Take a fresh look at Reel Seafood

If you haven’t been to the Reel Seafood Co. on Wolf Road lately, it’s time to return. Since January, the restaurant has undergone a $1 million renovation, hired a new executive chef and extensively trained their staff on the new menu, and launched a new website, all under the leadership of the new owner and daughter of the founder, Aliki Serras.

Voted the #1 Seafood Restaurant by Capital Region Living, Reel Seafood offers guests the freshest seafood cuisine in the area.

The seafood is shipped in daily from the finest seafood purveyors and you'll know after your first bite that they mean fresh. From the ocean to your plate, Reel Seafood Co. demands perfection. You can count on Reel Seafood Co. to provide you with the freshest seafood in the Capital District.

Not a fan of seafood? Don’t worry, this impressive menu includes fresh seafood, quality meats, pasta dishes and homemade dessert.

Reel Seafood Co. is now offering Happy Hour 7-days a week. Stop in for $1 oysters and clams, drink specials, and amazing sushi and sashimi. Take a look at the new menu, read recent reviews, and plan your next visit at www.reelseafoodco.com.

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.

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.