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 

677 Special for Chicago Ticket-holders

Prix-fixe menu available with tickets to the show

Premier Capital Region steakhouse Angelo’s 677 Prime will offer a special pre-theatre menu in conjunction with two evening performances of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Chicago at the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Albany on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. The show begins at 8 p.m.

Theatre attendees who present a ticket to that evening’s performance will have the opportunity to enjoy a three-course pre-theatre meal for the prix-fixe cost of $45 per person (tax and gratuity not included).

The three-performance run of Chicago at the Palace Theatre marks the first time the production’s national tour has been to the Capital Region since 2008. In addition to the two evening shows, the Palace will also host a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.

The special menu will not be available for the matinee performance on Saturday.

Tickets for Chicago at the Palace Theatre are available by phone at (518) 465-4663, Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 at all Ticketmaster locations or in-person at the Palace Theatre Box Office at 19 Clinton Avenue in Albany.

Taste NY Holiday Expo

On Sunday, December 7 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, the New York State Museum will become a holiday market for New York State's finest specialty foods, cheese, chocolates, hand-crafted beer and wine, maple and apple products, and other edible gifts.

Shop, sample and sip - and find something delectable for every foodie on your holiday list at the TasteNY Holiday Expo (formerly the Chocolate Expo). Cooking demonstrations and children's activities will be offered throughout the day.

Admission is $5 per person, cash only. Children ages 12 and under are free.

For more information, visit: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/programs/tasteNY/.

World of Beer Coming to Crossgates Mall

From the Albany Business Review:

World of Beer, a growing franchise that serves more than 500 craft beers in a tavern-like atmosphere, is coming to Crossgates Mall in suburban Albany, New York.

World of Beer will open June 23 on the mall's lower level, across from Regal Cinemas.

Besides serving craft beers in bottles, World of Beer offers 56 beers on tap from more than 40 countries.

"We understand the Albany craft beer scene is thriving, and we hope to bring patrons the most unique and complex beers from local, domestic and international brewers," said Joe Rice, general manager.

The food menu includes many items that use beer as a key ingredient.

The business will host live entertainment Thursdays through Saturdays with no cover charge.

A staff of 60 full- and part-time employees has been hired.

World of Beer was founded in Tampa, Florida in 2007 and now has more than 54 franchises in the United States.

Hudson-Chatham Winery Announces Summer Events!

We know you'll like this: Hudson-Chatham Winery recently announced a number of summer events that are perfect for weekends and weeknights alike! Take a look at the events below and make plans for your visit to the winery, located just southeast of Albany.

Wine Slushies Day
Saturday, June 7. 12-5
IceDelites will be making wine slushies from all-natural mixes and Hudson-Chatham wines. The perfect kick-off to summer. 12 to 5 pm

Wine & Cigars Night
Saturday, June 14. 5:30-7:30 pm (after regular winery hours)
The folks from Habana Cigar Shoppe in East Greenbush will be at the winery rolling cigars and sharing their expertise while guests smoke and taste wines and enjoy sliders and snacks. Reservations required. $25/person ($20 for our Case Club members). RSVP to info@hudsonchathamwinery.com.

Outdoor Movie Night
Saturday, July 12. 8 pm (after regular winery hours)
Join us as we show the highly entertaining wine-themed movie, Bottle Shock with Chris Pine. A fun movie based on a true story! Enjoy the movie under the stars! ($10 for movie and 1 glass of wine)

Clam Bake
Saturday, July 19. 1-4 open (winery open 12-5)
Clams, salads, corn, chicken, and dessert - all paired with your favorite Hudson-Chatham wines! More details to come.

7th Annual Sangria Festival
Saturday, August 9. 11-6
Our annual fiesta, complete with different sangrias, yummy foods, crafts, tarot card readings, henna tattoos, and flamenco guitar music by the renowned Maria Zemantauski & Jose Miralles!!

Other announcements from the winery:
We are now open Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 to 5 pm.
Back in Stock: Ghent Blush, Lindenwald White, Blanc de Blanc
Happy Hour Fridays start on June 6, when the winery remains open from 5 to 7 pm.
Sangria Sundays start on July 6, when we concoct a sangria to enjoy by the pitcher or the glass.

Hudson-Chatham Winery is part of the Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail. Other members of the trail include Brookview Station Winery at Goold Orchards, Harvest Spirits Distillery, Chatham Brewing, and others. Check out the trail website here for more details.

Bite & Sip: A Culinary Cocktail Adventure

A Culinary and Cocktail Adventure

Bite & Sip

Friday, November 1st • 6 - 9 pm

Get a scrumptious BITE and a signature cocktail SIP at a variety of your favorite downtown Albany restaurants that surround Capital Repertory Theatre.

Bite & Sip is a pub crawl-style event. You may buy tickets online or that night at the Capital Repertory Theatre box office. If you buy tickets online, please visit Capital Repertory Theatre first to pick up your map.

Once you pick up your map, you can visit the locations in the order you choose.

Participating Restaurants include: Blue 82, Capital American Eatery & Lounge, McGeary's, LeSerre, The Hollow, Victory Cafe, dp An American Brasserie, Albany Pump Station and more!

For more information: Leesa Perazzo 382-3884 x187 or Lperazzo@proctors.org.

TICKET PRICES: $25

Buy your tickets online here!

Chef Ric Orlando named finalist in national food competition

From the Times Union:

Ric Orlando, the chef, author, food activist and media personality behind New World Home Cooking in Saugerties and New World Bistro Bar in Albany, has been named the Northeast finalist in US Foods' Next Top Product competition for his signature Eggplant Balls, a vegetarian adaptation of Neapolitan meatballs. Voting was conducted on Facebook and Twitter from late August through Friday.

Orlando and seven other regional finalists will be flown to Las Vegas in early November to compete at the World Foods Championships. The winner will receive $5,000 cash and $15,000 credit to be used toward kitchen equipment and supplies from US Foods.

For more and to comment, visit the Times Union Table Hopping blog.

Live Music on Taste's Outdoor Patio Tonight!

Tonight is opening night for Taste's outdoor patio live music series!

Come downtown on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7 - 10 pm to enjoy drinks from their new drink menu while listening to great music and good company, all for a $5 cover charge. Space fills quickly and reservations are strongly suggested at 518-694-3322 or by going to their Reservations page.

Here's the full schedule so you can plan ahead:

Wednesdays
The New York Players: May 29, June 12 and 26, July 10 and 24, August 7, 14, and 21.
The Accents: June 5 and 19, July 17 and 31, and August 28

Thursdays
Mirk: May 30, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22
Wicked: June 6 and 20, July 4 (Fireworks Spectacular - Special Pricing in effect - Rooftop Party), July 18, and August 15 and 29

Fridays
Silk & Steel Drum Band: May 31, June 14, July 26, and August 23
Robanic: June 7, July 19, and August 9
The New York Players: June 28 (Limited Seating)
Soul Sky: July 12 and August 30
Girlz Night Out: August 2 and 16

See you at Taste!

Albany Diners: A Step Up From the Rest

Many diners rely too heavily on what their customers expect the diner experience to be: a neat old building or restored dining car where mediocre food is served up by uninterested and exhausted staff. But just because many of us have become jaded by underperforming diners doesn't mean they can't be great.

Take the Albany area, for example: By and large, its diners are shining examples of why these simple culinary treasures are a quintessential part of the American experience. With huge menus, all-day breakfasts and servers who make you feel right at home, these Albany-area diners will send you on your way with a full belly and a huge smile.

Alexis Diner 
294 N. Greenbush Rd. Troy, NY 12180
518-286-2567

Located just over the Hudson River and in walking distance from the state capitol, the award-winning Alexis Diner has become an Albany-area staple since opening in 1999. The menu is so thick that it could be mistaken for a novella. There are over 300 items to choose from, including burgers, steaks, wraps, salads, a full breakfast menu and homemade desserts.

Different nights of the week are dedicated to different themes at the Alexis Diner. Monday is Texas night, Tuesday is pasta night and Wednesday is Greek night. The diner is also home to numerous car and bike shows throughout the year. They're open all week from 7am-10pm.

Gateway Diner
899 Central Ave, Albany, NY 2.6 mi NW
(518) 482-7557

With ample neon trim, Gateway Diner on Central Avenue looks like a diner should, and it tastes like one should too.

Breakfast dishes at Gateway Diner get rave reviews for good reason: heaping dishes of bacon, eggs, and French toast made with quality ingredients (the most important being, of course, a pinch of love).

The diner also has delectable sandwiches, fresh seafood, steaks, and a portion of the menu completely dedicated to fried food (yummy -- put aside your diet constraints and indulge!). The pastrami Reuben on grilled sourdough with Russian dressing for $6.99 is especially tasty. Gateway Diner just added smoothies (alcoholic and virgin) to their menu as well. Operating hours are 7am-9pm Sunday-Thursday, 7am-11pm Friday and Saturday.

Portside American Diner 
240 Church St., Albany, NY
(518) 449-5008

The perfect diner should meet four criteria: it should be delicious, have cheap food, all-day breakfast and excellent service. The Portside American Diner on Church Street in Albany meets each of these with ease.

You feel at home as soon as you step inside, thanks to wait staff that treats customers like family. The walls are covered with pictures of local firemen and old pictures of pin-up girls.

Servers chat you up as they bring out a wide variety of home-style meals ranging from omelets (try the Meat Lovers), to beef liver, to fettuccini alfredo, to 1 lbs. burgers. There are also daily specials and a lengthy kids menu (blueberry pancakes are a favorite). Portside American Diner is open from 7am-9pm daily.

Colonie Diner
1890 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205
518- 456 -1550

If you come to the Colonie Diner on a Saturday, you'll get what locals consider to be the all-star lineup of servers. Kathy and Ronda often work that shift, and they'll take great care of you from the moment you enter through the chrome-paneled entrance until you leave.

If it is true that you can judge a restaurant by the quality of their kids' menu, then Colonie must be top notch because even the kids' portions are huge. Unsurprisingly, the portions for adult meals are huge too - even the salads - and extremely varied (where do they store all that food??).

For breakfast, the Colonie Diner has 18 types of omelets (lox and onion is fantastic), bagels, breakfast plates, pancakes, and even milk and cereal. Otherwise, there's a complete survey of traditional diner food (open sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and pasta dishes), but their best offering may be their Greek dishes that the owners are clearly proud of. The Greek moussakka and rice is delicious.

Colonie Diner is open Monday through Friday from 6:30am-9pm, Saturday from 6:30am-10pm, and Sunday from 7am-8pm.

Edible Albany
Diners are a quintessential part of the American experience. Weary travelers know that they need only to find a diner to refuel themselves before continuing their journey. Residents know that day or night, local diners will welcome them with open arms and open kitchens.

While the idea of a diner may seem antiquated to some, those who frequent them know that they're as important now as they ever were, and diners are still going strong. Thank goodness for that! What is your favorite diner in the Albany area?

Jeffrey Ferraro is a travel enthusiast and expert. He is the Director of Marketing of Diamond Tours, the leading provider of charter group bus trips in the US and Canada, including bus tours in New York City. Jeffrey loves uncovering lesser known travel destinations and sharing them with his customers.

Spirit of Albany: The Fort Orange

Editor’s note: We asked Albany's best mixologists to create an original cocktail recipe that embodies the true Spirit of Albany. Today, we highlight the Fort Orange, created by Joe Westervelt of the Century House Hotel, Restaurant, and Conference Center.

In 1624, Dutch settlers established a permanent trading and military outpost called Fort Orange. The fort went through a number of changes over the years, but eventually the establishment became present day Albany. To honor our ancestors, The Century House Restaurant created "The Fort Orange" cocktail.

The drink is comprised of local Core Vodka (Valatie, NY) infused with fresh oranges and mixed with Grand Marnier, fresh lemon juice, ginger ale, and an orange wedge garnish. Though the recipe is simple enough for a novice bartender, the final product is an outstanding tribute to the men and women who originally settled the area. Surely, they would have enjoyed relaxing with a nice Fort Orange after a long day of blacksmithing, carpentry, hunting and fishing, trading, cooking, and the many other tasks that were common back in the 1600s.

Yum.

Today, guests to the Century House can feel as if they are back in time while dining next to the fireplace in the historic restaurant, which serves up some of the best food around. (I highly suggest the Lobster Mac and Cheese!) I recently invited a number of friends to the Century House to sample the drink and enjoy some food. When I mentioned that we were going to try a new cocktail, some were wary. However, all trepidation was immediately relieved with the first sip.

The blend of fresh ingredients creates a satisfying and refreshing drink that is pleasant on its own or when paired with food. (Did I mention the Lobster Mac and Cheese?) “The Fort Orange” is now vernacular in my circle of friends, and we are soon planning another trip to the Century House to enjoy this wonderful creation. You should, too.

Get the complete recipe and more at www.albany.org/spiritofalbany. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite recipe, which may earn the title of the 2013 Spirit of Albany.

Remember to have fun, but be smart. Designate a driver!