New Year's Eve: Food & Fun in Albany

If New Year's Eve has lost it's luster, then you haven't experienced it in Albany! The best restaurants are offering menus you won't be able to resist. Here's a summary of what's going on for this New Year's Eve: 

Specials & Live Music at The Ginger Man
Special dinner menu followed by a late night menu with live music from Sensemaya! Ring in the New Year with a complimentary class of champagne. More info>

New Year's Groovin' Eve at the Albany Marriott
Recreate the glory days of the 60s and 70s at the Albany Marriott! Enjoy dinner, dancing, live music, a champagne toast and a cash bar. You can even stay the night. More info>

New Year's Eve at 677 Prime
Angelo's 677 Prime will be open on New Year's Eve from 11:30 on. Make your reservations now to ring in the New Year in fashion! More info>

New Year's Eve at Cafe Capriccio
Celebrate New Years Eve at Cafe Capriccio. They will be serving a special set five course menu full of your favorite Italian specialties at $85.00 per person. More info>

New Year's Eve Masquerade
Dress to impress for this after masquerade dinner party at The Pearl Street Pub. For only $55 enjoy an open bar from 10pm-1am. More info>

New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Dinner Menu at The Hollow
Enjoy a delicious mean prepared by 'Rising Star Chef' competition Winner for the 2016 Albany Chef's Food & Wine Festival for only $66 per person! Reserve your spot now for one of the two meal times. More info>

New Years Eve 2016 at City Beer Hall
Enjoy New Years Dinner at City Beer Hall, and stay for the late night dance party! Enjoy dinner from 5-9pm and stay for the countdown, balloon drop, champagne toast and of course a huge dance party from 10 until very late. More info>

New Year's Eve Party at Blue 82
The legendary party of the year on NYE includes open bar for 4 hours, a champagne toast at midnight, DJ, party favors & hors d'ourves! More info>

Ring in 2016 at The Desmond
Dress for the occasion and party like a Rockstar the last night of 2015 at the hottest party in Albany! More info>

The Barrel Saloon Presents: A Beef & Flannel New Years
Smoked brisket, good beer, and a comfortable flannel? For only $50 you'll enjoy as much smoked brisket, Texas sides and Shinerbock beer as you can during the two hours of the party. More info>

The Capital American Eatery New Years Eve Dinner
Head into downtown Albany for a four course meal with a wine pairing for each course for only $65. Make your reservation now! More info>

Dave & Buster's 18+ New Year's Eve Ball Drop Party!
Choose from a few incredible packages this New Year's for delicious food and tons of game play! More info>

Dave & Buster's Family Fun New Year's Eve!
Ring in the New Year with your family at Dace & Buster's! Excitement is in store with their New Year’s Eve package which combines all the food & fun. More info>

Check out the full calendar of events for more things happening this New Year's.

Holiday Dessert Guide: Albany's best bakeries, shops, & more

Ah, the Holiday Season. A party or get-together every other day, endless treats in the office gathering place, and never enough time to get all of the shopping done AND create the perfect dessert to bring to your family's gathering. 

Don't worry! We can help you find the dessert you can order, pick up, or purchase that won't disappoint because even if you didn't make it, it is homemade with love... by someone. 

Pie - In my family, it's just not the holidays without pie. Pecan, pumpkin, apple, blueberry, peach, wheat (yes, wheat), you name it, it's probably on the table or somewhere near it. And don't forget the homemade whipped cream! If you don't have the time to bake the perfect pie for your next gathering, no worries! Try these local businesses:

• Goold Orchards: 

• Choose from their wide selection of pies! Call ahead to order 518-732-7317.
• Hours this week:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 AM-5 PM, Thursday 9 AM-3 PM, Closed Friday, Re-Open Saturday, December 26, 11 AM-4 PM.

• Grandma's Pies:
• Taking pie orders in person or over the phone 518-459-4585.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 AM-10:30 PM, Thursday, December 24 pie pick up 6 AM-3 PM, Closed Friday. 

Chocolate - For those who may not like pie, chocolate is usually a pretty good alternative. It also makes an incredible last minute gift for that selective person on your gift list. Luckily, the Capital Region is full of incredible chocolatiers.

• Krause's Candy:
• Chocolate covered nuts, fudge, petit fours, gift boxes, and so much more! Call for more info & to place an order ahead of time 518-869-3950.
• Hours this week: Monday-Wednesday open 10 AM-6 PM, Thursday 10 AM-4 PM, closed Friday & Saturday. 

• Uncle Sam's Candy:
• Uncle Sam's offer butter crunch favorites, roasted nuts, and your favorite chocolates, too! Call ahead at 518-608-4949.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8 AM-8 PM, Thursday 8 AM-6 PM, Closed Friday. 

ANYTIME Favorites - Whether it's doughnuts, cheesecake, cannoli, cookies, or whatever your family prefers to have as a sweet treat during the holidays you'll find it at these local places:

• Cider Belly Doughnuts: 
• Be the hero of the holidays by showing up with a box or two of your favorite doughnuts! Call ahead at 518-253-4640.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6:30 AM-3 PM, Thursday 6 AM-Noon, Closed Friday. 

• Bella Napoli: 

• Cookies, cheesecake, and all of the Italian goodies you can dream up. Call ahead at 518-783-0196.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6:30 AM-10 PM, Thursday 6:30 AM-10 PM, Closed Friday. 

• Schuyler Bakery: 
• If small-town bakery is what you desire, then Schuyler Bakery is your go-to place for bread, cookies, bars, cupcakes, and anything else you can think of. Call ahead if you wish 518-273-0142.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5:30 AM-5:30 PM, Thursday from 5:30 AM-3 PM. 

New Year's Eve at The Ginger Man

The Ginger Man is serving up a fun filled evening this New Year's! Special event menus feature mouth watering options from oysters on the half shell to pan seared filet mignon and everything in between. Catch this delicious menu from 4:30 to 9pm. 

After that, a late night menu with favorite finger foods such as The Ginger Man Burger and a Cheese and Charcuterie platter, and Ginger Man classics like the delicious Lobster Mac & Cheese. At 9pm, you can also expect live music from Latin Jazz Trio Sensemaya until midnight. 

At the turn of the year, guests will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast to celebrate the past and bring in the future! See the full menu here. 

Winter has arrived at Creo

Creo is bringing in the colder weather with a brand new menu for lunch and dinner. The available dishes have a French flare and are inspired by Chef Sell's experience and affection for longer cooking processes.

The result? Warm and satisfying favorites like House Made Cavatelli with bolognese and herb ricotta mousse, Rotisserie Half Chicken with a cinnamon chipotle rub, mashed potatoes, broccolini, and apricot jus, and Grilled Salmon with cheese roasted cauliflower, lemon yogurt, and a salad of frisee and grapefruit segments with a chive vinaigrette. 

Click here to see the whole menu or take my word for it and just make a reservation for tonight. 

Holiday Pastries with Joan Dembinski

Prepare to amaze friends and family this holiday season with delicious Italian pastries! The International Center for the Capital Region is sponsoring a baking class on Saturday, December 5th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm entitled Holiday Pastries. 

This hands-on cooking class will be lead by celebrated local Chef, Joan Dembinski. Whether you're new to baking or simply looking to shake up your recipe book, the pastries featured in the class are sure to be a hit.

The class will take place in the kitchen at the Celtic Hall, 430 New Karner Road in Colonie. The cost is $20 for ICCR members and $25 for not-yet members. To make a reservation, please call ICCR at (518) 708-7608. Click here for more information. 

Eight Epic Entrees to Satisfy Your Fall Cravings

The weather is colder, the days are shorter, and our taste buds are craving fall favorites! Here are eight dishes that are guaranteed to please when you're in the mood for classic fall food:

The Ginger Man

234 Western Avenue, Albany

Fall cravings satisfied by:  Sweet Potato Gnocchi with maple brown butter, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts

#NewMenu item #SweetPotatoGnocchi! With a maple brown butter, goat cheese and toasted walnuts #AlbanyGingerManMenu #AlbanyGingerMan #NewDinnerMenu

A photo posted by AlbanyGingerMan (@albanygingerman) on Oct 20, 2015 at 4:29pm PDT

The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
79 N. Pearl Street, Albany
Fall cravings satisfied by: Butternut Squash Bisque with Nine Pin Cider, apple, and onion

New World Bistro Bar
300 Delaware Avenue, Albany

Fall cravings satisfied by: Pecan Bourbon Braised Pork Belly with roasted garlic caramel, shaved kale, and smoked Old Bay pecans

Mmmm #foodporn

A photo posted by Nishka (@nishkamatic) on Jun 5, 2015 at 6:02pm PDT

Druthers Brewing Co.

1053 Broadway, Albany

Fall cravings satisfied by: Smoked Chicken Panini with American cheese, kimchee aioli, upstate apples, mortadella, spiced pumpkin seeds

Peaches Cafe

1475 Western Avenue, Albany

Fall cravings satisfied by: Caramel Apple Cheesecake

carmel apple cheesecake I can die happy now

A photo posted by Bree Beaudette (@burreeto_) on Oct 22, 2013 at 2:54pm PDT

La Serre

14 Green Street, Albany

Fall cravings satisfied by: Stuffed Portabella Mushroom with spinach, roasted red peppers and fontina

City Beer Hall

42 Howard Street, Albany

Fall cravings satisfied by: Beet Salad with roasted golden beets, bulls blood beet, fresh burrata, aged balsamic, watercress, and bitters candied quinoa

Our new fall menu features some delicious seasonal salads!😛 Roasted golden beets, bulls blood beet, fresh burrata, aged balsamic, watercress, and bitters candied quinoa🌿 #Seasonal #WeGotTheBeets #CityBeerHall #NoFilter

A photo posted by The City Beer Hall (@thecitybeerhall42) on Oct 16, 2015 at 10:29am PDT

Grandma's Pies

1273 Central Avenue, Albany

Fall cravings satisfied by: Roasted Half Chicken with apple walnut stuffing and cranberry sauce garnish

2016 Albany Wine Fest Line-Up Announced

The Albany Chef’s Food & Wine Festival Wine & Dine for the Arts will be back again in January and this year’s program is bigger and better than ever before! With 14 events over the course of 3days, this festival is not only the largest food and wine festival in Upstate New York, but it’s the most exciting. 

This year’s line-up has something for everyone and will benefit Albany’s best art organizations. The downside? Tickets will sell quickly, so don’t wait to get yours. And if you’re looking to stay in Albany for the weekend, The Hilton Albany has a room for you.

Here’s a peek at the events:

Thursday, January 15, 2015 | City Hall | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

• Mayor's Opening Celebration 

Friday, January 16, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 4 - 8 PM

• Battle of the Bartenders: Manhattan Edition
• Culinary Demos on the Bluestar Culinary Stage
• Educational Seminars
• NYS Craft Beer Pavilion
• Rising Star Chef Pavilion
• VIP Fire & Ice Lounge

Friday, January 16, 2015 | 90 State Events | 8 - 11 PM

• 2016 Slider Slam, 15 Chefs competing for best sliders in People's and Judges' Choice Awards! Craft beer pairings by Brewery Ommegang.

Saturday, January 17, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 11 AM - 12:30 PM

• Chemex Cup 2016, pour over coffee paired with artisanal donuts.

Saturday, January 17, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 12 - 4 PM

• Educational Seminars 
• NYS Craft Beer Pavilion
• Rising Star Chef Pavilion
• Adirondack Appliance Signature Chef Invitational
• Battle of the Bartenders: Blood Mary Edition
• VIP Fire & Ice Lounge

Saturday, January 17, 2015 | Hilton Albany | 6 PM

• Grand Gala Reception & 6 Course Dinner 

Information on all of this and more are available here.

New Menus and Special Offers for Fall

Whether its a menu for the whole season or just a few weeks, change is good when it comes to Capital Region Cuisine. Here's a peak into the newest menu choices at Albany's favorite restaurants:

New World Bistro

Korean seafood & kimchi stew 🍲🔥 @newworldbistrobar #kimchigoals #dinnerstodiefor #newworldbistro

A photo posted by Adam Dane® (@theadamdane) on Sep 27, 2015 at 8:12pm PDT

New World’s menu is inspired by the available produce of the region and so their menus change by the season. Some of their fall features include the return of the much anticipated and loved Brussels Sprouts Trio - balsamic roasted, garlic walnut sauteed and shaved with Serrano ham and sage. The seafood bowl for the fall is Korean Seafood and Kim Chee Stew, featuring house made kim chee. They also have some delicious new desserts as well as an updated fall cocktail list! Click here to view the full Fall 2015 Menu.

The Ginger Man
Has new lunch and dinner menus for the season. Butternut squash, apples, and warm flavors of fall make their appearance in new items like the butternut squash infused risotto croquettes served with a maple cream sauce, an appetizer for only $12. While you're there, try their Apple Cider Sangria, one of our 2015 Spirit of Albany Cocktails! Click here to view the new menus.

Orchard Creek Golf Club

Is offering an Oktoberfest Menu from September 25 to October 18th! Menu items include a Wurst plate, Sauerbraten, Bavarian pretzels, and potato pancakes. Enjoy these classic German foods at the Golf Club's restaurant. Click here to see the full menu. 

Creo'

Brunch! Need I say more? Creo's new brunch menu will start on October 3 and will offer everyone's favorite items! Eggs, pancakes, and biscuits for those wanting breakfast foods and salads, fish tacos, lobster rolls, and shared plates for the lunch preferred brunchers. See the full menu here. 

Dave & Busters

Anyone looking for a menu that's just for Football? Well, you've found it! Drink specials and $5 appetizers every Sunday and Monday throughout Football Season. See the special offer here. 

Summer is to Margaritas as Fall is to Spirit of Albany Cocktails

Each year, the Albany Visitors Bureau puts together the Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide which contains creative cocktail concoctions from Albany’s favorite restaurants, bars, and craft beverage producers. This year, the amount of apple inspired drinks was impressive, and although the recipes were “collected” in May and June, their masterpieces just seem like they want to be tasted in the fall.

Here they are, in all of their autumnal glory: 

The Albany Apple Knocker

The Empire State Apple Manhattan

Roff Old Fashion

The Warehouse District

 

Apple Cider Sangria

Ironweed Old Fashion

Did Someone Say Brunch?!

In case you haven't heard, Reel Seafood Co. on Wolf Road in Albany is now serving brunch on Sunday from 11:30am-2pm.

Now, at what has been rated the #1 Seafood Restaurant in the Capital Region, you can choose from a mouth watering selection of old time favorites and new options too!

Like the Triple "S" Waffles - sweet, salty, and savory with apple-wood bacon crumble, chocolate chips, and cinnamon whipped cream. Not in the mood for waffles? Okay! How about the Oscar Omelet made with asparagus, crab, and Gouda cheese served with home fries?

As if the food selection wasn't enough, Reel Seafood kick most certainly kicked it up a notch... or seven, by offering Bloody Mary Bar AND a Mimosa Bar menus! On these two menus you'll find your classic Bloody Mary and Mimosa, but you'll also find selections like a Bacon & Egg Mary which is made with Bakon Vodka, Bloody Mary Mix, with a bacon salt rim, PLUS a hard boiled egg and a slice of bacon with your typical celery garnish.

And for mimosas, you can choose from their menu items or choose to make your own Mimosas with a Bottle of Prosecco and your choice of: two liquors, two juices, and three fresh garnishes to craft your own brunch cocktails.

I don't think I have to say more about this, but just in case: head over to Reel Seafood on Sunday morning for a brunch like you've never had before!

Click here to see their full brunch menu!

photo credit: Alex Fagan

Albany Barn's "Anti-Gala" Will Feature Incredible Food & More

The 4th Annual FUSION "anti-gala" at The Barn will take place on October 16th this year, and once again, the menu will be tantalizing. 

The event, hosted by The Barn and Albany Chef's Wine & Food Festival is a fundraiser to further The Albany Barn's mission which is "to provide a sustainable creative arts incubator and community arts center in Arbor Hill; a place for artists to live, work and inspire." The event will feature local artists' works, live music, and a Dee-jay later in the evening, but the food is what everyone is talking about. 

Photo by: T. R. Laz

Custom cocktails and cuisine from Chef Mark Graham, formerly of Max London's in Saratoga Springs and Taste in Albany, will be the headliner of the evening. Graham's cuisine and expertise has earned him the title of one of the Best Chefs America for the past two years, and led him to launch his own fine dining catering company earlier this year called Chef Mark Graham Cuisine. 

His incredible creations will be complimented by wine pairings from Empire Wine, craft brews from Druthers Brewing Co., ad, of course, DESSERT by The Cookie Factory with a coffee bar from Stacks Espresso Bar. 

To learn more about FUSION and to purchase tickets, please visit www.AlbanyBarn.org/FUSION2015. 

Four Albany Favorites Create Albany Craft Beverage Trail

If you suggested 10 years ago that small, “craft” beverages would be all beer and spirit lovers would be talking about today, you may have gotten some funny looks. However, last year alone craft beer sales were up 17.6% and accounted for 22% of the market (source). Of course, beer is just one small portion of the craft beverage scene today, especially in Albany. 

Recently, the craft beverage players in Albany, NY grouped together to form the Albany Craft Beverage Trail. All located along Broadway and only about 1 mile from each other, C.H. Evans Brewing Company, Albany Distilling Co., Nine Pin Cider Works, and Druthers Brewing Co. have teamed up to promote the facilities of craft and farm-based beverage producers in the County of Albany, New York.

These four Albany favorites are celebrating the collaboration with their inaugural event on October 3 from 12-5 PM – Drink Albany! Join the festivities at Quackenbush Square in downtown Albany to learn more about Albany’s craft beverage producers and to try samples from each. There will also be live music and over 30 vendors and food trucks to ensure that everyone has a fun-filled afternoon.

To stay up to date with what’s going on with the Albany Craft Beverage Trail, follow them on Facebook and Twitter! 

The Best Places to "Fuel Up" on Good Grub

Road trips can take A LOT of planning for; trying to think of any solution to various obstacles you may come across on your journey… For me, that obstacle is always my stomach. That’s why I figured it may be nice to know of a few places to Fuel Up in Albany!

Here are some of the best places to stop along or at the end of your journey (or really at ANY time) to grab a bite to eat:

Lobster and shrimp mac 'n' cheese!! Yes, please!! #Albany #NewYork

A photo posted by alexandria smith (@alle_smith) on Feb 12, 2015 at 11:19am PST

Albany Pump Station

Located right off of Interstate 787, the Albany Pump Station guarantees you good food, a reasonable price, and a quick turnover.

My menu suggestion: Shrimp & Lobster Mac & Cheese

Bomber’sBurrito Bar

If Mexican food is what you crave, then stop at Bomber’s! You are guaranteed to leave satisfied from this Lark Street icon. Although you will have to find street parking, I assure you, it’s worth it!

My menu suggestion: Smoked BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Lobster and shrimp mac 'n' cheese!! Yes, please!! #Albany #NewYork

A photo posted by alexandria smith (@alle_smith) on Feb 12, 2015 at 11:19am PST

Reel SeafoodCo.

For lunch or for dinner, this restaurant is located right off of the Northway on Wolf Road. Stop in, grab a bite, and enjoy the huge aquarium in the center of the venue!

My menu suggestion: Crab Cake BLT

Buca diBeppo

Who cares if it’s a chain? It’s family style, the staff who work at this Buca are incredible, the food is fresh, and who doesn’t love Italian?! Located just off of the Northway on Wolf Road, stop in and the Buca team take care of you.

My menu suggestion: Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Lobster and shrimp mac 'n' cheese!! Yes, please!! #Albany #NewYork

A photo posted by alexandria smith (@alle_smith) on Feb 12, 2015 at 11:19am PST

Peaches Café

One of Stuyvesant Plaza’s “Hidden Gems,” Peaches is a definite shoe-in for any meal as they serve breakfast all day. With good food in a casual café style atmosphere, it’s perfect for any road-trip pit-stop!

My menu suggestion: Breakfast Burger

The Standard

This is definitely the place to go if you’re looking to be out of the car for a while, but even if you’re not, I promise you, you won’t be disappointed. The Standard has everything you could want for and more plus it’s part of Crossgates Mall so you can stretch your legs and walk off your meal before you get back in the car!

My menu suggestion: Crackling Calamari Salad

Here Comes Sangria Fest!

For many people, Sangria IS summer. I know that's quite the metaphor, but from what I've heard, its true. Fruity, tangy, delicious, and refreshing! 

Nothing quite says, "It's summer and I'm loving it," like the perfect glass of homemade sangria and once again this year, the Hudson-Chatham Winery will be serving up summer. 

On August 8 from 11 am-6 pm, enjoy the last bit of summer at the winery for the 8th Annual Sangria Festival! Enjoy the fresh-made sangria, live music, food vendors and so much more while sitting atop the hill at 1900 State Rte 66 in Ghent, NY. 

Remember: no admission fee, plenty of parking, no outside food or beverages, and bring a lawn chair or a picnic blanket! Oh, and really enjoy yourself (responsibly, or course!). 

Click here to check out the Hudson-Chatham Winery's website for more information. 

Paint and Sip at the Winery

Who doesn't love relaxing with friends, doing something fun and creative, and a good glass of wine?

This is the scene you'll be painting! 

I'm not sure. But I do know that Hudson-Chatham Winery is hosting a Paint-and-Sip evening on Friday, July 17th from 5:30-8pm.

Head over to the winery to create a beautiful vineyard scene with Christine Flood of Spirited Creations. For just $40 you will get all the supplies you need, a glass of wine, and some light nosh. But if you want in, you better call and make your reservation by July 14th.

Call or email today to book your spot!
518-392-9463
info@hudsonchathamwinery.com 

Local food and great baseball

It was announced earlier this week that the Tri-City ValleyCats are partnering with Taste NY!

Excellent news for all of the families and adults attending a game at "The Joe" who were hoping for more than your typical ball-park food.

The new Taste NY kiosk, which will be located on the first base concourse, will offer foods like corned beef & pastrami, fresh fruit, apple nachos, salads and wraps, fruit & yogurt parfaits using Chobani yogurt (Norwich) and Gatherer's Granola (Schenectady), Nine Pin Cider and Heron Hill Wines (Finger Lakes), all using New York State products and ingredients.

In addition to the new kiosk, Taste NY signage will bring attention to all New York products being served throughout the entire stadium, including newly added New York beverages served in the suites and a Taste NY section in the Cat's Cupboard retail store.

Click here for more info! 

Spirit of Albany: Passion Fruit Caipiroska

A hint of sweet, a strong citrus flavor, and a tropical taste are offered in this delicious signature cocktail. The Doublecross Passion Fruit Caipiroska at Texas de Brazil was elected to be their 2015 Spirit of Albany Cocktail. Although this drink sits on the menu, it is the perfect selection to be with this year's collection of Spirit of Albany drinks. "Why?" you ask? well...

Although the passion fruit is native to South America, the name could have been penned for New York's Capital. Albany has always been proud and passionate about its heritage and history. This cocktail's golden hues and sweet tones also remind us of the Annual Tulip Festival, another celebration of the passion and history of the city.   

The tempting flavors and beautiful colors of this cocktail are unique and powerful just like the restaurant that offers it. Texas de Brazil is one of Crossgates Mall's newest restaurant additions and if you haven't been yet, you ought to try it! But you may want to go on a day that you are particularly hungry for the "all you can eat" style meat offerings and 42 topping salad bar leave you wanting for nothing more.

Find out how to make the Passion Fruit Caipiroska yourself by watching this video: 

Editor's note: We asked some of Albany’s best mixologists to create original cocktail recipes that embody the spirit of Albany, and we compiled those recipes into our 2015 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. (The ACCVB does not, in any way, condone drinking and driving so please designate a driver as we did for this series.)

Get Cooking With the Pros

Looking for your next date night idea or just hoping to impress your family and friends with incredible cooking skills? Learn from the Mazzone Hospitality Team at one of their cooking classes! 

With two types of classes with appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, and the option to bring your own bottle of wine to enjoy during the class, these are more than just your average cooking class. Try a "Hands On" class where you'll use the tools supplied to prepare an extraordinary dish, or sit back and watch a "demonstration" class where one of the experienced chefs will explain and show recipe preparation and cooking techniques. 

Here's a look at the next classes being offered: 

HANDS ON PASTA MAKING 

August 6th at 6:00 PM with Chef Jim Kavanaugh

$55.00

SUSHI & SAKE 

August 11 at 6:00 PM with Chef Yaso Saso

$65.00

Satisfy your sushi cravings by learning the basics of this Japanese art with Chef Yasuo and Kathy Saso. Every student will have their own work station to learn the art of sushi all while enjoying some Sake!

ITALIAN FAVORITES 

October 20th at 6:00 PM with Chef Frank Tardio from Angelo's Tavolo

$45.00

Click here to learn more or to purchase your tickets to join the fun! 

All classes are held at 743 Pierce Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065 

Spirit of Albany: Dark & Spicy

A hint of ginger, a touch of lemon, a little sugar, and a whole lot of Albany!  

The "Dark & Spicy" is Angelo's 677 Prime's 2015 Spirit of Albany Cocktail, and although you won't find this signature cocktail on the menu, you ought to order it!  This drink is inspired by its ingredients, as any good cocktail ought to be.   

"The Quackenbush House is the second oldest structure in Albany. A key ingredient in the "Dark and Spicy" is Quackenbush Still House Rum, a product of the Albany Distilling Company near the current Quackenbush House - not far from the site of the city's original 18th century distillery." 

Find this cocktail at Angelo's 677 Prime and pair with one of their delicious apps for cocktail hour, or one of the fine cuts of steak on the menu too! 

Learn how to make the Dark & Spicy on your own by watching this video:

Editor's note: We asked some of Albany’s best mixologists to create original cocktail recipes that embody the spirit of Albany, and we compiled those recipes into our 2015 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. (The ACCVB does not, in any way, condone drinking and driving so please designate a driver as we did for this series.)

An afternoon with winemaker and author Steve Casscles

The Hudson-Chatham Winery will host an afternoon with winemaker and author Steve Casscles this Saturday, June 13. This afternoon will include a discussion about and tastes through grapes (and the wines they make) of the Hudson Valley and other cool climate regions.

Join Steve for a private tasting of several wines he's produced for Hudson-Chatham as well as his own cellar. Steve's "experimentals" are amazing, and his personal narrative of how he makes the wines is extremely entertaining. As you sip through one-of-a-kind wines, you'll also be treated to select foods to pair with the wines, and you'll get a signed copy of his newly released book, Grapes of the Hudson Valley.

Saturday, June 13th from 2-3 PM. All for $45/person ($40/person for H-C W Case Club Members). This tasting will be conducted under our tent on the hillside, making for a delightful afternoon in every way. RSVP to info@hudsonchathamwinery.com. Seating is limited to book now!

Yono's Receives Prestigious Award

Our very own Yono's Restaurant in downtown Albany was recently awarded with the "Three Star" awared from London's The World of Fine Wine. With just 116 winners in the entire United States and only 300 in the World, this award places Yono’s in the company of some of the best restaurants in the world such as New York City’s Eleven Madison Park and Per Se, California’s The French Laundry and Saison, and Copenhagen’s NOMA.  Remarkably, Yono's is the only award recipient in the state of New York outside of New York City. 

Of course, this comes at no surprise to those of us who have the pleasure of living in the area and dining there, but if you haven't been to Yono's yet, the distinctive blend of Indonesian and modern American cuisine is incredible, creative, and delicious. This unique style of cuisine is complemented by their award winning wine list which contains wines (vini, vinos, vinho, vins, etc.) from all over the world. 

Make your reservation today by calling (518) 436-7747. Click here to read the entire story on The World of Fine Wine.