Valley Girl Adventures

Fat Cats Seafood & More in herkimer by Cynthia Quackenbush

They say fish is brain food. Some will point out that I have very little brain to feed (you know who you are). Be that as it may, I found a great source at Fat Cats in Herkimer.

It took Steven and me a while to go there, because, I admit, we tend to go to restaurants where they serve wine. No, we don’t need wine; we like wine. But I like fish even more and Fat Cats has been serving up seafood for over 25 years, so they must be doing something right.

I have often heard the place referred to as Fat Cats Fish Fry, but the menu I am looking at says “Fat Cats” with “Seafood & More!” as a kind of a subtitle. I love a good fish fry, but as I get old er, fried food is not my friend.

Since 1993, people have been driving from miles around for Fat Cats Friday fish fry in Herkimer.

Quality. Experience. Inspiration.

Phone: 607-286-9201 www.wightmanspecialtywoods.com Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4:30pm Sat: 8:00am - 12:00pm 146 County Highway 35a Portlandville, NY 13834 Now Buying Hardwood Logs • Kiln Dried Hardwoods and Softwoods • Hardwood and Pine flooring • Mouldings • Wall Coverings • Siding Follow us on facebook Wightman Specialty Woods Sale! 6” & 8” Hemlock boards now 10% off

Looking over the menu, I asked if everything was fried. Several selections were available broiled. Additionally, there were non-seafood specials offered. I opted for broiled haddock, while Steven asked for New England Clam Chowder. These are favorites for both of us. We ordered at the counter and got a number to put on our table. It is a roomy, comfortable dining room decorated with a nautical theme. We got ice water to drink, which is obviously much better for my weight-loss goals than wine. Not so good for my weight-loss goals were the absolutely delicious fries that accompanied the fish. Oh well, it’s a good thing to treat ourselves sometimes. The coleslaw was also delicious. Steven enjoyed his soup as well.

Fat Cats offers Eat In or Take Out, so I suppose for a future meal, we can get Take Out and bring it home where we have wine. Fat Cats also offers uncooked seafood by the pound. I do love to cook, but they cook so well at Fat Cats, it may be a while before I choose the former option. •

Fat Cats Seafood & More 200 King Street, Herkimer• (315) 866-5716 Wed & Thurs: 11am-7pm, Fri: 11am-8pm, Saturday Noon-7pm

Located in Munnsville, Custom Woodcraft has been handcrafting wood furniture and designing beautiful cabinetry since 1979. You’re not just buying cabinets, you’re investing in a tradition.

Not just famous for fish, Fat Cats has many other options on their menu

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Lady and Leap Toy Shop sure cure for cabin fever! Photos by Melinda Karastury

Lady and Leap Toy Shop is more than a toy store, it’s a center of activities and socialization. Founded by retired teacher and mother of four, Cristin Heleston, the shop offers classes and kids meetups. Toddlers need free play and socialization to help with their development, so there is plenty of time for that at Lady and Leap. They also learn counting and language skills, and discover their artistic and musical abilities. Thursdays: Kids Meetup -free event for kids and their care takers Morning Session 10:30am-12pm, Evening Session 6-7:30pm, Free Saturdays: Crafty Drop-in Activities 11am-2pm, new craft weekly for ages 3-6, $5 Toddler 6-Week Session (Feb. 3 - Mar. 11) Mondays and Wednesdays: 10:30-11:15am, $90 Call to register: 1-877-721-PLAY (7529)

Maura Colle and shop owner, Cristin Heleston

Lady and Leap Toy Shop 36 New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford 1-877-721-PLAY (7529) www.ladyandleap.com Open Monday - Saturday: 10am - 8pm Sunday, Noon - 4pm

Lucas, Lilian, and Kaydence Crissey need to fuel up after a day of play at Lady and Leap. Cafe Ucopia at Peter’s Cornucopia fits the bill!

Cafe Ucopia runs like a well-oiled machine during the busy lunch rush

After some socializing and playtime, it’s time to fuel up with good food. Just up the way is Cafe Ucopia at Peter’s Cornucopia, where you’ll find healthy and delicious options for breakfast and lunch. Smoothies are always a hit with kids of all ages! Peter’s Cornucopia 38 New Hartford Shopping Center New Hartford, NY • (315) 724-4998 www.peterscornucopia.com Open: Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm, Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 10:30-4pm Cafe Ucopia: Mon-Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: closed