Upstate Fare 2023

The Daily Star’s Guide to

FARE Upstate

Taste of Summer 2023

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK LOCALLY THIS SUMMER

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Tips for taking advantage of local patios

Nothing says summer like dining outdoors. Follow these tips for a comfortable, relaxed and hassle-free experience.

The sun’s rays are strongest at midday, so if want to enjoy an outdoor lunch, it’s best to re quest a table in the shade. If none are available, keep the sun off your head with a hat. You should also protect your skin by applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside, and then reapply every two hours. Finally, be sure to remember your sunglasses.

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If you’re planning on enjoying cocktails or wine on the patio, keep in mind that the combination of sun and alcohol can quickly intoxicate and dehydrate you. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and let someone else drive you home if you get too tipsy.

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EEP PESTS AWAy

Insects like wasps, bees and mosquitoes are attracted to the foods and drinks served on patios. Use a bug repellant to keep mosquitoes away, be careful when you shoo away bees and if you have an allergy, don’t forget to bring your epinephrine injector.

Remember that the weather can change quickly, even on the most pleasant of summer days. Think ahead by carrying a light sweater or shawl, even if the forecast says it’ll stay warm. — Newspaper Toolbox

Take a bite out of summer at these local eateries!

COOPERSTOWN:

• Mel’s at 22

• Natty Bumppo’s

MORRIS:

• Weaver’s Farm Market

ONEONTA:

• Adaline Ice Cream

• Asian Cuisine & BA

• Brooks’ House of BBQ

• Fiesta Mexican Grill & Cantina

• Nina’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

• Plaza Diner

• Simply Thai

• Social Eats

• Tokyo Japanese Cuisine Tavern

• Wise Guys Sammys

Large group dining etiquette

Dining out presents an opportunity to socialize with friends and family and enjoy a break from cooking. It also offers a chance to try new cuisines and support local restaurants.

It likely comes as no surprise how popular dining out has become. According to a 2020 study by ICSC, nearly 163 million people (64 percent of adults) dine out at least once a week. Around 50 percent of respondents indicated dining out is an essential part of their lifestyles, and convenience is a prime reason for eating out.

When dining out, individuals may want to share the experience with others. While large groups can have successful outings, making these experiences better for all involved comes down to focusing on etiquette. Here are some dos and don’ts of dining out with large groups.

DO make a reservation with the restaurant as far in advance as possible. At the very least, call ahead to see if the establishment takes reservations (some do not) and find out their policies regarding large groups.

DON’T stagger the group’s arrival. Every-

one should arrive at the established time for prompt service and to make it easier on the restaurant staff. Wait until your entire party has arrived before asking to be seated. DO bring cash along, as that makes it easier to divide the bill and the tip among diners.

DON’T ignore the gratuity policies of the restaurant. Certain establishments automatically apply a gratuity to the bill, typically around 18 percent, for large parties. Check the bill for such a gratuity to avoid tipping twice.

DO enlist a person in charge at the table to facilitate ordering and keep the momentum of the meal. This helps keep everyone

on track.

DON’T assume that the restaurant can simply add a few more seats for last-minute invitations. Keep the restaurant apprised if someone needs to be added or removed from the reservation. Consider giving a final head count and confirm the reservation the day before.

DO find out if the restaurant offers a “party pricing” deal. If your crowd is large, it may make things easier to limit offerings to a set price-fixed party menu. This way everyone knows ahead of time they can expect to pay $30 per head, or whatever the cost is before added beverages.

DON’T forget to discuss how the bill will be divided. Some people may be amenable to splitting costs evenly. However, if someone orders filet mignon and another orders a small salad, the cost disparity is significant. Be up front with the server regarding whether you’ll need separate checks.

Dining out with a crowd can be an enjoyable experience. Keep courtesy in mind at all times. — Metro Creative Services

How to make a staycation feel more like a getaway

Come vacation season, individuals and families are fixated on finding something fun to do while they are off from school or work. Immediate thoughts of vacationing probably call to mind hopping a plane to some far-away destination, but vacationing also can take place right at home.

The popularity of the staycation reached new heights when people were grounded close to home during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the stayat-home vacation isn’t showing any signs of disappearing just yet — especially with inflation and financial instability sparking concern among consumers. Many people are continuing to keep their passports stashed away for another year and looking for adventures closer to home.

Just because people are not traveling great distances doesn’t mean they can’t experience the perks of a full-fledged vacation. The following are some ways to make a staycation feel like a true getaway. Order in or dine out

Part of what makes vacationing so fun is getting a break from kitchen duty for a few days. Even if you’re staycationing, you can

still let someone else be responsible for your meals. Purchase bulk items that hotel breakfast bars typically stock and set them up buffet-style at home. As family members awake, they can help themselves to the offerings. Set aside a reasonable budget for take-out or restaurant dining. Pick one night of the staycation when you splurge on a more elaborate meal at a restaurant you always wanted to try.

Go sightseeing

It’s easy to overlook nearby sights and attractions when you live in a particular area. But part of vacationing is taking in the local points of interests. Find sights that make your town or city unique and then enjoy a day or two as a tourist.

Try a new activity

Book an activity you’ve never tried before, such as an afternoon at a driving range or a skydiving simulation center. Excursions often are part of vacations, so simulate those experiences while on staycation.

Relax at the beach

Beachside trips are quite popular for vacations, and they can be the same for those on a staycation. Find out if a beach club offers day passes or perhaps you can utilize a guest pass from a club member and while away the hours enjoying the sand and waves.

Staycations can take a page from traditional vacations, offering the same enjoyment only closer to home. — Metro Creative Services

YOuR GuIDE TO planning a night out

Stress is an all too common byproduct of overworking. Many successful professionals do not utilize all of their vacation time, which can compound existing stress. Nights out may be rare as well, and that can be a mistake. Going out provides a reprieve from the daily grind and enables people to socialize, spend quality time with spouses or dates, enjoy informal therapy sessions with friends, and offers changes of scenery.

When a night out is on the horizon, adults can keep these tips in mind to make the most of the situation.

• Appoint an organizer. You know who the person in charge should be. He or she is a naturally take-charge individual who is great at organizing. There is likely one or two in your social circle. That’s the person who should be tasked with planning the final details and communicating with everyone who’s coming along.

• Be firm with the date and time. Trying to pick a date and time that everyone can agree to could prove impossible. There is nothing you can do about that. Find a time and date that works best for the majority and then hope others will be able to change their schedules.

• Set up a social media event or group chat. It’s easier if everyone can communicate through the same media, whether that’s Facebook, Snapchat, texting, or WhatsApp. This way everyone will be privy to the same information in real time.

• Secure a fixed menu. Anyone who has tried to split the check with a crowd at the end of the evening knows those calculations are difficult. If possible, work with a venue that offers prix fixe menus that allow everyone to pay the same amount across the board. If possible, convince everyone to bring cash or even pay the organizer in advance for their share.

• Secure transportation. Chances are you want to have a few drinks while out. The safest way to get to and from the event is to select a designated driver or split a rideshare among the group. Avoid overindulging in alcoholic beverages, which could jeopardize your safety.

• Choose a place everyone loves. It’s difficult to turn down a night out when it is at a place everyone enjoys, whether it is a trendy gathering spot or the local haunt. Select food that appeals to the masses as well. Reserve sampling unique cuisine for when you head out with a small group.

• Focus on the activity. Think about gearing the night out around an activity rather than just eating and drinking. Head to a driving range, an escape room, a paint and sip shop, or a hatchet-throwing business. Less focus on imbibing can make for a safer evening for all.

Nights out are a chance to relax and unwind in social settings. Such excursions are even more relaxing when they’re wellplanned. — Metro Creative Services