Behind The Counter - Troy Edition

Behind The Counter Connecting communities through food.

Featuring Plumb Oyster Bar, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen, Little Pecks, Peck’s Arcade, Nighthawks, Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro and The Placid Baker

Image credit: Boston Rare Maps

Editor

Contents Heidi Plumb Oyster Bar Jinah Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen

Dear reader I am Ema Nicolas.

I am a senior at Emma Willard School.

Behind The Counter is a project that I have been working on these past two years at school through the Signature project.

This project started as I was searching for ways to connect the community at Emma Willard School and the Troy community. I have a big passion for food, and I think that food is the perfect medium for people to encounter new individuals.

Through producing this magazine, I have also learned the importance of real connection between people. In the modern world, where it is so common to share a snapshot of one’s life, it is easy to assume too much about a person based upon their brief portrayal; what we don’t know is the experience and background of that individual. I want you, my reader, to get to know these innovative entrepreneurs for who they truly are and start a conversation to get them to know each other on a personal level. There is so much to learn and be inspired by a person’s life experiences and challenges.

I hope that this magazine will lead you to be excited to go out, explore, and enjoy new conversations not only with those behind the counter at your favorite restaurant but with everyone you meet for the first time.

Ema Nicolas

Heather little pecks Peck’s Arcade Josh Nighthawks Quang Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro Tom The Placid Baker

I Am Heidi What is your idea of perfect happiness?

The times when I have been the happiest are at the end of a really tough shift, when you are sitting (after that shift) with your friends in the restaurant and you see your regulars are still hanging around.

What is your greatest fear?

The thing about a restaurant is that you can tackle anything after doing something that big. I just have way more considerations right now. Things can go wrong, really wrong, but I’ve learned that if I don’t consider them, that’s when it becomes a fear.

Which living person do you admire the most?

My wife. She is a genius human. She has a very strong sense of right and wrong.

What is your current state of mind?

A lot of the stuff I do can be exhausting. Because I’ll get an idea or something needs to get done, something complicated, and it requires a lot of me.

What is your greatest achievement?

The restaurant, for sure. I didn’t think too much about the restaurant, I didn’t really understand how insane it would be. You just have to not look before you leap.

Consider whether or not you should leap, but don’t look over.

What is your most treasured possession?

Does my dog count? She is the best.

What do you value the most in your customers?

Genuine excitement. Customers that come in and get excited about a new special thing that we are doing.

What is your greatest regret?

Not being present when I was at Emma Willard or in college or in graduate school. I am still learning how to appreciate what I have right now. Not just appreciate it but be able to not be distracted from it.

What is your motto?

“Make the decision that you feel is the best at the moment and follow-through”. If you can decide and follow-through, that’s more than most people can do. Either people don’t decide or they don’t follow through.

And if you have both, that’s a winning combination.

Plumb Oyster Bar Fine dining focused on fresh seafood and creative cocktails.

Their signature: fresh oysters.

Plumb Oyster Bar is a must go for seafood lovers. The restaurant focuses on fresh products in season to offer the highest quality dishes and pairs the fresh oysters with their signature cocktail created by the staff. They are most famous for their fresh oysters: they offer 3 to 5 oysters on the menu at all time. The range changes by season or even weeks, to provide the best oyster at its prime time. Plumb also features farm-to-table dishes, using locally sourced ingredients. It is a great place to celebrate one’s special day or occasional fine dinners.

The restuarant has a modern look with its use of wood, white and bricks.

I Am Jinah What is your idea of perfect happiness?

The deep-seated joy that comes from relationships, the goods and the bad parts of it. It is an experience that happens through time and process, and sometimes it doesn’t feel so great but then in that we are able to grow.

What is your greatest fear?

Abandonment and loneliness.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mother. She knows what it means to live a sacrificial life, to endure through things and to truly be happy in any circumstance despite what life throws at you. All the things that I want to work in terms of personal growth are what my mom shows most: patience, self-control, and an overall sense of selflessness.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

It seems to me the most obvious answer would be Sunhee’s.

What is your current state of mind?

A little bit scattered. I caught up in actions that my mind hasn’t caught up yet.

What is your most treasured possession?

Real estate property. The building I own is in ruin, but there is an opportunity for work to be done on it.

It is an opportunity for my creativity, my entrepreneurial spirit.

What do you value most in your customers?

Curiosity.

What is your greatest regret?

I have to do better at learning how to appreciate the moment and the people I am with at that time.

What is your motto?

“Good things take time”. Not only does good food take time but also good things take time. Good things don’t come easy, it takes hard work and effort. Another one in terms of business is “I got time but not time to waste”.

Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen Modern korean brought using ingredients from their farm.

Whether you are looking for a quick filling lunch or a night out with your friends, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen serves the best authentic Korean dishes with a modern twist. Sourcing produce from their farm, Sunhee’s welcomes anyone to experience Korean culture through food and drink.

Bibimbap (bowl of rice topped with assortment of vegetables, namul, gochujang) with topping of beef.

I Am Heather What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A life without anxiety. Warmth and sun. When the people that are closest to me are healthy, happy, and living the lives they want to live as well.

What is your greatest fear?

Sickness. A terminal illness.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mother. She is good at handling situations, thoughtful, loving, and logical.

What is your current state of mind?

I am much more reflective and think about how I really want to do things, how to be the best leader, but also how I can take care of me. Because not only is that important for everyone around me, but it’s important for me.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

That I have had many different careers. And I have been pretty successful at all of them. But just because I was successful doesn’t mean I wasn’t afraid to change or to walk away to do something else. I can leave, feel good about it and excel in the next thing.

What is your most treasured possession?

My dog, Charlie. He is my soulmate dog.

What do you most value in your customers?

People have so many choices. And if they choose to frequent our spaces, that’s important to me.

And I really like when guests get excited about wine because that’s my passion.

What is your greatest regret?

That I have always been single-minded, and it’s been at the expense of many relationships. I regret that I am like that, but it is not something that I intend to change. I believe that’s who I am.

What is your motto?

The status quo is not good enough. I don’t want to say that anything is good enough for me, but I always knew that things can be better. Sometimes that means a drastic change, and sometimes it means really subtle changes.

Little Pecks

Troy’s go-to cafe for the trendiest weekend brunch.

Salmon bowl with a side of avocado.

The first place I think of for weekend brunch is little pecks, because of all the offerings they have and the ability to customize the dishes. This place not only attracts people for amazing food but also its environment.

The hall leads to a backspace, where a transparent ceiling welcomes the sunshine. As it is connected to Pecks Arcade and the Confectionery next door, little pecks allows customers to enjoy food and drink at their favorite location in the building.

Peck’s Arcade

Bistro introducing unfamilarity into the neighborhood.

As a sibling restaurant of little pecks, Peck’s Arcade is a high end restaurant serving creative dishes. Roatating their menu every few weeks, Peck’s Arcade is passionate about providing customers dishes they have never tried before. The handmade pasta is a must try for a comforting yet unique experience at the restaurant.

Grilled octopus with chile saucem, finger potato and arlic aioli.

Homemade gnocchi in creamy sauce.

I Am Josh What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being able to exercise my creativity in any way as possible. Being able to constantly change, evolve and get better, and be in a situation that allows for that. Being able to teach my child about the world and being able to enjoy food and appreciate what’s out there.

What is your greatest fear?

Failure. I try hard and push myself so that I don’t fail.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire anyone who can stand up, do what they believe is right and strive to make the world a better and healthier place.

What is your current state of mind?

Anxious, often. But at the same time optimistic and always open. It comes from always wanting to do better and grow as a person.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I opened this business where I really wanted to, and it is doing very well so far. And people really seem to like it, which makes me feel really good.

What is your most treasured possession?

A 1969 Ludwig blue sparkle drum set. I played for many years in a lot of bands. I play other instruments too now, but drums are my favorites.

What do you value most in your customers?

My favorite customers are really adventurous. The customers that like to try things they have never had before.

What is your greatest regret?

I think I have come to terms with most of the regrets where I feel like they were more learning experiences and I don’t regret them any longer. There were times where I thought I should maybe focus on other things, like music, but the regrets have all helped me to shape who I am today and they are good things at this point.

What is your motto?

I want to live every day the best I can and do the best I can.

Nighthawks

Farm to table restaurant serving the best burger ever.

Imagine a situation where you and your friends can’t agree on where to eat out. Well, Nighthawks is the answer to this situation. Nighthawks specializes in farm-to-table dining to provide the freshest ingredients.

They change their menu every week, allowing you to indulge in a variety of dishes. But the most memorable is their burger. The buttered brioche sandwiches the juiciest patty, melted cheese, and their secret sauce that will confirm you and your friends have made the right choice. Bring your foodie friends show off a new side of what Troy has to offer.

I Am Quang What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Taking care of myself, taking care of family, and doing what I love.

What is your greatest fear?

The death of my children. It used to be the death of my parents, but when you become a parent, children are everything.

I also have a fear of failure, which stopped me from opening the restaurant. I believe life is short and would rather take a chance at something and fail really big.

Which living person do you most admire?

My dad. He fled communism on refugee boats, left everything behind him, risking everything for the entire family.

My mother, as she was working hard for the family. I saw their work ethic. My father taught me how to be tough and my mother how to be soft.

What is your current state of mind?

Stress. I am a single parent, recently divorced, not much time in hand, trying to take care of kids, run business and move at the same time. Happy but stressed.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Opening this restaurant. It was the most challenging thing I ever faced in my entire life. I don’t mind putting in the work.

Every decision I make is my own.

What is your most treasured possession?

I am not a materialistic person and pay more for experiences. That is what I teach the children, too.

On my tombstone, you would find “Eat, drink and be merry”

What do you value most in your customers?

Who they are. Part of what makes me good at what I do is guest interaction. I like to hear everybody’s story. What I value is their experience from what I had to offer. Everything about the experience is custom-tailored to them.

What is your greatest regret?

My biggest fear on my deathbed is that I die with regrets. Any negative experience is educational; I don’t want to regret not doing something.

What is your motto?

Work hard, play hard. I work my ass off, but if you party with me you know that I like to party, too.

Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro Vietnamese restaurant introducing cultural dishes with an artistic twist.

Lemon Grass Pork Vermicelli

At Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro, the owner-chef gives traditional cuisine, such as pho, bún cha, and banh mi, a creative twist.

The owner himself in the kitchen.

I Am Tom What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Trying to balance work, family, learning, and growing as a business owner, as well as a person.

What is your greatest fear?

Failure. I try really hard and really push myself so that I don’t fail.

Which living person do you most admire?

My mother, the employees that work with me, the pop culture celebrity world of bakers, the community based in Troy.

What is your current state of mind?

I am constantly thinking about opening a new place. My state of mind is how much I want to take on and find that balance between work life, family life, and personal life.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My family and being a father and raising my children. I like that there is a long way to go and that there are many years of learning. Being a business owner as well. It is not something I was thinking in my younger years, but I love it and work hard at it.

What is your most treasured possession?

I would say my family and the bakery, but I wouldn’t say they are possessions. The bakery wouldn’t be anything without my employees, as they are dedicated and wonderful. And of course my family, with the same kind of relationship.

What do you value most in your customers?

I value all of them. That they come here knowing that it is a small family-owned business, and they trust the good product made from scratch by hand and the people working here.

What is your greatest regret?

I am not a big risk-taker. That is why I might not have big regrets or too many regrets. If anything, I regret not being a little more sporadic, a little more outgoing without thinking about risk all that much.

What is your motto?

Being a good, kind-hearted person. With the state of the country right now being so polarized and divided, we need to come back to being good people and treating everybody with respect. We are all human beings and that should be number one.

The Placid Baker

This authentic French bakery spreads love through flaky pastry and warm bread.

The smell of fresh baked goods welcomes you as soon as you open the door. Locals stop by to grab a pastry for breakfast before work or to enjoy their weekly ritual of friends gathering. Locals of all ages stop by, to see their neighbors and hold a conversation. The Placid Baker is also at the Troy Farmers Market year-round, where they first started the business and see long lines for customers eager to get their hands on croissants and sourdough bread.

Their famous croissant made fresh daily by the owner Tom.

Featured Restaurants Plumb Oyster Bar

Modern seafood restaurant offering signature cocktails and fresh oysters.

Signature: oysters of the day 15 2nd St, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 501-1517 https://www.plumb.bar/ @plumboysterbar

Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen

Casual and stylish korean restaurant serving traditional korean dishes.

Signature: bulgogi

95-97 Ferry St, Troy, NY 121 (518) 272-3413 https://www.sunhees.com/ @sunhees95ferry

Little Pecks

All day café serving coffee, drinks and brunch food.

Signature: avocado toast 211 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 326-3450 http://www.littlepecks.com/ @littlepecks

Peck’s Arcade

American style restaurant inspired by global cuisine, offering new dishes on season.

217 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 326-3450

https://www.pecksarcade.com/

@pecksarcade

Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro Vietnamese restaurant with an artistic and modern twist.

Signature: pho

88 3rd St, Troy, NY 12180 (510) 301-1757 https://www.facebook. com/quangsbistro/ @quangsbistro

Nighthawks

Farm to table restaurant rotating their menus every week to provide the freshest ingredients.

Signature: burger 461 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 272-1000 https://www.nighthawkstroy.com/ @nighthawkstroy

The Placid Baker

Authentic French bakery fresh bread and bakery.

Signature: croissant 250 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 326-2657

Signature: handmade pasta

http://www.theplacidbaker.com/

@theplacidbaker

More places to visit

DeFazio’s

Superior Merchandise Company

266 4th St, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 271-1111

Modern coffee bar serving trendy drinks with a local design shop in the front.

147 4th St, Troy, NY 12180

http://www.superiormerchandise.co/

@superiormerchandisecompany

Lo Porto

Family-run Italian restaurant offering authentic, italian seafood and pasta dishes.

85 4th St, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 273-8546 https://loportostroy.com/

Authentic Italian eatery loved by the locals

http://www.defaziospizza.com/

@defaziospizzeria

Muza The Hill at Muza

Cozy restaurant serving homemade European food.

1300 15th St, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 271-6892

http://muzaeuropeanfood.com/ @thehill_beergarden

Daily Grind

Old school cafe serving the best coffee in Troy.

46 3rd St, Troy, NY 12180 (518) 272-8658

https://www.dailygrind.com/

@thedailygrindtroy

Illium Cafe

Cafe and bistro worth visiting after your music hall concert or your Sunday Brunch.

@troykitchenny

Ali Baba

Meditarranean restaurant perfect to share platters for large gatherings.

2243 15th St, Troy, NY 518-273-1170

http://www.alibabacusine.com/

9 Broadway, Troy, NY (518) 805-1122 https://www.illiumcafe.com/ @illiumcafe

Manory’s

Troy Kitchen

99 Congress St, Troy, NY 518-272-2422 (518) 272-2422 manorystroy.com @manorys_restaurant

Modern food court offering international foods varying from Middle Eastern to Jamaican and organizing events.

77 Congress St, Troy, NY (518) 268-0068 http://troy.kitchen/

American diner famous for their milkshakes and classic fluffly pancakes.

I want to thank everyone that participated in this magazine production.

A special thank you to all the restaurant owners for their participation in interviews, Gemma, Ms. Resler, Mr. Calos and Ms. McNamara for all the effort and joy that they have put into my passion project. It would not have been the same without your help.

- Editor

Behind The Counter

Connecting communities through food. @behindthecountermag