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CAPITAL REGION LIVING

Abby Tegnelia CEO

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Will Levith

ART DIRECTOR Steve Teabout

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Natalie Moore

CONTRIBUTORS

Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland

Francesco D’Amico, Samantha Decker

Jeff Dingler, Dori Fitzpatrick

Christine Graf, John Gray, Audrey Knizek

Sandy Menzer, Chantal Mullens

Konrad Odhiambo, Nate Seitelman

Teresa Frazer

PUBLISHER

Tara Buffa

PUBLISHER, SARATOGA LIVING

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

SALES MANAGER

Annette Q uarrier

Tina Galante

SALES ASSISTANT Tracy Momrow

EMPIRE MEDIA NETWORK, INC.

Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR

Abby Tegnelia

PRESIDENT/CEO

Tina Galante

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

VOLUME 20, NO.3

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PHONE: 518.294.4390

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FIND

From The Editors

Bocage Champagne Bar

The goal of the Besties, the regionwide survey CAPITAL REGION LIVING hosts every year, is to bring to light the people, places and businesses that our local readers deem the best of the best. For our Food & Drink Besties issue, that means restaurants that may be longtime favorites (that recent transplants to the area may not know about!), hot newcomers to the Capital Region food scene, and hidden gems that even longtime locals may not have been to. This year’s winners are a great mix of all three, from perennial Bestie winners Brown’s Brewing Company (p. 18) and Yanni’s Too (p. 24), both of which are celebrating big anniversaries this year; to Bocage Champagne Bar and Illusive Restaurant & Bar (p. 30), which have been mixing up the local food scene and caught the attention of Besties voters in the last year. For the complete list of 2023 winners, flip to page 21.

Beyond the Besties, this issue also features favorite sections like New and Now (a talking dog blockbuster and a way to cool down without a pool of your own?), Behind the Lens (hint: “cowabunga!”) and Life & Leisure (where you’ll find our crossword puzzle, CRL horoscope, recipes and more). As always, thanks to all who voted in the 2023 Besties, and thank you for picking up this magazine. We think you’re a Bestie, too.

NEW NOW AND

CHEESE, PLEASE

Columbia County’s Bimi’s Cheese Shop has long been a must-visit for cheese fanatics, but now the big cheese of Chatham has gotten even cheesier—in the best way. While you’ve been able to stock up on gouda, gruyere and gorgonzola since 2014, the owners of the shop have a new venture on deck. At press time, Bimi’s Canteen, a new bar and restaurant located right next door to the cheese shop, was scheduled to open in early May. On the menu? Inventive cocktails, reimagined classics using ultra-local ingredients, and—yes, longtime Bimi’s enthusiasts—cheese-forward dishes like charcuterie, fondue and macaroni gratin.

The Capital Region’s summer is packed with new ways to cool off—including night shopping, an (R-rated) dog days of summer flick, and private pool access for all.

BY NATALIE MOORE

CHRISTIAN HARDER

A DRESS TO IMPRESS

In 2009, 85 pieces of burgundy silk began a 14-year odyssey to become a global, collaborative piece of wearable art. Conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod, the Red Dress project involved 375 embroiderers from 50 countries all working on what would become the same red dress. The exquisite finished garment has generated a dialogue of self-expression via signature stitching passed down through generations and the fusion of work by both first-time embroiderers and renowned artisans. To see it for yourself, visit Manchester’s Southern Vermont Arts Center, just across the Vermont border, July 1 through September 24.

MOVIE NIGHT

ON THE MARKET

This spring, Palette, a coworking community in Saratoga and Schenectady, launched its Night Market, an open-to-the-public, pop-up shopping experience that highlights products—everything from jewelry and clothing to crystals and cannabis seeds—from a rotating cast of small businesses on select weekend nights in Saratoga through July. Visit palettecommunity.com for the Night Market calendar or to reserve your spot as a vendor.

Did you know that the director responsible for what could be this summer’s biggest blockbuster is a Capital Region native? That’s right: Strays, a live-action talking dog comedy coming to theaters June 9, is directed by Josh Greenbaum, who was born and raised in Saratoga Springs. Starring Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx and Will Forte, Strays follows an (R-rated) journey of Reggie, a naïve but lovable abandoned dog, as he joins a pack of strays to seek revenge on his owner, Doug. Sound vaguely familiar? A family-friendly version of the trailer played during the Super Bowl—so someone’s putting their money on this reaching Ted-level cult status. Thunder buddies for life, anyone?

SWIMPLY THE BEST

Need a way to beat the heat this summer, but don’t have a pool of your own? Thanks to Swimply, an online marketplace for renting private swimming pools, you don’t need one! Swimply works like Airbnb; you search based on location and date to find available pools rentable by the hour. You can even filter by those allowing parties or pets, or those that have hot tubs. Swimply is a national company, but a search of “Albany, NY” returns at least 19 available area pools. So dive right in and start searching.

B B

ROWN’S REWING’S IG IRTHDAY

ROWN’S REWING’S IG IRTHDAY

BY NATALIE MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KONRAD ODHIAMBO

Being first isn’t always best. Except, of course, in the case of Brown’s Brewing Co.

This year’s Bestiewinning brewery happens to be celebrating a whopping 30 years in business, having opened in an era when breweries weren’t yet scattered throughout the Capital Region (and world), and Troy hadn’t yet made its big comeback.

“I often describe myself as a 1980s homebrewer,” says Garry Brown, who owns Brown’s with his wife, Kelly. “We made beer in my original partner’s parents’ garage in Schenectady. It really was more geeky than cool back then.” After a trip to the west coast to check out the

microbreweries that had begun popping up, Brown and then-partner Jim Moran were inspired to open a brewpub back home in a historic building in Troy. “Troy real estate was cheap back in 1990, and I thought that owning a building less than 100 feet from the Hudson River would be special,” Brown says. “It is.”

While Brown saw Troy’s potential, not everyone was keen on a night out in a city that at the time had a reputation for being dangerous: In the early days, he remembers being told by fellow Troy business owner John Hedley to put more lights up surrounding the brewery so people would feel safer. In the years that followed, Brown’s served as a harbinger of what was to come. “Troy has successfully managed to promote its beautiful architecture and walkability,” Brown says. “We’ve come to realize the value and beauty of the river. From our deck, you can now look across the river and see apartments where tank farms stood back in the 1990s. Revitalization of the riverfront is key. It’s why the city is here.”

In addition to Troy’s transformation, Brown’s Brewing’s success can also be attributed to a massive boom in the craft beer industry. When Brown got his start, he was one of just a handful of brewers in the state. Now, there are more than 500. Even the types of beers that were popular have changed. “Back in ’93, we were making mostly ale styles— pales, porters, stouts,” Brown says. “Hazy IPAs didn’t exist. Now, anything goes. But I still like seeing brewers making lagers and other styles where the simplicity of the recipe reveals the brewer’s talent.”

Thirty years in, Brown's original brewpub has become a Capital Region destination for its beer, food and waterside location. But Brown didn’t stop there—since 1993, he’s opened a second taproom on the Walloomsac River in North Hoosick, as well as private event spaces Revolution Hall and The Malt Room next to the Troy location. As his business has expanded, so too has Brown’s passion. What started as a love for brewing beer has transformed into more. “I can stand in an undeveloped space for hours dreaming about how to renovate it for our business,” he says. “These old buildings have so much more to offer, and I could spend the rest of my career restoring them.”

Besties

CAPITAL REGION LIVING

FOOD DRINK AND

APPETIZER

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

Illusive Restaurant & Bar

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

BAGELS

UNCOMMON GROUNDS

Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com

Pearl’s Bagels and Bakery

16 Picotte Drive, Albany

pearlsalbany.com

West End Bagels

5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park (518) 952-4762

westendbagels.com

BAKERY

BELLA NAPOLI

672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196

721 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277

bellanapolibakery.com

Villa Italia Bakery

226 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 355-1144

villaitaliabakery.com

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery

376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537

perfectblendcafe.com

BBQ

PJ’S BAR-B-QSA

1 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-2445

pjsbarbqsa.com

The Memphis King BBQ

1902 Van Vranken Avenue, Schenectady (518) 372-5464

thememphisking.com

Wagon Train BBQ

671 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 356-0650

wagontrainbbq.com

BEST KEPT SECRET

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115

bocagechampagnebar.com

Illusive Restaurant & Bar

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

Halfway House Tavern

26 Main Street, Ravena (518) 756-9720

Halfway House Tavern on Facebook

BEVERAGE CENTER

DELMAR BEVERAGE

242 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7275

delmarbeverage.com

Minogue’s Beverage Center Multiple Locations minoguesbeverage.com

Oliver’s Beverage Center

105 Colvin Avenue, Albany (518) 459-2767

brew-crew.com

BLOODY MARY

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Higher Ground Distilling Company

2513 State Highway 30, Mayfield (518) 527-5490

highergrounddistilling.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

BREAD

BOUNTIFUL BREAD

Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany (518) 438-3540 bountifulbread.com

Perreca’s Bakery

31-33 North Jay Street, Schenectady (518) 372-1875

perrecas.com

Prinzo’s Bakery 344 Delaware Avenue, Albany (518) 463-4904

prinzosbakery.com

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

CAFE MADISON

1108 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 935-1094

359 Northern Boulevard, Albany (518) 898-9630

cafemadisonalbany.com

Alexis Diner

294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603

alexisdiner.us

Iron Gate Cafe

182A Washington Avenue, Albany (518) 445-3555

irongatecafe.com

BREWERY

BROWN’S BREWING COMPANY

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

Frog Alley Brewing Co. 108 State Street, Schenectady (518) 631-4800

frogalleybrewing.com

BURGERS

ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

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

Don’t Just Buy Local Buy Locally Built

Classic Shed and Patio is a local, family-run business specializing in the manufacture of the highest quality storage sheds. Since opening in 1990, our product line has expanded to include gazebos, garages, pool houses, playhouses, picnic tables, Adirondack furniture, rose arbors, porch swings and more.

Classic Sheds would not be what it is today without our many skilled craftsmen who are dedicated to delivering a Quality Hand Crafted product that will last for decades.

Still the Best

At this point, it almost wouldn’t be the Besties without one perennial favorite that this year also happens to be celebrating a milestone. We’re talking about Yanni’s Too, a restaurant that doesn’t just dominate one category every year. No, if owner/chef Marc Yanni could win every Food & Drink category, he would.

This year, Yanni Too’s Bestie haul clocks in at a whopping 18 wins, including Caterer, Chef and Waitstaff (from the People & Places categories), plus Appetizers, Bloody Mary, Calamari, Chili, Chowder, Comfort Food, Family-Owned Restaurant, Kid-Friendly Dining, Lunch Spot, Outdoor Dining, Ribs, Seafood, Takeout, American Cuisine and Best of Albany County (in the Food & Drink categories). Essentially, if you’re looking for good food and drinks served by good people in a good environment, the riverside restaurant in Coeymans is a safe bet.

But it’s not just Besties domination that the Yanni’s Too team is celebrating in 2023: The restaurant is also turning 25. (To commemorate the occasion, Yanni’s Too—which is known for its calamari—is selling silver anniversary T-shirts that say “25 Years – Are you squidding me?”)

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for all the hard work it takes to run a business,” Yanni says. “The best thing is that Yanni’s Too has been a family business, so I get to do what I love with and for my family.”

CAKES

VILLA ITALIA BAKERY

226 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 355-1144 villaitaliabakery.com

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery

376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537 perfectblendcafe.com

Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe

54 State Street, Albany 390 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer (518) 477-2140 zacharyspastryshoppe.com

CALAMARI

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com

Chez Mike

596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730 chezmikerestaurant.com

Ferrari’s Ristorante

1254 Congress Street, Schenectady (518) 382-8865 ferrarisristorante.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 cheesecakemachismo.com

Rage Cakes ragecakesalbany.com

CHICKEN WINGS

ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602 illusives.com

Rusty Nail Grill and Tavern 1781 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 371-9875

mayfavoritetaverns.com

The Towne Tavern (tie) 2850 NY 43, Averill Park (518) 674-3040

thetownetavern.com

West Ave Pizza (tie) 99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-3788

westavenuepizzeria.com

CHILI

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Otis and Oliver’s 30 Mill Road, Latham (518) 785-9291

otisandolivers.com

Stewart’s Shops Multiple Locations

stewartsshops.com

CHOCOLATE SHOP/ CANDY STORE

KRAUSE’S HOMEMADE CANDY

1609 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 869-3950

krausescandy.com

Candy Kraft Candies

2575 Western Avenue, Altamont (518) 355-1860

candykraftcandies.com

Uncle Sam’s Candy

594 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 608-4949

2571 Albany Street, Schenectady (518) 372-2243

unclesamscandy.com

CHOWDER

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Ted’s Fish Fry Multiple Locations

tedsfishfry.com

Halfway House Tavern

26 Main Street, Ravena (518) 756-9720

Halfway House Tavern on Facebook

CIDER DONUTS

INDIAN LADDER FARMS

342 Altamont Road, Altamont (518) 765-2956

indianladderfarms.com

Yanni’s Too

Cider Belly Doughnuts

53 Fuller Road, Albany (518) 253-4640

Cider Belly Doughnuts on Facebook

Golden Harvest Farms

3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683

goldenharvestfarms.com

COFFEE

STEWART’S SHOPS

Multiple Locations

stewartsshops.com

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery

376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537

perfectblendcafe.com

Uncommon Grounds

Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com

COMFORT FOOD

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

West Ave Pizza

99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-3788

westavenuepizzeria.com

COOKIES

BELLA NAPOLI

672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196

21 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277

bellanapolibakery.com

The Cookie Factory (tie)

520 Congress Street, Troy (518) 268-1060

1705 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 280-7644

cookiefactoryllc.com

Upstate Cookie Shack (tie)

474 North Greenbush Road, Rensselaer (518) 244-5181

upstatecookieshack.com

Villa Italia Bakery

226 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 355-1144

villaitaliabakery.com

CUPCAKES

COCCADOTTS CAKE SHOP

1179 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 438-4937 coccadotts.com

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery

376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537 perfectblendcafe.com

Zachary’s Pastry Shoppe

390 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer (518) 477-2140 zacharyspastryshoppe.com

DELI

GERSHON’S DELI

1600 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 393-0617

gershonsdeli.com

Cardona’s Market (tie) Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com

McCarroll’s The Village Butcher & Deli (tie) 406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3936 delmarmarketplace.com

Pellegrino Importing

1197 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-4472 pellegrinoimporting.com

DINER

ALEXIS DINER

294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603 alexisdiner.us

Latham ‘76 Diner

722 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 785-3793 latham76diner.com

The Silver Spoon Cafe

11 Madison Avenue, Ravena (518) 756-3463

The Silver Spoon Cafe on Facebook

DISTILLERY

ALBANY DISTILLING COMPANY

75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 949-2472

albanydistilling.com

Higher Ground Distilling Company

2513 State Highway 30, Mayfield (518) 527-5490

highergrounddistilling.com

Harvest Spirits

3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-1776

harvestspirits.com

FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANT

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

West Ave Pizza

99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-03788

westavenuepizzeria.com

FINE DINING

677 PRIME

677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463

677prime.com

15 Church

15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-1515 15churchrestaurant.com

Black & Blue Steak and Crab (tie) 1470 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 313-7388

blackandbluesteakandcrab.com

Josie’s Table (tie) 1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 689-7777

josiestable.com

FISH FRY/FISH & CHIPS

TED’S FISH FRY Multiple Locations tedsfishfry.com

Yanni’s Too

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Halfway House Tavern 26 Main Street, Ravena (518) 756-9720

Halfway House Tavern on Facebook

FRIED CHICKEN

HATTIE’S RESTAURANT

45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-4790

hattiesrestaurant.com

The Cuckoo’s Nest

234 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 650-7215

cuckoosnestalbany.com

The Nest

512 State Street, Schenectady (518) 672-3018

thenest518.com

GLUTEN-FREE SELECTION PERFECT BLEND CAFE AND BAKERY

376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537

perfectblendcafe.com

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods

176 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-6565

saratogaglutenfreegoods.com

Track 32

1368 Indian Fields Road, Feura Bush (518) 439-0032 track32ny.com

HAPPY HOUR

ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602 illusives.com

Junior’s Bar and Grill (tie Finalist 1) Multiple Locations juniorsbarandgrill.com

Pasta Pane (tie Finalist 1) 18 Park Avenue, Clifton Park (518) 371-5762 pastapane.com

Tatu Tacos and Tequila (tie Finalist 2) 100 Congress Street, Troy (518) 874-1028 tatuny.com

Bocage Champagne Bar (tie Finalist 2) 10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115 bocagechampagnebar.com

HOT DOG

GUS’ HOT DOGS

212 25th Street, Watervliet (518) 273-8743

Find us on Facebook!

Famous Lunch

111 Congress Street, Troy (518) 272-9481 worldfamouslunch.com

First Prize Mike’s 1135 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady (518) 382-9213

mikesfirstprize.com

ICE CREAM STAND

GUPTILL’S ICE CREAM 1085 New Loudon Road, Cohoes (518) 785-0660

Guptill’s Ice Cream on Facebook

The Snowman Ice Cream 531 5th Avenue, Troy (518) 233-1714

thesnowmanicecream.com

Jim’s Tastee Freez

58 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3912

jimstasteefreez.com

KID-FRIENDLY DINING

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

The Greens at Copake Country Club

44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019

thegreensatcopake.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

LATE-NIGHT DINING

NIGHTHAWKS RESTAURANT AND BAR

461 Broadway, Troy (518) 272-1000

nighthawkstroy.com

My Place and Company

241 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-7610

1640 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack (518) 477-5555

myplaceandcompany.com

Bob’s Diner 929 19th Street, Watervliet (518) 274-2393

bobsdinerny.com

LUNCH SPOT

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Koni’s Broadway Kafe

357 Broadway, Troy (518) 273-2233

Koni’s Broadway Kafe on Facebook

Illusive Restaurant & Bar

3 Ferry Street, Rennselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

MAC & CHEESE

DRUTHERS BREWING COMPANY

Multiple Locations

druthersbrewing.com

Yanni’s Too

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern Multiple Locations tipsymoosetavern.com

MARGARITA

CANTINA

408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-5577

cantinasaratoga.com

Margarita City

1118 Central Avenue, Albany (418) 977-4169 margarita-city.com

Tatu Tacos and Tequila

100 Congress Street, Troy (518) 874-1028 tatuny.com

MARTINI

9 MAPLE AVENUE

9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-2582 9mapleave.com

Illusive Restaurant & Bar

3 Ferry Street, Rennselaer (518) 977-3602 illusives.com

The Misfit Bar and Cocktail Lounge

1 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 285-0129 themisfitsaratoga.com

MEATBALLS

CARDONA’S MARKET

Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com

DeFazio’s 264 & 266 4th Street, Troy (518) 271-1111

75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 977-4041

defaziospizza.com

Canali’s Italian & American Restaurant

126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 355-5323

canalisrestaurant.com

MUFFINS

HANNAFORD

Multiple Locations

hannaford.com

Perfect Blend Cafe and Bakery

376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-6537

perfectblendcafe.com

Bella Napoli

672 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 783-0196

21 River Street, Troy (518) 274-8277

bellanapolibakery.com

NEW RESTAURANT (PAST 12 MONTHS)

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115

bocagechampagnebar.com

Josie’s Table (tie)

1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 689-7777

josiestable.com

Tatu Tacos and Tequila (tie) 100 Congress Street, Troy (518) 874-1028

tatuny.com

FoCo Taco 374 Delaware Avenue, Delmar focotacos.com

OMELETTES

THE UGLY ROOSTER

312 North 3rd Avenue, Mechanicville (518) 664-2769

2476 Route 9, Malta (518) 899-5099

theuglyrooster.com

Duncan’s Dairy Bar 890 Hoosick Road, Troy (518) 279-9985

duncansdairybar.com

Alexis Diner (tie) 294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603

alexisdiner.us

They Have Arrived

This year’s Besties revealed two rising stars—restaurants new to the Bestie scene that picked up an impressive six Bestie wins each, plus a bunch of finalist nods, too. Rensselaer’s Illusive Restaurant & Bar has been around since 2018 but it hit the Besties blazing hot this year. The other? Newcomer Bocage Champagne Bar in Saratoga Springs.

While their hauls of Bestie wins mean the cat’s out of the bag, our big winners dominated the Best-Kept Secret category, with Bocage taking the win and Illusive coming in a close second. One more similarity: stellar happy hours. Illusive scooped up a win with its patio specials and live music; and Bocage picked up third place, thanks to ever-changing deals involving caviar, half-off bottles of wine and cocktail specials.

Capital Regionites drool over Illusive’s food—other wins include Best Salads, Burgers, Chicken Wings and the big one, Best of Rensselaer County. (The hotspot also placed as a finalist for Best Appetizers, Lunch Spot and American Cuisine.)

Meanwhile, Bocage scored the prestigious Best Wine Selection as well as Best Bartenders, for the knowledgeable folks who help you navigate that precious wine list. The rookie restaurant has a delectable rotating snacks menu that includes lobster rolls, cheese plates and tea sandwiches, which helped it scoop up Best Tapas/Small Plates; and its multi-course event meal program led to a win for both Best Romantic Dining and Best New Restaurant in the Capital Region.

The Skyline Diner (tie)

314 Columbia Street, Rensselaer (518) 434-0233

The Skyline Diner on Facebook

OUTDOOR DINING

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com

Lanie’s Cafe

471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005 laniescafe.com

Swifty’s Restaurant and Pub

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111 swiftyspub.com

PASTA DEFAZIO’S

266 4th Street, Troy (518) 271-1111

75 Livingston Avenue, Albany (518) 977-4041 defaziospizza.com

Canali’s Italian & American Restaurant

126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 355-5623 canalisrestaurant.com

Wheatfields Bistro & Wine Bar

54 Crossing Boulevard, Clifton Park (518) 383-4444 wheatfields.com

PASTA SAUCE

DOMINICK’S GOURMET PASTA SAUCE

1969 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 478-9223

Dominick’s Gourmet Pasta Sauce on Facebook

Canali’s Italian & American Restaurant

126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 355-5623 canalisrestaurant.com

Cardona’s Market Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com

PIES

SMITH’S ORCHARD BAKE SHOP

4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa (518) 882-6598

smithspieshop.com

Golden Harvest Farms

3074 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-7683

goldenharvestfarms.com

Lakeside Farms

336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake (518) 399-8359

lakesidefarmcidermill.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

Romo’s Pizza

365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont (518) 449-5871

romospizzany.com

PRETZEL WITH PUB CHEESE

DRUTHERS BREWING COMPANY Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com

Ryan’s Wake 403 River Street, Troy (518) 270-9253

ryanswake.com

Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern Multiple Locations tipsymoosetavern.com

PUB

SWIFTY’S RESTAURANT & PUB

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

Bocage Champagne Bar

O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant and Pub

318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-5634

oslatterys.com

McGeary’s Pub (tie)

4 Clinton Square, Albany (518) 463-1455

mcgearyspub.com

Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar (tie)

14 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-0003

harveyspub.com

RIBS

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Otis & Oliver’s 30 Mill Road, Latham (518) 785-9291

otisandolivers.com

PJ’s Bar-B-QSA

1 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga Springs (518) 583-2445

pjsbarbqsa.com

ROMANTIC DINING

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115

bocagechampagnebar.com

15 Church

15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-1515

15churchrestaurant.com

677 Prime

677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463

677prime.com

SALADS

ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

Bountiful Bread

1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-3540

108 State Street, Schenectady (518) 387-9997

bountifulbread.com

Lanie’s Cafe

471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville (518) 438-5005

laniescafe.com

SANDWICH/SUB

CARDONA’S MARKET

Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com

McCarroll’s The Village Butcher & Deli (tie) 406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-3936 fix8media-delmar.squarespace.com

Pellegrino Importing (tie) 1197 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-4472 pellegrinoimporting.com

Gershon’s Deli 1600 Union Street, Schenectady (518) 393-0617 gershonsdeli.com

SEAFOOD

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033 yannisrestaurants.com

Fin Your Fishmonger

2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland (518) 452-4565 finshops.com

Sea Smoke Waterfront Grill

10 Starbuck Drive, Green Island (518) 326-4164 seasmokegrill.com

SLIDERS

SLIDIN’ DIRTY

9 First Street, Troy (518) 326-8492 slidindirty.com

Jack’s Drive-In

24 Main Avenue, Wynantskill (518) 283-5110

Jack’s Drive In on Facebook

West Ave Chicken

99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-8200

westavechicken.com

SPORTS BAR

JUNIOR’S BAR & GRILL

Multiple Locations

juniorsbarandgrill.com

Recovery Sports Grill

Multiple Locations recoverysportsgrill.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

TAKEOUT

YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

West Ave Pizza

99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 886-3788

westavenuepizzeria.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

TAPAS/SMALL PLATES

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115

bocagechampagnebar.com

Boca Bistro

384 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 682-2800

bocabistro.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

348 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 871-1419

saratogateaandhoney.com

Short & Stout Tea Lounge 1736 Western Avenue, Albany

(518) 456-8327

shortandstouttea.com

VEGETARIAN SELECTION

MEATY MAX VEGAN MEATS

Meaty Max Vegan Meats on Facebook

Rooted + Rind

14 Booth Road, Delmar (518) 599-5055

rootedandrind.com

Bountiful Bread

1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 438-3540

108 State Street, Schenectady (518) 387-9997

bountifulbread.com

VEGAN SELECTION

MEATY MAX VEGAN MEATS

Meaty Max Vegan Meats on Facebook

Take Two Cafe

433 State Street, Schenectady (518) 280-9670

taketwo518.com

Rooted + Rind

14 Booth Road, Delmar (518) 599-5055

rootedandrind.com

WINE SELECTION

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115

bocagechampagnebar.com

The Shaker and Vine 221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady (518) 630-6318

theshakerandvine.com

677 Prime

677 Broadway, Albany (518) 427-7463

677prime.com

WINE/ WINERY

SARATOGA WINERY

462 Route 29, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9463

thesaratogawinery.com

Galway Rock Vineyard and Winery

998 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake (518) 280-6554

galwayrockwines.com

Sabba Vineyard

383 Pitts Road, Chatham (518) 766-3755

sabbavineyard.com

30 Mill Road Latham • 518.785.9291

otisandolivers.com

RESTAURANT BY CUISINE

AMERICAN YANNI’S TOO

16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Illusive Restaurant & Bar

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub

95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

CHINESE

THE PLUM BLOSSOM RESTAURANT

685 Hoosick Road, Troy (518) 272-0036

The Plum Blossom Restaurant on Facebook

Ala Shanghai

468 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 783-8188

alashanghai.net

Rain Modern Chinese 259 Lark Street, Albany (518) 729-4827

rainalbany.com

GREEK ATHOS RESTAURANT

1814 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 608-6400

athosrestaurant.com

Grecian Gardens 1612 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 373-9950

greciangardensny.com

Garlic Lovers Corner (tie) 235 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 283-1621

garlicloverscorner.com

Alexis Diner (tie)

294 North Greenbush Road, Troy (518) 286-2603

alexisdiner.us

INDIAN

SHALIMAR

Multiple Locations

shalimarny.com

Karavalli (tie)

9 Johnson Road, Latham (518) 785-7600

karavalli.com

Taj Mahal (tie) 820 Eastern Avenue, Schenectady 518-370-3664

tmahalrestaurant.com

Maharaja Indian Restaurant

10 Wolf Road, Albany (518) 599-0571 maharajaofalbany.com

ITALIAN

D’RAYMONDS

269 Osborne Road, Loudonville (518) 459-6364 draymonds.com

Canali’s Italian and American Restaurant

126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 355-5323 canalisrestaurant.com

Caffe Italia Ristorante (tie) 662 Central Avenue, Albany (518) 459-8029 caffeitaliaalbany.com

Verdile’s Restaurant (tie)

572 2nd Avenue, Troy (518) 235-8879 verdile.com

JAPANESE

SHOGUN (TIE)

318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 729-5727 shogunofdelmar.com

AKANOMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT (TIE)

2568 Western Avenue, Altamont (518) 357-0888

akanomisushi.com

Mr. Fuji

1475 Western Avenue, Albany (518) 269-3999

19 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park (518) 383-5538 mrfujisushi.com

MEXICAN

EL MARIACHI

289 Hamilton Street, Albany (518) 432-7580

elmariachirestaurant.com

El Charro

952 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham (518) 608-5842 elcharroalbany.com

El Loco Mexican Cafe

465 Madison Avenue, Albany (518) 436-1855

ellocomexicancafe.com

POLISH MUZA

1300 15th Street, Troy (518) 271-6892

muzaeuropeanfood.com

New York Restaurant

353 Main Street, Catskill (518) 943-5500

nyrestaurantcatskill.com

THAI

CELADON THAI RESTAURANT

860 New Loudon Road, Latham (518) 250-5551

Sri Siam Thai Restaurant 337 Columbia Thai Restaurant, East Greenbush (518) 915-1654

srisiamthaifood.com

Jasmine Thai Restaurant 2717 Broadway, Schenectady (518) 346-9990

jasminethairestaurant.webs.com

RESTAURANT BY COUNTY

ALBANY

YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans (518) 756-7033

yannisrestaurants.com

Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub 95 Everett Road, Albany (518) 472-0522

367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 475-1111

swiftyspub.com

Cafe Capriccio 49 Grand Street, Albany (518) 465-0439

cafecapriccio.com

COLUMBIA

THE GREENS AT COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB 44 Golf Course Road, Craryville (518) 325-0019

thegreensatcopake.com

La Bella’s 2967 Route 9, Valatie (518) 758-6611

labellavalatie.com

There’s something for everyone!

Stop in and taste our handcrafted bourbon, whiskey and moonshine made with the �inest high quality grains sourced from local NY State farmers.

Other tastings include our exclusive “FLAVOR BAR” featuring 5 amazing moonshine �lavors, locally crafted beer as well as wine tastings!

2513 NY Highway 30 ▲ May�ield, NY ▲ 518.527.5490

Jackson’s Old Chatham House 646 Albany Turnpike, Old Chatham (518) 794-7373

jacksonsoch.com

GREENE

RED’S RESTAURANT

12005 Route 9W, Coxsackie (518) 731-8151

redsrestaurant.com

Barnwood Restaurant 1 Deer Lane, Catskill (518) 943-2200

barnwooddining.com

Pegasus Restaurant 10885 Route 9W, Coxsackie (518) 731-9200

pegasuson9w.com

FULTON STACY’S SCRATCH KITCHEN AT HIGHER GROUND DISTILLERY 2513 Route 30, Mayfield (518) 527-5490

Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen on Facebook

Lakeside Tavern and Marina 306 Woods Hollow Road, Gloversville (518) 883-5253

lanzislakesidetavern.com

MONTGOMERY

RAINDANCER RESTAURANT

4582 Route 30, Amsterdam (518) 842-2606

raindancerrestaurant.com

Lorenzo’s Southside 1 Port Jackson Square, Amsterdam (518) 212-2256

lorenzossouthside.com

Russo’s Grill 365 West Main Street, Amsterdam (518) 842-2630

russosgrill.com

RENSSELAER

ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT & BAR

3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer (518) 977-3602

illusives.com

Tatu Tacos and Tequila 100 Congress Street, Troy (518) 874-1028

tatuny.com

Chez Mike

596 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 479-4730

chezmikerestaurant.com

SARATOGA

PANZA’S

129 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-6882

panzasrestaurant.com

15 Church

15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-1515

15churchrestaurant.com

Bocage Champagne Bar

10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 450-1115

bocagechampagnebar.com

SCHENECTADY

CANALI’S ITALIAN & AMERICAN RESTAURANT

126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady (518) 355-5323

canalisrestaurant.com

Cornells in Little Italy

39 North Jay Street, Schenectady (518) 630-5002

cornellsitalian.com

The Nest

512 State Street, Schenectady (518) 672-3018

thenest518.com

SCHOHARIE

APPLE BARREL STORE AND CAFE

115 Route 30A, Schoharie (518) 295-7179

shopapplebarrel.com

Schoharie Valley Farms/ The Carrot Barn 5605 Route 30, Schoharie (518) 295-7139

schoharievalleyfarms.com

The Farmers Beef and Brew 305 Main Street, Schoharie (518) 702-4270

thefarmersbeefandbrew.com

WARREN

THE LOG JAM

1484 US 9, Lake George (518) 798-1155

logjamrestaurant.com

The Algonquin 4770 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing (518) 644-9442

thealgonquin.com

Downtown City Tavern

21 Elm Street, Glens Falls (518) 480-3500

downtowncitytavern.com

CULTURE

ART GALLERY

CLARK ART INSTITUTE (TIE)

THE HYDE COLLECTION (TIE)

Albany Institute of History and Art

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA

miSci

World Awareness Children’s Museum

CONCERT VENUE

SPAC

The Egg MVP Arena

COUNTY FAIR

ALTAMONT FAIR

Columbia County Fair

Schaghticoke Fair (tie)

Washington County Fair (tie)

MUSEUM

NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM

Albany Institute of History & Art miSci

OUTDOOR SUMMER VENUE

SPAC

PS21: Performance Spaces for 21st Century

The Greens at Copake Country Club

SEASONAL EVENT

SARATOGA RACING SEASON

Troy Victorian Stroll

Saratoga Chowderfest (tie)

Wintertime Wonderland (tie)

SERVICES

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Delmar Animal Hospital (tie)

Sand Creek Animal Hospital (tie)

Bloomingrove Veterinary Hospital

APPLIANCE STORE

MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER

Earl B. Feiden Appliance

Cocca’s Appliance

ARCHITECTURE FIRM

BALZER AND TUCK ARCHITECTURE

CSArch

Conklin Architecture

AUTO SERVICE

LIA AUTO GROUP

Bethlehem Auto Service

Goldstein Auto Group

BANK

TRUSTCO BANK

Pioneer Bank Bank of Greene County

BARBERSHOP

GREGORY’S BARBERSHOP

Jordan’s Barbershop

Joe’s Barber Shop

BARTENDERS

BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR

The Greens at Copake Country Club

Yanni’s Too

BEAUTY PROFESSIONAL/ HAIRDRESSER

LEEANNE SHADE (CHOICES HAIR STUDIO)

Jennifer Karius (Classic Trends)

Shelley Hutchinson (Shelley’s Salon & Day Spa)

CATERER

YANNI’S TOO

West Ave Pizza

Old Daley Custom Catering

CHEF

MARC YANNI (YANNI’S TOO)

Marty Gerrity (The Greens at Copake Country Club)

Kareem Najame (Tatu Tacos & Tequila)

CHIROPRACTOR

DELMAR CHIROPRACTIC

Enlighten Chiropractic

Shannon Chiropractic Wellness LLC

CREDIT UNION

BROADVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Sunmark Credit Union

First New York Credit Union

CUSTOMER SERVICE

CAPITAL REGION MEDICARE SPECIALISTS

Bocage Champagne Bar

Choices Hair Studio

DAY SPA

COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

Tuscan Sun at Kimberley’s Spa Mirbeau

DENTIST

ZAPPIA AND FRYER GENERAL DENTISTRY

Albany Dental Team

Maestro Dental Wellness

DRY CLEANER

BEST CLEANERS

Stena Dry Cleaning

Handy Dandy Dry Cleaners (tie)

Rainbow Cleaners (tie)

EVENT PLANNER

KYLEIGH ZENGEN

Katie O’ Weddings and Events

Christine Wheat Special Events

FACIAL

CHOICES HAIR STUDIO

Breathe Massage Therapy

Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness

FITNESS CENTER

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

Vent Fitness

Capital District YMCA

FLORIST

THE ENCHANTED FLORIST

Chatham Flowers and Gifts

Flowers by Pesha

FURNITURE STORE

OLD BRICK FURNITURE

Mooradians Furniture Furniture Plus

GENERAL PRACTITIONER

DR. LAURA PICA, MD

Dr. Jill Braverman-Panza, MD

Pamela J. Reamer, FNP-C

HAIR SALON

CHOICES HAIR STUDIO

Blush & Co. Hair and Beauty

The Shop

HEALTH CARE/ HMO

CDPHP

MVP Health Care

United Health Group

HEATING & COOLING

CRISAFULLI BROTHERS PLUMBING AND HEATING

Family Danz Heating & Cooling

Roland J. Down

HOME BUILDER

AMEDORE HOMES

Hanifin Home Builders (tie)

Bonacio Construction, Inc. (tie)

Marini Homes

HOME HEALTHCARE

WESLEY SENIOR SOLUTIONS

Visiting Nurse Association of Albany

Marquis Certified Home Care

HOSPITAL

ST. PETER’S HOSPITAL

Albany Medical Center

Saratoga Hospital

INSURANCE AGENCY

SEFCU INSURANCE AGENCY

Kneller Insurance

Capital Region Medicare Specialists

INTERIOR DESIGNER

SENSORY SIX

Debut Property Staging

E. Tanny Design

LANDSCAPER

FADDEGON’S LANDSCAPING

Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping

Troy’s Landscape Supply

LAW FIRM

O’CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ

Harding Mazzotti

The Granich Law Firm, PLLC

MANI/PEDI

VENUS NAIL SPA

Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness

Lavender Nail & Spa

MARINA

COEYMANS LANDING MARINA

Boats by George

Lakeside Tavern & Marina

MASSAGE

BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY

Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness

Laberge Massage Therapy

MEDICAL SPA

LUCIE CAPEK PLASTIC SURGERY & MEDSPA

Artistry of Face

Hebe Medical Spa

MEDICAL SPECIALIST

CAPITAL CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

The Bone & Joint Center

Albany ENT & Allergy Services (tie)

Saratoga Schenectady

Gastroenterology Associates (tie)

PAVING/SEALCOATING

LUIZZI ASPHALT SERVICES

L. Browe Asphalt Services

Smith’s Paving and Sealcoating

PEDIATRICIAN

SCHOOLHOUSE PEDIATRICS

Giombetti & Brady Pediatrics

Shaker Pediatrics

PERSONAL TRAINER

JESSICA LUBIN (GOOD KARMA STUDIO)

Chris Wertman (Legacy Fitness Club)

Donna Topolski (Girl Fight Fitness)

PET SERVICES

PET SPAS & SUITES

Scallywags Dog Salon

Shawna’s Dogs

PHOTOGRAPHER

MORGAN CAMPBELL

Elario Photography

The Content Agency (tie)

Konrad Odhiambo (tie)

PILATES STUDIO

FREE MOVEMENT PILATES

Core Pilates

Studio 4 Hot Yoga & Pilates

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

JULIE BONACIO

Cindy McMahon

TREE SERVICE

MARK’S TREE SERVICE

Sevenzocks Property Maintenance and Landscaping

Davey Tree

WAITSTAFF

YANNI’S TOO

Illusive Restaurant and Bar

Tatu Tacos and Tequila

YOGA STUDIO

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

The Hot Yoga Spot

Jai Yoga School

SHOPPING

APPLE ORCHARD

INDIAN LADDER FARMS

Golden Harvest Farms

Samascott Orchards

BIKE SHOP

MAD DOG BICYCLES

Steiner’s Sports

Downtube Bicycle Works

BOOKSTORE

I LOVE BOOKS

Market Block Books

Northshire Bookstore

BRIDAL SHOP

A LOVE STORY BY ANGELA’S BRIDAL

Lily Saratoga

DeAnna’s Boutique

CSA/COMMUNITY CO-OP

HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP

Niskayuna Co-op

Chatham Co-op

CAR DEALER

KEELER MOTOR CAR COMPANY

Lia Auto Group

Mohawk Honda

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

TRULY RHE

Caroline and Main

Violet’s of Saratoga

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

WORTH REPEATING

The Closet Shop

Something Olde, Something New

FARMERS’ MARKET

TROY WATERFRONT FARMERS’ MARKET

Delmar Farmers’ Market

Schenectady Greenmarket

GARDEN NURSERY

FADDEGON’S NURSERY

Hewitt’s Garden Center

Troy’s Landscape Supply

GIFT SHOP

CROSS EYED OWL

Tailgate and Party

5th Corner Goods and Gifts

HARDWARE STORE

ROBINSON’S ACE HARDWARE

Hatchet Hardware

Phillip’s Hardware

HEALTH FOOD STORE

HONEST WEIGHT FOOD CO-OP

Four Seasons Natural Foods

Kaaterskill Farm Natural Storehouse

JEWELER

JOYELLES JEWELERS

Hannoush Jewelers

Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers

LIQUOR/WINE STORE

EMPIRE WINE

Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse

All Star Wine & Spirits

MENSWEAR

MARK THOMAS MEN’S APPAREL

Union Hall Supply Company

Amore Clothing

MUSIC STORE

THE RIVER STREET BEAT SHOP

John Keal Music

Parkway Music

OPTICAL CENTER

BRASS EYE CENTER

Buenau’s Opticians

Hughes Opticians

PET STORE

BENSON’S PET CENTER

Healthy Pet Center

SHOPPING MALL/CENTER

COLONIE CENTER

Crossgates Mall

Stuyvesant Plaza

SPORTING GOODS STORE

STEINER’S SPORTS

Zero Tolerance Manufacturing

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company

SUPERMARKET

HANNAFORD

Price Chopper/Market 32

ShopRite

TIRE STORE

GRAND PREMIER TIRES & CUSTOM WHEELS

Adirondack Tire

LaBarge’s Tire and Auto Service

TRAVEL AGENCY

AAA TRAVEL

Plaza Travel

All Aboard Travel

PEOPLE & MEDIA

ARTIST

PREMO DESIGNS FACE PAINT

iCandy Face Painting

Dahl Taylor

AUTHOR

JOHN GRAY

Marilyn A. Pittelli

Patricia Crandall

AFTERNOON ANCHOR

CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC

Julia Dunn, CBS 6

Faith King, NewsChannel 13

BAND

TRISKELE

Glass Pony

Mike and the Monsters (tie)

The Lawn Sausages (tie)

COLLEGE SPORTS TEAM

SIENA BASKETBALL

The University at Albany Basketball

RPI Hockey (tie)

Union Hockey (tie)

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

LISA MITZEN (BUSINESS FOR GOOD)

Mark Emanation (Capital District Area

Labor Federation et al.)

Brittany Tibbits (Elle Potential)

EDUCATOR

LAUREN WERKING

Tamara Thorpe-Odom

Ryan Carpenter

EVENING ANCHOR

JOHN GRAY, NEWS10 ABC

Lydia Kulbida, NEWS10 ABC

Subrina Dhammi, NewsChannel 13

EVENING TEAM

NEWSCHANNEL 13 TEAM

NEWS10 ABC Team

CBS 6 Team

MORNING ANCHOR

CHRISTINA ARANGIO, NEWS10 ABC

Stephanie Rivas, NEWS10 ABC

Julia Dunn, CBS 6

MORNING TEAM

NEWS10 ABC TEAM

NewsChannel 13 Team

Spectrum News Team

METEOROLOGIST

STEVE CAPORIZZO, NEWS10 ABC

Paul Caiano, NewsChannel 13

Steve LaPointe, CBS 6

MUSIC RADIO

WGNA 107.7

The CAT 100.9

K-Love 94.5

NEWS RADIO

WAMC

WGY

TALK 1300

LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY

SEAN AND ANDREA (THE CAT 100.9)

Brian and Chrissy (WGNA 107.7)

Joe Donahue (WAMC 90.3/1400) (tie)

Paul Vandenburgh (TALK 1300) (tie)

LOCAL PRINT JOURNALIST

JOHN GRAY

Paul Grondahl

Rob Smittix

SPORTSCASTER

RODGER WYLAND, NEWSCHANNEL 13

Lexi Swatt, NewsChannel 13

PLACES

ASSISTED LIVING/ NURSING HOME

KINGSWAY COMMUNITY

Teresian House

Eddy Senior Living Communities

CAMPGROUND

GLAMPFUL

Roger’s Rock Campground

Moreau Lake State Park

DAY TRIP (within 3 hours)

LAKE GEORGE, NY

Lake Placid, NY

Stockbridge, MA (tie)

Woodstock, NY (tie)

DOG-FRIENDLY SPOT

COLONIE CENTER

Higher Ground Distilling Company

John Boyd Thacher State Park

GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)

NORMANSIDE COUNTRY CLUB (SEMI-PRIVATE)

Wolferts Roost Country Club

Colonie Golf and Country Club

GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)

SARATOGA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Colonie Town Golf Course

Frear Park Municipal Golf Course

HIKING TRAIL

JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center

Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail

INN (LOCAL)

THE INN AT SARATOGA

Reluctant Panther

The Inn at Erlowest

HOTEL/RESORT

THE SAGAMORE RESORT

The Adelphi Hotel

Mohonk Mountain House

KIDS BIRTHDAY VENUE

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

KJ’s Gymnastics

The Pottery Place

KIDS CAMP

GOOD KARMA STUDIO

Camp Fowler

YMCA Adventure Camp

PARK

JOHN BOYD THACHER STATE PARK

The Crossings of Colonie

Saratoga Spa State Park

55+ RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

THE SPINNEY AT VAN DYKE

THE SPINNEY AT POND VIEW

Coburg Village Beverwyck

ROMANTIC GETAWAY INN

RED LION INN

Mirror Lake Inn

The Sagamore Resort

SKI AREA

GORE MOUNTAIN

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

West Mountain

WEDDING VENUE

OLD DALEY ON CROOKED LAKE

The Greens at Copake Country Club

Hall of Springs

DIVE I SUMMER

Nothing says summer to me more than the words “road trip!” The long ones are the best, but I also love the day trips, or even the afternoon trips. You know—putter around in the garden for a bit, get some errands done, or (dare I say it!) go to work before heading out for a few hours of summertime fun. However you get there, there’s nothing like the feeling of burning rubber out of the driveway to hit the road. The Dorset Marble Quarry—located an hour and a half from Albany on Vermont Route 30 in Dorset, VT—is one of my favorite places to spend time on a hot summer day. For this photo of the nearby watering hole, I simply found an angle I liked and set my camera to shoot continuous photos at a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement. (You can do this on an iPhone, too: Just slide the round shutter button to the left.) Then, I sat back and waited for the action.

—Francesco D’Amico | f-d-photography.com

Up Next: 9 Ways to Kick Off Summer in the Capital Region

BY NATALIE MOORE

May 27-28

HUDSON BERKSHIRE

WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

Columbia County Fairgrounds

What better way to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend than with two days of supporting local businesses by eating and drinking?

Featuring wineries, distilleries, cideries and craft breweries from the Hudson Valley and Massachusetts’ Berkshire Region, as well as locally made cheese, olives, jams, maple syrup and baked goods, the Hudson Berkshire Wine & Food Festival is not to be missed. Bring the whole family—there will be kid-friendly activities including a petting zoo. hbwinefest.ticketspice.com

May 30

NOAH KAHAN: THE STICK SEASON TOUR

Palace Theatre

If you’ve ridden the wave of Noah Kahan mania ever since his new album, Stick Season, came out in October 2022, you already know the indie/folk/pop singer is heading to the Palace this May 30. If

you haven’t heard of the up-and-coming star, give his album, which hit #14 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, a listen—or at least its insanely catchy title track. If you like what you hear, nab one of the last available tickets to see him at the Palace, or sit tight until he returns to the area for a show at SPAC on September 2. palacealbany.org

June 2-4

FLURRY FESTIVAL SPRING BLOOM

Schaghticoke Fairgrounds

If the thought of summertime makes you want to dance, you won’t want to miss the Flurry Festival Spring Bloom event coming to the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. From the creators of Saratoga Flurry Fest comes an even bigger folk music event featuring dances and workshops covering genres from contra and swing to hip-hop, zydeco and clogging. If dancing’s not your jam, there are other programs in which attendees can learn instruments, play instruments and sing. flurryfestival.org

June 8-23

MOSTLY MODERN FESTIVAL Arthur Zankel Music Center

The annual Mostly Modern Festival, a celebration of living composers from around the world with an occasional foray into the past, returns to Saratoga Springs for an 11-show run this June. The festival will be highlighted by three orchestral concerts featuring Adam Demirjian, JoAnne Falletta and David Amado, as well as a night of songs that features In Real Life, a new opera by Mostly Modern Artistic Director Robert Paterson. After a kick-off event at Caffè Lena June 8, the rest of the festival performances will be held at Skidmore College’s Arthur Zankel Music Center. mostlymodernfestival.org

June 11

CAPITAL PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL Washington Park

Whether you’re a member of the Capital

Noah Kahan

Mostly Modern Festival (Mostly Modern Festival) MARK BOLLES

MAY 27 | BINGO WITH THE QUEENS

JUNE 2 | NOLANAUTS W/ SUGAR HOLD AND VICTORY SOUL ORCHESTRA

JUNE 17 | PINK TALKING FISH PLAY DEAD (DEAD CO AFTER PARTY)

JUNE 18 | THE JERRY DANCE PARTY (DEAD CO AFTER PARTY)

JULY 7 | KUNG FU (GOOSE AFTER PARTY)

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Region’s LGBTQ community or an ally, you’re invited to celebrate all things pride at the annual Capital Pride Parade and Festival. The parade kicks off at 11:45am and travels down State Street, onto Lark Street and then onto Madison Avenue. Afterwards, keep the fun times rolling in Washington Park for an afternoon of food, entertainment and activities for the entire family. 518capitalpride.com

June 18

DAD FEST

Washington Park

Dad won’t be the only one who enjoys this celebration of all things fathers. Bring the whole fam out to Washington Park for Albany’s annual Dad Fest, which will feature a classic car show, food, vendors, live music and more fun for all ages. Afterwards, stick around the Capital City for dinner at nearby Savoy Taproom, Umana Yana or Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen. albanyevents.org

June 19

VETERAN’S TIME TO THRIVE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course

Fore! Amsterdam-based fundraising committee Veterans’ Time to Thrive is hosting its first annual charity golf tournament to raise money for a unique 18unit housing project that will provide safe and affordable housing to military veterans and their families as well as active military personnel serving in the National Guard

Capital Pride Parade & Festival

Events Calendar

and Reserves. Sign up as a solo player or foursome by June 1.

Search “Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit Veteran’s Time to Thrive” on Facebook

June 24-25

FREIHOFER’S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Don’t miss the official start to the SPAC season. The beloved Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Fest returns for another year of worldclass jazz, funk, roots and blues this June 24 and 25, and will feature a total of 21 electrifying artists, both local and from afar. In addition to the music going on all day on two stages, guests can check out the craft tent for artisan-made items or feed their bellies (as well as their soul!) at an oyster and seafood bar. Be sure to get your festival poster signed by your favorite Jazz Fest artist before you go. spac.org

July 4

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Roger’s Park

There are plenty of Independence Day festivities going on in the Capital Region this July 4, but there’s just something special about celebrating America on the Queen of American Lakes. Head north for Bolton Landing’s annual bonanza, where a DJ will be playing in the Roger’s Park bandstand from 1-9:30pm, and magician Jim Snack will be providing entertainment! Then, go down to the beach to catch the fireworks, which are shot from a barge just off the shore. boltonchamber.com

Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival

HOWARD GREENSTEIN

Life&Leisure Signs of the Times

BY CHANTAL MULLENS | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 19

From rethinking friendships and career goals to falling more in love with your own environment, as well as reevaluating and rediscovering your own personal values, core beliefs and truths—these next two months are going to be jam-packed with reflection, renewal and reconnection. Remember that your inner world always reflects the outer world and spending time getting clear on what makes you feel happiest, safest and most comfortable with yourself will have the biggest impact on the type of life you live.

you are feeling seen and loved. During this time, however, there could be some intense jealousy from relationships that you would not expect under normal circumstances. It’s just that right now the universe may be favoring you a little more than usual. And why wouldn’t it, dear Taurus? You absolutely deserve all the accolades, gifts and blessings that may be bestowed upon you now. This is a season of receiving and believing, so go with it and enjoy being the star that you are.

purpose by the time it’s all done.

And in true Gemini fashion, don’t be afraid to take second and third looks in order to get the full picture. It’s leveling-up season for you, but isn’t that just how you like it?

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 22

TAURUS APRIL 20 - MAY 20

Although you are usually not a spotlight seeker, you shine comfortably in it nonetheless. Due to your grounded nature, others also usually benefit when

GEMINI MAY 21 - JUNE 20

Questioning everything is nothing new for you, Gemini; however, you may be more inclined to dig much deeper than you normally do during this time. Who am I? What do I want? What does it all mean? While there may be some existential seeking on the horizon for you, the good news is you always find the answers. It may require a cleaning house of sorts (think of it as spring cleaning for the soul), but you will have a much better grasp on your life’s meaning and

CANCER JUNE 21 - JULY 22

You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, and sometimes you can’t move forward unless you take a few steps back. Perspective is your best friend during this time, Cancer. Reviewing what we’ve learned so far is the only way we can truly comprehend the lessons we’ve learned and the progress we’ve made.

And while the journey is yours to walk alone, the path is lined with friends, family and supporters who want to see you win. Reaching out to and leaning on others whenever you need to will only help you in achieving your goals faster and easier. Remembering the old adage “a friend in need is a friend indeed” would serve you well here.

Right now it’s not about what you know but who you know, lovely Leo. Connections, networking and friends in the right places will be all very useful at this time as growth or expansion in your career is highlighted. But it’s always a give and take, isn’t it? You may be asked to reevaluate close personal relationships as well as long-held foundations that may no longer fit into your new longterm goals. Falling back in love with yourself by remembering who you once were and what you wanted to be is the healthiest thing you can do.

VIRGO AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22

If you’ve been spending too much time, energy and focus on others and what they can do and bring to you, it’s time to recenter and realign with your own self by evaluating what YOU can do for you. Ask yourself positively affirming “why” questions: Why am I the whole package? Why do I

always know what to do? Why does everything I touch turn to gold? Your analyzing brain will work to answer these questions and provide you with the self-confidence you need to turn your attention inward and grow yourself into the idealized version you’ve long held in your mind.

change or let others in, but you may find yourself doing both of these things during this time. Do you even recognize yourself right now, Scorpio? It may be a little jarring, but it’s most definitely a good thing. A makeover of yourself and/ or your home may be just what the doctor ordered. A scorpion will shed its exoskeleton when its outgrown the previous version of itself, so this renewal of yourself is simply nature at work. Feeling more empowered and secure in love and career is a vibe that is available to you now. Go ahead and allow yourself to receive all of that.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER

22

Maybe you love what you do, but does it love you back? Maybe you just convinced yourself to settle for the life you’re in without actually taking a deeper look to see if this is really what you want. Now is the time to do just that, Libra. If you aren’t finding joy, fulfillment, or even contentment in your daily life, it’s time to take a second look. What needs to change in order for you to be happy? It could be a simple few tweaks or it could be a complete overhaul. Whatever the case, it’s time to start prioritizing your happiness. Take the steps now for the long-run payoff.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 22 -DECEMBER 21

If it were up to you, Sagittarius, life would be all play and no work. Unfortunately that’s not how balance is achieved. There’s an ebb and flow to things and right now it may be a little more ebb than flow, leaving you feeling bored, forlorn and wanting.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19

Life may feel like it’s taking on an “if it isn’t one thing it’s another” vibe right now, but this is only because you need to get better at loosening up, letting go and enjoying the ride. Trying to control everything all the time never works, except to raise your anxiety levels. It may be a time to try the opposite of what you would normally do. Whatever method of madness you employ, the main directive is to have more fun regardless of the endless list of responsibilities that you believe should come first. This could be a very enjoyable lesson if approached correctly.

identity? Whatever the case may be, life is shifting before your eyes and since you’re not one to just let things happen to you, it’s time to grab the wheel and steer this boat in a brandnew direction. Wherever you’re headed and whatever you’re going to do, you can be sure it will be unique, interesting and exciting.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21

You’re not known to embrace

The good news is that nothing lasts forever. The not-so-good news is that it’s time for you to buckle down and be serious. Although this is not your ideal, it is absolutely going to set you up for good times ahead. If you’re feeling resistance to something, dig a little deeper and find out exactly why and how to work through that instead of trying to go around it.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18

Adapting and overcoming is nothing new to you, Aquarius. Finding new and innovative ways of being, doing and believing is a typical day in the life of you. If you’re feeling like things need to switch up, chances are you’re not wrong. It may be time to move on and move away from people, places and spaces to yet again embrace the unknown. Maybe it’s even time to adopt a new

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

Out of all the signs, you understand best that nothing is real. Free-falling through reality is a comfort zone for you, dear Pisces, so long as you remember you’re built for this stuff. You’re not like the others and so your experience will be unlike any other. Embrace this. The beauty of your magical existence is that you know you can make up the rules as you go along. Don’t like your current reality? Simply change it. For most, this would cause an existential crisis, but for you, it’s just another day in wonderland. Rolling with the punches (or ocean waves), comes naturally to you, so grab your surfboard because the tide is coming in.

Chantal Mullens is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader and life coach living in Germany with her two young children and two cats. She has many Capital Region clients; find her full list of services on her website: akashiccystalhealing.com

Time for Tarot

BY SANDY MENZER

This beautiful spring and early summer is a time of rebirth and new beginnings! The first half of the solar eclipse that took place on April 21 in Taurus (ruled by Venus, the planet of love and life’s finer things) is bringing in many new blessings and opportunities. Here’s how each astrological sign may be affected.

Capricorn: King of Cups

December 23-January 21

This energy will bring out maternal and paternal responsibilities—you may decide to create more family time or take a break from overworking. You may also feel more emotional and creative than usual.

Aquarius: Empress

January 22-February 18

You will feel empowered when it comes to taking charge of a business decision or important family matter. The birth of a new idea, business or child may be in the works.

Pisces: 6 of Cups

February 19-March 20

Spend time reminiscing about your

Leo: 10 of Pentacles

July 23-August 22

childhood and your past. An old friend or past lover may contact you—be cautious. Spend more quality time with children, pets, siblings or close friends.

Aries: 7 of Cups

March 21-April 22

This will be a time of entertaining many opportunities—trust your intuition without fear. Your creative mind will be on fire, so look for new solutions to old problems. But be sure to balance your logical brain with your emotions.

Taurus: 4 of Swords

April 23-May 20

This is a period of rest and recovery. If you have had health issues, focus on healing or finding a solution. Reflect on your life’s goals and improvements. Your love life will improve if effort is put forth!

Gemini: 3 of Pentacles

May 21-June 20

This is all about expansion and growth, and you may consider minor home repairs or enhancements. Your love life will be improved if you become more optimistic and playful!

Cancer: Page of Swords

June 21-July 22

You will be paying very close attention to those around you and how they affect your mood and life. If you receive upsetting news, don’t panic—there is a solution to every problem. Ask your angels for assistance.

This will be an exciting time to benefit from shared resources, including inheritance or a family member or partner. If self-employed, big rewards may be gleaned from a partnership. More of a playful time is both suggested and headed your way!

Virgo: Temperance

August 23-September 22

You may receive divine intervention in solving a problem. If you have a health challenge, keep the faith. Call upon Archangel Raphael to assist you in making the necessary changes for restoring your overall well-being.

Libra: Strength

September 23-October 23

You will feel very strong as you make an effort to improve your health and any unbalanced habits. It will be a time of great passion in whatever area of your life into which you put energy. Plan a much-needed vacation!

Scorpio: 9 of Cups

October 24-November 22

This is your wish card. A dream is realized from a plan or desire that you’ve been asking for. Maintain boundaries, accept change, and be careful not to overindulge. Your emotional life will feel very happy because of the changes you have made!

Sagittarius: Judgment

November 23-December 22

People will be judging you in a favorable way, as this will be a time of facing good or bad karma: The karma you receive will depend on what energy you have given out. You may also have a happy outcome to a legal situation.

Sandy Menzer has professionally practiced her intuitive abilities for 25 years. She teaches and provides personal and group spiritual direction messages and readings by appointment. For further information, she can be reached at sanshaun@yahoo.com

It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere

BY NATALIE MOORE

ACROSS

1. Gabrielle of You and Uncharted

5. Actor Gibson or Brooks

8. Ausable ___ (upstate tourist attraction)

13. Biblical garden

14. Let out

16. With 57-Down, a time to consume the answers to the starred clues

17 Peggy Schuyler’s real first name*

19. Attention-drawing act

20. Covid-era loan, for short

21. Dynasty that ruled China from 8-23AD

22. Prohibit

24. Tucker ___-Cat (ski mountain groomer brand)

25. They’re out of this world, for short

26. Thing

28. Movie in which Scarlett Johansson plays a virtual assistant

30 Popular women’s magazine*

35. Religion with five pillars

38. Plant-based protein source

39. Handed over to 40. Midday drama series, familiarly

41. Type of tuna

42. Get bigger

43. Former NYY and Hall of Famer Martinez

44. Nile serpent

45. Casual Friday wear

46. Behind the times*

50 Domestic intelligence org.

51. It’s slower than a canter

52. Kiss ___ ( jumbotron gimmick)

55. Unenthused expression

58. Roadside savior, for short

60. Verizon competitor

61. Filmmaker DuVernay

62. Openly disregard

64. Home of the zip code 10001*

67. ___-bouche

68. One practicing vinyasa

69. Called by telephone

70. Lesions

71. Man’s name that’s another man’s name when you add a G to the front

72. “___ the Unknown” (Frozen II song)

DOWN

1. City east of Phoenix

2. Change

3. Maryland athletes, for short

4. Suffix of nouns formed from verbs

5. Deserves, as a reward

6. Marshall Bruce Mathers III, familiarly

7. Illuminated

8. French fashion house

9. ___ Solo

10. Living units, for short

11. What tops do

12. Prefix meaning mushroom

15. Indent, on a keyboard

18. a+b=b+a, for one

23. Pirate’s greeting 27. Location for fullcontact dancing 29. Fraudulent, as an election 30 Finish with a decisive action 31. Polynesian paste 32. ___ Kitchen (Moroccan restaurant with three Capital Region locations)

33. Direct-to-consumer beauty company

BBC World ___

Puppy ___ dog as kitten ___ cat 36. Dirt

37 Touch down, as a plane 41. What’s left after a fire 44. Home of Seoul and Mumbai 45. Compact Volkswagen model 47. Subsides 48. Color that nothing rhymes with 49 Response to “Whatcha doin’?”

52. Settlers of ___

53. ___-garde

54. Fruit with one large seed

55. Graduate level graphic design degrees, for short

56. Muppet with his own “World”

57. See 16-Across

59. Late singersongwriter Winehouse

63. Utilize

65. AIM’s creator

66. Prefix for -ceratops

ANSWERS ON crlmag.com

SEARCH: CROSSWORD

“Hey Siri, am I sexually active?”

–IMPACT ATHLETIC CENTER

“I would see it as betrayal for mermaids to eat lobsters.”

–ALBANY WASABI

“I don’t know what’s worse—having people touch me or almost touch me.”

–WILTON YMCA

“He’s nice but I just don’t care.”

–CROSSGATES

Ball Is Life

Italian, anyone? Cardona’s Market shares how to make the perfect meatball.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef, pork, veal mix

2 large eggs

½ lb plain bread crumbs

11/4 cups cold water

3 Tbsp and 2 tsp parsley

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 Tbsp and 1 tsp granulated garlic

1 tsp black pepper

1 Tbsp and 1 tsp salt

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients together until combined.

• Form mixture into balls and cook on a lightly oiled sheet pan in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes.

• Simmer the meatballs in your favorite sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes and ser ve.

A Smash Hit

Albany Distilling Co. mixes up its top-selling, summer-lovin’ strawberry smash.

Ingredients:

2oz ALB Vodka

1oz strawberry puree

1/2 oz simple syrup

Splash of lemon juice

Mint leaves

Seltzer

1 strawberry

Directions:

• Shake first four ingredients on ice with mint leaves.

• Pour into a Collins glass and top with seltzer.

• Garnish with strawberry and mint leaf.

ALL SEASONS EQUIPMENT

All Seasons Equipment, Inc. is family owned and operated, and provides the latest and best in outdoor power products to make your outdoor living more enjoyable. The staff in Scotia are happy to help you find the perfect outdoor power equipment, service or parts you’ve been looking for, from brands including Ariens, Honda Power Equipment, Scag, STIHL and Toro.

CLAVERACK PUMP SERVICE

Clean, healthy water isn’t a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity and essential to your health. That’s why Claverack Pump Service has been providing quality water solutions (well drilling, water pumps, water filtration, hand pumps, geothermal drilling and more) to New York homes and businesses since 1946. Don’t trust just any business to handle your water needs—turn to Claverack Pump.

CR GAS LOGS & FIREPLACES

CR Gas Logs & Fireplaces has been a leader in the hearth and patio industry in the Capital Region for more than 30 years. Whatever you’re thinking for your indoor and outdoor fireplace needs, their staff will find you the right choice for your home. CR Gas Logs’ goal is to have all customers, whether they make a purchase or not, leave with a positive shopping experience.

FADDEGON’S NURSERY

Landscaping your yard can be one of the best investments you make in your home (it increases property value 15 percent!), and the Faddegon family has been helping homeowners do it for four generations. Specializing in complete designs for your new home from start to finish, Faddegon’s installs plants, trees, walkways, patios, walls and outdoor kitchens, including makeovers and complete renovations.

1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham | 518.785.6726 | faddegons.com

GARDEN TIME

Whether you’re in the market for a beautiful blooming plant for your porch, a screened-in gazebo for your backyard, fertilizer for your lawn, or a storage solution for a little extra space, head straight to the Garden Time location near you. Garden Time also offers a wide selection of outdoor furniture, as well as excellent customer service to provide you with everything you need for a beautiful lawn and garden.

GNH LUMBER

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 (plus windows, doors, gardens and lumber/building), from floor plan to finish. Visit the GNH Lumber showroom, or call today to schedule a free consultation.

898 New Loudon Road, Latham | 518.313.1229 | gnhlumber.com

HEWITT’S GARDEN CENTERS, INC.

With 50 years in the business and seven stores located in the 518 area code, Hewitt’s Garden Centers is a local company specializing in lawn- and garden-related products, services and information. The fifth largest independent retail garden center in the country, Hewitt’s is known for its experienced staff, who are always ready to assist you with your project.

Multiple Locations | hewitts.com

LUIZZI ASPHALT SERVICES

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 third-generation company that has provided services to thousands of satisfied customers over the years. Call Luizzi Asphalt Services for skilled solutions to all of your asphalt maintenance and repair needs.

70 Tivoli Street, Albany | 518.459.7325 | luizziasphalt.com

MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER

Marcella’s Appliance Center is a family-owned appliance store with showrooms in Schenectady and Clifton Park that together boast more than 30,000 square feet of inventory and feature appliances for every budget. Since 1957 they have served Capital Region customers with the area’s best selection of appliances at the best prices, top-notch customer service, and a dedicated service and repair team.

15 Park Avenue,

REDBUD DEVELOPMENT

560 Broadway, Schenectady | 518.381.1957

Park | 518.952.7700 | marcellasappliance.com

Redbud Development 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 the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. Call today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.

2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton | 518.691.0428 | redbuddevelopment.com

SEASONS SUPPLY CO., INC.

Offering professional landscaping and property maintenance led by a lifelong Clifton Park resident, Seasons Supply Co. has all the tools you need to transform boring yards into enviable works of art. From shovels and wheelbarrows for your next DIY project, to bulk supplies of mulch or sand for top-level contractors, Seasons has what you need to create the utmost in outdoor living.

2706 US Route 9 | Malta | 518.581.2900

852 Grooms Road, Rexford | 518.371.5730 | seasonssupply.com

CLASSIC SHED & PATIO

Classic Shed & Patio is a family-owned, one-stop shop for the design and creation of the finest home storage sheds. Known for allowing customers to design their dream project themselves, Classic Sheds builds the most reliable custom sheds (think Quaker, A-frame, barns and New England styles), as well as gazebos, playgrounds and any outdoor special project—from chicken coops and dog houses to sunrooms and playhouses.

1997 Central Avenue, Colonie | 518.869.7474 | classicshedandpatio.com

THE APPEL INN

Nestled on 36 acres and featuring a flowing creek and vintage barns, The Appel Inn Gathering Space adjoins the historic, 250-year-old tavern built by Hendrick Appel in 1765. Offering the perfect atmosphere of graceful elegance and an outdoor ceremony space, the space accommodates small and large gatherings of up to 175 comfortably, and allows for various themes, from casual weddings to formal Champagne events.

590 State Route 146, Altamont | 518.861.6557 | appelinn.com

ENCHANTING ESCAPES

Are you dreaming of offering your family and friends an amazing and memorable experience? A destination wedding may be the answer. And don’t forget your honeymoon! Enchanting Escapes will serve as your stateside butler for both, helping you choose the best experience for you, whether that’s being pampered at a Sandals Luxury Inclusive Resort, cruising the Mediterranean, or a unique adventure to a far-flung locale.

2261 Western Avenue, Guilderland | 518.608.4644 | enchantingescapes.net

DANIELLE’S BRIDAL

Family-run Danielle’s Bridal has been helping brides find that perfect dress for more than 30 years. Consultants work with each bride to see exactly how she wants to appear on her wedding day. From deciding on a wedding dress and the bridesmaid dresses to all of the alterations, Danielle’s is there for you every step of the way. The boutique is open by appointment only—call today to book your initial consultation.

4249 Route 50, Saratoga Springs  | 518.584.7067 | facebook.com/daniellesbridalofsaratoga

THE LODGE AT ECHO LAKE

The Lodge on Echo Lake’s intimate size and pristine Adirondack location offers you, your family and your guests a warm, rustic and elegant setting for your wedding celebration or special event. Nestled in the Southern Adirondack Mountains just 10 minutes from Lake George, The Lodge is famous for its service excellence, delicious cuisine and creatively planned wedding receptions and private functions.

175 Hudson Street, Warrensburg | 518.623.5599 | thelodgeonecholake.com

THE INN AT SARATOGA

Saratoga’s oldest continuously operating lodging house boasts a Victorian Ballroom and lush Garden Courtyard that create a truly one-of-a-kind setting for weddings and special events. The Inn at Saratoga’s sales team works with you to custom tailor your wedding to fit your theme and budget, bringing your vision to life—all in the heart of beautiful Saratoga Springs.

231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 518.583.1890 | theinnatsaratoga.com

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 (including a beautiful garden tent for outdoor “I dos”) are easily transformed to match your vision.

997 New Loudon Road, Latham | 518.785.1857 | thecenturyhouse.com

TALE OF TWO LIMOS

BY JOHN GRAY

In November of 1859, Charles Dickens published A Tale of Two Cities; roughly 150 years later, I offer the short story A Tale of Two Limos. What you’re about to read is 100 percent true. The names of the people involved have not been changed to protect the stupid, which is myself.

It was January of 1995 and a cold wind swept through the hills of Rensselaer County. I am the youngest of four, and my older sister was about to celebrate a big birthday. Since it is impolite to talk about a woman’s age, let’s just say it began with a 4 and ended in a 0.

I was by no means a wealthy man, but I thought an important milestone deserved a special party. Back in the ’90s there was an Irish pub called Eammon’s, nestled on Route 378 in Loudonville. It was tons of fun.

The owner, a kind soul named (yup) Eammon McGirr, was right off the boat from Ireland, so he came complete with the Aran sweater, red cheeks, a voice for song and that charming Irish brogue.

Eammon’s was a popular destination at which to raise a pint and enjoy authentic Irish music. Performers such as Hair of the Dog, Frank Jaklitsch and Steve Gray were often on the stage singing about Dublin’s fair city, where the girls were so pretty, and a fetching young woman named Molly Malone.

We decided to rent out the back room of Eammon’s to celebrate my sister’s birthday. Back in the day, she and my mom enjoyed bus trips down to the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, so I had a local bakery create a birthday cake with the hotel’s image across the top. She’d love it.

To make her night even more special, I hopped online and searched limousine companies, asking several for quotes.

In filling out the forms, I gave them my name, contact information and my sister’s address. One got right back to me and told me they’d do it for $130 bucks, so I quickly agreed. All of this, mind you, was still a full month before the party.

Jump ahead to the day of the big event, and we told my sister we were taking her for

a nice dinner at Eammon’s. I don’t believe she knew the whole family planned to be there. She certainly didn’t know I’d gotten her a limo.

A few hours before we were scheduled to go, my phone rang and a man on the other line casually said, “Do you still need a limo tonight?”

I responded, “YES, of course. Do you have the address? Are we all set?”

He told me to calm down and assured me they’d be there on time.

At 6pm I drove over to my sister’s, only to find not one but two limos parked directly out front. I thought, “How strange, two people on the same street getting limos at exactly the same time.”

It turns out the phone call earlier was from the limo company I didn’t hire. They had misplaced my original email from a month earlier and decided to call the day of the event just in case I still needed them. Since I told them “Yes,” I now had two limos and one sister.

Long story short, I paid them both in full, the party was a smash and we sang sad Irish songs long into the night.

I miss moments like this and those from that time who are now gone.

Sometimes at night, when the wind calms, I swear I can hear their voices still singing Alive alive-oh, alive alive-oh, crying cockles and muscles, alive alive-oh.