Wine & Dine for the Arts Gala Reception has Sold Out!

The Albany Chef's Food and Wine Fest has a good problem on its hands: no tickets left for the Grand Gala Reception! The Saturday, January 18, Reception dinner officially sold out last weekend.

Tickets are still available for a variety of events throughout the three-day festival which kicks off with the Mayor's Opening Celebration at City Hall on Thursday January 16 at 5:30 p.m. Not only does this event kick off the weekend, it's also the first major event for Albany's new Mayor, Kathy Sheehan. 

More than 3,500 people are expected to attend this years event which benefits are variety of local arts organizations including: the Albany Barn, Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Capital Repertory Theatre and Park Playhouse.

We'll have more information on the 2014 Wine and Dine for the arts in the days and weeks to come.

Tonight is Girls Night Out at The Hollow!

         The Hollow Bar + Kitchen will host a special Girls Night Out, tonight starting at 6 p.m. The former Bayou Cafe in Downtown Albany will host this Sip, Shop, and Sample event with all proceeds going to Myles of Smiles. The foundation grants wishes to terminally ill children in the Capital Region.
           The evening will include a "fabulous" buffet compliments of the Hollow created by chef Henry Ciccone.  Drink specials will also be offered throughout the night.
           The evening will also include a silent auction, booths occupied by local boutiques, salons and more. Free mini-mani's, mini massages, and eyebrow waxings will be offered. The Hollow's House DJ will provide the entertainment all night with an open request taken on the Hollow stage.
            Girls Night Out is open to the public and costs $10, all of which will be donated to Myles of Smiles. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is located at 9 North Pearl Street.

Things are heating up at the Chili Challenge!

The full restaurant line up has been announced for the 6th Annual Chili Challenge at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Latham. 20 area restaurants will take part in the November 7 contest including: Bellevue Cafe,  Farmer Boy Diner,  Gazebo Catering, and Hollow Bar and Kitchen.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample each chili and vote for your favorite. A panel of celebrity judges will also take part in the event including YNN's Heather Karen Morrison, News 10's Tim Drawbringe, Newschannel 13's Dan Bazile, Fox 23's Steve Teeling, and Greg Aidala.

The entire list of competing restaurants includes: On Tap Sports Bar,  Pine Haven Country Club,  The Eatery at Carol's Place,  Salty's Pub,  Orchard Tavern,  The Barrel Saloon,  Otis & Oliver's,  Holiday Retirement/Diamond Ridge Retirement Center,  Pie in the Sky Restaurant,  Lark Street Tavern,  Capital District Catering,  Sperry's,  The Ripe Tomato,  Wandering Dago,  Tugboat Tavern,  El Loco Mecican Cafe.

On top of tastings a variety of vendors will be on hand to kick off your holiday shopping. Vendors ar the event will include: Silver Leaf Resorts, Scentsy, It Works Global Body Wrap, Livilu & Temesa's Boutique, The Traveling Vineyard, Fifth Avenue Collection Jewelry Shush Shoes, Madison Handbags, Arbonne International, Tastefully Simple, Craftin Cuzzins, Better Way Imports, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and Mialisia.

Tickets for this event can be purchased at all area Price Choppers for $15, tickets can also be purchased at the door for $20. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Proceeds from the night will got to help the Northeast Kidney Foundation. Holiday Inn Express & Suites is located 400 New Loudon Road in Latham. For more information check out the Northeast Kidney Foundation website or call (518) 533-7880.