Food Trucks are back!

If you've been wondering when the food trucks were returning to their stations surrounding West Capitol Park, wonder no more. The Times Union reported that today is their first day back in action. It's a great sign of spring, though the temperatures hover in the low 40s today.

Downtown Bayou Cafe to Recieve Makeover

              The Bayou Cafe in Downtown Albany will receive a full transformation over the next month according to the Times Union. Included in the changes will be a new name for the venue, The Hollow Bar and Kitchen. The new name reportedly comes from the restaurants location at the foot of the Sheridan Hollow neighborhood.
                Updates to the restaurant will also include be a newly renovated, more relaxed atmosphere, as well as kitchen updates to offer a heartier menu. The new focus of the restaurant will be providing a stronger menu to patrons. The new menu is set to premier at Downtown Albany Restaurant Week April 20-26. French onion soup with Guinness, wild mushroom risotto, grass-fed beef short ribs, and creme brulee will be among the items offered during Restaurant Week.
                Fans of the Bayou will still have some opportunities to enjoy it's current state, the Cajun menu will stay in tact until Restaurant week with daily specials being offered from the upcoming menu. The owner, Mike Philip, also plans to keep the large bar and performance space as is with intentions of continuing live performances at the venue.
                For more on the Bayou's upcoming improvements, you can read the entire Times Union Article here.

New World Bistro Bar Celebrates 4th Anniversary!

New World Bistro Bar is set to celebrate its Fourth Anniversary March 18-24th with a week of special menus and contests.

Patrons dining at the Bistro this week will receive a raffle ticket with the opportunity to win a number of prizes from free appetizers and/or desserts to a five-course chef's tasting dinner for a party of six!

The anniversary week celebrations will also include meals from past menus and popular specials. In it's tenure in Albany, New World Bistro Bar has offered 16 different menus. Past favorites are sure to be available at this year's celebration.

The New World Bistro Bar is owned and operated by Annette Nanes and Scott Meyer, with menus created by Chef Consultant Ric Orlando. Chef Ric's menus provide a variety of food options including American, burgers, seafood, vegan, and vegetarian.

The Bistro Bar is open Sunday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a Bar and Tapas menu available later in the day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Reservations are not required but strongly recommended (hint, hint) and can only be made by calling (518) 694-0520. New World Bistro Bar is located at 300 Delaware Avenue next to the Spectrum 8 Theatres.

Marché to host Traditional St. Patrick's Day Buffet

Marché will host their Best Traditional St. Patrick's Day Buffet in Albany on Saturday, Mar 16 from noon to 6 p.m.

The Traditional Irish Buffet menu will include: corned beef brisket, boiled potatoes and, cabbage, carrots with lemon-parsley butter, rich and hearty lamb stew, and Irish soda bread.

Marché is located right on the parade route and will feature live music all day and night.

Culinary with a Cause: Taste of Albany sets May 2 Event Date

One of the tastiest culinary events of the year, A Taste of Albany, will take place on May 2 at the New York State Museum. Last year's event sold out at 500 attendees and raised more than $100,000 for the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless.

Be sure to buy your tickets early, as this popular event is sure to sell out once again. The event is $70 per person or $60 for those under the age of 30, and includes complimentary food tastings, wine, beer, and soda. In addition to the stunning view of the Empire State Plaza, live music, actions, and raffles will complete the atmosphere and events!

Guests enjoying the Carousel at A Taste of Albany last year!
Photo courtesy of Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless

The event kicks off with a VIP and Sponsor Reception from 5-6 pm, and the main event runs from 6 - 8 pm.

Some event highlights include:

• Red Carpet Entrance sponsored by the Capital Alliance of Young Professionals
• Photo booth donated by Dancin’ Time Entertainment
• Raffle sponsored by Central Avenue BID
• Complimentary Caricatures donated by Jeanne Benas
• Carousel Rides sponsored by the Goia family

Some of the participating restaurants include Yono's, Albany Pump Station, Angelo's 677 Prime, New World Bistro Bar, The Century House, and We Do Fondue.

Wine and Smiles! Can't get much better than that.
Photo courtesy of Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless

Tickets may be purchased and a list of other participating restaurants can be found on the event website: www.atasteofalbany.com.

See you there!

Yono's makes Open Tables Top 100 List!

Yono's is on a role! Last month the fine-dining restaurant was nominated for a James Beard Award (for their wine selection). This month the good news continues as Yono's was ranked one of the top 100 great service restaurants in America by Open Table.

The Business Review, who broke this story, also noted that Yono's was one of only two restaurants in the state of New York that made the list. For more information on Yono's latest achievement read the entire story here. You can also find Open Tables Top 100 List here.