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. 

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: New World Bistro Bar

In 2009 new life came to Delaware Avenue when restaurant New World Bistro Bar opened, helmed by accomplished Hudson Valley chef, Ric Orlando.

The menu introduced restaurant patrons to global fusion cuisine, in a buttoned-down, unfussy manner, and in a bigger sense created a new diction in the way enterprising foodies in the Capital Region ate. The restaurant is also consistently lauded for its impassioned commitment to local and sustainable food sourcing.

For the Spirit of Albany campaign, mix master and bar-keep, Sarah- Jane Mc Laughlin, wields an ambitious cocktail named after the punch-line of a joke, the “That’s All Benny.”

The jalapeno, coupled with the lime and fortified by vodka and apple liqueur, made for a beverage that requires an adventurous palate to imbibe. My appetizer – the Asian Guacamole - displayed an assertive fruitiness in the yuzu-ginger dressing, coupled with the cooling and refreshing cucumber and the buttery heft of the avocado.

The Asian Guacamole

At New World Bistro Bar one has time to notice – and in this case, admire – instances in the gastro-pub where coherency shines through with authentic ease. The physical space is one such example. Unlike lesser restaurants, New World Bistro took a cue from the street on which it’s perched and allowed some of the eclectic edge of Delaware Avenue to inform its dining space. The warm colors, exposed brick and unpretentious space deservedly continues to enhance the value proposition of this establishment; global cuisine and local pride.

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!

Spirit of Albany spills into the Times Union

Today's Times Union newspaper features an article on our Spirit of Albany promotion. The Spirit of Albany began last year to promote the talent of our local mixologists and to encourage visitors to try new restaurants while learning something about Albany along the way, as the cocktails must include an element that represents our destination.

Twenty two original cocktail recipes have been created over the past two years - and they are all delicious! I'm only guessing, but I think the journalist had a great time writing this article. Jealous? Don't be! Request a free recipe guide here and then plan your journey around Albany. Remember to be safe and designate a driver, though!

Read the full Times Union article here.

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.

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.