Chatham
Jackson’s, in the quaint hamlet of Old Chatham, is a charming, pubstyle restaurant with a five-star rating. Owned and operated by Barry Jackson, the restaurant has been in the family for three generations. Although best known for superb prime rib dinners and veal parmesan, the restaurant offers many other American dishes, from appetizers to melt-in-your-mouth desserts; all dishes are freshly prepared with local ingredients when available. Jackson’s can accommodate your wedding party, large or small, from 20 to 200 people. Its private dining room is available for a rehearsal dinner, wedding shower or any other small gathering. Catering is also available for any occasion at your place or theirs.
Daley’s on Crooked Lake #1 Gluten-Free Selection #1 Romantic Dining #1 Restaurant in West Sand Lake/Averill Park #2 Best Kept Secret - Restaurant #2 Best Wait Staff 2339 NY - 43, Averill Park, NY 12018 (518) 960 - 7665 | olddaley.com
THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! Daley’s on Yates #1 Martini #1 Restaurant in Schenectady #2 Best Fine Dining #2 Gluten-Free Selection #2 Best Wine List #2 Best American Cuisine #2 Best Outdoor Dining #2 Best Seafood #3 Best Appetizer #3 Best Calamari 10 Yates Street Schenectady, NY 12305 (518) 901 - 0174 | daleysonyates.com
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 2004
Voted Best Menswear Shop Upstate’s finest Menswear from Canali, Jack Victor, Stenstroms, Magnanni, and many more. In-house Tailoring • Custom Clothing
markthomasmensapparel.com
@markthomasmensapparel
SARATOGA | 385 BROADWAY | 518.871.1293 ALBANY | 5 METRO PARK ROAD | 518.438.7887 46 | CAPI TAL R EGI O N L I VI NG | SU MME R 2 0 2 2
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Travel // Pets // Stars
Experts Summer for the Soul
Dedicate these next few months to making evolutionary leaps forward. BY RAC H E L L E B O OT H
How can you align with these energetic signatures as we transition from spring to summer? Sun in Taurus (ends 5/21): earthy, grounding, stabilizing, beautifying, simplifying
Sun in Gemini (5/22-6/21): lively, perceptive, curious, social, chatty, data-oriented
Sun in Cancer (6/22-7/21): intuitive, creative, emotional, sensitive, nurturing, empathic
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here are you feeling the need to transform old energies that are no longer serving you? Are you feeling a calling to change careers? To connect more deeply to your body’s innate wisdom, or enhance your relationships? Or maybe you want to be more disciplined in your approach to exercise? Whatever it may be for you, the month of May will be the time to get it rolling! Eclipse season has a way of creating immense change, whether we like it or not. Eclipses pack a powerful punch because they condense a life lesson (which might otherwise take a lifetime to learn), into quantum evolutionary leaps in soul growth. On April 30, a New Moon Solar Eclipse in Taurus acts as a doorway to a higher dimension of your being. New moon solar energy is fresh and initiating. When
it happens in the sign of Taurus, these themes may become catalyzed: money, material possessions, inner security, self-confidence, self-worth, what’s meaningful to you now, peace, love, relationships and building something stable of value. Opportunities in the form of new beginnings, choices and directions will be provided for you to powerfully move ahead. Taurus energy is earthy, grounding, sensual and stabilizing. Use this energy to breathe, calm your nervous system, and establish beautiful roots in planting your new vision. Intimately know your value and worth. As with any transformational process, creating space, releasing and letting go of the old must precede an ushering in of the new. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio on May 16 will support this process. Scorpio is the energy of letting go, healing, transformation and the life/ death/rebirth cycle. Something will come
to completion—a job, relationship or old sticky fear pattern. Whatever the ending, remember that it is a necessary component in your evolutionary growth. New thoughts, ideas and ways of looking at the world will be the focus as you move into Gemini. A fresh perspective and a new way of looking at things will set the inner stage for the out-picturing of your new self. It is a busy season, and your approach to it may look different than it has in the past. You may be more likely to focus your time and energy on the things you truly prioritize now. You may also be drawn to communicate your experience, socialize with new friends, travel to new local places, or take up a new area of study or learning. As you move into Cancer, you will likely want a bit of a break from the business of June, as you turn toward more self-care and nurturance. Is it any wonder we often take summer breaks and vacations? Our souls need to rest, rejuvenate and, frankly, be by the water. Spiritually, it is an exciting time as we embark on vibrant new paths and pursue new horizons. My hope is that you will delight in aligning with your own natural CRL rhythms. Rachelle Booth is a spiritual guide and transformational life coach. For practical and loving support on working with your own natural rhythms, visit rachelletrahancoaching. as.me/.
THE
Travel // Pets // Stars
Experts Hey, Neighbor
Offering everything from fly fishing to shopping, the picturesque towns of Southwestern Vermont are a treasure trove of summertime family fun. BY BENJAMIN LERNER | PHOTOS BY PETER HUNTOON, COURTESY OLD MILL ROAD MEDIA
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or a wonderful summertime day trip, weekend getaway or impromptu vacation, it’s hard to beat Southwestern Vermont, where I’m a full-time member of the creative community. From the Capital Region, it’s such an easy trip across the border to see our picturesque rolling hills, phenomenal cultural attractions, and delightful shops and restaurants.
To start your breathtaking drive, take New York Route 7 northeast from Troy. As you cross over the Vermont border, take in the awe-inspiring mountain views on all sides. First stop: North Bennington. Pop into The Roasted Bean Espresso Bar on Prospect Street for a revitalizing beverage and delicious pastry. Or for upscale dining, Pangaea on Prospect Street offers tasty farmto-table fare in a refined, yet casual setting. In the mood for sightseeing? Pay
a visit to the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion on Park Street. This extraordinary Victorian mansion features a vast collection of antique artifacts, informative exhibits and a wonderful outdoor flower garden. Afterwards, stretch your legs with an energizing stroll through the Mile-Around Woods, which is accessible through nearby entry points on Woods Lane. Then head south to the lively and inviting town of Bennington. For delicious Vermont-brewed beer and pub fare, stop in at Farm Road Brewing or Madison Brewing Company Pub & Restaurant on Main Street. Or hit The Coffee Bar for live concerts in a stylish and rustically modern setting. For additional historic sightseeing, head to the Bennington Monument, a tall and majestic obelisk that pays tribute to The Revolutionary War’s famed Battle of Bennington on
Northshire Bookstore’s Manchester location; (oppoSItE, from top) Bennington vista; Manchester’s Equinox Golf Resort & Spa; Downtown Manchester; North Bennington Railroad Station
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Monument Circle. The Bennington Museum on Main Street hosts an impressive collection of art and sculpture, and the Four Chimneys Inn on West Road provides comfortable and elegant lodging. If you are a musician, you will not want to miss Old Mill Road Recording in my hometown of East Arlington, which is en route to Manchester—just head north on Route 7 from Bennington. The world-class destination recording studio is housed in two beautifully renovated 18th century townhouses next to an historic gristmill. Inside, a 48 Channel SSL Duality (state-of-the-art mixing board) is manned by Grammy Award-winning engineer Benjamin J. Arrindell. The main “live room” and recording booth overlook a waterfall and river through oversized glass windows, so clients who book a recording session are able to relax, rejuvenate and record in sublime comfort while taking in the gorgeous Vermont view. Proceeding down Old Mill Road, stop into Bonnie and Clyde’s Corner Market for a delectable sandwich, then browse the assortment of artisan Vermont-made products. With your shopping bags and bellies full, take a left and meander east on East Arlington Road and across the famous Chiselville Covered Bridge to Manchester. At the intersection of West Road and Main Street beckons the elegant, dinner-only Silver Fork restaurant. Continuing onward on Main Street, you will pass by the Orvis flagship store, as well as the American Museum of Fly Fishing and the Orvis Fly Fishing School. School Southern Vermont is home to some of the most legendary fly fishing spots in the world, including the venerated Battenkill River, which runs through Manchester and West Arlington. Shoppers, rejoice! Manchester is also home to the Manchester Designer Outlets. Throughout Main and Depot streets, visitors will find
amazing deals at world-famous clothiers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Theory and Brooks Brothers. Shopping made you hungry? You’re in the right spot. The Copper Grouse at the luxe Taconic Hotel offers wonderful American bistro fare, the Avocado Pit is great for fast-casual Mexican food, and the chefs at Thai Basil create Asian fusion delicacies with flair and panache—all right there on Main Street. Artistically inclined travelers will no doubt savor a trip to Manchester’s preeminent art galleries, such as Helmholz Fine Art on Depot Street and Tilting At Windmills on Highland Avenue. Nearby Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) hosts beautiful sculpture and art exhibitions at its breathtaking hillside campus, and its on-site CurATE Café offers beautifully plated, delicious food. For additional fun and frolic, consider an expedition to Bromley Mountain Ski Resort, which in the summer months boasts a kid-friendly adventure park, treetop ropes course and disc golf course. Taking Route 11 east from Manchester, you will pass by a series of fantastic restaurants: Social House, Zoey’s Double Hex, The Raven’s Den, Garlic John’s and Pearl’s Pantry. Regardless of the season, no trip to Southwestern Vermont is complete without a visit to Stratton Mountain Resort. In the summertime, the mountain transforms into an Elysian haven for mountain bikers, hikers and nature lovers; and mountaintop yoga classes and guided hiking tours are perfect for immersion into Vermont’s beautiful natural scenery. Then head into the village to the shops and restaurants CRL for fun for the whole family. Benjamin Lerner is a staff writer for VERMONT Magazine, Stratton Magazine, Berkshire Magazine and Manchester Life. He is also a musician, composer and recovery advocate. His debut album, CLEAN, was released in 2020, and he recently made his Carnegie Hall debut with the Indie Collaborative.
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THE
Travel // Pets // Stars
Experts Behind Those Puppy Eyes
A new bill banning the sale of dogs in pet stores is in the State senate. Here’s why it must be passed. BY ST E V E CA PO R I ZZO
(from top) Steve Caporizzo with some dogs rescued from a puppy mill; two dogs right after being rescued.
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T
en years ago, we made a 10-hour drive that was full of anticipation. It was our first chance to help puppy mill dogs directly. We drove across New York State and then to the town of Alida in western Ohio to meet a very special person who rescues dogs from about-tobe-destroyed puppy mills. We arrived to absolute horror: 20 dogs crammed into carriers, left there for who knows how many hours. A few had had their bones broken or joints dislocated in order to make them fit into carriers that were too small. They were covered in feces and urine, and many had never been groomed. We couldn’t even tell the gender or breed of some of them. We found ears that smelled rancid with infection, teeth falling out (or no teeth), and splayed feet from standing in cages their entire lives. All the females had mammary tumors from having so many litters, and eyes that were encrusted with hair. Some were blind or going blind. They were frightened and confused. And this was considered a “good” puppy mill rescue compared to others. As we drove back to New York, our eyes burned from the smell of urine. How could they have lived like this? We didn’t even know the color of some of the dogs because of the filth attached to their long hair. The strangest thing about the drive back to Albany? They never made a peep. They were so quiet, almost like they knew something big was happening in their lives and didn’t know what to think of it. As soon as we got them unloaded into a safe area, some started wagging their tails, some just stood there not knowing what to do, while others cowered in a corner. We stood, watched and cried. They were free, but so much damage had been done, both physically and mentally. Time helped. It ended up taking months and in some cases more than a year, but they were brought back to health and all found homes. The
A mill dog before being groomed; (INSEt) the same dog after being groomed; (BELoW) the fur groomed from one mill puppy.
physical stuff we were able to fix, but the mental and psychological damage is much more difficult, and in some cases stayed with them forever. And these were the lucky ones. There are more than 10,000 puppy mills in this country and an estimated 500,000 dogs that are used for breeding. They live their entire lives in cages, never able to run outside on the grass. Then their puppies are taken from them and transported (by a middle man) all over the country. The puppies travel thousands of miles in the back of a truck, scared, sick and with little ventilation. That is why I can’t walk by a pet store without my blood boiling. Ninety percent of puppies at pet stores come from puppy mills or what they call “highvolume kennels.” The store employees
will tell you something different—that the dogs have great bloodlines, they’re healthy, they’re not from mills. Don’t believe them. Thankfully, last year, New York senator Michael Gianaris introduced Bill S1130, which prohibits the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits by retail pet shops in our state. The bill is currently with the senate’s agriculture committee. Until that bill becomes a law, I ask you, please do your research before buying a puppy. If you need a purebred dog, find a local, reputable breeder that’s not in it just for the money. And if you see a cute puppy in a store window, please remember what is really behind those puppy eyes. CRL Adopt, don’t shop.
Steve Caporizzo is NEWS10 ABC’s chief meteorologist and host of Pet Connection, a news segment that has raised more than $1.3 million for pet charities and helped more than 30,000 orphaned pets find homes.
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Thank You Capital Region! For voting us Best Bank in the Capital Region Living Magazines Besties Poll for the second year in a row!
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TrustcoBank
TrustcoBank.com 1-800-670-3110
Trustco_Bank_1902 TrustcoBank Trustco_Bank
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US FOR BEST RIBS
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.
30 Mill Road Latham • 518.785.9291 www.otisandolivers.com
WELLNESS
Advertising Section
Wellness, at Any Age
Because you deserve it.
residents to move away from the burdens of owning their own home Parker Mathusa Place, Delmar while providing a sense of privacy in 518.689.0162; thespinneyatvandykeny.com a community setting. Each cottage Leaving your home doesn’t mean you at The Spinney features private have to leave your privacy behind. entryways, attached garages, and The Spinney at Van Dyke offers a back and front porches. Plus, the new approach to living for the “55 Clubhouse features a pool, gym and and better” community, allowing media/billiards room, while the Activities Coordinator maintains a packed calendar of outings and events. The Spinney lifestyle is all about making a smooth transition from owning a home The Spinney at Van Dyke to downsizing
The Spinney at Van Dyke
and renting. Schedule a visit today to see why!
Passport 2 Wellness passport2wellness.com
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or exhausted? Are you tired of getting in your own way and ready to get unstuck? Are you ready to prioritize your health and turn it into a lifestyle? Then Passport 2 Wellness is for you. With 23 years of experience in the fitness and wellness world, Clifton Park–based Lori Whelan has made it her mission to empower others to live a life of sustainable health and happiness through online training, wellness retreats, and health and wellness coaching. One workout at a time, one coaching session at a time and one retreat at a time, you too can take your health—and your life—back into your own hands.
1 LAW FIRM
#
u o Y k n a Th
1 Wall Street, Albany, NY 12205 • 518.862.1200 Attorney Advertising | Prior Results Do Not Guarantee A Similar Outcome
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SHORT RIBS DONE RIGHT Wow your guests at your next dinner party with Chez Mike chef Mike Cohen’s slow cooker concoction.
Ingredients: 4 lbs beef short ribs (bone-in and cross-cut) Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste Vegetable oil 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 cup dark beer, such as Guinness ½ cup honey 1 48-ounce can low-sodium beef broth ½ cup jarred tomato sauce, or 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Directions: • Season the short ribs with salt and pepper liberally and on both sides. Heat just enough oil in a skillet to coat the bottom of the pan until very hot. Brown ribs on all sides, in batches if necessary. Place in slow cooker. • Add onion, celery, carrots and garlic to pan. Lower flame and cook for two minutes. Add tomato sauce and one cup of beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then pour over the ribs in the slow cooker. Add the remaining broth, honey, beer, thyme and rosemary. • Cover and let cook for six hours or until very tender. Serve meat with its sauce and CRL any vegetables you’d like.
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before you go...
BIG TIPPER, BIGGER SECRET B Y J O H N G R AY
S
eeing as we are celebrating the best places in the Capital Region for food and drink, I thought it time to share with you a deep dark secret regarding the food industry and me: I’m a big tipper. Not because I’m rich or even because I’m generous; I do it because I owe a great debt to the restaurant industry that I will never quite repay. It started while I was in college at SUNY Oswego. Being from a family of modest means, I’d be the financier of my own destiny. Once Dorothy here enrolled at Oz (my nickname for the campus by the lake), I had to find my yellow brick road that would keep me afloat. That meant both becoming an R.A. in my dorm and seeking a second job. Employment on campus in 1984 was scarce, but the one place nobody wanted to work was hiring—the cafeteria. So I took on the morning shift. At the start of each day, before the sun rose, I’d walk like a sleepy zombie through
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a tunnel that connected my room to Littlepage Dining Hall. Making scrambled eggs and pancakes for a few hundred hungover students educates a person on both the downfalls of happy hour and the grit it takes for a career in food service. My manager at the time, a man built like he just fell off a poster advertising the Marines, once pointed his tattooed arm at me and said, “You want to test a person’s patience? Go into retail. You want to rip your hair out? Try making and serving them food!” He was right of course, and that job, cooking and ladling out meals for two years in Oswego, made me fully appreciate the waitresses, line cooks and restaurant workers who, no doubt, were invisible to me up to that point of my young life. And there was more to come. Back home in Troy I had a job at my local Stewart’s shop, and almost no one from my neighborhood went to college back then. It was a blue collar community where pals of mine would say things like, “Bachelor’s degree? I’m already a
bachelor—why would I spend money to go and get a degree in it?” They’d be kidding of course, but only a little. When the locals stopped at my Stewart’s to buy milk and lottery tickets, they’d ask me about college and what I planned to be when I grew up. I’d tell them I wanted to be a writer or perhaps be on TV to do the news, if I was lucky. But after graduation, nobody wanted to hire me. Once again, I found myself in need of a job, and the gravitational pull of the restaurant industry yanked me back in. A fancy restaurant on Wolf Road was hiring, and I became a busboy. So for six months, John with his fancy degree cleaned up the slop and mess that so many unappreciative customers left behind. I realized in that moment that my graduate degree would not be in journalism but in human nature. I watched how people acted when they ate alone; I noticed how some customers treated the wait staff as if they were little more than a piece of furniture to lean on and look at. I also made some wonderful friends, from my fellow busboy, a kid named Kevin with shaggy blonde hair that would make Owen Wilson jealous, to the single mom waitress who (much like Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby), would squirrel away food that nobody wanted to take home and share with her family. I can’t say this any more plainly: You will not meet harder working people, or more real people, than those in the bar and restaurant industry. If they like you, you’re getting a hug, and if you cross them, well, you’ll know that, too. That’s why I tip generously. Not because I can. Not even because they usually deserve it. I do it because I owe. That hot griddle at Oswego and that dirty dishpan on Wolf Road changed me in all the right ways—and taught me how to CRL make one heck of an omelet. Bestie-winning columnist and News10 ABC evening anchor John Gray, during his character-building busboy days.
J O R E S TA U R A NT S . C O M
#1 Margarita
#1 Restaurant to Open in the Past Year #1 Fine Dining #1 SteakHouse #1 Best Wine List