THE 2025 BESTIE AWARDS FOOD DRINK &
CHILI CHOWDER
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blueberry lemon breakfast smoothie
Smoothies are great for breakfast, and this one features a healthy blend of fruit and yogurt that makes it perfect for your first meal of the day. This Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Smoothie is hearty enough to keep you full all morning.
Here's what you need:
1/2 cup Frozen Hannaford Wild Maine Blueberries
1 tsp. Freshly grated lemon zest
1 Tbsp. Lemon juice
1/2 cup Fat free milk
Roll up your sleeves:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and enjoy immediately.
Source: Recipe adapted from cabotcreamery.com
Nutritional Information:
1 (5.3 oz.) container Siggi’s® Icelandic Nonfat Mixed Berry Yogurt
1 tsp. McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 scoop Nature’s Promise® Vanilla Grass Fed Whey Protein Powder Supplement
Amount per serving: Calories 290; Total Fat 1 g; Saturated Fat 0 g; Cholesterol 35 mg; Sodium 130 mg; Carbohydrate 39 g; Dietary Fiber 2 g; Sugar 33 g; Added Sugar 14 g; Protein 30 g
Thank you to our sponsors for partnering with Hannaford to offer free dietitian services. Visit hannaford.com/dietitians to learn more. MAKES 1 SERVING
We’re committed to supporting your health and wellness goals. Our team of registered dietitians offer free nutritional services online and in-store.
THE 2025 BESTIE AWARDS FOOD DRINK &
Welcome back, besties! Our second and final Besties issue of the year is here, and this time we’re bringing you a comprehensive guide to the best of the Capital Region’s bar and restaurant scene. 20
RECAP: BESTIES PEOPLE & PLACES
A round-up of the 2025 winners & finalists 38
TREND: HOMETOWN HOSPITALITY
Thanks to a handful of enterprising restaurateurs, the village of Voorheesville is proving that good food can be close to home—even in the suburbs. | BY CIERRA ORLYK 42
SPOTLIGHT: BRAVO, KATIANNA
Clifton Park’s own Katianna Hong, now a successful LA-based restaurateur, brings her signature “Korean Americana” style to Season 22 of Bravo’s Top Chef. | BY NATALLI AMATO 46
ON THE ROAD: SUMMER IN THE CITY
While New York City tends to empty out in the summer, with residents escaping to the Hamptons and the Catskills, I make a point to travel to The Big Apple in the warm-weather months. Here’s why. | BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX 50
The Front
13 STARTING LINEUP: NATIONAL BRANDS WITH CAPITAL REGION TIES
16 POWER PLAYER: ELIZABETH KISS
18 12 UNDER 12: LANDON POUCHER
The Back
57 CALENDAR: 10 WAYS TO DIVE HEADFIRST INTO SUMMER BY MORGAN MASCHEWSKI
60 HOROSCOPE: SIGNS OF THE TIMES BY CHANTAL MARIE
62 RECIPE: ELSASSER’S BEIM 111’S MUSHROOM SP Ä TZLE
65 CROSSWORD: WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? BY NATALIE MOORE
68 BEFORE YOU GO: THE SECRET TO LIFE BY JOHN GRAY
ADVERTISING SECTION 52 WEDDINGS
66 HOME IMPROVEMENT
ON THE
COVER Genoa Importing’s turkey club, photographed by Konrad Odhiambo. Shot on location at Genoa Importing in Loudonville, NY.
CAPITAL REGION LIVING
Natalie Moore
EDITOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Gates
DESIGNER Linda Gates
SENIOR WRITER Cierra Orlyk
EDITORIAL INTERN Morgan Maschewski
CONTRIBUTORS
Natalli Amato, Lisa Arcella
Samantha Decker, Jeff Dingler, Sara Foss
John Gray, T.R. Laz, Chantal Marie Megan Mumford, Konrad Odhiambo
Fiona Stevens, Kathleen Willcox
Teresa Frazer PUBLISHER
Tara Buffa
SALES MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF SALES, SARATOGA LIVING Annette Quarrier
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Tina Galante
SALES ASSISTANT Tracy Momrow
Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIRMAN Tina Galante
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
VOLUME 22, NO.3 | SUMMER 2025 Copyright ©2025 | Empire Media Network, Inc. All rights reserved. 8 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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THE FRONT
» your starting lineup «
BY CIERRA ORLYK
FROM THE 518...TO BEYOND!
These national brands are proud to call the Capital Region home.
1. HOT CRISPY OIL
Capital Region native John Trimble says he started Hot Crispy Oil in an effort to not lose his mind. After his father passed away, Trimble moved back to the 518 to help his mother and manage the
family restaurant, La Serre, in Albany. Then, COVID-19 hit, the restaurant closed, and he found himself trapped inside with his children. He started tinkering around in the kitchen and came up with a concoction whose popularity spread like word-of-mouth wildfire. Hot
Crispy Oil now has a national fanbase and sells everything from the signature oil itself to aioli, hot sauce, and seasoning. With an ever-growing demand, Trimble recently purchased a warehouse on Thatcher Street to keep the products stocked and people happy.
2. BILINSKI’S SAUSAGE
Looking for a better life in America, Joseph Bilinski left his home country of Ukraine in the early 1900s and landed in Cohoes. For work, he decided to use his Old-World knowledge to create sausage similar to
THE FRONT
» your starting lineup «
what he enjoyed back home, and founded Bilinski’s Sausage in 1929. The company stayed in the family until 1983, when it was sold and expanded to a national brand. Today, Bilinski’s Sausage is known for its clean ingredients and humane sourcing, only partnering with farmers who raise antibioticand hormone-free chickens
that are free to roam and grow at a natural pace. Though Bilinski’s sausages can be bought all across the country, manufacturing continues to take place at the company’s only manufacturing facility in Cohoes.
3. DEATH WISH COFFEE
What began as a basement project at Saratoga Coffee Traders (RIP) in 2012 has become a national brand known for its bold, smooth, highly caffeinated coffee. Death Wish Coffee started out small but reached a national audience when it won a 30-second ad slot during Super Bowl 50 in 2016. Now, it uses a combination of potent USDA Organic and Fair-Trade Certified beans to create different roasts (light, medium, dark, and espresso) in different forms (bagged, single-serve pods, espresso capsules, and instant) and flavors (vanilla, chocolate hazelnut, blueberry, and more). Its latest addition is a line of canned lattes that, just like all the brand’s products, uses clean ingredients and keeps the environment and coffee farmers in mind.
4. SARATOGA
SPRING WATER
Does water have a taste? According to Saratoga Water, of course it does—and also a flavor profile, mouthfeel, and TDS level. The luxury water brand formerly known as “Saratoga Vichy” was formed in Saratoga Springs in 1872 and now has a wide fanbase across the country. Though the company had a viral
moment online this past spring (Google “Ashton Hall GRWM videos”), the brand was thriving long before that. Saratoga Water is the official water of Bravo’s Top Chef, and regularly brings together high-profile guests to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants via its Supper Club.
5. MYBACON
Who knew that fungi could be used to create foam, leather, insulation, and... bacon? RPI grads Eben Bayer and Gavin McIntyre—founders of Green Island company Ecovative, a pioneer in the field of mycelium innovation— sure did. In 2020, the Evocative team began farming mycelium to create meaty-yet-meatless slabs that were eerily similar to bacon. The breakthrough prompted Bayer to form MyForest Foods, a spinoff of Evocative, and offer the bacon alternative as its flagship product. Now, MyBacon has a hold on the plantbased industry for its near-identical taste and texture to the real deal while being both vegan and free of gluten and soy.
THE FRONT
your starting lineup
POWER PLAYER
MADAM PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Kiss readies to take the reins as president of the Capital Region’s oldest educational institution.
BY SARA FOSS
Union College’s vision statement, which calls for “developing every student to lead with wisdom, empathy and courage,” is a source of inspiration for Elizabeth Kiss, who on July 1 will become the
first female president in the school’s 230-year history.
“Those are more than just words,” says Kiss. “They are something the college has brought alive, and that I want to continue to bring alive in students’ experiences, so that
LEADING LADY On July 1 of this year, Elizabeth Kiss, the daughter of Hungarian refugees, will become the 20th president of Union College.
a college where the sciences, humanities, social sciences, computer science, and engineering are all emphasized. “So much of the most important educational work is at the intersection of those fields,” she says. “Union is exciting to me as a place that is doing that work. For me, the opportunity is: How can you do more of it?”
as they go on in life and career, they ask themselves, ‘Am I leading with wisdom, empathy, and courage?’”
Kiss’ background is in philosophy. To her, such questions are more than theoretical abstractions— they’re practical considerations that help people understand how to live lives that are ethically and morally sound. At a small liberal arts college like Union, she says, “you are changing lives every day.”
Located in Schenectady, Union College has just over 2,000 undergraduate students. Kiss says she is eager to lead
Kiss’ perspective on leadership and education was shaped by her experiences at the University of Oxford in England, which she attended on a Rhodes Scholarship; at Duke University, where she founded the Kenan Institute for Ethics; and at Agnes Scott College in Georgia, where she served as president. She comes to Union fresh off a stint as CEO of the Rhodes Trust, where she raised a record amount of money to increase the number of scholarships for students from around the world—especially Africa, India, and China. But it’s her family history that has most influenced her worldview.
Kiss is the child of Hungarian refugees who moved to the United States in 1956 following the Hungarian Revolution. Her father was imprisoned twice, first under the Nazis and later the Communist government.
“He had this experience of standing up for the core values of democracy and decency and paying the price,” says Kiss, who was born in New York City. “In ways large and small, I want to be able to say that I’ve tried to do the right thing—that I’ve tried to make the organizations I serve better and more inclusive.”
12 UNDER 12
BANKING ON THE FUTURE presented by
LANDON POUCHER
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES, ROE JAN FOOD PANTRY, COPAKE PARK COMMISSION
This feature is part of a series in which we feature 12 young people from Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region who are making their communities a better place. Know a kid who fits the bill? Send their story to editorial@saratogaliving.com for a chance to be featured in a future issue!
With a roster of philanthropic efforts longer than most, 12-year-old Landon Poucher is dedicated to making a difference in his community.
His story began in the NICU as a preemie, while his mom, dad, and sister stayed at the nearby Ronald McDonald House. As he got older and paid visits with his family to the organization that helped them so much, Landon became determined to give back to the cause. To do this, he collects tabs and donates them to the Ronald McDonald House, so the organization can recycle them and use the funds to further its mission.
The 6th grader is also involved with the local Roe Jan Food Pantry, assisting with packing food boxes for families in need around the holiday season. In addition, he helps the Copake Park Commission stuff Easter eggs (more than 5,000 a year!) for its annual egg hunt, participates in its annual Trunk or Treat event, and dresses up as an elf to hand out gifts at Christmastime.
» your starting lineup « age: 12 hometown: COPAKE school: TACONIC HILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL community involvement:
“I like giving back to the Ronald McDonald House because they helped my family,” Landon says. “I also like helping at events in our community because it helps people that we know, and it feels good to help people in need.”
Who’s hungry?
At Loudonville’s Genoa Importing, which this year won Best Sandwich, the possibilities are practically endless. To help you decide, the menu features 43 specialty permutations of hot and cold subs, including these standout sammies.
PHOTO BY KONRAD ODHIAMBO
THE JULIA smoked turkey, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, sun-dried tomato paste, and pesto mayo
THE ANTHONY chicken cutlet, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, olive oil, and balsamic glaze
THE DANIELLE hot soppressata, mortadella, prosciutto, pepper ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house Italian
THE 2025 BESTIE AWARDS FOOD DRINK &
Welcome back, besties! Our second and final Besties issue of the year is here, and this time we’re bringing you a comprehensive guide to the best of the Capital Region’s bar and restaurant scene. How did we come up with this list, you ask? We didn’t; you did! The Bestie Awards are the area’s longest running “best of” survey that invites locals to cast their votes in more than 200 categories spanning from coffee and cookies to law firm and landscaper. But voters don’t just select from a drop-down list of options—they actually write in their votes, making for a final list of winners that is 100 percent the word of the people. Did your favorite restaurants make the cut? Turn the page to find out.
—NATALIE MOORE
TURKEY CLUB enough said.
N.F.L CLASSIC roast beef, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Russian
APPETIZER
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT
572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
SWIFTY’S RESTAURANT & PUB
95 Everett Road, Albany
518.472.0522
367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.475.1111 swiftyspub.com
BAGELS
UNCOMMON GROUNDS has been a Capital Region coffee-and-bagel empire for quite a while, and in the last few months, that empire has gotten even bigger. In September of last year, the brand opened a new spot on Upper Glen Street in Queensbury, and earlier this year, added locations in North Greenbush, at the Empire State Plaza concourse, and at Albany Airport. The mass expansion isn’t over yet either: A new Uncommon location is set for the former Bruegger’s Bagel store in Delaware Plaza in Delmar. Sounds like a recipe for future Bestie domination to us!
UNCOMMON GROUNDS
Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com
PEARL’S BAGELS AND BAKERY 16 Picotte Drive, Albany pearlsalbany.com
WEST END BAGELS
5 Southside Drive, Clifton Park 518.952.4762 westendbagels.com
BAKERY
BELLA NAPOLI
672 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.783.0196
721 River Street, Troy 518.274.8277 bellanapolibakery.com
PERFECT BLEND CAFE AND BAKERY
376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.6537 perfectblendcafe.com
VILLA ITALIA BAKERY
226 Broadway, Schenectady 518.355.1144 villaitaliabakery.com
BBQ JOINT
MILLER’S BACKYARD BBQ
1 Niver Street, Cohoes 518.238.3613 millersbackyardbbqllc.com
PJ’S BAR-B-QSA
1 Kaydeross Avenue West Saratoga Springs 518.583.2445 pjsbarbqsa.com
DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE
377 River Street, Troy 518.308.0400 dinosaurbarbque.com
BLOODY MARY
HIGHER GROUND
DISTILLING COMPANY
2513 Route 30, Mayfield 518.527.5490 highergrounddistilling.com
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
TIPSY MOOSE TAP & TAVERN
Multiple Locations tipsymoosetavern.com
BREAD
THE PLACID BAKER
250 Broadway, Troy 518.925.2232 theplacidbaker.com
BOUNTIFUL BREAD
1475 Western Avenue, Albany 518.438.3540 bountifulbread.com
PERRECA’S
31-33 North Jay Street, Schenectady 518.372.1875 perrecas.com
BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH
SWEET MIMI’S CAFE & BAKERY
47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518.871.1780 sweetmimiscafe.com
CAFE MADISON
1108 Madison Avenue, Albany 518.935.1094
359 Northern Boulevard, Albany 518.898.9630 cafemadisonalbany.com
IRON GATE CAFE
182A Washington Avenue, Albany 518.445.3555 irongatecafe.com
BREWERY
BROWN’S BREWING COMPANY
417 River Street, Troy 518.273.2337
50 Factory Hill Road, North Hoosick 518.205.5049 brownsbrewing.com
STUMP CITY BREWING
521 West Fulton Street, Gloversville 518.831.0722 stumpcitybrewery.com
DRUTHERS BREWING COMPANY
Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com
BURGER
NIGHTHAWKS
RESTAURANT & BAR
461 Broadway, Troy 518.272.1000 nighthawkstroy.com
ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT AND BAR
3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer 518.977.3602 illusives.com
HAMLET & GHOST
24 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.450.7287 hamletandghost.com
CAKES
ZACHARY’S PASTRY SHOPPE
390 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer 518.477.2140 zacharypastryshoppe.com
VILLA ITALIA BAKERY
226 Broadway, Schenectady 518.355.1144 villaitaliabakery.com
PERFECT BLEND CAFE AND BAKERY
376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.6537 perfectblendcafe.com
CALAMARI
YANNI’S TOO 16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT 572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
DENATALE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR 214 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.409.8187 denatales.com
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT
ZACHARY’S PASTRY SHOPPE
CHICKEN WINGS
HARVEY’S RESTAURANT & BAR
14 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518.583.0003 harveyspub.com
RUSTY NAIL GRILL AND TAVERN
1781 Route 9, Clifton Park 518.371.9875 myfavoritetaverns.com
ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT AND BAR
3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer 518.977.3602 illusives.com
CHILI
OTIS AND OLIVERS
30 Mill Road, Latham 518.785.9291 otisandolivers.com
THE TOWNE TAVERN
2850 Route 43, Averill Park
518.674.3040 thetownetavern.com
CARSON’S WOODSIDE TAVERN
57 Route 9P, Malta 518.584.9791 carsonswoodside.com
CHOCOLATE SHOP/ CANDY STORE
KRAUSE’S HOMEMADE CANDY
1609 Central Avenue, Albany 518.869.3950 krausescandy.com
UNCLE SAM’S CANDY
594 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.608.4949 2571 Albany Street, Schenectady 518.372.2243 unclesamscandy.com
CANDY KRAFT CANDIES
2575 Western Avenue, Altamont 518.355.1860 candykraft.com
CHOWDER
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
FIN-YOUR FISHMONGER
2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland 518.452.4565 finshops.com
DUNNING STREET STATION
2853 Route 9, Malta 518.587.2000 dunningstreetstation.com
CIDER DOUGHNUTS
INDIAN LADDER FARMS
342 Altamont Road, Altamont 518.724.9455 indianladderfarms.com
GOLDEN HARVEST FARMS
3074 Route 9, Valatie 518.758.7683 goldenharvestfarms.com
LAKESIDE FARMS
336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake 518.339.8359 lakesidefarmscidermill.com
COFFEE
UNCOMMON GROUNDS
Multiple Locations uncommongrounds.com
STEWART’S SHOPS
Multiple Locations stewartsshops.com
GRAHAM’S COFFEE PARLOR
3406 State Street, Schenectady 518.527.1202 grahamscoffeeparlor.com
COOKIES
THE COOKIE FACTORY
520 Congress Street, Troy 518.268.1060
1705 Route 9, Clifton Park 518.280.7644 cookiefactoryllc.com
VILLA ITALIA
226 Broadway, Schenectady 518.355.1144 villaitaliabakery.com
BELLA NAPOLI
672 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.783.0196
21 River Street, Troy 518.274.8277 bellanapolibakery.com
CUPCAKES
PERFECT BLEND CAFE AND BAKERY
376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.6537 perfectblendcafe.com
COCCADOTTS CAKE SHOP
1179 Central Avenue, Albany 518.438.4937 coccadotts.com
BELLA NAPOLI (TIE)
672 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.783.0196
21 River Street, Troy 518.274.8277 bellanapolibakery.com
ZACHARY’S PASTRY SHOPPE (TIE)
390 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer 518.477.2140 zacharyspastryshoppe.com
DELI
MCCARROLL’S THE VILLAGE BUTCHER & DELI
406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 518.478.9651 delmarmarketplace.com
PELLEGRINO’S IMPORTING
1197 Central Avenue, Albany 518.459.4472 pellegrinosimporting.com
CARDONA’S MARKET
Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com
DINER
SOON, YOU MAY BE ABLE to get your favorite diner fare a little farther north. As of this spring, Alexis Diner owner Alexi Lekkas had submitted a proposal to open Alexi’s at the Airport, a sit-down restaurant located at the Saratoga County Airport. (Though the airport is private, the restaurant would be open to the public.) Lekkas has plans to serve a smaller menu that still embodies the Alexis spirit with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a full bar. At press time, he was targeting a fall opening.
ALEXIS DINER
294 North Greenbush Road, Troy 518.286.2603 alexisdiner.us
SILVER SPOON CAFE
11 Madison Avenue, Ravena 518.756.3463
The Silver Spoon Cafe on Facebook
CAPITAL CITY DINER (TIE)
1709 Western Avenue, Albany 518.250.4261 pilarinoshospitalitygroup.com
LATHAM ‘76 DINER (TIE)
722 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.785.3793 latham76diner.com
DISTILLERY
HIGHER GROUND
DISTILLING COMPANY
2513 Route 30, Mayfield 518.527.5490 highergrounddistilling.com
ALBANY DISTILLING COMPANY
75 Livingston Avenue, Albany 518.949.2472 albanydistilling.com
HARVEST SPIRITS
3074 Route 9, Valatie 518.758.1776 harvestspirits.com
DIVE BAR
SOMETIMES YOU WANT to go out to be wined and dined, and sometimes you want to go to a place where you can drink a PBR in peace. That’s why we added Dive Bar to the list of Bestie categories this year. It seems that every town and city in the region has a go-to watering hole for locals, but Capital Regionites especially like Saratoga’s Desperate Annie’s (or DA’s, as the locals call it). Originally opened on Caroline Street in the 1970s, DA’s is a known hangout for restaurant industry folk, hosting Super Dark Collective shows on Monday nights, when many other bars and restaurants are closed.
DESPERATE ANNIE’S
12 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.587.2455
Desperate Annie’s on Facebook
HALFWAY HOUSE TAVERN
26 Main Street, Ravena
518.756.9720
Halfway House Tavern on Facebook
ALE HOUSE
680 River Street, Troy
518.272.9740
alehousetroy.com
ESPRESSO MARTINI
BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR
10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518.450.1115 bocagechampagnebar.com
HIGHER GROUND DISTILLING COMPANY
2513 Route 30, Mayfield 518.527.5490 highergrounddistilling.com
THE MISFIT
1 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.285.0129 themisfitsaratoga.com
FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANT
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT
572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
DENATALE’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT & BAR
214 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.409.8187 denatales.com
FINE DINING
677 PRIME 677 Broadway, Albany 518.427.7463 677prime.com
YONO’S 25 Chapel Street, Albany 518.436.7747 yonos.com
CORAY KITCHEN
360 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.650.6033 coraykitchen.com
FISH FRY FRIED CHICKEN
ANOTHER BELOVED LOCAL CHAIN that’s in the process of expanding to new Capital Region frontiers is Ted’s Fish Fry, a perennial Bestie winner with current locations in Albany, Watervliet, Latham, Troy, and Halfmoon. On the horizon: a new location scheduled to open in a former Pizza Hut in Ballston Spa this summer. Of course, if you don’t live near a Ted’s, you can have Ted’s come to you by way of Ted’s on Wheels, a food truck serving up fish fry, clams, shrimp, burgers, and more, which launched in 2024.
TED’S FISH FRY
Multiple Locations tedsfishfry.com
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
FIN-YOUR FISHMONGER
2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland 518.452.4565 finshops.com
FOOD TRUCK
YANNI’S 2-GO
518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
MEGABITES CATERING
518.866.4225 megabiteseventsandcatering.com
SLIDIN’ DIRTY
388 Broadway, Albany 2639 US-9, Malta 518.217.5688 slidindirty.com
HATTIE’S RESTAURANTS
45 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518.584.4790
121 Madison Avenue, Albany 518.776.1440 hattiesrestaurant.com
THE NEST
512 State Street, Schenectady 518.672.3018 thenest518.com
WEST AVE CHICKEN
99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.539.4771 westavechicken.com
GLUTEN-FREE SELECTION
SARATOGA GLUTEN FREE GOODS 176 Broad Street, Schuylerville 518.695.6565 saratogaglutenfreegoods.com
PERFECT BLEND CAFE AND BAKERY
376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.6537 perfectblendcafe.com
THE GALLEY BAR AND GRILL 2839 Route 9, Ballston Spa 518.886.8695 galleybarandgrill.com
HAPPY HOUR
THE MISFIT
1 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.285.0129 themisfitsaratoga.com
PASTA PANE
18 Park Avenue, Clifton Park 518.371.5762 pastapane.com
CANTINA
408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.587.5577 cantinasaratoga.com
SARATOGA GLUTEN FREE GOODS
HIBACHI
SAKE
611 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.785.7215 sakelatham.com
AKIRA
385 Route 9W, Glenmont 518.434.8880 akiraalbany.com
HANA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
1620 Western Avenue, Guilderland 518.452.4262 hanaalbany.com
HOT DOG
GUS’ HOT DOGS
212 25th Street, Watervliet 518.273.8743 gusshotdogswatervliet.com
THE FAMOUS LUNCH
111 Congress Street, Troy 518.272.9481 famouslunch.org
STEWART’S SHOPS
Multiple Locations stewartsshops.com
ICE CREAM STAND
ZIPPY’S ICE CREAM
2513 Route 30, Mayfield 518.961.5000
Zippy’s Ice Cream on Facebook
TWIST ICE CREAM SHOPPE AT JERICHO DRIVE-IN
19 Jericho Road, Glenmont 518.767.3399 jerichodrive-in.com
GUPTILL’S ICE CREAM
1085 New Loudon Road, Cohoes 518.785.0660
Guptill’s Ice Cream on Facebook
LATE-NIGHT DINING
ESPERANTO
4 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.587.4236
NAUGHTER’S 1809 5th Avenue, Troy naughters.com
RALPH’S TAVERN
1328 Central Avenue, Albany 518.489.8290 ralphstaverninc.com
MAC & CHEESE
DRUTHERS BREWING COMPANY
Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
TIPSY MOOSE TAP & TAVERN
Multiple Locations tipsymoosetavern.com
MARGARITA
LA FIESTA
1610 Central Avenue, Albany 518.400.5160 lafiestaalbany.com
CANTINA
408 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.587.5577 cantinasaratoga.com
MARGARITA CITY (TIE)
1118 Central Avenue, Albany 518.977.4169 margarita-city.com
EL MARIACHI (TIE)
289 Hamilton Street, Albany 518.432.7580 elmariachirestaurant.com
MARTINI
HIGHER GROUND DISTILLING CO.
2513 Route 30, Mayfield 518.527.5490 highergrounddistilling.com
9 MAPLE AVENUE
9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.583.2582 9mapleave.com
THE MISFIT
1 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.285.0129 themisfitsaratoga.com
MEATBALLS
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT
572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
DENATALE’S ITALIAN
RESTAURANT AND BAR
214 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.409.8187 denatales.com
CARDONA’S MARKET
Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com
MOCKTAIL
THE LATEST DRINKING TREND? Not drinking. Well, not drinking alcohol, we should say. This new Bestie category celebrates all of the Capital Region’s teetotalers—and the bars that support them. CRL readers especially like the NA options at The Misfit (think: strawberry/ balsamic/lime soda, blood orange/lime ginger beer, and a coffee/rosemary/lime concoction). Of course, The Misfit does cocktails well, too—the bar nabbed first in the Happy Hour category as well as a trio of third place Bestie finishes.
THE MISFIT
1 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.285.0129 themisfitsaratoga.com
PARK & ELM
19 Park Street, Glens Falls 518.480.3220 parkandelm.com
HAMLET & GHOST
24 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs 518.450.7287 hamletandghost.com
MUFFINS
PERFECT BLEND CAFE AND BAKERY
376 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.6537 perfectblendcafe.com
HANNAFORD
Multiple Locations hannaford.com
BELLA NAPOLI (TIE)
672 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.783.0196
721 River Street, Troy 518.274.8277 ballanapolibakery.com
PARK & ELM (TIE)
19 Park Street, Glens Falls 518.480.3220 parkandelm.com
NEW RESTAURANT (PAST 12 MONTHS)
MILA’S RESTAURANT & BAR has made quite a splash since opening in Schenectady last June. The Mediterranean restaurant is by the owners of The Nest, and it’s everything you’d expect from the dynamic husband-wife team: highceilinged, stunning interiors (that bar!); an expertly curated menu of sharables and entrees (including mix-and-match dips and flatbreads); an extensive drink list (cocktails, mocktails, wines, and spirits); and, oh yeah, a bank vault (the space was formerly a bank). Add them all together, and it’s no wonder Mila’s was named Best New Restaurant in the Capital Region.
MILAS RESTAURANT & BAR
500 State Street, Schenectady 518.353.7970 milas-518.com
ADONAI’S PIZZA & DELI
1620 Route 9W, Selkirk 518.756.9352 adonaispizza.com
PRETTY ALRIGHT BREAKFAST CLUB
39 Voorheesville Avenue, Voorheesville 518.765.0019 @prettyalrightbreakfastclub on Instagram
OMELETTES
PEACHES CAFE
1475 Western Avenue, Albany 518.482.3677 peachescafe.net
DUNCAN’S DAIRY BAR
890 Hoosick Road, Troy 518.279.9985 duncansdairybar.com
ALEXIS DINER
294 North Greenbush Road, Troy 518.286.2603 alexisdiner.us
OUTDOOR DINING
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
DRUTHERS BREWING COMPANY
Multiple Locations druthersbrewing.com
THE SHAKER AND VINE
221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady 518.630.6318 theshakerandvine.com
PASTA SAUCE
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT
572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
DENATALE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR 214 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.409.8187 denatales.com
TESTO’S
853 4th Avenue, Troy 518.235.0444 testosrestaurant.com
PIES
SMITH’S ORCHARD BAKE SHOP
4561 Jockey Street, Ballston Spa 518.882.6598 smithspieshop.com
LAKESIDE FARMS
336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake 518.399.8359 lakesidefarmscidermill.com
GOLDEN HARVEST FARMS
3074 Route 9, Valatie 518.758.7683 goldenharvestfarms.com
PIZZA
READING THIS MAGAZINE cover to cover? That means you haven’t yet made it to our feature on the rise of Voorheesville’s restaurant scene. Flip to page 42 to read all about Anthony’s by Romo’s Pizza, a new restaurant from the owners of (you guessed it) Bestie winning pizza place Romo’s Pizza.
ROMO’S PIZZA
365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont 518.449.5871 romospizza.com
KAY’S PIZZA
10 Walsh Lane, Averill Park 518.674.5413 kayspizza.com
CAPUTO’S PIZZERIA (TIE) 1675 Route 9, Watkins Plaza Clifton Park 518.383.9800
caputosofcliftonpark.com
3039 Route 50, Saratoga Springs 518.581.0011 caputospizzeria.com
WEST AVENUE PIZZERIA (TIE)
99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.886.3788 westavenuepizzeria.com
PUB
SWIFTY’S RESTAURANT & PUB
95 Everett Road, Albany 518.472.0522
367 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.475.1111 swiftyspub.com
HENRY STREET TAPROOM
86 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs 518.886.8938 henrystreettaproom.com
O’SLATTERY’S IRISH RESTAURANT AND PUB
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.438.5634 oslatterys.com
RIBS
MILLER’S BACKYARD BBQ 1 Niver Street, Cohoes 518.238.3613 millersbackyardbbqllc.com
OTIS AND OLIVER’S 30 Mill Road, Latham 518.785.9291 otisandolivers.com
DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE 377 River Street, Troy 518.308.0400 dinosaurbarbque.com
UNBEETABLE
148 Clinton Street, Schenectady 518.312.4679 unbeetable518.com
ROOTED + RIND
14 Booth Road, Delmar 518.599.5055 rootedandrind.com
SAMASCOTT’S GARDEN MARKET (TIE)
65 Chatham Street, Kinderhook 518.217.2249 samascott.com
THE HOLLOW BAR + KITCHEN (TIE)
79 North Pearl Street, Albany 618.426.8550 thehollowalbany.com
ROMANTIC DINING
677 PRIME 677 Broadway, Albany 518.427.7463 677prime.com
15 CHURCH RESTAURANT 15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs 518.587.1515 15churchrestaurant.com
DENATALE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR 214 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.409.8187 denatales.com
SALADS
BOUNTIFUL BREAD
1475 Western Avenue, Albany 518.438.3540 bountifulbread.com
ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT AND BAR
3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer 518.977.3602 illusives.com
SIMONE’S KITCHEN
Multiple Locations ordersimones.com
SANDWICH/SUB
WHILE BOTH McCarroll’s The Village Butcher & Deli and Cardona’s Market have been atop the Sandwich Bestie standings for years, either as winners or finalists, this year, we saw a dark horse win it all. Genoa Importing, conveniently located just a few minutes from Siena College, has been stacking sandwiches with scratch-made ingredients (including meats that are cooked in house daily) for more than 30 years, and Bestie voters are taking notice. On the cover of this issue, you can see Genoa’s turkey club, but the shop also serves dozens of hot and cold specialty subs, homemade soups, salads, and a dinner menu featuring baked ziti, tortellini alfredo, and more.
GENOA IMPORTING
435 Loudon Road, Loudonville 518.427.0078 genoaimporting.com
McCARROLL’S THE VILLAGE BUTCHER & DELI 406 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar 518.439.3936 delmarmarketplace.com
CARDONA’S MARKET Multiple Locations cardonasmarket.com
SWIFTY’S RESTAURANT & PUB
SEAFOOD
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
FIN-YOUR FISHMONGER
2050 Western Avenue, Guilderland 518.452.4565 finshops.com
HOOKED MARKET & KITCHEN
1177 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.389.6217 hookedmarketandkitchen.com
SLIDERS
SLIDIN’ DIRTY’S food truck slid onto the Capital Region food scene in 2012, and shortly after, owner Tim Taney opened up a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Troy. A Schenectady restaurant came next, and while both of those locations are now closed, Slidin’ Dirty has moved onto a new chapter. While Taney still operates the food truck (which nabbed third in the Food Truck category), he’s also taken charge of the kitchen service at Shane Spillenger’s two restaurants: Ophelia’s in Albany and, more recently, Nanola in Malta. That means you can get a trio of Couch Potatoes (braised short rib, blue cheese, caramelized onion, potato chip, and garlic aioli) any day of the week.
SLIDIN’ DIRTY
388 Broadway, Albany 2639 US-9, Malta 518.217.5688 slidindirty.com
WEST AVE CHICKEN
99 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs 518.584.8200 westavechicken.com
JACK’S DRIVE-IN
24 Main Avenue, Wynantskill 518.283.5110
Jack’s Drive In on Facebook
SMOOTHIE
BLISS CAFE & CREAMERY
278 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.439.0739 blisscafeandcreamery.com
FRUIT LOOP
22 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park 518.344.6872 eatfruitloop.com
ROOTED + RIND
14 Booth Road, Delmar 518.599.5055 rootedandrind.com
SPORTS BAR
JUNIOR’S BAR & GRILL
Multiple Locations juniorsbarandgrill.com
THE WEST SIDE SPORTS BAR & GRILL
112 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs 518.691.0193 thewestsidesportsbar.com
THE END ZONE
227 Park Avenue, Mechanicville 518.664.0063 theendzonesportspub.com
STEAKHOUSE
677 PRIME 677 Broadway, Albany 518.427.7463 677prime.com
BARNSIDER
480 Sand Creek Road, Albany 518.869.2448 barnsiderrestaurant.com
BLACK & BLUE STEAK AND CRAB
1470 Western Avenue, Albany 518.313.7388 blackandbluesteakandcrab.com
SUSHI
SAWA SUSHI BISTRO
392 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont 518.816.0888 sawasushibistro.com
WASABI
195 Wolf Road, Albany
518.818.1458 wasabialbanyny.com
63 Putnam Street, Saratoga 518.450.1092 wasabisaratogany.com
AKANOMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
2568 Western Avenue, Altamont 518.357.0888 akanomijapanese.com
TEA
THE WHISTLING KETTLE
Multiple Locations thewhistlingkettle.com
SARATOGA TEA AND HONEY
348 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.871.1419 saratogateaandhoney.com
SHORT & STOUT TEA LOUNGE 1736 Western Avenue, Albany 518.456.8327 shortandstouttea.com
WINE SELECTION
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT, the owners of Bocage are gearing up to open their second Spa City location right across the street from the pint-sized Champagne bar this summer. The new spot, dubbed Standard Fare, will be a family-friendly full-service restaurant with a focus on simple, favorite dishes done right (and a killer cocktail/mocktail list). The best part? After dinner, a nightcap at the Capital Region’s best wine bar is just a few steps away.
BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR 10 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518.450.1115 bocagechampagnebar.com
THE SHAKER AND VINE 221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady 518.630.6318 theshakerandvine.com
PARK & ELM 19 Park Street, Glens Falls 518.480.3220 parkandelm.com
WINE/ WINERY
SARATOGA WINERY 462 Route 29, Saratoga Springs 518.584.9463 thesaratogawinery.com
CLOVER POND VINEYARD 100 Acre Wood Lane, Altamont 518.356.9000 cloverpondvineyard.com
ALTAMONT VINEYARD AND WINERY (TIE) 3001 Furbeck Road, Altamont 518.355.8100 altamontwinery.com
WHITE CLIFF VINEYARD & WINERY (TIE) 331 McKinstry Road, Gardiner 845.255.4613 whitecliffwine.com
SAWA SUSHI BISTRO
Photos by Konrad Odhiambo
RESTAURANT BY CUISINE
AMERICAN
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT AND BAR
3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer 518.977.3602 illusives.com
PARK & ELM
19 Park Street, Glens Falls 518.480.3220 parkandelm.com
CHINESE
ALA SHANGHAI
468 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.783.8188 alashanghai.net
THE PLUM BLOSSOM RESTAURANT
685 Hoosick Road, Troy 518.272.0036
The Plum Blossom Restaurant on Facebook
RAIN MODERN CHINESE
295 Lark Street, Albany 518.729.4827 rainalbany.com
EUROPEAN
BRASSERIE BENELUX
390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.682.6950 beneluxny.com
BOCA BISTRO
384 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.682.2800 bocabistro.com
ELSASSER’S BEIM 111
111 Maine Street, Greenwich 518.531.4777 elsassers111.com
FRENCH
TIGHE’S BISTRO AMERICAIN
2703 Route 43, Averill Park 518.712.5166 tighesbistroamericain.com
CHEZ PIERRE
979 Route 9, Gansevoort 518.793.3350 chezpierrerestaurant.com
LE QUAI BISTROT FRANCAIS
49 Broad Street, Waterford 518.874.1047
Le Quai Bistrot Français on Facebook
GREEK
ATHOS RESTAURANT
1814 Western Avenue, Albany 518.608.6400 athosrestaurant.com
PEGASUS RESTAURANT 10885 Route 9W, Coxsackie 518.731.9200 pegasuson9w.com
MILAS RESTAURANT & BAR
500 State Street, Schenectady 518.353.7970 milas-518.com
INDIAN
KARAVALLI 9 Johnson Road, Latham 518.785.7600 karavalli.com
SHALIMAR
Multiple Locations shalimarny.com
TAJ FINE INDIAN CUISINE
365 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont 518.977.3050 tajfineindian.com
ITALIAN
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT 572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
D’RAYMONDS
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville 518.459.6364 draymonds.com
CAFFE ITALIA RISTORANTE
662 Central Avenue, Albany 518.459.8029 caffeitaliaalbany.com
JAPANESE
SAWA SUSHI BISTRO
392 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont 518.816.0888 sawasushibistro.com
SAKE
611 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham 518.785.7215 sakelatham.com
UNAGI SUSHI
118 4th Street, Troy 518.326.4300 unagitroyny.com
MEXICAN
LAS MARGARITAS
MEXICAN CANTINA
710 Loudon Road, Latham 518.250.4145
1365 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands 518.512.3414 lasmargaritasmexicancantina.com
CASA REAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1400 Altamont Avenue, Schenectady 518.356.0060 3770 Carman Road, Schenectady 518.357.8475 casarealmexicanrestaurant.com
EL MARIACHI
289 Hamilton Street, Albany 518.432.7580 elmariachirestaurant.com
THAI
CELADON THAI RESTAURANT
860 New Loudon Road, Latham 518.250.5551 celadonthaialbany.com
CHONTONG THAI RESTAURANT
155 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.915.1907 chontong.com
SRI SIAM THAI RESTAURANT
337 Columbia Thai Restaurant East Greenbush 518.915.1654 srisiamthaifood.com
VIETNAMESE
FUN FACT: KATIANNA HONG, a chef on the current season of Bravo’s Top Chef who hails from none other than Clifton Park (read more on page 46), is a big fan of Van’s Vietnamese, this year’s winner of Best Vietnamese restaurant. In fact, when she first moved away from the area, she would pay for Van’s to overnight-ship their spring rolls to her.
VAN’S VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
307 Central Avenue, Albany 518.436.1868
Vans Vietnamese Restaurant on Facebook
SAIGON SPRING
1683 Route 9, Clifton Park 518.982.0425 saigonspring.com
PHO YUM
1558 Central Avenue, Albany 518.869.9866 phoyum.com
CELADON THAI RESTAURANT
RESTAURANT BY COUNTY
ALBANY COUNTY
YANNI’S TOO
16 Marina Drive, Coeymans 518.756.7033 yannisrestaurants.com
CORAY KITCHEN
360 Delaware Avenue, Delmar 518.650.6033 coraykitchen.com
LANIE’S CAFE
471 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville 518.438.5005 laniescafe.com
COLUMBIA COUNTY
THE GREENS AT COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB
44 Golf Course Road, Craryville 518.325.0019 thegreensatcopake.com
LA BELLA’S
2967 Route 9, Valatie 518.758.6611 labellavalatie.com
THE AVIARY
8 Hudson Street, Kinderhook 518.610.8543 theaviarykinderhook.com
FULTON
/ MONTGOMERY COUNTY
NICK STONER INN
1810 Route 10, Caroga Lake 518.835.8039
Nick Stoner Inn Seafood & Steakhouse on Facebook
STACY’S SCRATCH KITCHEN
101 West Main Street, Broadalbin 518.752.6255
Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen on Facebook
RAINDANCER RESTAURANT
4582 Route 30, Amsterdam 518.842.2606 raindancerrestaurant.com
GREENE COUNTY
PEGASUS RESTAURANT
10885 Route 9W, Coxsackie 518.731.9200 pegasuson9w.com
RED’S RESTAURANT
12005 Route 9W, Coxsackie 518.731.8151 redsrestaurant.com
RIP VAN WINKLE BREWING COMPANY
4545 Route 32, Catskill 518.678.9275 ripvanwinklebrewery.com
RENSSELAER COUNTY
FEEL LIKE YOU’VE READ the name Verdile’s an awful lot so far? Well, that’s because you have. The authentic Italian restaurant has been serving Troy and the surrounding regions for more than 80 years, and clearly, Capital Regionites can’t get enough, this year voting Verdile’s best in the Appetizer, Family-owned Restaurant, Meatballs, Pasta Sauce, Italian, and Rensselaer County categories.
VERDILE’S RESTAURANT
572 2nd Avenue, Troy 518.235.8879 verdile.com
ILLUSIVE RESTAURANT AND BAR 3 Ferry Street, Rensselaer 518.977.3602 illusives.com
CHEZ MIKE
596 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush 518.479.4730 chezmikerestaurant.com
SARATOGA COUNTY
PANZA’S
129 South Broadway Saratoga Springs 518.584.6882 panzasrestaurant.com
SOLEVO
55 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs 518.450.7094 solevokitchenandsocial.com
15 CHURCH RESTAURANT
15 Church Street, Saratoga Springs 518.587.1515 15churchrestaurant.com
SCHENECTADY COUNTY
CANALI’S ITALIAN & AMERICAN RESTAURANT 126 Mariaville Road, Schenectady 518.355.5323 canalisrestaurant.com
DALEY’S ON YATES 10 Yates Street, Schenectady 518.901.0174 daleysonyates.com
MILAS RESTAURANT & BAR 500 State Street, Schenectady 518.353.7970 milas-518.com
SCHOHARIE COUNTY
APPLE BARREL STORE + CAFE
115 Route 30A, Schoharie 518.295.7179 shopapplebarrel.com
SCHOHARIE VALLEY FARMS/ THE CARROT BARN 5605 Route 30, Schoharie 518.295.7139 schoharievalleyfarms.com
GRAPEVINE FARMS
2373 Route 7, Cobleskill 518.234.9148 grapevinefarms.com
WARREN COUNTY
PARK & ELM
19 Park Street, Glens Falls 518.480.3220 parkandelm.com
THE LOG JAM
1484 Route 9, Lake George 518.798.1155 logjamrestaurant.com
RIDGE TERRACE RESTAURANT 2172 Ridge Road, Queensbury 518.656.9274 theridgeterrace.com
WASHINGTON COUNTY
DENATALE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR 214 Main Street, Hudson Falls 518.409.8187 denatales.com
ELSASSER’S BEIM 111 111 Main Street, Greenwich 518.531.4777 elsassers111.com
ANVIL INN RESTAURANT 67 Broadway, Fort Edward 518.747.0556 the-anvil-inn.restaurants-world.com
PANZA’S
Kitchen Hours
MONDAYFRIDAY
11:30am–2:30pm & 4:30pm–9:30pm SATURDAY 3:00pm–9:30pm Closed Sunday Bar Hours
MONDAYFRIDAY 11:30am–9:30pm SATURDAY 3:00pm–9:30pm Closed Sunday
269 OSBORNE ROAD, LOUDONVILLE 518-459-6364
Reservations highly recommended. draymonds.com
Thank You for Supporting Your Local Family-Owned & Operated Italian Restaurant
VOTINGUSBESTDINER!
BESTIERecap PEOPLE PLACES &
CULTURE
ART MUSEUM
ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY AND ART
THE CLARK
MASS MOCA
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA
MISCI
WORLD AWARENESS
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
CONCERT VENUE
SPAC
TROY SAVINGS BANK MUSIC HALL
THE EGG
COUNTY FAIR
THE ALTAMONT FAIR
WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR
COLUMBIA COUNTY FAIR
MUSEUM
NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FAME
HART CLUETT MUSEUM
OUTDOOR
SUMMER VENUE
SPAC
THE GREENS AT COPAKE
COUNTRY CLUB
TANGLEWOOD
SEASONAL EVENT
TROY VICTORIAN STROLL
SARATOGA RACING SEASON
SARATOGA CHOWDERFEST
THEATER
PROCTORS THEATRE
MAC-HAYDN THEATRE
CAPITAL REPERTORY THEATRE
SERVICES
ANIMAL HOSPITAL
THE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
DELMAR ANIMAL HOSPITAL
MILLER ANIMAL HOSPITAL
APPLIANCE STORE
MARCELLA’S APPLIANCE CENTER
EARL B. FEIDEN APPLIANCE
GREEN’S APPLIANCE & FURNITURE
ARCHITECTURE
FIRM
BALZER & TUCK ARCHITECTURE
HARRIS A. SANDERS ARCHITECTS
CONKLIN ARCHITECTURE
AUTO SERVICE
BETHLEHEM AUTO SERVICE
BAZARS AUTOBODY & MECHANICAL
LAWTON’S AUTOMOTIVE AND TIRE CENTER
BANK
TRUSTCO BANK
PIONEER BANK
ADIRONDACK TRUST COMPANY
BARBERSHOP
LEGENDS BARBERSHOP
GREGORY’S BARBERSHOP CHRISPYCUTS
BARTENDERS
BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR PUTNAM PLACE
THE MISFIT
CATERER
YANNI’S TOO
SAATI DELI AND CATERING
DALEY HOSPITALITY GROUP
CHEF
MARC YANNI / YANNI’S TOO WILSON CORKER / HEAT N SALT
MARTY GERRITY / THE GREENS AT COPAKE COUNTRY CLUB
CHIROPRACTOR
DELMAR CHIROPRACTIC
CAPITAL DISTRICT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC
UPSTATE CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS
CREDIT UNION
BROADVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
SUNMARK CREDIT UNION
FIRST NEW YORK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (TIE)
NEXT STEP CREDIT UNION (TIE)
CUSTOMER
SERVICE
BOCAGE CHAMPAGNE BAR
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO JOYELLES JEWELERS
DANCE STUDIO
TROY DANCE FACTORY
BARBARA’S SCHOOL OF THE DANCE
THE ISABELLE SCHOOL OF DANCE
DAY SPA
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
SPA MIRBEAU
COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS
DENTIST
DENTAL WELLNESS OF ALBANY
ZAPPIA AND FRYER
GENERAL DENTISTRY
DOUGLAS J. TUCKER DMD
DOG GROOMING
THE DETAILED DOG
PET SPAS PAMPER & PLAY SHAMPOODLE
DOGGIE DAY CARE
DIG IT DOGS
PET SPAS PAMPER & PLAY
MUTTZ DOG LOUNGE
DOG TRAINER
DIG IT DOGS
ADVENTURE TAILS DOG TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT
PAWS UP
DRY CLEANER
BEST CLEANERS
CUDNEY’S CLEANERS
RAINBOW CLEANERS
ESTHETICIAN
KATIE KOWALSKI / BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
KELLY PACIFICO / LUCIE CAPEK MD PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA
COURTNEY WEED / CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
EVENT PLANNER
UNVEILED BY LOUISA
KATIE O’ WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
A LIVELY EVENT (TIE)
MARY JACOBS EVENTS (TIE)
FACIAL
BREATHE MASSAGE THERAPY
CHOICES HAIR STUDIO
LUCIE CAPEK MD PLASTIC SURGERY AND MEDSPA
FINANCIAL PLANNER
BONANNO FINANCIAL ADVISORS
EMPIRE FINANCIAL ADVISORS
BOUCHEY FINANCIAL GROUP
FITNESS CENTER
GOOD KARMA STUDIO
CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA
METABOLIC FITNESS
FLORIST
THE ENCHANTED FLORIST
SAMANTHA NASS FLORAL DESIGN
FELTHOUSEN’S FLORIST & GREENHOUSE
FUNERAL HOME
DEVITO-SALVADORE FUNERAL HOME
MCVEIGH FUNERAL HOME
APPLEBEE FUNERAL HOME
FURNITURE STORE
OLD BRICK FURNITURE
MOORADIANS FURNITURE
TIP TOP FURNITURE
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
LISA BEVILAQUA, DO / COMMUNITY CARE
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TREND
HOMETOWN HOSPITALITY
Thanks to a handful of enterprising restaurateurs, the village of VOORHEESVILLE is proving that good food can be close to home—even in the suburbs.
BY CIERRA ORLYK
What makes a town great to live in? For many, it’s a balance of accessibility, nature, convenience, and community. Voorheesville, a community located 25 minutes west of Albany, is hitting that sweet spot— and people are taking notice.
“It started several years ago with new homes being built and growth in the community,” says Todd Curley, Voorheesville-based real estate mogul, developer, and partner at Prime Companies. “And once the homes got there, people began looking for services.”
While Voorheesville has long been known for its scenic location (it’s down the road from Indian Ladder Farms, Thacher Park, and two country clubs), it was never a real dining destination; residents often traveled to neighboring towns, like Delmar, to enjoy a meal out. But as the population grew, so did the demand for options closer to home.
In recent years, a wave of restaurateurs and community leaders have seen the village’s potential and brought life to its dining scene, none more so than Ed and Lisa Mitzen, cofounders of the Business for Good Foundation.
It all started with a vacant Stewart’s. When Ed noticed the abandoned cinderblock building in his hometown (he graduated from Clayton A. Bouton High School in 1985), he saw something others didn’t: potential to vitalize a community where home sales and school enrollment were booming, but the downtown was—well—not.
The Mitzens purchased the property in 2021, along with two other nearby run-down structures. They hosted a neighborhood event with food trucks, live music, and kids’ activities, and asked the community what they wanted the space to be used for. “I didn’t know if they wanted a dry cleaner, a pizza shop, or a convenience store—I had no idea,” says Ed. “But I wanted to make the community feel like I really listened.”
The event made two things clear: Residents wanted a place to enjoy a nice meal and catch a game, and a business that paired well with the bike path running through the town. The Mitzens decided to make both happen, and Blackbirds Tavern and Blackbirds Bike Cafe were born.
OF A
(
)
Bike Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and is located right off the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail; (opposite) Business for Good Foundation cofounder Ed Mitzen and Druthers CEO Chris Martel are partners on Blackbirds Tavern.
The two businesses, which opened in 2024 and are named after the local high school’s mascot, were designed to blend seamlessly into the community. The tavern—now operated by Druthers Brewing Company—offers elevated comfort food like meatloaf, chicken pot pie, burgers, and wings in a woodsy atmosphere with a
BIRDS
FEATHER
above
Blackbirds
(clockwise from top left)
Anthony’s
custom bar, two golf simulators, and private event spaces. The bike cafe functions as a coffeehouse/pit stop along the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, offering quick bites, pastries, homemade soups, smoothies, and coffee and tea beverages. A percentage of the tavern’s profits and all of the bike cafe’s profits are donated to the Business for Good Foundation, which benefits communities like Voorheesville with contributions to kids’ sports teams, scholarships, and more.
“We just thought it was a win-win for everybody,” says Ed. “I didn’t set out to be a restaurant baron in Voorheesville. My wife and I did this because of our strong love of
the community. And it’s been exactly what we hoped it would be.”
And the Mitzens’ eateries aren’t alone. Here are four more foodie destinations that are making Voorheesville the place to eat this summer:
ANTHONY’S BY ROMO’S PIZZA
Romo’s Pizza has long been a household name in Voorheesville (back when the village didn’t have many restaurants of its own, Romo’s was well worth the 20-minute drive to Glenmont). So, when owner Anthony Berghela decided to open a fullservice dine-in restaurant just up the road
from Voorheesville Elementary, it sparked immediate buzz.
Anthony’s by Romo’s Pizza, which opened in early 2025, serves Romo’s Pizza’s signature pies (offered in traditional, “grandma,” and “gluten-friendly” styles) in addition to an expanded menu with bites like arancini, wings, salads, and double-smashed burgers. The restaurant has a seasonal patio as well as a private event space upstairs.
NORTHERN BARRELL
Just up the road from the Blackbirds restaurants is Northern Barrell, a familyowned and -operated taproom that opened in 2022 and serves up a seasonal, scratch
ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT
by Romo’s Pizza; the Two Little Dumplings team in their new location; Pretty Alright Breakfast Club; Northern Barrell.
menu of elevated pub fare (think burgers, sandwiches, wings, and lots of starters) alongside a long list of beverages, including 12 rotating craft beer and cider taps.
Now a community staple, the restaurant features sports games on TV, darts, and insanely cheap weekly specials like $3.50 Burger Mondays. It also has a dedicated birthday menu and a Mug Club that grants regulars extra perks.
PRETTY ALRIGHT BREAKFAST CLUB
This breakfast spot is located in V-Ville, but it’s known by many across the globe. In 2022, Voorheesville native Dylan Longton began to livestream himself cooking during shifts at Windowbox Cafe in Slingerlands. He grew a large audience (he now has more than 200,000 followers and millions of views on TikTok) and dubbed his watchers the “Pretty Alright Breakfast Club.” His online success encouraged him to pursue his dream: opening a restaurant of his own.
The Pretty Alright Breakfast Club restaurant, which Longton has dubbed the best diner in upstate New York for comfort food, opened in 2024. Its menu consists of breakfast and lunch specialties—including homemade corned beef hash and sausage gravy, an omelet created in partnership with the aforementioned Anthony’s by Romo’s Pizza, and a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and wraps.
TWO LITTLE DUMPLINGS
What started as a way for the Lee family to nourish their neighbors with homemade dumplings during the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a thriving local business that will soon set down roots in a physical location in neighboring Slingerlands. (To contribute to the crowdfunding campaign, visit twolittledumplings.com.)
At press time, Two Little Dumplings—a multigenerational, family-owned business—offers pre-made, frozen dumplings that have long impressed customers who pick them up at the Delmar Farmers’ Market, various pop-ups at other local businesses, and even at the owners’ home. The dumplings, inspired by traditions of the Lees’ ancestors, come in a wide range of flavors, from vegan cha siu bao and mapo tofu to pepper steak and cheeseburger—all of which are made by Grandpa Lee with the help of his granddaughters, aka his two little dumplings.
Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center & Lansing Manor
2025 SPRING–FALL EVENTS
June 1 Teddy Bear Picnic
June 14–15 Pathways Through History
July 13 Antique Auto Show
August 23 Touch–A–Truck
September 27 Wildlife Festival
October 11–13 Pathways Through History
October 18 Spooktacular
Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project 1378 State Route 30 North Blenheim NY 800-724-0309
• Family events • Tours for school groups and community organizations • Interactive energy exhibits
spotlight
Bravo, Katianna!
Clifton Park’s own Katianna Hong, now a successful LA-based restaurant owner, brings her signature “Korean Americana” style to Season 22 of Bravo’s Top Chef. | By Natalli Amato
atianna Hong remembers watching the newly emerging Food Network from her childhood home in Clifton Park, long before celebrity chefs would become household names and competition shows would capture the nation’s attention. The idea that she might one day be in such a competition was not even a whisper—yet. Back then, she was just a kid who was interested in food.
Born in South Korea and adopted by Clifton Park parents when she was 3 months old, Katianna says that, for her, food has always been a matter of connecting with her identity. It’s what first drew her in, and it’s the intention she’s carried with her all the way to Bravo’s Top Chef: Destination Canada this spring.
“I remember growing up on my dad’s side, and his mother—my Jewish grandmother—making homemade matzo ball soup,” says Hong of her earliest memories of food. “I did spend some time going to a Korean culture camp. That’s not super exciting for a kid, but I did love the fact that they had a cooking class and taught us how to make mandu and kimchi.”
Hong also recalls trips to the Korean market, where she would gather ingredients to play around with at home. These first instincts for culinary curiosity and creativity paved the way for all that would come.
A 2002 graduate of Albany Academy (she worked at Halfmoon’s Country Drive-In as a teenager), Hong went on to study at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park and the University of Nevada’s School of Hospitality in Las Vegas. From there, she landed a job at the two-star Michelin restaurant Melisse in Santa Monica, CA, learning under acclaimed chef Josiah Citrin. It was at Melisse that Katianna met her culinary partner and husband, John Hong, with whom she now owns and operates Yangban—the Los Angeles restaurant known for its “genre-defying” approach to modern Korean American fare.
Those who have tuned in to Season 22 of Top Chef this spring have seen firsthand how Katianna draws from her roots—and imagination—to reinvent cuisine and create innovative dishes in the kitchen: like the time she used nori, sesame, and kimchi to create a Jamaican Patty during a Quickfire challenge (and scored a well-deserved win), or her unique take on a Korean cold noodle dish that included licorice candy (for which she racked up another win). At press time, she was one of 12 chefs still left in the competition.
“The thing I love about cooking competitions, and Top Chef in particular, is how being on the show allows you to have a broader audience,” she says. “A lot of my story is about being Korean American and about being adopted and cooking a cuisine that’s authentic to me, even though it’s not authentic Korean and it’s not necessarily just American, either.”
For Hong, sharing a cuisine that is authentic to her is about more than just self-expression. It’s a way to connect with others and let food be a
FAMILY TIES Katianna Hong’s parents, Neil and Kathleen Weiner, still live in Clifton Park, and her brother, Reid Scott, is an actor, best known for his role as Dan Egan on the HBO series Veep
Calgary, Montreal, Canmore, and Prince Edward Island—was also an opportunity to replenish her own cup of inspiration and reconnect with the sense of discovery that travel brings.
conversation. “I know that there are people who probably feel the same way,” she says, “and who use food as a way to discover their identity or something about their heritage.”
Despite the show’s competitive nature—and the hyper-precision focus it takes to perform at that level—Hong says this sense of community and sharing was the spirit of the show behind the scenes. “I was very surprised how quickly we all became friends and how we all celebrated each other’s heritages, backgrounds, and styles of cuisine, and encouraged each other’s individuality,” she says of her fellow contestants. “The friendships and the inspiration from working with all the other chefs was a huge takeaway.”
For Hong, whose daily life consists of balancing both motherhood and owning a restaurant, this season of Top Chef—which was filmed in several locations throughout Canada including Toronto,
“I realized there are other parts to my story and other things that I would like to explore,” she says. Yes, she was born in Korea and raised in America, but as both a person and a chef, Hong has come to realize that she’s much more than where she comes from. “Top Chef re-inspired me to broaden that narrative of identity even a little farther and incorporate more places I’ve worked and traveled,” she continues. “I came back really inspired.”
What does that newfound inspiration mean for the future menu at Yangban, which at press time was closed for renovations? Hong isn’t exactly sure just yet. “Hopefully,” she says, “we’ll have some things to share about that soon.”
But one thing is for certain: In Katianna’s kitchen, nothing is ever static. Like a rich conversation around the dinner table with family and friends, there are always stories to be told and connections to be shared. There are seats at the table for where we’ve been and seats at the table for where we’re going.
STAR POWER Hong met her husband and partner, John, while working at a two-star Michelin restaurant in Santa Monica, CA. The pair now own Yangban, a “genre-defying” Korean American restaurant in LA’s Arts District.
on the road
Summer in the City
While New York City tends to empty out in the summer, with residents escaping to the Hamptons and the Catskills, I make a point to travel to The Big Apple during the warm-weather months. Here’s why.
By Kathleen Willcox
hen I lived in New York City in the early aughts, summer was one of my favorite times to hang around the city and explore.
Now, as an Upstater (who also loves the summers up here in the Capital Region), I still like to hit my old stomping grounds during the warm weather months for a few reasons: ice cream, gardens, al fresco dining, and, of course, rooftop bars.
ICE COLD
In New York City, things are bigger and bolder—even the ice cream.
Caffe Panna is inspired by the great tradition of Italian gelato, with a New York attitude. Founded by Hallie Meyer (her father is Shake Shack maestro Danny Meyer), the stores (one in Gramercy and one in Greenpoint, Brooklyn), make fresh ice cream onsite daily. The flavors change frequently, but you can always get the classics, like Red Flag, a sweet cream ice cream with
strawberry swirl and house-made graham crunch.
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (in, yes, Chinatown) has been churning out unusual but addictive takes on the classic frozen treat for four decades. Go for the Black Sesame and stay for the Pandan, Red Bean, Durian, and Don Tot.
OddFellows was launched when cofounder Mohan Kumar’s wife had pregnancy cravings that simply couldn’t be met with the usual ice cream one finds on a store shelf. He asked noted pastry chef Sam Mason for help, and an ice cream empire was born; get the scoop in Chelsea, Dumbo, or Brooklyn Bridge Park. The flavors rotate, but classics like Peanut Butter S’mores and Passionfruit Apricot Pistachio are always available.
FLOWER POWER
Leave it to city dwellers to create some of the most outstanding and diverse green spaces in the world.
The Conservatory Garden is Central Park’s six-acre garden-within-a-garden featuring tulips, lilacs, crabapple trees, summer perennials, and chrysanthemums. There are three formal and designed areas to explore: the French-style North Garden, the Italianate Center Garden, and the
English-style South Garden.
The New York Botanical Garden in Harlem was established in 1891 and is a 250-acre space with more than a million living plants. During the summer, the Azalea Gardens (with 456 species, hybrids, and cultivated varieties represented) and the Daylilies (with 66 rare heirloom hybrids, and a walk peppered with a rainbow of flowers) are especially compelling.
Make a daytrip out of Brooklyn by checking out Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. During the summer, check out its Cranford Rose Garden, with several original specimens planted in 1927 still thriving and more than 100 types of water lilies blooming at the Lily Pool Terrace.
GET OUT
Al fresco dining is so popular in New York that almost every restaurant has carved out a little space for a patio. But few do it like these standouts.
Café Luxembourg marries comfort food with Parisian brasserie elegance. Think rich grilled cheese with Gruyere and bacon or moules-frites and steak frites, best paired with a glass of chilled Sancerre while watching elegant, adult life stroll by on the Upper West Side.
The back patio at Waverly Inn and Garden in the West Village isn’t enormous, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in ivy-colored charm. The celebrity haunt is justly celebrated for its elevated classics, like truffle mac and cheese, fully loaded and sizeable cheeseburgers, and buttery-but-ethereal biscuits.
The tri-level Brooklyn Crab in Red Hook, Brooklyn serves up buckets of crab, raw oysters, and clams alongside a classic New York experience. The crab shack is worth a visit year-round, but during the summer, the patio—with its retractable awning and mini golf course—make it a must.
RAISE THE ROOF
Drinking on roofs—the more literally and metaphorically over the top, the better—is an iconic New York City summer experience.
The glassed-in rooftop bar on the Public Hotel gets right to the point with the name: The Roof. The Lower East Side cocktail emporium is sleek, fashion-forward, and sexy—and there’s a dress code to ensure it stays that way. The Roof features a terrace with 360-degree panoramic views of the city, and DJs spinning tunes into the wee hours.
The Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge at the Library Hotel serves up a literary-themed, elegant ambiance. Pace yourself, because you’ll want to try a few of the literary cocktails. The Pulitzer (gin, St. Germain, Fernet Branca, fresh lemon, agave nectar) and Midnight Espresso (vodka, Licor 43, espresso) are especially tasty.
The Ready Rooftop above the Moxy Hotel East Village is as fun and eclectic as the neighborhood it sprouts from: picture string lights, a bar made of plastic milk crates, retractable glass walls, snappy décor, and views across downtown. The mix-and-match Party Cooler (your choice of any six beers, wines, or cocktails) is the way to go.
CITY (HIGH)LIGHTS (clockwise, from top left) The Roof at the Public Hotel; The New York Botanical Garden; Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge; Brookyln Crab: OddFellows; The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory’s logo.
Danielle’s Bridal
The family-run Danielle’s Bridal, located just outside of beautiful Saratoga Springs, has been helping brides find that perfect dress for more than 30 years.
“Your experience trying on dresses and finding your dream dress is what we feel is most important,” says Danielle’s owner Tracie Daus. “Being able to take as much time as you need to find your dream gown alongside your family and loved ones is a memory you will have forever. The fact that we are able to play a small part in that is such an honor.”
In addition to a broad range of gowns, including a variety of styles from different designers and the newest gowns for every season, Danielle’s carries tuxes, bridesmaid gowns, and mother-of-the-bride dresses. An onsite seamstress is also available to help you through the customization and finalization of your dress process.
“We hope to help as many brides as we can find their dream wedding gown for their perfect day,” Daus says. Danielle’s is open Tuesday–Sunday; book an appointment to ensure you receive dedicated time and the best experience possible.
4249 Route 50, Saratoga Springs |
daniellesbridalofsaratoga.com
The Saratoga Winery
Finding a wedding venue with unique and naturally beautiful grounds, capacity for a large party, and proximity to downtown Saratoga isn’t impossible, but it’s certainly not easy. Luckily, there’s Saratoga Winery, which covers all those bases and more. So much more than a winery, the all-inclusive venue provides spouses-to-be with full catering services, their wedding cake, an experienced wedding planner and day-of coordinator to ensure the event is seamless from planning to completion, and access to the entire property, which means clients are able to customize all available spaces— both indoor and outdoor—to align with their wedding day vision.
“The building and grounds are a blank canvas for you to make your own,” explains Annie Brill, proprietor and general manager of The Saratoga Winery. “You can have your ceremony on our expansive back lawn, cocktail hour in our tasting room or on our tented deck, and your reception in our beautiful, reclaimed wood Wine Barn. The possibilities are endless.” While being able to customize different areas and spaces
allows you to curate your desired aesthetic, it also has practical benefits: Inside, up to 150 guests can be accommodated; but with additional outdoor and tented options, the venue can easily fit up to 300 guests.
“There aren’t many wedding venues in Saratoga Springs that can accommodate as many guests as we do,” says Brill.
Couples can further make the day their own by utilizing outside vendors and décor, which are more than welcomed. Though offsite catering is generally not permitted, lovebirds are in great hands with the winery’s executive chef, who loves sitting down with couples to design custom menus.
If you’re not sure if The Saratoga Winery will match your vision, Brill says don’t worry: “Our team has planned and executed hundreds of weddings, from black-tie plated dinners to country-chic backyard barbecue-type events, and everything in between,” she explains. “There’s not anything that we haven’t seen or can’t handle!”
462 NY-29, Saratoga Springs | 518.584.9463 thesaratogawinery.com
The Lodge on Echo Lake
Who said summer camp was just for kids? At The Lodge on Echo Lake, you can relive your summer camp glory days on your wedding day.
“Couples love our space, as it allows them the opportunity to use as much of our property as they want for their wedding ceremony and reception or for an entire weekend of activities, from field games and postwedding bonfires to boating and exploring the Adirondacks,” says Emily Stein, the owner of the Warrensburg wedding venue.
“Most important is that couples love that everyone can be together and stay on the property.”
The Lodge offers onsite accommodations for guests, including private cabins and homes that can sleep multiple guests.
Another major perk is the customizable nature of weddings at The Lodge.
Couples can choose from six ceremony locations as well as several wedding packages, all of which can be tweaked to fit their vision of their special day. In other words, at The Lodge on Echo Lake, you can have it your way.
175 Hudson Street, Warrensburg | 518.623.5599 thelodgeonecholake.com
Body by Nicole
It’s natural to want to be the best version of yourself on your wedding day. But Nicole Rothe, owner of Saratoga-based Body by Nicole, will be the first to tell you: Thinness should not be the end-all-be-all goal. “You can push yourself to lose weight fast,” she says, “but you won’t have that sparkle in your eye.” As a personal trainer and licensed physical therapist, Rothe takes a whole-person approach to health, creating custom fitness and nutrition plans tailored to each client.
To help build strength, Rothe does one-on-one workout sessions with clients in her studio using free weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises. Outside of the studio, clients support their health goals with personalized meal plans. “I’m not the kind of trainer that you see a few hours a week and that’s it,” she says. “I’m checking in; I’m asking how you’re feeling after our session, what you ate today, how you slept.”
stronger,” Rothe says. “You carry yourself differently. You feel better about being in your own skin.”
The result? The kind of glow that can only come from within. “There’s a confidence that comes over you when you start to feel
201.321.7404 | thepinkmamba.com
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TUESDAY-FRIDAY 9:30-5:30 SATURDAY 9:30-3:00 Main Square Shoppes, 318 Delaware Avenue Delmar, New York | 518-439-9993 JoyellesJewelers.com
10 Ways to Dive Headfirst into Summer
BY MORGAN MASCHEWSKI
MAY 18
Troy Riverfest
DOWNTOWN TROY
A celebration of art, music, crafts, and culture is returning to River Street in downtown Troy. Going on from 11am–5pm on May 18, the
annual Troy Riverfest regularly welcomes thousands of guests of all ages to explore all that the Collar City has to offer. Come for the 100-plus vendors and shops and stick around for the live music, face painting, chalk art, pop-up entertainment, and more. downtowntroyny.org
MAY 27–31
Americade
LAKE GEORGE AREA
Get ready to rev your engines, motorheads. Upstate New York’s largest motorcycle festival returns to the Lake George area the day after Memorial Day, promising breathtaking views, tours, trade shows, rodeos, live music, comedy shows, dinner boat cruises, and more. americade.com
JUNE 4–8
Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
SARATOGA RACE COURSE
For the second consecutive year, the horse racing world will descend upon Saratoga Springs this June for the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the prestigious Triple Crown. (The race has been temporarily moved to Saratoga while Belmont Park is under construction.) The big race is on Saturday, but world-class racing—including 27 stakes races—will be going on all week long. nyra.com
JUNE 14-15 & 21-22
New York Capital District Renaissance Festival
INDIAN LADDER FARMS
Calling all lords and ladies: The 518’s favorite ren faire is returning to the fields and orchards of Altamont’s Indian Ladder Farms to send you back in time. On two weekends this June, Renaissance enthusiasts can shop wares from more than 60 vendors hawking everything from jewelry to weaponry, witness sword-fighting acts, listen to live music, and even partake in a pub crawl to sample different brews from Indian Ladder Cidery and Brewery. Kids and dogs are welcome, too. nycapitaldistrictrenfest.com
JUNE 20
Chris Stapleton
MVP ARENA Award-winning entertainer and “Tennessee Whiskey” singer Chris Stapleton will make sure “Nobody’s Lonely Tonight” at his AllAmerican Road Show Tour, coming to MVP Arena this June. The country show will feature special guest Maggie Rose. mvparena.com
JUNE 22
Albany Anime-Fest
CROWNE PLAZA ALBANY –THE DESMOND HOTEL
Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese art and culture at Albany Anime-Fest, which is striving to be New York’s best and truest anime convention bringing together fandoms of multiple genres. Featuring celebrity voice actors, cosplay contests, panels, screenings, and a live Sailor Moon concert, the festival will have something for every anime enthusiast. albanyanimefest.com
JUNE 28–29
TAP New York
BLACKTHORNE RESORT
New York State’s longest running craft beer festival returns to Blackthorne Resort in East Durham this June, but the two-day festival isn’t all about beer: More than 150 drink options will be available, including craft beer, cider, mead, and mixed drinks. Throw in food and live music, and TAP New York is a recipe for a good time. tap-ny.com
JUNE 28–JULY 3
Beauty and the Beast
PROCTORS THEATRE
This summer, Proctors invites you to be their guest for one of 10 performances of Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in more than 25 years. For a more in-depth look at the show, don’t miss Proctors’ free TheatreTalk following the Thursday matinee performance in the GE Theatre. atproctors.org
JULY 3
4th on the Third
MABEE FARM HISTORIC SITE
Why wait until the 4th of July to celebrate America’s independence? At Mabee Farm, the festivities—including live music, local craft and food vendors, farm animals, and living history tours—start on Thursday the 3rd at 5pm. Stick around after dark for a fireworks finale over the Mohawk River. schenectadycountyny.gov
JULY 9–12
New York City Ballet SPAC
This July, the iconic New York City Ballet will return to Saratoga Performing Arts Center for its 59th summer residency. This year’s performances will showcase a mix of classic and groundbreaking new works, including the full-length ballet Coppélia, Jerome Robbins’ The Four Seasons, George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, and a newly composed work by Justin Peck. spac.org
Signs of the Times
BY CHANTAL MARIE ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT RISKO
Happy Birthday, Gemini & Cancer!
SOMM DAY If you run into Dominick Purnomo this June, wish him a happy birthday. The Capital Region restaurateur, sommelier, and community leader, who’s best known for his local restaurants dp An American Brasserie and Yono’s, is a Gemini who will celebrate his 45th birthday on June 13.
GEMINI
MAY 21–JUNE 20
The blessings just keep coming for you, sweet Gemini, and this time it’s raining abundance all over! Jupiter, the great benefic planet, moves into your financial space, bringing expansion to all things involved in safety, stability, and material wealth. The adage “too much of a good thing” can be applied here as well since Jupiter only has one setting: more. Keep that in mind as you become the beneficiary of beautiful gifts and opportunities. Allow your cup to overflow and as you are blessed, become a blessing to others.
CANCER
JUNE 21-JULY 22
Welcome to your transformation era, dear Cancer. Over the next year, you will experience massive shifts in your self-identity and relationships. This is the butterfly phase of the metamorphosis you’ve been undergoing recently. Time to reintroduce yourself to the world. The next chapter is beginning, and new paths are finally opening up to you. What you choose to care for and tend to will set the tone for the next phase of the journey. This is an exciting time for you as you settle into your new reality—but don’t forget that you are still shaping your future with the choices you make today.
LEO
JULY 23–AUGUST 22
Your future has been top of mind lately, and for good reason. Contemplating the next steps is second nature to the cunning king of the jungle, who’s always ready to pounce on fortuitous chances to come out on top. The possibilities seem plentiful and exciting during this time, so be ready to grab hold of any and all passing opportunities and let them take you to new heights! Your daily habits shape your future reality, so it’s important to focus your attention on the little things that add up to the big picture. Planning now will pay off in big ways later.
VIRGO
AUGUST 23–SEPTEMBER 22
There are fun times ahead, Virgo loves, and they are so well deserved. Your life is about to take a vibrant turn, so kick back, relax, and truly enjoy what life has to offer. (Spoiler alert: It’s a lot!) Your hard work and dedication are being rewarded right now, but that doesn’t mean the abundance flow is drying up anytime soon. This is a perfect time to start planning fun future projects and setting aside funds for upcoming trips and endeavors. Investing in your social and creative environments now will keep the good times coming. After all, why stop now? You could get used to this.
CHANTAL MARIE is a full-time astrologer, tarot reader, and life coach. Find her full list of services on her website: akashiccrystalhealing.com
LIBRA
SEPTEMBER 23–OCTOBER 22
It’s time to get your house (and life) in order, sweet Libra. The more you expand your inner and outer self through reflection, dedication, and discipline, the more you will experience growth in your personal and public life that will set the tone for your next-level lifestyle. Once again, it’s all about the balance of energies for you. Achieving harmony in differing aspects in life is key to your happiness: Remember that. The flow of life demands a give and take, so make sure you’re honoring that universal agreement. What goes makes space for what’s coming in; be flexible to keep the wheel of life turning towards you.
SCORPIO
OCTOBER 23–NOVEMBER 21
You’ve got big dreams and wishes but may be feeling restricted on exactly how to make them come true—and that’s definitely frustrating for the quickthinking Scorpio. Do what you can with what you have for now; the blockages will clear when they’re supposed to. If you can’t take that trip to Japan right now, immerse yourself in books or shows about it and expand your knowledge and connection to the people and place in the meantime. While we’re feeding our minds, let’s also use this time to properly care for our bodies. Developing or improving on a healthy daily routine now will pay off immensely in the future.
SAGITTARIUS
NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21
What good is the good life if you don’t have anyone with whom to enjoy it? This may be the question of the moment as you could be experiencing sudden flows of abundance and be asking yourself if the price to pay is worth it. Reevaluating your priorities is suggested at this time. The people you hang out with and the things you spend time on might deserve a second glance. Outgrowing outdated versions of yourself is what feeds the expansion a Sagittarius craves. This time of reflection is what will determine what the next evolution of your life can look like. Use your library of gained wisdom to choose the best path for you.
CAPRICORN
DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19
Must be love on the brain for you, sweet Capricorn, since your area of relationships is getting a boost of luck and abundance from generous Jupiter. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of love or rekindling a current partnership, the urge to follow your heart will be strong at this time. Conversely, you may feel restricted when it comes to making moves in home or career. Evaluate what wants to open up and what doesn’t to gain insight on which paths to follow. Your self-confidence could be soaring during these transits, and why not? You have always been the ultimate baddie.
AQUARIUS
JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18
Continuing to apply the same energy to problems without yielding different results is clearly not the move, Aquarius. Time to get creative and try new things to shake up those boring, outdated routines. Dust off the cobwebs and dig deep into that expansive mind of yours. Get weird with it; you know it’ll hold your interest longer that way. And don’t worry too much about the small stuff going awry. Things break down and need replacing. Just like life, everything operates in cycles. Focus on what you can control and breathe through the rest. This time can have a strong health aspect to it as well; habits developed now will prove beneficial in the long run.
PISCES
FEBRUARY 19–MARCH 20
Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed with special people— that’s no doubt a core belief of yours, Pisces. While you may find yourself in an abundance of social opportunities and fun engagements, the means to which you can fully participate in them may not be as free-flowing at this time. While frustrating, this transit is meant to help you learn how to tap into other resources. Get creative with your thinking, involve your friends, and discover new avenues to what abundance can look and feel like. They do say the best things in life are free; this is the time to really find out how beautiful this world is all on its own.
ARIES
MARCH 21–APRIL 19
It’s time to focus on what matters most, dear Aries. And if you are unsure what your center of attention should be, don’t worry! The stars are highlighting the areas of importance for you. Most notably, the search for who you are now and how that aligns with who you want to be will be a major theme in the coming months. Saturn, the planet of discipline, responsibilities, and long-term goals is moving into your area of identity and will ask you to be honest about your life trajectory. You will also experience some beautiful changes in your home life and sense of foundation, as well as the opportunity to heal any mother wounds that may linger.
TAURUS
APRIL 20–MAY 20
If there was ever a time to stop and appreciate the little things in life, it’s now. The rose-colored glasses are on, but all eyes are wide open and primed to take in the beauty that comes with being able to experience the magic in everyday simplicity. The desire to expand beyond your current state is calling you like the Jumanji drums and will soon be too much to ignore. This is the season to breathe, find gratitude in everything, and connect deeper into your close, personal relationships. Discovering what matters most to you is the entire point of this journey. Pay attention and move in the direction of peace and love.
Have It Your Way
Chris Bischoff of Greenwich restaurant Elsasser’s Beim 111 shares his recipe for authentic mushroom spätzle…but mushrooms are only the beginning.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KONRAD ODHIAMBO
Spätzle is an egg noodle pasta that’s served as a side dish, most notably in Alsace, Germany as well as Switzerland and Hungary. At Elsasser’s, we use it as a “bed” for our entrees. This recipe supplies roughly six servings. Why roughly? Because it’s up to you what you flavor your spätzle with, and how much of that flavoring you use. The recipe at the right is for mushroom spätzle, but feel free to substitute the mushrooms with anything you can think of for flavor: spinach, tomato basil, beets—you name it! However, it’s important to roast and/or puree your natural flavoring choice. —CHRIS BISCHOFF
MUSHROOM SPÄTZLE
SERVES 6
EQUIPMENT
Spätzle maker (you can buy one online)
INGREDIENTS
2 eggs
1½ cups flour
1/3 cup milk
1¼ tsp salt
Mushrooms
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Roast your mushrooms, puree your mushrooms, or roast and puree your mushrooms. The quantity you use depends on how mushroom-y you want your dinner!
2. Combine all the ingredients and whisk them together until you reach the consistency of a thick pancake batter.
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil and use your spätzle maker to drop spätzle into the water. The slower you move your batter over the holes, the longer your spätzle will be.
4. Boil until the spätzle floats to the surface (2-3 minutes) and strain.
5. Serve with your choice of topping: schnitzel, meatballs, sauerbraten, roast pork, short ribs...you name it. You have carte blanche!
What’s for Lunch?
BY NATALIE MOORE
ACROSS
1. Motorized bike
6. Baby goat
9. Particle once thought to be un-splittable
13. Site of the 2014 Olympics
14. One-named U2 frontman
15. “Bro”
16. Batman’s stomping grounds
18. Instrument that plays an orchestra’s tuning note
19. Actor Cage, to friends
20. Legolas and Buddy’s species
22. Work of ___
23. Poolside hangout
27. Artifact
29. Came up
30. Perfect score, in gymnastics
32. My Chemical Romance’s genre
33. Chess piece used to castle
34. ___ Romana
35. Relay race named for a Viking king
38. Qty.
39. Nightwear
41. Sr. executive title
42. Animal-based seed oil alternative
44. No-___ May
45. Lively
46. Serpentine shape
47. Dir. that’s the reverse of 46-Across
48. Second largest city in Portugal
49. Culpability
51. Appear alongside, as in a movie
52. Photo file format
54. Oft-stubbed body part
55. Its IM service was discontinued in 2017
56. On the ___ (racewatching locale)
58. What this puzzle’s circled words are, vis-à-vis the rest of the clue
64. This ___ my first rodeo
65. Brand in the ice cream aisle
66. Word before heater or Race
67. 2023 Kentucky Derby winner
68. Whiskey variety
69. Lake split between the US and Canada
DOWN
1. Three-letter flavor enhancer
2. Automatic email response, for short
3. Subj. of the movie Wild
4. Interjection that expresses doubt
5. Former California Senator Feinstein
6. Decorative pond occupant
7. Two Buttons Deep’s ___ Aaron
8. Arthur Conan ___ (creator of Sherlock Holmes)
9. Heightened fuss
10. Brassy performance, say
11. Scent
12. Join
14. Sneaky email option (abbr.)
17. Former soccer pro Hamm
21. Blood-feeding insects
23. Engagement ring measure
24. Scent
25. Smuggling illegal alcohol, say
26. Inquire
28. Photo file format
30. ___ Mahal
31. Physicals and vision checks, for two
34. Dog’s foot
35. Uncooked
36. It brings blood to your body
37. Palindromic engine part
39. Hypothesize
40. Jam band whose name is styled with a period
43. Tigers of the SEC
45. Not neg.
47. “Hold ___”
48. Like Muza in Troy
50. 1991 Beck hit
51. How now, brown ___?
52. Katniss’ sister, in The Hunger Games
53. Artemis II org.
55. What’s on the page opposite this puzzle
57. 4G ___
59. High Peak often hiked with Street
60. The brain of a computer, for short
61. When tripled, an expression of sarcastic laughter
62. Green prefix
63. Boy Scout division
Home Improvement
THESE FIVE LOCAL COMPANIES ARE READY TO HELP YOU TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO A HOME THIS SUMMER.
CYPRESS POOLS & SPAS
Escape to paradise in your own backyard with a pool by Cypress Pools & Spas. Having served the Capital Region for more than three decades, the Cypress Pools team realizes that investing in a swimming pool is a big decision, so aims to make the process as easy as possible. No matter your vision, Cypress pools can make your dream backyard a reality. Call today to get started.
115 Wade Road, Latham | cypresspoolsandspas.com | 518.783.5232
J. Hunziker Paving
When it comes to driveway paving, you need to work with seasoned driveway contractors who can ensure that your driveway is smooth and functional. J. Hunziker has more than 20 years of experience serving the residential and commercial paving needs of customers throughout Troy and the nearby areas, and is committed to providing customers with the best possible workmanship and service.
25 Correlis Drive, Rensselaer | jhunzikerpavingllc.com | 518.858.7917
L. Browe Asphalt Services
L. Browe Asphalt Services has served thousands of residential and commercial customers in the greater Hudson Valley with installations that are built to last because of correct elevations and subtle detailing that ease the job into the land. The end product is a true, level, aesthetically pleasing job with artistic curves and superior function that completes and enhances the entire property setting. Request a free quote today.
Rensselaer | broweasphalt.com | 518.479.1400
Redbud Development
Redbud Development is a landscape contracting company specializing in the custom design and quality installation of residential improvement and development projects. Using a creative and collaborative approach, Redbud helps clients imagine and build exterior environments—everything from in-ground pools to outdoor kitchens—that connect seamlessly with their interiors to reflect the homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. Call today to schedule your no-cost initial consultation.
2 Commerce Park Drive, Wilton | redbuddevelopment.com | 518.691.0428
Wolberg Lighting Design & Electrical Supply
Are you looking to renovate this summer? Take it to the next level with a lighting plan that integrates comfort, control, and energy. Talk to the lighting experts at Wolberg’s Albany or Saratoga showrooms for the best guidance in lighting terminology, types of lighting, and choosing the right LED bulbs. The helpful staff can show you how to use lighting to make your home safer, or help you create a dramatic design statement.
Multiple Locations | wolberg.com | 800.342.4304
5 Design Trends Conklin Architecture Can Bring to Your Home
If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter house, Kevin Conklin isn’t your guy. With a deep understanding of upstate New York’s unique landscape, the owner of Conklin Architecture is known for designing custom homes and commercial buildings that intertwine modernity with the natural beauty of the region.
Throughout his decades of experience, Conklin has seen design trends come and go. Some, however, stick around, earning consistent requests from clients year after year. Here are the top five timeless trends the principal architect has encountered over the years, and how his team helps bring each to life.
MAXIMIZED NATURAL LIGHT
• When a client expresses their desire for natural light, the Conklin Architecture team carefully designs window placements, performs solar tracking studies when needed, and incorporates skylights to flood spaces with natural light while maintaining privacy.
OPEN-PLAN LIVING
• The firm achieves this by creating flowing, multi-functional spaces while maintaining distinct zones for different activities.
CONCRETE FLOORS
• By working with trusted local contractors, Conklin Architecture implements polished concrete floors that offer durability, thermal mass benefits, and modern aesthetic appeal.
BIG WINDOWS
• A request for big windows prompts the team to utilize thoughtful positioning while considering views, solar orientation, privacy, and energy efficiency.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS
• To reduce environmental impact and operating costs, the firm incorporates passive solar design principles, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient systems.
Being aware of design trends is one thing, but executing them effectively is a talent not all firms have. Conklin Architecture’s commitment to its clients’ wishes, meticulous attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of local building and zoning ordinances have earned it a strong reputation and long list of satisfied clients. Conklin is grateful for each opportunity that comes his way.
“It’s amazing, having the opportunity to design custom homes for clients in the picturesque landscape that we have the luxury to call our backyard,” says Conklin. “Ultimately, our goal at Conklin Architecture is to be a partner and steward to clients and deliver homes that capture each individual lifestyle and landscape.”
before you go...
THE SECRET TO LIFE
BY JOHN GRAY
nnie Flanagan sat alone on a loveseat in her grandparents’ den. She was at their house to celebrate her 18th birthday, and it being late in the day, the alcohol was starting to affect the crowd. Her cousins and uncles were getting loud and silly, as people often do, and Annie needed a slight reprieve.
AShe’d been escaping to this den since she was a little girl, the mahogany bookshelves and Tiffany lamp in the corner throwing off the perfect combination of peace and charm.
“There you are,” a familiar voice called from the doorway.
It was her namesake and grandmother, known affectionately as Nana Annie.
“Everything OK?”
“Yeah, just wanted a moment to me,” young Annie answered. Her Nana crossed the room and gave her a one-armed hug, gripping her shoulder tightly with her wrinkled right hand. As she broke the loving embrace, a flash of light caught Annie’s eye. It was a charm bracelet her grandmother always wore, filled with trinkets and memories.
Seeing her granddaughter admire it, Nana Annie slipped it off, as she’d done a dozen times before, handing it over for inspection.
“You’ve always liked this.”
There were 24 charms— some with names or places, some with flowers or animals. Each meant something to her grandmother, and young Annie knew them well.
Well, all but one.
It was an old ship, a frigate from the Revolutionary War, with a tall mast and large, fluffy sails. Annie knew her Nana had rarely ever traveled and was unsure if she’d ever even been on a boat, so the meaning of this single charm had always eluded her.
She pointed at it and said, “What’s the deal with this one? You’ve never talked about it.”
“Everything you need to know about life is in that charm,” she answered.
“A ship?”
“It was a gift from my father on my 18th birthday,” Nana explained.
True adventure is out at sea, where things are sometimes unsafe. Don’t be afraid to throw off mooring lines, set sail, and take chances with your life and your heart.”
“What else?” Annie asked.
“No one can run a whole ship alone, so find good people to help you on your journey. Not a large crew—just a few mates, or soulmates, you can truly depend on.”
Her grandmother continued: “Water represents a hostile world, and there are trillions of gallons in the sea; it’s all around you, but you’ll be safe if you keep the water outside your vessel.”
“What does that mean?” Annie asked.
“Be careful who you let in or share things with,” her Nana explained. “Also, barnacles attach themselves to the ship’s hull and slow it down. Don’t be afraid to cut people loose who don’t applaud your dreams or want what’s best for you.”
Annie studied the charm, again. “Do the sails have some special meaning?”
Her grandmother smiled, “Ah, yes. The sails. Sometimes, life gives you a welcome breeze; other times, you might be stuck.”
“When he handed it to me, my daddy told me that ships hold the secret to life.”
“Tell it to me,” Annie said, shifting on the cozy seat to face her grandmother.
“First: Everyone knows the safest place for a ship is in the harbor, tied to the dock, but that’s not why we build them.
She took her granddaughter’s hand and said, “Just know that hard times never last, and tomorrow, another breeze will blow your way.”
As Annie returned the bracelet, the old woman unclipped the ship charm and placed it back in her granddaughter’s palm.
“For me?”
“Time to untether the ropes,” Nana replied. “Happy birthday, Annie.”
Classic Shed and Patio
