Friday, June 26, 2015

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! 

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

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 

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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.)

Monday, June 8, 2015

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!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

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. 


Monday, June 1, 2015

Spirit of Albany: Albany Apple Knocker

New World Bistro Bar offers unique dishes and drinks from all over the globe, which includes a drink crafted in the Spirit of Albany, the Albany Apple Knocker! While we can't guarantee it will keep the doctor away, it certainly is delicious. If you're wondering where this drink gets it's inspiration, look no further:

"The Empire State averages about 29.5 million bushels of apples annually, which are grown on about 55,000 acres in six major production districts. Even with all of those apples, New Yorkers won't shy at the chance to get another taste in! That's why this cocktail embodies the apple flavor."

If you're at New World Bistro Bar consider trying something new with one of their many worldly dishes, and pair it with a drink crafted and created in our own backyard, the Albany Apple Knocker!

Wondering how to make this drink yourself? Check out the video below for instructions:

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.)

Spirit of Albany: Empire State Apple Manhattan

Wolf's 1-11 Sports Arena Grill may only be open during Times Union Center events, but when it is
you have to stop in to try their extremely creative Spirit of Albany cocktail, the Empire State Apple Manhattan.

If you, like me, are a classic Manhattan lover, then you'll be over the moon with this tasty beverage made from all New York State products. Wondering where this mixologist came up with this inspired recipe? Here's his inspiration:
"When you drive into Albany, it's hard to miss the Empire State Plaza. Inspired to make New York's Capital sparkle, Governor Nelson Rockefeller came up with the idea for what he hoped would be the "most electrifying capital in the world." Today the Empire State Plaza occupies 98 acres of land with 10 buildings, beautiful vistas, and is a favorite spot for residents and visitors alike. This cocktail celebrates the great Empire State Plaza and New York's state fruit: the apple." 
Want to make this cocktail at home? Watch our "how-to" video to learn how:

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.)