Spirit of Albany: The Centennial Tini

This delicious cocktail comes from Albany's oldest restaurant. A favorite of locals, visitors, and celebrities, Jack's Oyster House brings you their 2015 Spirit of Albany cocktail, the Centennial Tini!

The inspiration behind this fruity beverage: 

Jack's has been a staple in Albany since it opened it's doors in 1913. This champagne based cocktail celebrates the centennial of not only one of Albany's great landmarks, but also celebrates a family that embodies the true spirit of the city it calls home.

So head to 42 State Street in Albany to try this drink, eat some delicious food, and see what this 102 restaurant is really all about.

See how to the Centennial Tini is crafted:

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: Jack's Oyster House

Jack’s Retains its Relevance, Over a Hundred Years Later

Some may call into question the future of a restaurant that has witnessed over a hundred years of American history. Could this place still impress the diners who aren’t easily wowed?  And if so, how? Few may think that such a restaurant can exist -- and if it does -- it’s a likely shell of its old self; one that’s been politely grandfathered into the now uber hip dinning landscape.   But on State Street, the horn of New York State political machine, sits Jack’s Oyster House, an old-line seafood and chop house that still reigns as that quintessential American icon.

Opened in 1913, Jack’s continues to be helmed by members of original owners -- the Rosenstein’s –and the restaurant has been dubbed “Albany’s Greatest Restaurant Legend” as well as, “The Best Restaurant of the Century.” The establishment consistently courts the interest of politicians and professions during its thriving lunch and maintains the pace during the evening hours as well. And through the changing frontier in the landscape of American restaurants, Jack’s look and feel exudes the understated opulence akin to a high-brow roadhouse restaurant of the 1930’s. In 2010 the restaurant received a facelift, modernizing some elements – like seating – but still staying true to its chop-house concept.

In terms of its food and fare, Jack’s – once again – maintains its culinary relevance by simultaneously embracing change, and also, at times, strategically bucking it. The menu is classic but not outdated.  At its core, the menu is a three dimensional aggregate, representative of American food past, present and future.  As expected, there’s a robust raw-bar – arguably the best in the city. And the menu, as a whole, is dominated by updated, generously portioned,  stand-out classics of a by-gone era, like Steak Diane and Chicken Lemonardo.

For the Spirit of Albany Campaign, Bill Crabill of Jack’s created a celebratory libation honoring the space Jack’s has occupied in Albany’s history and aptly named The Centennial Tini. On first sip, the presence of the extra dry champagne and echoes of citrus reminded me of a traditional French 75. But as the flavors coalesced, I began to taste how truly special this cocktail is, and why it is the most fitting representation of the restaurant.  With the Centennial Tini, every component was palpable and none of the elements competed against the other. The result was a beautifully balanced, near flawless cocktail served in a chilled vintage martini glass.  

The reason why this drink deserves such acclaim is partly due to the ingredients employed, but moreover, it is largely a result of precise craftsmanship and use of exacting ratios.  Far too many bar-keeps make a fundamental attribution error assuming that the ingredients trump the composition.  And that isn't the case, as the Centennial Tini proves. For instance, the flavors of the black raspberry liqueur in this drink detonate on one’s mid palate, right before the effervescence of the champagne is perceivable. Achieving such balance takes skill but it also takes great attention to detail; an attribute the staff of Jack’s just happen to be masters of.

There are many restaurants that will continue to be part of region’s strong unbroken wave in Capital City dining, but there is no disputing that Jack’s Oyster House will persist as its leading edge.

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 2014 Spirit of Albany Recipe Guide. In this exciting blog series local foodie Brigid Washington, a Culinary Institute of America grad and local restaurant consultant, explores each restaurant – it’s menu, it’s atmosphere, and of course, it’s custom cocktail – and provides her perspective on how it all comes together to create part of Albany’s creative culinary scene! (The ACCVB does not, in any way, condone drinking and driving so please designate a driver as we did for this series.)

The Best Bites in State Capitals

MapQuest recently posted an article on the best places to eat in all 50 state capitals. Wondering what made the cut? Here's the excerpt regarding Albany:

Jack's Oyster House

Albany, NY
Politicians, authors and others have settled into the deep booths at Jack’s Oyster House for private conversations, end-of-legislative-session celebrations and bites of Jack’s "extravagant seafood tower." The 80-seat gastropub, New World Bistro Bar, fills quickly nightly with those seeking global cuisine sourced locally, like ceviche prepared with wild striped bass. Consistently rated Albany’s best, Angelo's 677 Prime starts you off with surf and turf tempura rolls and leads you to your choice of steak.

Read the remainder of the article here.

The dining room of 677 Prime

Do you think the rating is accurate? What other eateries would you recommend to someone visiting Albany? Tell us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Capital Region Living Best of Food & Drink 2014 Announced!

It's that time of year again, when the "Best of" Awards and accolades will be announced by local papers and magazines.  The Capital Region Living Magazines Best of the Capital Region: Food and Drink Issue 2014 is filled with great eateries in the top spots.

We're lucky enough to have a variety of great restaurants as partners. Many of which were chosen for this years honors including: The Standard Restaurant & Lounge, Grandma’s Country Restaurant, Goold Orchards, Reel Seafood Company, New World Bistro Bar, and Albany Pump Station. Other winning partners include Yono's, Aneglo's 677 Prime, Jack's Oyster House, Wolf’s 111 Restaurant & Games, and dp, An American Brasserie.

Many of these restaurants received multiple honors from more than 50 categories! You can find out who all the winners are by clicking here. Then make plans and head out to try one of these great establishments.

A slew of the aforementioned eateries will take part in the 10th Anniversary Downtown Albany Restaurant Week kicking off April 2 and running nightly through April 11. 10 days for 10 years. Make your reservations before you're shut out of a delicious meal and an outstanding price.

Thanksgiving Made Easy!

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, we're here to help you avoid the hassle that comes with all of the prep and cooking. Below is a list of restaurants that will offer dine-in and or catered/pre-cooked meals to make your holiday easier. 

2013 Thanksgiving Restaurant Breakdown:

Catering/Meals to Go:

1.    Buca di Beppo

Wolf Road

Offer/Info: Bucca di Beppo offers a wide variety of options for your Thanksgiving meal. Let Bucca make the food all you have to do is pick it up. Thanksgiving orders must be placed by and confirmed by 9 p.m. on November 25. $150-$275, order size pending.

Meal includes: Thanksgiving Feast - Turkey,sausage Stuffing, Garlic Mashed P otatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce. A variety of Bucca favorites are also available for order including pasta, a variety of popular menu entrées, and a slew of Bucca desserts.

Check out the large online menu, now available.

2.     Desmond to Go

640-6075

Offer: The Desmond will offer Thanksgiving To Go Dinners. Pick-up will be in the Tavern on Thanksgiving. Pick-up time: starts 9am, must be picked up by 11:30am. Package will include reheating instructions and a meat thermometer. Please call the Desmond special events hotline at 518-640-6075 to order.

Meal includes: 18 Pound Golden Brown Turkey, Rich Turkey Gravy, Apple Sage Stuffing, Home Style Whipped Potatoes, Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Buttered Corn, Orange Drizzled Acorn Squash Wedges, Rolls and Butter, Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Freshly Made Whipped Cream, Additional Sides Can Be Ordered.

For additional sides and pricing check out the online menu.

3.     Jack’s Oyster House

42 State Street

465-8854

Offer: Don’t have the time to cook this holiday season? No problem! Jack’s Oyster House is offering three pre-cooked dining packages to choose from so you can offer your guests the best of Jack’s.

Menu includes:

Packages:

Package 1: For 6-10 Guests (Includes a 14# Turkey, 1 Pie of Choice, and All of the Ala Carte Items.

Package 2: For 12-16 Guests (Includes a 18-22# Turkey, 2 Pies of Choice, and All of the Ala Carte Items.

Package 3: For 18-22 Guests (Includes 2 of the 14# Turkeys, 3 Pies of Choice, and All of the Ala Carte Items.

Ala Carte Items: Extra Turkey, Field Green Salad, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Cranberry Relish, Glazed Butternut Squash, Fresh Baked Bread.

Check out the Thanksgiving to go menu for a full list of sizes and prices.

4.     New World Bistro Bar

300 Delaware Ave

694-0520

Offer: offering an array of a-la-carte Thanksgiving dinner sides for households that want to cook a turkey but have everything else prepared for them. (The bistro will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.) Order by noon on Monday, Nov. 25, for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Food choices include: Rock that Turkey with New World Sauces. Choices include: Meanhouse BBQ, Dirty Blonde BBQ, Jerk Sauce, Chimmichurri Sauce, Tomatillo Salsa, and Purple Haze Sauce. Thanksgiving Soup includingApple Potato Leek. Easy Appetizers for the Table, Blackened Stringbeans, Pumpkin Hummus, Chef Ric’s Award Winning ‘Eggplant Balls‘ smothered in four cheeses, in charred tomato ragout

Also available for purchase: Vegetarian options, Sauces and Gravies, Hudson Valley Cider Laced Gravy, a variety of sides, and Miso Garlic Gravy.

Check out the full menu for full offerings and prices

5.     Taste

45 Beaver St.

(518) 694-3344

Offer: Thanksgiving meals to go for six or twelve people. Order must be in and prepaid by Monday, November 25 for pickup from Thanksgiving Day Thanksgiving morning. An optional pick up time on Wednesday, November 27 is also available.

Meal: Package #1 includes 14lb Natural Turkey, Brined and Roasted. Choice of 2 pies and all side dishes. Package #2 includes 20lb Natural Turkey, Brined and Roasted. Choice of 3 pies and all side dishes listed. Side dishes include Sage, Sweet Sausage and Farm Bread Stuffing, Turkey Gravy, Buttered Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Pearl Onions, Honeyed Winter Squash Puree, Apple – Cranberry relish, Artisanal Rolls. Pie choices include Apple-Pumpkin Tart with Pecan Crumble, Caramelized Pear and Almond Tart, and Bavarian Chocolate Crème Pie.

Available Holiday Dining:

1.    Albany Marriott

Wolf Road

458-8444

Offer: The Albany Marriott on Wolf Road in Colonie will be serving a Thanksgiving Day buffet from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28. The price is $34.95 for adults, $12.95 for kids ages 4 to 12, free for younger than 4, plus tax.

Meal Includes: First Course: Assorted Dinner Rolls, Field Green Salad with Assorted Dressings, Cole Slaw, Fresh Fruit Salad, Pumpkin Bisque. Sides & Assortments: Brown Sugar and Butter Broiled Sweet Potatoes, Cheddar and Garlic Whipped Potatoes, Broiled Green Beans with Brown Butter, Pan Seared Arctic Char with Orange Beurre Blanc. Main Course: Herb Roasted Turkey Breast With Cranberry Sauce and Gravy, Traditional Bread Stuffing, Honey Baked Ham with Whole Grain Mustard Desserts: Apple pie, blueberry pie, ultimate chocolate cake, Boston cream pie, pumpkin pie, carrot cake, bourbon pecan pie, lemon mist cake, as well as an assortment of cookies and brownies.

2.     Buca di Beppo

Wolf Road

Offer: Become part of the family and enjoy a traditional buca style Thanksgiving meal. Reservations are required and can be made now.

Meal includes: Tender, moist white meat turkey served with gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Whole-berry Cranberry Sauce, and our homemade spicy Italian sausage stuffing, flavored with garlic, sage and parmesan.

Plus, a perfect ending to your feast includes our mini chocolate chip cannolis for dessert

3.      Desmond Hotel

869-8100

Offer: Enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner served around a beautiful Koi pond, in the courtyard and elegant ballroom. A spectacular holiday feast featuring all of the traditional holiday dishes, plus a whole lot more!

Meal includes: Carving stations of Butter Basted Whole Turkey and Whiskey Sugar Pork Loin, an array of salads, hearty soups to include Scrimshaw's famous New England Clam Chowder, entrees featuring selections such as; Tangerine Glazed Salmon, and Sirloin Madeira, harvest vegetables, and a spectacular dessert presentation.

4.       Jack’s Oyster House

42 State Street

465-8854

Offer: Have dinner at Jacks for $27.99 a person and save yourself the hassle of cleaning and cooking for the big day. Enjoy a variety of deserts for just $7.99. 

Meal includes: First Course: Jack’s organic field green salad or autumn’s vegetables Main Course: Roasted maple butter glazed turkey, pan dripping sage scented Thanksgiving gravy, granny smith apple, celery and sage stuffing, fresh cranberry relish, honey glazed butter nut squash, buttery mashed potatoes, green beans almandine. Dessert: Pumpkin chiffon pie with cinnamon whipped cream, pecan pie with bourbon glaze,  dutch apple pie with Chantilly cream, chocolate cream pie with Chantilly cream. 

5.     Scrimshaw

The Desmond Hotel

869-8100

Offer: Experience a Thanksgiving Dinner in Scrimshaw. Enjoy an elegant and leisurely four-course dinner in our Scrimshaw dining room featuring a fabulous holiday menu exquisitely prepared and impeccably served.  Reservations are required.

Meal includes: choice of appetizer, Desmond salad, Roasted Native Turkey, Chef's selection of vegetables and choice of Holiday Dessert.

6.      Simpson’s Grille

The Desmond Hotel

869-8100

Offer: Bring the whole family for Thanksgiving Dinner in Simpson's Grille for $35.95. Dinner served from 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Breakfast served on Thanksgiving morning from 6:30 am until Noon. Offering a special holiday menu with traditional Thanksgiving favorites and more! Reservations are required.

Meal: Roasted Pumpkin Bisque or Fruit Medley with Cranberry Coulis Simpson’s Salad. Roasted Native Turkey, Slow roasted turkey, thinly sliced and served over apple sage stuffing, finished with a rich brandied gravy, and all the holiday trimmings Dessert includes Freshly baked Pumpkin or Apple Pie, New York Style Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Brownie Sundae, Ice Cream.

7.     Taste

45 Beaver St.

(518) 694-3344

Offer: Enjoy a 4 Course Thanksgiving Dinner at Taste. Wine Pairings are available, as well as the Main Restaurant Menu. Reservations can be made for the following hours: 1p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations can be made by phone (518) 694-3322.

Meal: Menus for the Thanksgiving at Taste include choices from a 4-Course Menu. Course 1 includes: Pumpkin-Pecan Bisque or Truffle-Potato Soup and Horseradish-Ricotta Gnocchi. Course 2 includes: Butter Braised Radish and Beet & Fingerling Potatoes. Course 3 includes: Slow Roasted Natural Turkey, Sweet Fennel-Sausage, Farm Bread Stuffing, Sage- Turkey Gravy, Sweet Potato- Celery Root Gratin, Yukon Gold Butter, Whipped Potatoes, Honeyed Carrot & Cranberries, Spicy Green Beans, with caramelized onions. For Course 4 your pick your choice from Apple-Pumpkin Tart, Pecan Crumble, Caramelized Pear-Almond Tart, Sweet Potato Ice Cream, Vanilla Wafer, Granola, Espresso Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel Parfait.