APRIL-MAY-JUNE
The Gourmet Food, Lifestyle and Travel Connection©
AND BEYOND™
CELEBRITY CHEF
Iron Chef Marc Forgione and his NYC restaurants
ARTISAN BUTCHER SHOPS Fred the Butcher, Gabriel’s Custom Cut Meats, Berkshire Pigs, Farmer’s Markets, and More!
DINING WITH CRYPTOCURRENCY
At Roosters NY in Rotterdam
SMALL PARTIES
BARGAIN SHOPPING Flea markets and Jay St vintage stores
WIN A $125 GIFT CERTIFICATE
To A Local Butcher Shop
Plan Your Event at The Bellevue Café
BANQUET SEASON Catering On & Off Premise TASTEOFSCHENECTADY.COM COOKING + DINING + SHOPPING + SAVING + KIDS + HEALTH + FAMILY + HOME + WORLD Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
DAVID J. LONG Food & Travel Editor
AMY KOREN-ROTH
ED WOODS
Taste & Tour Coordinator
Travel Photographer
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tasteofschenectady.com PO Box 293 • Schenectady, NY 12305 (518) 831-0534 David J. Long, Jr., CDM, CFPP, KOFC Publisher and Editor-in Chief Contributors
Jessica Diaz, Tony Gomez, Melissa Hart, Lillian Peterson, Fran Schmidt, Amy Simpson, Amanda Walsh, Pamela Wayne, John Williams Taste of Schenectady® is a registered trade mark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The contents of this magazine and its cover are protected by copyright. Without limiting the rights under the copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission. ©2014-2022. Spring 2022
CONTENTS
8 12 26 30 36 48 Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
Artisan Butchers Fred the Butcher, Gabriel’s Custom Cut Meats, Berkshire pigs, and more!
Celebrity Chef Spotlight Iron Chef Marc Forgione and his New York City restaurants
Catering for All Occasions At the Bellevue Café • Gershon’s Deli specializes in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, etc.
Cryptocurrency Dining Roosters NY is ahead of the curve in accepting cryptocurrency
Foods For Better Health Improve Your Memory and Sleep
Bargain Shopping Flea Markets and Jay St Stores
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EDITOR'S NOTE Welcome to our spring issue of Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™ magazine! In this issue, we recognize the best artisan butcher shops and gourmet mom & pop shops in the region. For 22 years, we have published gourmet food and lifestyle magazines to inspire people to support family-owned and independent businesses… In celebration of our 8th anniversary of Taste of Schenectady®, Amy Koren-Roth, the founder of Taste of Troy Food Tours has partnered with us to explore hosting Schenectady County taste and tour events. We finally launched a YouTube Cooking Channel… Tony Gomez’s article on How To Grill Chops, Steaks, Fish, and Sizzling Seafood reveals the secrets to enjoying restaurant-quality food at home. Lillian Peterson explores How To Create The Perfect Outdoor Living Space. Pamela Wayne shares Gourmet Gift Ideas For Loved Ones. Jessica Diaz offers tips on Foods For Better Health, Memory, and Sleep. Amanda Walsh inspires our readers how to enjoy Bargain Shopping at Flea Markets and Vintage Stores. Also in this issue, we celebrity chef spotlight Iron Chef Marc Forgione and his fabulous New York City restaurants. And, John Williams highlights where to go for Camping, Cooking, Fishing, and Hiking. Thanks for reading Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™ — The Gourmet Food, Lifestyle, and Travel Connection© DAVID J. LONG, JR. Food and Travel Editor
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David J. Long, Jr., Food & Travel Editor
Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
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An Appeal for Peace and Taste of
DNIPRO EURO FOODS by David J. Long, Jr., CDM, CFPP, FOI, KOFC
6 TasteofSchenectady.com
G O U R M E T F L AVO R S FROM THE BALTIC TO THE BLACK SEA ABOUT DNIPRO: Twenty-three years ago, a Ukrainian man decided to leave what today is known as Dnipro — formerly known as Dnipropetrovsk but renamed during the process of de-communization. Foreigners were not allowed to visit Dnipropetrovsk without official permission until the 1990s. So, this ex-pat decided to open DNIPRO EURO FOODS, in Latham, NY, nine years ago, to share his love and passion for Ukrainian food. DNIPRO imports its European artisan bread directly from Germany par-baked and frozen — and then finishes baking the bread on the premises — before displaying whole loaves for sale in its store — along with charcuterie and Eastern European groceries… Before Russia invaded Ukraine, DNIPRO gave me a rare delicacy sample of cold-smoked Omul (Омуль) fish in jelly — Slavic people in the USA recognize a common Kievan Rus’ ancestry and culture… As the Capital Region is home to thousands of Ukrainian-Americans, the Ukrainian community came together in a unified effort to raise funds for the humanitarian needs of the refugees and the front line in Ukraine… This effort is led by the local Ukrainian Churches and the Capital District branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA). DNIPRO has been collecting non-perishable donations for refugees. Visit: 518ukrainians.com
Charcuterie has become so popular in the United States — and although Dnipro Euro Foods sells some of the Italian classic delicatessen cold cuts — this store imports more German, Polish, Ukrainian and Italian-style cured and smoked meats for your next Smörgåsbord party! DNIPRO bakes daily some of the most mouth-watering meat pies… Recently, we bought more Eastern European red caviar, a pound of Moskov-style ham, four kabano cured and dried sausages, hunter’s sausage, Polish double smoked sausage, and my new favorite — cold smoked marinated pork loin that blows away the best carpaccio I’ve ever had! We also received a s a m p l e f o r f r e e o f D n i p r o ’s Cheboureki, a flat crimped savory pastry stuffed with cooked spiced ground pork inside — and bought four (4) Samsa stuffed turnovers with spice lamb on the inside and baked on black and white sesame seeds on the outside — luscious! If you are trying to buy cured and smoked meats for your next charcuterie platter, picnic and/or Smörgåsbord at home, call or stop in and see the culinary team at Dnipro Euro Foods for help. Dnipro Euro Deli believes in dining on gourmet foods at home. Their experienced cooks and customer service staff have a wide range of products, and European classic and old world recipes just for you! ADV.
DNIPRO EURO FOODS Monday: 11am - 6pm Tuesday: closed Wed - Thursday - Friday: 11am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm Sunday Closed
898 Loudon Road, Latham, NY 12110 (518) 213-7007
www.eurodnipro.com Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
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Mariaville Farm
Farm-raised Artisan Butchers, Berkshire Pigs, Farmer’s Markets, and More! by Amy Simpson
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ariaville Farm raises Berkshire and Berkshire-crossed pigs in a closed herd. Mariaville Farm started selling their meat at the Union Street Farmer’s Market (Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm). Shortly after that, the downtown Schenectady Greenmarket (Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm) approached Chris and Bob Chandler and asked them to join their group of vendors… Now, on Saturdays, Mariaville Farm sells its goods at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market (9 am to 2 pm). Mariaville Farm sells breakfast sandwiches, and several types of artisan bacon, Irish Bangers, and other pork products in their store For The Love of Bacon at 834 Duanesburg Rd., Sch’dy, NY. Mulligan Creek Acres farm supplies Fred the Butcher with purebred Berkshire pigs that graze on custom milled, non-GMO, local grains and organically maintained pastures. The Berkshire pig originated in the English County of Berkshire, for which it is named. Berkshire Pork, also known in Japan as Kurobuta or “Black Pig” is prized for its juiciness, flavor, and tenderness — referred to as the “Kobe Beef” of pork. It is a pink-hued and heavily marbled meat… Artisan Butchery is indeed a lost art that has been revived as part of the Slow Food movement. It is one thing to buy a wholesale side of cattle — it is another thing to possess the knowledge and skills to butcher a side of beef. All-time favorite sub-primal cuts of beef include rib-eye, striploin, and tenderloin.
ABOUT DRY-AGED BEEF: Dry-aging is the process by which large cuts of beef are aged for anywhere from several weeks to several months before being trimmed and cut into steaks. Through oxidation and evaporation of water, a crust forms that allows the beef to break down by natural enzymes — creating a concentration of aroma, sweet, full of Umami flavor, and more tenderness — developing the signature taste beneath the ruby-red crust. Fred the Butcher's dry-aged genuine Japanese A-5 Wagyu beef is aged in a harmonious balance of humidity and temperature, inside Fred the Butcher's special dry-aging refrigerated case. Dry-aged Wagyu steaks are less pink, but still contain a high ratio of marbling fat to meat — and when cooked are juicy and luscious! BTW: Gabriel’s Custom Cut Meats has a HACCP/USDA inspected division offering wholesale meats cut to any restaurant chef’s specific needs… On the next page are captions and photos of smaller shops that have artisan butchers… We are missing photos for Chester Rozycki (who we hear is still butchering), Predel’s Ranch, in Rexford, Primal, in Albany, and Sindoni & Son Packing, in Altamont, NY… 8
TasteofSchenectady.com
Cody Shields has been an artisan butcher for half of his life. He ventured out on his own to open The Big Body Butcher. Salvatore (Sal) Sindoni opened a small butcher shop. In 1943 he named that business Sal's Quality Market. Sal's son William Sindoni operated the business with the help of his wife Jo, his sons Michael and Thomas, and nephew Jim Zoller (pictured here), until his passing.
Avon Meat Market in Schenectady — from left, butchers Maddy, AJ, and Paul. Avon Meat Market is celebrating 85 years of serving the community. People love to shop for Vito A. Sindoni & Son Sausage, and economic meat cuts at Avon Meat Market.
Old Hickory Smokehouse in Delanson opened in 2010. The small shop is only open Saturday and Sunday. Cardona's Market in Albany, celebrated its 75th anniversary, in 2021. The Cardona family bought Roma Foods in Latham and Saratoga. Cardona’s Market has a small butcher shop in its store… We love Cardona’s Porchetta sandwich!
Glen Eggelhoefer, who owns Rolf's Pork Store with his brother Edgar, sister Rita, and daughter Caroline, offers many German hams and wursts at their store in Albany. Rolf was their father, who was a butcher over in Germany and opened the store on the corner of Lexington and Sheridan Avenues in 1968… Wm. H. Buckley Farm has a small artisan butcher shop.
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Afghan Halal Meat, in Schenectady, and Alladin Halal Market, in Albany, NY, do not sell pork products.
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red the Butcher is one of the places we go to for German-style and Polish-style sausages — as well as Italian sausage and delicatessen meats,
cheeses, antipasto, and specialty salads… We love shopping at Fred’s for hardto-find items. We recently purchased fresh-made chorizo and a rack of lamb at Fred the Butcher to French cut and cook at home.
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Fred the Butcher carries the highest quality dry-aged Prime and Certified Angus Beef! Fred’s Smokehouses operate 24 hours a day, every day, featuring over 60 handcrafted quality items made the old-fashioned way! Fred the Butcher opened a second location in March 2021 on the site of the former Falvo’s Meat Market… The main shop on Route 9, in Halfmoon (Clifton Park), is almost 20 miles away. David MacVane Sr., after a career as Vice President of Certified Angus Beef, the world’s largest branded beef program, retired and became the majority owner of Fred the Butcher — with his two sons, David, Jr., and Dylan. The MacVanes partner is Alexander “Andy” Buonanno, son of the butcher shop’s founder. An Italian immigrant, Fred Buonanno died in 2011 at age 70. The gigantic butcher and gourmet shop has one of the biggest artisan meat departments we have ever seen—featuring chops, filet, poultry, pork, roasts, seafood, dry-aged beef, and steaks. Fred’s large deli, grocery, prepared foods, produce, and seafood departments make shopping a culinary experience. The gourmet cheese case selections are endless!
Fred the Butcher buys sides of Berkshire-bred pork raised by an Amish farmer near Johnstown — that the artisan butchers break down. And, they offer six (6) kinds of bacon and seven (7) types of their own brand of ham. The two locations combined offer more than 1,000 artisan products that bear the Fred the Butcher label. Both Fred the Butcher locations offer beef that is Primegrade American cuts, top-scale American Wagyu, and imported from Japan Wagyu… Shop there, today!
Now DELIVERING To Your Home
NOW WITH TWO LOCATIONS Shop In-Person or Mail Order
FREDTHEBUTCHER.COM
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Iron Chef Marc Forgione Celebrity Chef Spotlight Iron Chef Marc Forgione told me, “American Cut gives me the opportunity to redefine and reset the bar for the American steakhouse experience.”
by Food & Travel Editor David Long
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arc Forgione earned his title as "Iron Chef" after winning Food Network's "Next Iron Chef" competition, in 2010.
I first met Iron Chef Marc Forgone, in Atlantic City, NJ, when he partnered with LDV Hospitality, a leading hospitality group headquartered in New York City, to open the doors to his steakhouse, American Cut… A modern American steakhouse, American Cut, in AC, marked Chef Forgione’s first restaurant outside of his Michelin-starred, Restaurant Marc Forgione, in New York City. We thought it would be fitting to feature Iron Chef Marc Forgione in this issue of Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™ magazine — that highlights Certified Black Angus beef, artisan butchers, and dry-aged steaks. American Cut Steakhouse pays homage to the best original and aspirational New York dining experience, the steakhouse. LDV Hospitality, in partnership with Chef Marc Forgione, captures the nostalgic glamour of yesteryear and adapts this ambiance to today’s modern social life through these restaurants… American Cut combines bold flavors and a unique style to create Marc Forgione’s take on American classics. Iron Chef Marc Forgione shows his culinary skill for creating beautiful and bodacious surf and turf flavors. His ultimate twist on surf and turf is his show-stopping 28-day dry-aged, 40-ounce Tomahawk Rib-Eye Chop served with his delicate yet fulfilling Chili Lobster — as well as his famed Snowdance Farms Chicken Under-A-Brick dish for two — that he serves at his famed New York City restaurant. A mix of tableside preparations, including the OG 1924 Caesar Salad, creates a theatrical dining experience. In his eponymous restaurant, Chef Marc Forgione showcases his innovative yet approachable New American cuisine using the best seasonal and local ingredients. Opened in 2008 in TriBeCa with partner Chris Blumlo, Restaurant Marc Forgione attracts an eclectic mix of locals and visitors who come for the contemporary food and drink with friendly service in a comfortable setting. As the son of renowned chef Larry Forgione, Iron Chef Marc Forgione has been developing his skills in the kitchen since he was 16 years old, first at his father’s restaurant An American Place and then with notable chefs Kazuto Matsusaka, Patricia Yeo, Michel Guerard and Laurent Tourondel, executive chef and partner in the BLT ("Bistro Laurent Tourondel") Restaurant Group. Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
Prior to opening up Restaurant Marc Forgione, Marc served as chef de cuisine at BLT Prime, and played a key role in the openings of BLT Fish and BLT Market as well as the Washington, DC, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Dallas, Texas locations of BLT Steak… From these varied experiences, Iron Chef Forgione has created a straightforward American-style with bold flavors and playful touches. At Restaurant Marc Forgione the menus change frequently to showcase fresh ingredients, local farmers and purveyors, and new twists on seasonal American steakhouse and seafood dish favorites. On Monday, March 7, 2022 New York City lifted the Key to NYC Vaccine Mandate for indoor dining and at that time no longer required restaurant patrons to show proof of vaccination. At Restaurant Marc Forgione masks are now optional for the dining public and staff. 13
Gabriel’s has expanded their business and added a Wholesale custom cut shop. They offer the highest quality primal cuts to any Chef’s specific needs. Gabriel’s HACCP and USDA Certified wholesale division is able to supply restaurants and local venues with Custom Cut Orders of Prime, Choice, and Select meat. If you have any questions or inquiries please contact the Custom Cut Division by calling the store direct at (518) 355-2230.
1924 Curry Rd • Rotterdam, NY 12306 • Phone: 518-355-2230 255 Mohawk Ave • Scotia, NY 12302 • Phone: 518-370-0140 14
GABRIEL’S CUSTOM CUT MEATS TasteofSchenectady.com
www.gabfoods.com
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abriel’s Supermarkets are a full-line grocery store carrying over 2,000 items — including dairy, frozen, grocery, and toiletries for your everyday needs. And, the quality of the meat, deli, and produce departments are like none other in the area. Certified Angus Beef® Boneless NY Strip Steaks, Farm Fresh Super Tender Chicken Breasts (Boneless & Skinless), Farm Fresh Bone-in Center Cut Chops or Roasts, Lean and Tender Pork Loin Assorted Chops, Gabriel’s Store Made Stuffed Pork Chops, and Tasty Pork Loin Country-style Ribs, are favorite items that customers often find on Gabriel’s Weekly Flyer. Gabriel’s Supermarkets was honored and awarded the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Golden Grocer Award by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At the time, this award was only received by only two other grocers in the nation. Gabriel’s Supermarket was recognized as a “positive environment for all of its customers, including the disabled and the poor”. The USDA further commended Gabriel’s for providing home delivery service for the elderly and home-bound customers. Beef • Veal • Lamb • Pork • Poultry • Custom Cut Delicatessen • Breads & Rolls • Catering Assorted Cheeses • Bakery • Dairy • Produce Frozen • Grocery • Heat-and-Serve • Snacks Beer • Prepared Foods • Seasonal Items IG @GabrielMarkets • FB @GabrielsMarket USDA Prime beef is produced from young, well-fed beef cattle. Prime beef has abundant marbling (the amount of fat interspersed with lean meat) and is generally sold in restaurants and hotels. Prime roasts and steaks are excellent for dry-heat cooking such as broiling, roasting, or grilling. Gabriel’s custom cuts to each chef’s and/or customer’s specifications. Gabriel’s Custom Cut Meats delivers from their HACCP/USDA-inspected meat processing plant to restaurants using their own vans. Chefs and restaurant managers can call Gabriel’s Custom Cut Meats directly. They portion cut the finest USDA Certified Angus Beef® filet and steaks. All the artisan butchers at Gabriel’s Custom Cut Meats are HACCP Certified… Call Gabriel’s Custom Cut Meats division today! 1924 Curry Rd • Rotterdam, NY • 518-355-2230 255 Mohawk Ave • Scotia, NY • 518-370-0140
www.gabfoods.com
Adv
Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
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GRILLED STEAK SALAD 1 lb Black Angus beef steak
HOW TO GRILL CHOPS, STEAKS, FRESH FISH AND SIZZLING SEAFOOD by T o n y G o m e z
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rilling meat at home is a great way to spend time with your friends indoors or outdoors. However, it’s not that fun if the meat does not turn out to be tender and juicy. If you are planning on hosting a dinner for your friends and have your grill set up to cook meat and seafood, here are a few ways how to g rill chops, steaks, and sizzling seafood for a mouthwatering taste. 16 TasteofSchenectady.com
Goya® Adobo Seasoning, to taste 8 cups baby arugula and spinach fresh mix 12 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 medium red onion, sliced 1/4 cup black olives, sliced 1/4 cup Greek or Italian salad dressing 1/2 medium size ripe avocado, peeled, pitted
1. Instructions Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Sprinkle steak with Goya® Adobo Seasoning to taste. Grill 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until medium-rare doneness (140º F.) or (170º F.) for well done. Remove from the grill; tent cover loosely with foil. Let stand 5 minutes.
2. Instructions Meanwhile, toss the greens with tomatoes, onions and olives; place on a serving platter. Place the dressing and avocado in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
3. Completion Cut the steak across the grain into thin slices; place over salad. Drizzle with the dressing mixture. Serve with roasted garlic, and your choice accompaniments. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 19)
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The joy of cooking starts with where you buy your ingredients. Do you rush to the big box grocery store, or do you take your time, and shop at the many mom & pop gourmet shops, and specialty markets listed in this magazine? Foodies often ask why their chop or steak cooked at home has less flavor, taste, and texture than a restaurant’s version… The secret is that most chefs source only the best quality meats. Chefs and experienced home cooks also know that it is important to allow the meat to come to room temperature once taken out of the refrigerator (unless you’re about to cook Wagyu beef that literally can melt in your hand). Most steaks only need salt and pepper to season the meat. However, restaurant chefs will often rub salt and pepper on both sides of the steak with their bare hands. Goya® Adobo Seasoning pre-seasons fish, meat, and seafood well. It is important to get a good char (sear) on the sides and surface of lamb, pork, veal chops, and/or steaks. To achieve a nice sear, lightly grease and preheat a grill pan. Btw: A chef will often butter baste fish, meat, and seafood while the item is cooking in the pan…
Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
Marinade for Chops can be made by mixing 3-parts extra-virgin olive oil with 1-part red wine vinegar, herbs, garlic, shallot, spices, and cracked salt and pepper. Cross-hatch grill marks can be mastered by cleaning and preheating the grill to high. Place the steaks or chops onto the grate, lined up in the same direction. Wait 2 minutes before using a spatula or tongs to rotate the meat. A fortyfive-degree rotation will create a diagonal crosshatch or a 90-degree rotation will make a square cross-hatch. After about 2 more minutes, flip the meat and repeat the procedure. Exact cooking times will vary depending on your preference for doneness and the type of protein product.
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BUHRMASTER FARMS…
SPRING INTO GARDENING & MORE!
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or well over 50 years, Buhrmaster Farms has been fully commi9ed to offering the freshest local fruit, produce, and more! They provide garden plants and premium landscaping mulch—including red mulch, black mulch, cedar mulch, bark mulch, screened organic compost, garden soil and topsoil for delivery or pick-up. One of the easiest ways to prepare your outdoor space is to add a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture for your flowers and plants, and keeps down weeds. It oHen takes more mulch than people expect to cover a flower bed… Newly planted perennials need Lme to grow new roots before the hot summer weather sets in. Summer bulbs, such as alliums, agapanthus and cannas, should be planted in spring, when the soil is beginning to warm up… Make sure to add fresh mulch around all your new plants. Shop here for perennials and summer annuals to plant at home.
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) Buhrmaster Farms’ Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) works with you: The farm issues (sells) "shares" of their crop to the community. As your investment matures, you reap dividends in the form of a basket of fresh produce each week! Here's an example of a "Full Share”: A Share enLtles the customer to a weekly harvest of fresh produce — a full range of vegetables, herbs, and small fruit (berries). A Fruit Share includes tree fruits such as 20 Tasteofschenectady.com
peaches, plums, cherries, pears, and apples. The season runs June through October and their produce is available as harvested. Your shares will be provided in a half bushel basket. Pick up day for the CSA program is Thursday, between 1 pm to 6:30pm. Pick Your Own Flowers at the farm stand starts in July…Please visit www.buhrmasterfarms.com for more CSA informaLon. Buhrmaster Farms has a full line of arLsanal cheeses and bakery items — including pies, cakes, cookies as well as handmade fudge — and local and seasonal fresh fruits, flowers, shrubs and vegetables…
PICK YOUR OWN BERRIES Buhrmaster Farms’ "PICK YOUR OWN" Strawberry Patch is open from mid-June to July. "PICK YOUR OWN" Blueberries start in July — both located at the corner of Worden Rd and Swaggertown Rd, in ScoLa NY, 12302. Compost and mulch are available now! ADV.
Buhrmaster Farms
189 Saratoga Road (Route 50) Scotia, NY 12302 (518) 399-5931
www.buhrmasterfarms.com
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FISHMONGER [BUTCHER] A fishmonger is someone who sells raw fish and seafood. They are trained at selecting and purchasing, handling, gutting, boning, filleting, and merchandising fresh fish and seafood.
Taste of Schenectady and Beyond
For fresh fish and seafood shop at Fred the Butcher • 1473 Rt 9 • Clifton Park, Hooked Market & Kitchen • 1177 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY, and/or fin-your fishmonger • 2050 Western Avenue • Guilderland, NY 22
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NOW SERVING... BAKED OR BROILED ANKER'S FISH HOUSE • SCHENECTADY, NY Lou Anker opened Anker’s Fish House in 1950… The fourth owners, Kathy and Bob Servidone, have owned the business for 30 years. I walked into Anker’s Fish House on Altamont Avenue, in Schenectady, at press time to inquire whether or not owner Bob Servidone fillets his own fish. Not only does Bob fillet his own fish, Kathy told me that they have a new baked or broiled fish and seafood menu. The selections include Stuffed Haddock filled with shrimp and crab stuffing; Broiled Scallops, Baked Boston Blue Fish, Broiled Haddock, Stuffed shrimp, and Broiled Salmon.
“The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.” JULIA CHILD
GOURMET FRESH FISH FILLET, RAW BAR & SEAFOOD
HOOKED MARKET & KITCHEN • THE BOIL SHACK • UNION CAJUN SEAFOOD • JADE BISTRO • ZEN We love ordering fabulous fish and seafood dishes at Union Cajun Seafood & Wings on Upper Union Street in Schenectady... However, we recently ordered clams on the half shell at The Boil Shack, 59 Wolf Road, in Colonie. The owner of The Boil Shack, Bill Chow, was the culinary consultant who helped open Zen Asian Fusion in Schenectady and Jade Bistro in Scotia. At Hooked Market & Kitchen on Route 7, in Latham, we were impressed with the Oyster Raw Bar and its selection of fresh fish — opulent Ahi Yellowfin tuna, Mahi Mahi, Silk Snapper, etc... Check out all these restaurants and shops mentioned on both pages! Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
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by Food & Travel Editor David Long
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any Americans believe the dish Cioppino to be an Italian soup or stew that immigrants brought with them as part of their native recipes from Italy. The truth is that Cioppino was developed by an Italian immigrant living in San Francisco, California, in the late 19th century... Rather than Cioppino, the Italian seafood soup dish that most Italians are familiar with is Zuppa di Pesce, which translates in English to the term “soup of fish.” Zuppa di Pesce encompasses soup from most of the coastal regions of Italy. WE DO NOT put all the fish and seafood in the pot and let it cook in the sauce because we believe this method of cooking overcooks the fish and seafood. Instead, we cook the fish and seafood separately... We like to add bay leaves, garlic,
fennel seeds, fresh oregano, chopped fresh Italian parsley, and a chopped Creole Trinity (celery, onions, and sweet bell peppers) to our Zuppa di Pesce stock as it steeps for an hour. We remove the steamed clams and mussels, after they open, and continue to let the fish juices and seafood juices steep in the Marinara sauce for at least an hour — before plating the Zuppa di Pesce with the different cooked fish and seafood. Refreshed and cooked Bacalao, crab legs, calamari, sautéed shrimp, swordfish, and even lobster tails, or whole lobster can be added to the Zuppa... Serve Zuppa di Pesce over linguini with Italian bread for the Sicilian way of eating this seafood feast… We shop at our local family-owned markets for fresh fish, frozen fish, fresh herbs and vegetables, sauce, and fresh seafood to make Zuppa di Pesce enough to eat for several days! If you don’t care for seafood in red sauce, then make it in white clam sauce, or order a Seafood Combo from Union Cajun Seafood & Wings.
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Bellevue Café C AT E R I N G F O R A L L O C C A S I O N S by Melissa Hart
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n 1963, a man named Spiro Mikropoulos migrated to the U.S. from Greece and opened up Brandywine Diners. A few years later, in 1987, he along with his family moved to Rotterdam to open the Bellevue Café at 2630 Broadway. The restaurant underwent a huge renovation in 2018 and expanded — they added a banquet room that can accommodate up to fifty guests comfortably. Today, Spiro’s children, Didi, and Michael, offer the best food, dining, and service to countless satisfied guests.
Banquets, Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner, the Bellevue Café is open 7 days a week.
Spiro Mikropoulos
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2630 Broadway, Schenectady, NY 12306 (518) 393-7720 — thebellevuecafe.com
01 BANQUETS TO FIT YOUR BUDGET. The Bellevue Café specializes in banquets that can be tailored to fit almost any budget and taste. They also have highly trained staff that will make sure that your event kicks off with no problems — and that your guests are seated comfortably, and have everything they need.
02 Catering for all types of occasions… Book Now! Bellevue Café can help you plan the perfect anniversary party, banquet, birthday party, bridal shower, christening or first communion party, funeral repast, graduation party, holiday party — and small wedding reception on the premises!
03 Décor and a custom menu planned with you. Custom menus, stellar service, and finely curated food will indulge you, and all your guests’ senses. Call to plan your next banquet, catered affair, or small wedding reception — that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression for years to come. Adv
(518) 393-7720 thebellevuecafe.com
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Gershon's Deli is a family-owned caterer for deli, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and traditional-style foods
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istorically, the first bar mitzvah and later bat mitzvah represent the ceremonial recognition that a young person has reached the age when he or she is no longer a minor according to Jewish law; and thereby takes on new responsibilities as an adult. For boys, this age is 13, for girls, 12-years-old. Once upon a time, the word, "deli" was short for "kosher delicatessen," a restaurant that specialized in the cured meats and hearty fare of a Jewish immigrant community. Today, Gershon's Deli & Caterers still offers corned beef, brisket, pastrami, turkey, gourmet entrées, salads, smoked fish, soups, desserts, and much more! It all started in 1954 when Irv and Lena Gershon opened their deli. They quickly outgrew their original store and in 1956, moved across Union Street to the present-day location. Over the course of two decades, Gershon's Deli name spread throughout the region, along with a thriving catering service.
Gershon’s Deli & Caterers 1600 Union St. Schenectady, NY 12309 (518) 393-0617 • Breakfast and Lunch • Catering & Deli • Specialty Foods & Gifts • Order Pick-up • Order Delivery www.gershonsdeli.com
In 1973, Antonio "Tony" Lauria (born in 1954 in Sicily), immigrated at the age of 19 to the United States looking for work. That same year, Irv and Lena sold Gershon's Deli to their nephew Bob Lessner... Lauria purchased Gershon's Deli from Lessner, who referred to him as his "adopted son," in 1985... For the next 31 years with his business partner Lou Gregory (who retired in 2009), Tony Lauria presided over this legendary eatery, until his passing away on September 9, 2016. Next, Tony's daughters took over the business... Gershon's Deli is open Monday to Wednesday 7am-3pm • Thursday to Friday 7-6, and Saturday 7am-5pm (Sunday catering only). At Gershon's Deli, they take great pride in catering office lunches and corporate events — and catering family Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs, anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, and other special occasions. Whether you're looking to feed a crowd or having an intimate gathering of family and friends, let Gershon's Deli & Caterers help you plan your next event. At home or in the office, Gershon's always earns rave reviews for its signature platters, beef and chicken entrées, pasta dishes, appetizers, and world-famous desserts. From soup to nuts and everything in between, Gershon's Deli & Caterers make every occasion delicious! For catering call Gershon's Deli at (518) 393-0617.
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Cryptocurrency Dining “In the Capital District, the only restaurant that I am aware of that has pioneered the acceptance of cryptocurrency as a way to pay for food, is Roosters NY, in Rotterdam…" 30
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would have been a millionaire today, had I invested in Bitcoin — backed by Blockchain — just a short five years ago... In the Capital District, the only restaurant that I am aware of that has pioneered the acceptance of cryptocurrency as a way to pay for food, is Roosters NY, in Rotterdam… Carlo Vi s c u s i , a n d h i s d a d , Z i g g y, w e re a l re a d y renaissance men when it came to conceptualizing and building restaurant concepts. They're now ahead of the curve by accepting cryptocurrency. The world's richest man, Elon Musk of Tesla Technologies, has paved the way for introducing cryptocurrency as a way to pay for everyday purchases. Right now, consumers can go online and purchase all sorts of goods on Tesla's website... Roosters NY restaurant in Rotterdam, NY, is following Tesla's use of advanced technology to allow its savvy customers to pay for their meals and catering from each customer's own virtual wallet... And, the ability to pay for your meals with the cryptocurrency of your choice is awesome… Roosters NY restaurant accepts most brands of cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin (BIT), Ethereum (ETH), and Dogecoin (DOGE-USD). Blockchain is the technology that enables the existence of cryptocurrency (among other things). Bitcoin is the name of the best-known cryptocurrency, the one for which blockchain technology was invented. Blockchain is a system of recording information in a way that makes it difficult or impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system. Customers opt to make a payment in cryptocurrency at checkout (in-store, on the web, or in-app). They can use crypto to pay for food in three ways: using their app, or they can buy restaurant/ delivery service gift cards with crypto, or pay directly with crypto to a select number of restaurants and delivery services that accept cryptocurrency. Consumers pay Roosters NY an amount equal to the digital currency's fair market value at the time of the transaction. Then the cryptocurrency payment service instantly converts the payment into USD currency. And, that is exactly how using cryptocurrency at Roosters NY restaurant works.
On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, USA Today reported that "Elon Musk tweeted on Tuesday that he would eat a Happy Meal if McDonald's begins accepting Dogecoin as a form of payment…Some people use large amounts of cryptocurrency at one time for larger purchases such as paying for a catered banquet or reception, like a wedding if cryptocurrency is accepted… “Tesla allowed customers to buy its electric vehicles using bitcoin earlier this year”, according to CNBC. Roosters NY still accepts cash, debit, and credit cards — but has pioneered the acceptance of cryptocurrency to make it easier for millennials and older restaurant patrons — who buy and trade cryptocurrency for purchases — to exercise their financial freedom. Cryptocurrency — with a simple barcode scan — that is processed within seconds — has become popular, and more and more restaurants in major cities are accepting it. Make plans to dine out soon at Roosters NY, and make sure to request to pay your guest check with crypto!
ROOSTERS NY
2675 Hamburg St • Schenectady, NY (518) 930-2479
www.roostersny.com
Roosters NY offers breakfast sandwiches, French toast, omelet specials, pancakes, waffles — and their most-popular breakfast special, 2 eggs any-style with coffee and toast for just $2.99! Roosters NY lunch menu features creative burgers, luscious sandwiches served with fresh hand-cut french fries, fresh-made salads, a kid's menu, side dishes — and of course non-alcoholic beverages, as well as beer, cocktails, and wine from the Roosters NY in-house bar. Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
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SHOPPING
Gourmet Gift Ideas for
LOVED ONES
by Pamela Wayne
One of the most challenging aspects of gift-giving is deciding what to give. It’s an overwhelming process that requires a lot of time, effort, and attention to detail. However, if you have an adult child, parents, and/or a spouse who is passionate about cooking, drinking, and eating, then you have a lot of options when it comes to picking a gift for them. Read on to discover some gourmet gift ideas for your loved ones who love the art of cooking.
1. KitchenAid® Mixers If your gift recipient loves baking, the best gift that you can get is a premium KitchenAid® mixer. Trust us, they will eternally be grateful! KitchenAid’s stand mixers are a worldwide favorite among bakers, chefs, and home cooks. KitchenAid® mixers have remained a must-have counter appliance for an entire century now, and work efficiently to reduce the time spent on various tasks.
2. Gourmet Cutlery For a gourmand, fine dining is the most important aspect of enhancing the overall food experience. And what better way to enhance it than using gourmet cutlery? Gift your gourmand a selection of handmade gourmet cutlery that they can show off to their guests over the next dinner. Some home cook favorites include American-made knives like Cutco®, Wüsthof-Trident, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, or Japanese Kamikoto chef knives.
3. Cast-Iron, or 4. Espresso Machine Lodge Cast Iron has been making heirloom-quality cookware and accessories since 1896. If your loved ones invite people for dinner, you should get them a Lodge Cast-Iron deep kettle or skillet — also perfect for cooking meat or vegetables outdoors… You can also gift an espresso machine for after-dinner drinks. So that’s all, folks! These are some gourmet gift ideas for your loved ones who appreciate the fine art of cooking and dining. Surprise them with these gifts, and they’ll shower you with love — don’t forget flowers! 32
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www.frankgallo.com
Daily Delivery throughout the Capital District 7 days a week
Serving the Capital District since 1920
Contact us at
518.346.6171 frankgallo.com
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Foods for Better Health, Memory and Sleep by Jessica Diaz
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witching to healthy foods is not just limited to buying organic and non-fat ingredients from the grocery store or drinking smoothies all day. It is a complete mindset that involves opting for better cooking methods as well as good eating habits that contribute towards better health. To help you achieve this, here are some cooking tips and foods for better health, better memory, and much better sleep. Before we talk about foods that help improve your brain function, here are some cooking tips that contribute towards better overall health: Instead of cooking your food in oil, steam, grill, braise, boil or bake it. Modify the recipes that include butter or involve deep-frying food in animal fat. Cook in non-stick cookware to avoid adding a lot of oil or butter. Peel off the chicken skin and get rid of the fat. Avoid adding salt as the food is cooking. Make more recipes that include fish and raw vegetables, and legumes. Cook in vinegar, water, lemon juice, or wine instead of oil. Avoid boiling vegetables. Steam them instead. Add more stir-fry recipes to your diet. Now that you know how to cook healthy, here are some foods that you can include in your weekly recipes that offer better memory, better health, and better sleep:
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Oily Fish:
In addition to having the essential omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish is also known for inducing better sleep. You should add salmon, tuna, herring, trout, and sardines to your diet, as all of these are rich in fats.
Nuts and seeds are loaded with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for overall brain function and memory.
Berries
c o m e p a c k e d w i t h fl a v o n o i d
antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, thus improving your sleep quality.
Broccoli
is full of powerful antioxidants and
vitamin K, a cup of which offers more than the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. This vitamin is essential for improving your cognitive health and memory as it forms sphingolipids, which is a very common type of fat in the brain cells. Conclusion Make sure you follow these cooking tips and prepare foods that we have mentioned above to achieve improved brain function overall. All of these food sources are research-backed for offering cognitive benefits.
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by Lillian Peterson
How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Patio Living Space
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ummer is just around the corner, and so are poolside parties. One of the best parts about summer is going outdoors without having to wear multiple layers or worry about catching a cold. This season calls for poolside parties and sit-ins with your friends and family to soak all that sun in. But you know what makes this time of the year even more fun? An outdoor patio where you can relax with your friends and family after a long day at work. Outdoor living spaces not only help you soak in all that Vitamin D from the sun but also prove to be a great spot to unwind and connect with nature. Here’s how to create the perfect outdoor patio living space!
Get Contemporary and Comfortable Outdoor Furniture You can create an outdoor living space by getting cozy furniture that helps you make the most of your front yard or backyard. You should opt for stylish pieces of outdoor furniture that are not too bulky or heavy. Lay them around a comfortable and boho-style rug with a wooden table in the middle. You’ve got a perfect outdoor living space!
Consider Building a Pergola While soaking that sun in is healthy, you don’t want to get too hot or risk sunburn. Make sure you are safe from the sun rays or the rain by installing a pergola on the patio. In addition to offering just enough shade, it will also prove to be a beautiful spot for taking those Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest-worthy photos!
Create an Outdoor Kitchen You can’t have a good living space without a kitchen nearby. You can opt for an outside fixed kitchen. Many kitchen and bath designers can meet with you to discuss appliance choices, and construction costs. These are a few ways you can transform all that space in your front yard or backyard into a perfect outdoor patio living space. Time to enjoy the great outdoors and the season of grilling, relaxing, and socializing! 38
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Cabinets, Counters, Decor and How To Hire A Kitchen Designer by Fran Schmidt
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hether you’re trying to design, remodel, or build perspective, kitchens are typically the most complicated places to work with. Not only do you need to take the plumbing, electricity, gas lines, and general interior into account, but you also have to ensure everything is placed to offer complete functionality. The cabinets, counters, and décor need to be in the perfect spot. Considering that the process of setting up the kitchen interior can be so complex, do you really want to go at it by yourself?
The Benefits of Hiring a Kitchen Designer A lot of people feel paranoid about hiring a kitchen designer because they feel it would result in them having to give up control of their dream kitchen. That’s not the case. A good kitchen designer would work with you to bring your vision to reality while also ensuring that everything goes in the right place. A kitchen designer is trained and experienced in the art of setting up a kitchen. They will help you realize your kitchen the way you want effectively and with style.
Jaime and John Bergami of Homecrest Kitchens, Inc.
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A kitchen designer is trained and experienced in the art of setting up a kitchen. They will help you realize your kitchen the way you want effectively and with style.”
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You may not notice the importance of a simple cabinet swap or appliance change, but a kitchen designer would help you open up your mind to new perspectives and create the best possible layout for your kitchen. They will also know how to best use the available space of the interior, irrespective of the size of your kitchen. As a result, you’ll have a place that you truly enjoy cooking in and spending time with your family. Leaving your kitchen in the hands of a kitchen designer is arguably the best decision you can make. You may wonder why you should spend money on something when you can do it yourself, but in the long run, you’d be glad that you let a professional do the job.
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GOURMET SHOPS AND SPECIALTY STORES FISH & SEAFOOD MARKETS
BREAKFAST & DINERS
Anker’s Fish House 420 Altamont Ave • Schenectady, NY (518) 382-8842
Ambition Bistro 154 Jay St • (518) 382-9277
Combos Fish Fry 865 Crane St. • Schenectady, NY (518) 377-6636 Fin Your Fishmonger 2050 Western Ave • Guilderland, NY (518) 452-4565 Hooked Market & Kitchen 1177 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY (518) 389-6217
AnnaBelle’s Café 2621 Guilderland Ave • Schenectady (518) 377-7766 Bellevue Café 2630 Broadway• Rotterdam, NY (518) 393-7720 Broadway Lunch 2101 Broadway • Schenectady, NY (518) 372-3222
ETHNIC MARKETS
Blue Ribbon Diner 1801 State St • Schenectady (518) 393-2600
Farmer’s India Market 1814 Central Ave, Albany, NY (518) 869-2200
Bud’s on Jay Street 185 Jay St • Schenectady, NY (518) 952-4466
Timothy’s World-Ramesh West Indian Mkt 1028 State St. • Schenectady, NY (518) 346-8802
Duanesburg Diner & Restaurant 5156 Western Turnpike • Duanesburg, NY (518) 895-8843
BUTCHERS & FAMILY MARKETS
Gershon’s Deli & Bakery 1600 Union St. • Niskayuna, NY (518) 393-0617
Avon Market 1631 VanVranken Ave Schenectady, NY (518) 374-3197 Buckley Farm 946 Saratoga Road • Rt. 50 Ballston Lake (518) 280-3562 Dnipro Euro Foods 898 Loudon Rd • Latham, NY 12110 (518) 213-7007 Fred The Butcher • 1473 U.S. 9 • Clifton Park (518) 371-5333 • 386 Maple Road Slingerlands (518) 650-8849 Gabriel’s Supermarkets 255 Mohawk Ave Scotia, NY (518) 370-0140 1924 Curry Rd Rotterdam, NY (518) 355-2230 The Little Lamb's Chop Sahr’s Cash & Carry • 2068 Curry Rd Schenectady, NY (518) 357-3117 Niskayuna Food Co-Op 2227 Nott St Schenectady, NY (518) 374-1362
Mike’s Hot Dogs 1135 Erie Blvd • (518) 382-9213 Lily’s Café 181 Freemans Bridge Rd• Glenville (518) 393-3060 Newest Lunch 715 Albany St • Sch’dy, NY (518) 377-6580 Peter Pause Italian Restaurant 535 Nott St • Schenectady, NY (518) 382-9278
Full Belly Deli & Bakery 2601 Guilderland Ave, Schenectady, NY (518) 280-5272 La Gioia Deli 2003 Van Vranken Ave • Schenectady, NY (518) 372-2949 Perreca’s Bakery & More Perreca’s 33 W. Jay St • Schenectady, NY (518) 372-1875 Villa Italia Bakery 226 Broadway • Schenectady, NY Schenectady (518) 355-1144
GOURMET • PASTA • SAUCE • MORE Cardona’s Latham Market 9 Cobbee Rd, Latham, NY (518) 785-7480 • Albany • Saratoga Casa Visco Sauces 819 Kings Rd, Schenectady, NY (518) 377-8814 Hickory Hill Smokehouse 3 Courtney Dr • Delanson, NY Sat-Sun Only (518) 875-6048
Redwood Diner 2688 Hamburg St • Sch’dy (518) 355-9522
HOME • KITCHEN • COOKBOOKS
Roosters NY 2675 Hamburg St • Rotterdam, NY (518) 930-2479 Scotia Diner 114 Mohawk Ave • (518) 372-9776 Skyport Diner 35 Freemans Bridge Rd (518) 382-9773
Rolf’s Pork Store 70 Lexington Ave • Albany, NY (518) 463-0185
Union Café 1725 Union St • Sch’dy, NY (518) 280-1600
DELI AND MORE Arthur’s Market & Café 35 N Ferry St • Schenectady, NY (518) 709-0019
The Big Body Butcher 2008 Central Ave • Colonie, NY 12205 Behind Men’s Inc (518) 414-3260
Bagels and Bakes 1927 Curry Rd • Rotterdam, NY (518) 355-6801
Vito A. Sindoni & Son Sausage 1070 Settles Hill Rd, Altamont, NY (518) 374-7900
Blue Rose Cheesecake & Bake Shop 1815 State St • Schenectady, NY (518) 393-2765
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For The Love of Bacon • Mariaville Farm 834 Duanesburg Road • Schenectady (518) 280-4760
Pede Brother’s Pasta 582 Duanesburg Rd • Schenectady, NY (518) 356-3042
Tops American Grill, Bakery & Bar 351 Duanesburg Rd • Rotterdam, NY (518) 355-9864
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Civitello’s Italian Pastry Shoppe 42 N Jay Street • Schenectady, NY (518) 381-6165
Point Café 964 Helderberg Ave • Sch’dy (518) 395-9717
Predel’s Ranch 59 Garnsey Rd • Rexford, NY (518) 399-0265
Sal’s Quality Market 2713 Guilderland Ave • Sch’dy (518) 346-0408
Capri Imports Italian Deli 2617 Broadway • Schenectady, NY (518) 346-6511
Different Drummer Kitchen Supply 1475 Western Ave • Albany, NY 12203 (518) 459-7990 Earl B. Feiden Appliance • 1771 U.S. 9 • Clifton Park, NY • 785 Route 9 • Latham, NY • (518) 383-2215 • (518) 785-8555 Green’s Appliance 1207 Central Ave • Albany, NY 12205 (518) 458-7994 Homecrest Kitchens, Inc 110 Freemans Bridge Rd • Scotia, NY (518) 370-3110 Marcella's Appliance Center 560 Broadway • Schenectady, NY (518) 381-1957 Open Door Bookstore 128 Jay Street • Schenectady, NY (518) 346-2719 Spoon & Whisk • 1675 U.S. 9 Clifton Park, NY (518) 371-4450 The Schenectady Trading Company 609 Union St • Schenectady, NY (518) 280-3036
FARM STANDS AND COUNTRY STORES
FLORISTS
Brown’s Family Farm Stand 1174 Fort Hunter Rd Schenectady, NY 12303 (518) 836-4806 • Firewood in Season
Frank Gallo & Son Florist 1601 State St • Schenectady, NY (518) 399-2424
Buhrmaster Farms 189 Saratoga Rd • Scotia, NY 12302 (518) 399-5931
WINE, BEER & SPIRITS
Fo'Castle Farm Country Store 166 Kingsley Rd Burnt Hills, NY 12027 (518) 399-8322 Hungry Chicken Country Store Rotterdam Junction 661 River Rd #6505 Schenectady, NY 12306 (518) 879-9442 Lakeside Farms 336 Schauber Rd • Ballston Lake, NY (518) 399-8359 Mariaville Farm 834 Duanesburg Road • Schenectady (518) 280-4760
CANDY • CHOCOLATE • NUTS • MORE
Annand Wine & Liquor 1437 Broadway • Schenectady, NY (518) 374-8329 Boscia’s Liquor Discount 2710 Broadway • Bellevue Schenectady, NY (518) 346-5706 Capital Wine 348 State & Lark Streets Albany, NY (518) 689-0160 Englebardt’s Wine & Liquor 511 Union St • Schenectady, NY (518) 372-4788 Freemans Bridge Wine & Liquor 100 Freemans Bridge Rd Scotia, NY (518) 688-0789
Bittersweet Candy 173 Jay Street • Scotia, NY 12302 (518) 280-6061
Glenville Beverage 96 Freemans Bridge Rd Scotia, NY (518) 374-4615
Krause's Homemade Candy 1609 Central Ave • Albany, NY 12205 (518) 869-3950
Goosehill Wine & Liquor 1529 Van Vranken Avenue Schenectady, NY (518) 357-3545
Uncle Sam's All-American Chocolate Factory 2571 Albany Street • Schenectady, NY (518) 372-2243
Great Flats Brewing Company 151 Lafayette Street Schenectady, NY (518) 280-0232
What's Poppin Albany Kohl’s Plaza 1814 Central Ave • Albany, NY 12205 (518) 704-3936
SPICES • OILS • VINEGARS East To West Spice Company 16 Edison Street • Schenectady, NY 12306 (518) 918-7870 Oliva! Gourmet Olive Oils & Vinegars Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Ave • Albany, NY 12203 (518) 482-3866 Penzeys Spices Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Ave • Albany, NY 12203 (518) 650-8364 Testa's Pantry • Balsamics & Olive Oils 600 Franklin Street • Suite 104 Schenectady, NY 12305 (518) 669-3755
TO LIST YOUR GOURMET SHOP FOR FREE IN OUR GUIDE CALL: (518) 831-0534
JC Discount Wine & Liquor 2315 Curry Rd, Schenectady, NY (518) 952-7933 King Cork Wine & Liquor 2430 Watt St • Schenectady, NY (518) 393-3955 Mad Jack Brewing Company 237 Union Street Schenectady, NY (518) 348-7999 Scotia Wines & Spirits 25 Mohawk Ave • Scotia, NY (518) 346-1872 United Wine Liquor 1650 Eastern Pkwy Schenectady, NY (518) 346-8085 Uptown Beverage 1866 Altamont Ave (518) 355-2305 Ferreira-Carpenter Estates Try our variety of family made wines For wholesale inquires call: (518) 598-4854
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Take a Cultural Food Tour by Amy Koren-Roth, Taste & Tour Coordinator
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ood is a tasty way to sample a cuisine, a country, a region and even your home turf. When you travel, being on location will engage all of your senses with different views, unusual sounds and unfamiliar scents. Looking for a way to recapture what travel offers? Consider savoring a brand new cuisine to be transported to a fresh place and expose the senses to novel experiences, while restoring the spirit. It looks as though 2022 might again be a year that challenges the traveler with uncertainty. We have some suggestions that may satisfy the urge to travel albeit differently.
EXPLORE NEW TO YOU RESTAURANTS Fortunately, the Capital Region has restaurateurs who have brought their native cuisine with them. Based on ingredient availability, it is possible that traditional dishes may be slightly modified while still capturing the authentic flavors. Many of these 46
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restaurants also import ingredients and sell them in their shops. Is there a country you are dreaming of visiting or wish to remember from travels past? Whether you order take out or feel comfortable dining out – you can travel the globe one meal at a time in Albany, Troy, Schenectady and surrounding areas. We have a number of restaurants from 5 of the 7 continents, only Antarctica and Oceania aren’t represented.
EXPAND YOUR COOKING REPERTOIRE Virtual cooking classes are a fun way to connect with family and friends, no matter where they reside. This past year, we gifted our loved ones an online falafel making class (from Traveling Spoon), taught by a mother and daughter team cooking from their home in Lebanon. We were all learning together and got to share our successes and challenges family style.
Local chefs also offer online cooking classes and some organizations offered an online, multi-day cooking extravaganza with chefs and experts from around the world sharing their expertise. All recipes and ingredient lists were provided in advance; you could cook along or you could just watch and take notes for future culinary experimentation. The Capital Region has just had a new culinary studio open – La Centralita, offering small, in-person classes (limit 4-10 participants) where you can enjoy and learn about the gastronomy of Spain. A friend and I have signed up together for a Saturday afternoon class to celebrate our shared birthday month. Like traveling with a friend, we will be learning more about Spain and creating memories together. The Upper Hudson Library system offers access to wonderfully diverse cookbook collections from all of our local libraries. These cookbooks are filled with wonderful photos, history of the dishes, a description of the ingredients and local culture. Not only will you expand your recipe repertoire, you will learn which dishes you like and want to experience in person when you can travel to that country on your bucket list.
SHOP AT LOCAL WORLD MARKETS When I lived in Flushing NY, almost every block was a representation of immigrants from different countries: Israel, Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan, India, Greece etc. I felt like I was traveling the world when I browsed their markets — discovering unfamiliar ingredients to try — often described in native language only. In addition, there were restaurants representing the different cuisines on those blocks as well. Luckily, in many larger cities, you don’t have to rely on Amazon orders or the small international food sections in your local supermarket chains. Your local food coop may have many harder to find items as well. My favorite shopping excursion however, is to the many specialty markets (there are many listed in this magazine) for Halal food, Indian, Chinese (with ingredients from a number of Asian countries), etc. They stock the spices commonly used in their recipes (in larger quantities and better prices than the larger spice chains). The fresh produce selection is broader and more reasonably priced than the chain supermarkets, too. They serve as the perfect setting to get inspired for new recipes and will invite you to enter the mindset of the country you will be bringing to the table. Instead of a trip down memory lane, you could be foreshadowing a trip to a future destination you have yet to explore. Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
SIGN UP FOR A FOOD TOUR Whether you are a local taking a food tour in a city you know or a visitor exploring a new city, food tours are a great way to feel like you are actually traveling. You will sample tastes and sips from 5-7 different independent restaurants, get a sense of that city’s history and learn the backstory of the restaurants as well. Food tourism is one of the newest tour options in travel and luckily many secondary markets and large cities have wonderful food tours from which to choose. Most tours will already have 2022 tour dates posted on their websites, so start planning for your warmer weather fun now! Amy Koren-Roth is a Capital District former public health nutritionist — who is passionate about exciting others to dine out, learn about history, and gourmet shops — she inspires people to walk. Amy, and her husband, have traveled extensively in the US and more than 30 countries. In May 2016, she launched TASTE OF TROY FOOD TOURS. The progressive taste and walking tour company began in Troy, then expanded to Albany. Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™ and Amy plan to soon partner with Schenectady food businesses to do tasting events… Stay tuned!
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BARGAIN SHOPPING
FLEA MARKETS
& VINTAGE STORES by A m a n d a W a l s h
I
t is always fun to stop at outdoor flea markets and vintage stores for antiques/collectible shopping. If you are someone who loves
collecting things, exploring the market, and hunting for deals, then these spots have a lot to offer to you. From antique wall frames to collectible jewelry, you can find any and all kinds of wonderful things at literally bargain prices. You will almost feel like a treasure hunter looking for a lost treasure in the market. What makes these shopping arenas most coveted is that the proprietors often carry unique items, meaning you have a high chance of finding antique valuables. 48 TasteofSchenectady.com
Stroll, dine, shop and be entertained in what is the heart of Schenectady. Schenectady's only block long, brick paved, pedestrian only street; the Jay Street Marketplace.
How To Find Collectibles
Ashok “Andy” Mirpuri of Paisa Mizer passed away in October 2019. His wife of 46 years, DeeDee, is working on reopening the shop… Here’s why you should always stop at flea markets and vintage stores for antiques, clothing, and collectibles.
You Feel Proud of Yourself
Most newspapers list flea markets and garage sales weekly. Schenectady’s Jay Street Marketplace offers many new items and vintage shops to buy collectibles—and places to dine. If you always pass by outdoor flea markets and vintage stores to avoid collectible shopping, then you are missing out on a chance of getting your hands on the best deals. The next time you have time on the weekend, shop at a flea market and/or vintage shop!
jaystmarketplace.com
Let’s face it. Most people feel guilty after spending hundreds of dollars at a store to buy furnishings and decor items for their house. It’s very expensive, and there is no fun in that. On the other hand, if you find a rare collectible at a vintage store, like Remember When Antiques & Collectibles, at Routes 7 & 20, in Duanesburg, you will feel a sense of achievement in collecting and restoring the item.
It Is A Bargain! F lea markets and vintage stores offer incredibly low-priced items. You can literally get a lot of things under $10. Not only does it save you a lot of money, but it also offers the thrill of finding a one-of-a-kind and expensive-looking souvenir that you can fur nish your home with.
You Feel Nostalgic Want to relive the good ol’ days of vinyl records and board games? Want to take a trip down your memory lane? You can find hundreds of items from the past that will feel like basking in nostalgia. From vintage vinyl records, and CDs, to retro games and toys, you can find almost anything at The Re-Collector at the Jay Street Marketplace in Sch’dy. Taste of Schenectady® and Beyond™
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Camping, Cooking, Fishing, and Hiking
Outdoors in The Catskills by John Williams
T
he Catskill Mountains have been a great escape for New Yorkers to unwind and spend time in nature. From hiking trails and fishing streams to camping stops and mountain trails, you can find a lot of things to do in the Catskill. Pristine open spaces and freshwater streams can also give you a much-needed escape from the busy city life of New York State. Minnewaska State Park is a great allseason spot located in Ulster County. This beautiful green space offers a lot of things to do, including swimming, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and more. It is the most familyfriendly park you can visit with your kids to make the most of nature. Here are the things you can do at the Minnewaska State Park: The High Peters Kill Trail is a 6.5-mile long trail that is moderately trafficked with people all the time. It is a back trail located near Gardiner that offers stunning views of nature, including a 50
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river. The best time to go hiking with your family on this trail is from April until November. Have a Bonfire: Cooking outdoors with your family is always going to be the best experience. You can enjoy cooking and eating around a bonfire near stunning views with your family. If you are into grilling, you can take an outdoor grill along and cook some delicious steaks. Go Fishing: You will find a lot of fishing streams and rivers on your trip to Minnewaska State Park. If you are into fishing, you can spend quality time with your kids and teach them how to fish. Afterward, you can grill the fish and enjoy a fresh meal outdoors. Visit: https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html Conclusion: You should know that Minnewaska State Park gets busy in the evening. So if you want to secure a parking spot, you should get there early. Make sure to check their website before visiting to learn about the activities happening and whether the parking lots are full or not.
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