9th Taste of Albany Benefit to be Held May 1st!

One the area’s top culinary fundraisers is just around the corner. The 9^th Annul A Taste of Albany will be held on Thursday, May 1 at the NYS Museum Terrace Gallery at 5:00 p.m.

A Taste of Albany is a culinary showcase and benefit for Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH), featuring more than 30 Capital Region restaurants and chefs, celebrating with entertainment, live and silent auctions, and views of Albany’s Empire State Plaza.  This is the 9th annual A Taste of Albany.

Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with a red carpet entrance and happy hour. Start the evening with a smile and a pose, then head up the NYS Museum's Terrace Gallery for sampling of hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants, complimentary beer, wine, and soda, and a peek at the silent auction items.

Following happy hour, at 6 p.m. will be the Culinary Showcase. There attendees will be able to enjoy an extensive selection of tastes from more than 30 Capital Region restaurants, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and more!

Participating restaurants includes but is not limited to Albany Pump Station, Angelo's 677 Prime, A Perfect Blend Café, New World Bistro Bar, Portofino's Italian Ristorante, and Yono's. You can find out about all 30 participating restaurants on the A Taste of Albany homepage. 

Tickets for this event are $75 or you can purchase an Honorary Ticket for $175. Honorary Ticket purchasers will receive an "A Taste of Albany Dining Book," featuring coupons and discounts to local Capital Region restaurants.

Proceeds from A Taste of Albany benefit Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless (IPH), an Albany-based agency celebrating 30 Years of addressing the needs of the homeless and low-income community. Last year, the event raised more than $100,000 for IPH.

Colonie Restaurant Week to be Held March 24-30!

It's that time of year again, when the snow finally begins to melt, the sun comes out, the birds chirp, and wonderful restaurant week opportunities pop up around the Capital Region. 17 popular Colonie eateries will participate in the upcoming Colonie Restaurant Week, taking place from March 24-March 30.

Colonie Restaurant Week is a week-long event highlighting the delicious and unique eateries in and around Colonie, N.Y. The week begins on Monday, March 24 and runs in participating restaurants until Sunday, March 30. Each restaurant will prepare a special 3-course meal for only $20.14.

Century House Restaurant, Grandma's Pies & Restaurant, Market Restaurant at the Albany Marriott, Portofino's Italian Ristorante, Reel Seafood Co, and Tala Bistro are among the many popular restaurants participating. You can find more information including menus and phone numbers, and addresses by clicking here.

Following this great event the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District will host the 10th Anniversary Downtown Albany Restaurant Week from April 2-11.

Updated: Valentine's Day Dining!

Updated February 12: Valentines Day is only 3 days away. If you haven't already, it's time to make reservations for a romantic dinner! We have a slew of great recommendations for you and your special someone to enjoy:

Blu Stone Bistro
661 Albany Shaker Road
(518) 869-9976

Dining: A special  Valentine's four-course menu with choices will be offered at $55 per person, the regular menu will not be available.

Seatings: 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.
Note: The dining special will be offered on Valentine's Day (Friday, Feb 14) as well as Saturday, February 15! An overnight package including dinner for two at the attached Indigo Hotel with breakfast for $199.

La Serre
14 Green Street
463-6056  

Dining: Valentine's Day menu for two that includes: lobster ravioli, Caesar salad, Chateubriand for two, selection from dessert cart and sparkling rosé toast for $129. Their usual a-la-carte menu will also be available on 2/14.
Seatings: Valentine's Day seating will be available from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, February 14.

New World Bistro
300 Delaware Ave
694-0520

Dining: A four-course menu will be offered for $65 per person or with wine pairings for $100 apiece.
Seatings: 5pm-11 pm, Reservations are strongly recommended!

Portofino’s Italin Ristorante in Latham
831 New Loudon Road
608-4675

Dining: Four-course Valentine’s Day menu with choices for $35 per person. the regular menu will not be available.
Seatings: 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m.eating from 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Note: This will be offered on Valentine's Day (Friday, Feb 14) as well as Saturday, February 15! An Early Bird special will be available both days from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. - Same great deal but the price goes down to $29 per person.

Taste
45 Beaver St.
694-3322

Dining: Taste will offer a four course menu for $69 a person. The regular menu will also be available during this time.
Seatings: 5 pm-10 pm each day, reservations are strongly recommended.

Note: The Valentine's Day special menu will be offered from Thursday, February 13 through Saturday, February 15.

Scrimshaw
At The Desmond
660 Albany Shaker Road
869-8100

Dining: Three courses with choices for $51.95 per person or with wine pairings for $82.95
Note: Special Dining available Thursday, February 13 through Saturday, February 15. An overnight package is also avilable for $249. The package includes dinner for two, overnight accommodations with bottle of champagne in the room.

The Hollow
79 North Pearl Street
426-8550

Dining: Three course menu with choices for $50 a person. Includes complimentary bottle of Italian Prosecco per Couple. Enjoy one of the areas top R & B bands as Mirk plays the hall.