The best of the best in food and more

Inside of the 27th Annual Best of Hudson Valley issue of Hudson Valley Magazine they list more than 200 winners. Considering that the Hudson Valley stretches over one hundred miles, the fact that they boil all of the restaurants, specialty shops, shopping venues, and other desirable locations into 200 favorites says something wonderful about the places they listed. Out of these 200, here are the ones that you can find inside the Capital City.

Fin-Your Fishmonger

Fresh Fish/Fishmonger

2050 Western Ave, Guilderland, NY

(518) 452-4565

Guilderland’s fresh fish market offers sustainable seafood from the world over that is premium, Grade A, top-of-the-catch. Straight from a pier in Boston, the quality assurance team ensures that Fin only gets the highest quality seafood to the region. The shop opened first as a food truck, parking in parking lots in the Capital City on the weekends. Now, Fin-Your Fishmonger is now located in Star Plaza, 2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland. Stop by today to get the freshest catch and be your own chef or get one of their amazing menu items at reasonable prices!

The Cheese Traveler 

The Best: New Specialty Shop

540 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY

(518) 443-0440

If you enjoy a good cheese, then this is definitely the place for you. Featured in the article, co-owner Eric Paul says that “all these cheeses have compelling stories and traditions.” The Cheese Traveler is a shop where the people are passionate about cheese and what to eat it with. You can find an array of fine cured meats from the U.S. and Europe, cured olives, pickles, specialty pastas, crackers, biscuits, as well as world-renowned, fine estate-produced chocolates and candies in the shop and maybe an interesting perspective on the products as well.  The final sentence in the Hudson Valley article states: “For me, cheese became a way to travel the world.” Be sure to stop by and check out some of the interesting and delicious treats soon!

Speakeasy 518 

The Best: Secret Bar

42 Howard Street, Albany, NY 

(518) 449-2332

Inside of an unmarked door lies a 1920s speakeasy, complete with a reservation-only guest list and flapper-like cocktail waitresses lies Speakeasy 518. Even the website is secretive… Luckily, Hudson Valley Magazine found out about this concealed jewel and found it to be one of The Best! This underground bar in the basement of the City Beer Hall building is one that we've written about before on our blog.  Click here to view Schuyler’s post about his own experience at Speakeasy, or call to make a reservation and experience it for yourself.

New World Bistro

Readers Picks: Restaurants

300 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY

(518) 694-0520

With a menu full of old favorites with new twists, New World Bistro is one of the hottest restaurants in town. Although the staff is friendly and the environment is cozy and casual, the fresh food is sure to impress even the pickiest guest. Be sure to call ahead to make a reservation and don't miss their new fall menu debuting on October 2. You can also see our blog about New World Bistro.

Also, in this issue of Hudson Valley, they ranked the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink as the best “Way to While Away the Winter.” Why not work up an appetite on the ice before heading out to your favorite Albany dining experience? Admission to the rink is free.