I don’t call myself a beer connoisseur by ANY means but I know what I like and I know I like beer. For Saturday’s Spots, I figured with the Saratoga Beerfest going on today this is only appropriate. I understand Price Chopper isn’t really a spot but they DO offer something that you should probably check out if you haven’t yet.

I like to try all different kinds of beer but if you were to buy a six-pack of every beer you would want to try, that would get expensive, especially if you don’t like it. Recently in the area I’ve seen a growth in the “Make Your Own 6 Pack” idea and it’s brilliant. I first saw it at Fresh Market in Latham and wrote a blog entry about how excited I was about this new genius idea to hit the area. The only down side was that none of the other grocery stores were catching on and I would have to travel all the way to Latham to make another.

Thankfully, I just went into my local Price Chopper the other day and what did I find? MAKE YOUR OWN SIX PACK. The prices between the two stores are comparable ($8.99 at Fresh Market & $8.95 at Price Chopper) so I can see why you may wonder why I dedicate another completely different blog entry to the same concept and my answer is choice. I know I don’t like IPAs so I usually rule those out first. Then, I rule out any run of the mill beer that I can get anywhere like your Blue Moon, Sam Adams Boston Lager, Heineken, Guinness, Magic Hat #9, etc because why waste this make your own option on making a six-pack of beer I already know I like. I figure if I wanted any of those beers, I’d just buy a six-pack of one of those beers instead make a six-pack of one of each.  With those options ruled out, at Fresh Market I was maybe left with 12 beers I still wanted to try. Two make your own six packs in and there was nothing left to offer me except a 6 pack of America’s most easily found draught beers. I figured this would be the case, too when I saw the collection at Price Chopper but I was wrong! I was so surprised by how many of these beers I’d never heard of, even some by a few of my favorite brands. What was most surprising to me was the selection of local beers; I picked up a brown ale from Adirondack Brewery and I’m excited to see what other local beers they may have to offer in the future. I haven’t purchased another since my first at Price Chopper so I don’t know how often they change the kinds of beers available but I hope they continue to offer the various seasonal options and I hope to see more local beers to choose from as well.

I ended up with a pretty good six-pack if I do say so myself & I’m excited to see if I can find myself a new favorite beer! Try it out, maybe you will too!

-          ALBANY at Bogies at 7:00PM is Subzero, Sentries, Dangerfield, Forlorn Hope, Primrose Path & Rush the Gates

-          ALBANY at the Bistro Bar at 74 State at 8:00PM is Bronte Roman Jazz Emsemble

-          NORTHVILLE at Lapland Lake is one pass full price, second pass half price for all elementary and secondary school teachers with ID

-          SCHENECTADY at Katie O’ Byrnes at 10:00PM is O.W.L.

-          SCHENECTADY at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium at 12:30PM-3:30PM is the LAST DAY for February Break Activities @ the Museum

-          TUPPER LAKE at the Wild Center at 7:00PM is APO: How the Universe Works: “Alien Galaxies” for FREE

-          ALBANY at the Palace at 7:00PM is Black History Month STEP OFF for $17 in advance/$22 day of show http://www.palacealbany.com/eventsandtickets/eventtickets/event.aspx?eid=6bffb49f-5275-4dcb-8c03-b000ac67a9d8

-          SARATOGA at the Saratoga Winery & Tasting Room at 6:00PM-9:00PM is Seth Warden Duo LIVE! NO COVER CHARGE!

-          ALBANY at Christian Brothers Academy at 6:30PM-8:00PM is CBA indoor Yard Sale Preview Night for $5

-          SARATOGA at the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 11:00AM-3:00PM (3 performances: 11am, 1pm & 3pm) is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Presented by the Puppet People for FREE

-          COLONIE at Central Steak at 8:00PM-11:00PM is Winchester & Young for FREE

-          SARATOGA at Vapor at Saratoga Casino and Raceway at 8:00PM is New York Players for FREE

-          MALTA at DiDonna’s South Shore Restaurant at 8:00PM-10:00PM is Laughter is the Best Medicine Comedy Night for $15/pp

-          SCHENECTADY at Proctors Theatre at 7:30PM is Looking Through a Glass Onion: Deconstructing the Beatles’ White Album

-          ALBANY at the Palace Theatre at 7:00PM is the Annual Black History Month STEP OFF ($17 in advance/ $22 day of)

Saturday, February 25

-          ALBANY at The Egg at 8:00PM is Hot Tuna

-          INLET at 12:00PM-7:30PM at Fern Park is Frozen Fire & Lights Festival

-          LAKE GEORGE at 6:30PM is FIREWORKS!

-          ALBANY at McGeary’s Irish Pub at 8:00PM is Fundraiser benefit for Maggie Zeoli-Delvalle and her battle with AML Leukemia for a $20 suggested donation

-          SARATOGA at Vapor at Saratoga Casino & Raceway at 9:00PM is CrushFM with DJ Reel for FREE (21+)

-          BOLTON LANDING at Up Yonda Farm at 10:00AM-1:00PM is the 4^th Annual Snowshoe Hike for Hospice $20/pp donation or pledges

-          LAKE GEORGE at YMCA Camp Chingachgook at 10:00AM-4:00PM is Winter Wonderland; FREE for Y-members and $5/pp for non-members

-          LAKE GEORGE on Shepard Park Beach at 12:00PM is Chicken Wing Cook Off

-          SCHROON LAKE at Mountainside Bible Chapel Gym at 11:00AM-2:00PM is the Schroon Lake Chiki Book Off- $1 per taste, $5 per bowl or $15 for unlimited

-          ALBANY at Different Drummers Kitchen, Stuyvesant Plaza at 12:00PM-2:00PM is Everyday Japanese- Hands On – $65/pp

-          ALBANY at the Colonie Family Recreation Center at 9:30AM-11:30PM is Party Your Heart Out ZUMBA FUNraiser! Doors open at 8:45am

-          SCHENECTADY at Katie O’ Byrnes at 10:00PM is Funk Evolution

-          ALBANY at the Bistro Bar at 74 State at 8:00PM is Lee Shaw Trio

-          SARATOGA in SPAC at 8:00PM is The Winter Ball, BOND: Shaken Not Stirred- REGULAR pre-sale at $65 and $70 after 2/15

Sunday, February 26

-          ALBANY at the Times Union Center at 2:00PM is Siena Men’s Basketball- Blonde vs. Brunettes 2EndAlz Night for $20/pp

-          SARATOGA at Saratoga City Center at 11:00AM-3:00PM is the 5^th Annual Enchanted Wedding Expo for $5/pp

-          CLIFTON PARK at Northern Lights at 5:00PM-7:00PM is Enter the Guinness Perfect Pint Competition; $10 per person, includes light fare & Guinness drink ticket. Glass and t-shirt given to first 500 customers. Best pints will be entered to win a trip to Ireland, Home Draft System, Guinness Refrigerator & MORE! Benefits Project Link to help find a cure for Autism!

ONGOING

-          SCHENECTADY (Feb 20-26) is RESTAURANT WEEK

-          ALBANY (Feb 24-25) at the Times Union Center is NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships for $12

-          LAKE GEORGE (Feb 24-26) at the Queensbury Hotel is a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater- Glens Falls Community Theater; FRI-SAT 6:00P & SUN 1:00p

-          ALBANY (Feb 25-26) at NY State Museum at 10:00AM-5:00PM is the 19^th Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show & Sale for $4/pp

-          ALBANY (Feb 23-26) at UAlb Performing Arts Center is Great Expectations; look at website for times and prices http://www.albany.edu/pac/

-          SARATOGA (Until Feb 25) is Saratoga Beer Week http://www.saratogabeerweek.com/

-          LONG LAKE (Feb 17-26) is WINTER WONDERLAND WEEK

-          ALBANY (Feb 24-25) at The Comedy Works at 9:00PM is Tommy Koenig & Melvin George

-          SCHENECTADY (Until Feb 26) at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium at 2:30PM-3:30PM is Hidden Power Demos, every Thursday-Sunday in February

-          ALBANY (Feb 24-25) at the Times Union Center at 9:30AM is 50^th Annual NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships

-          SCHENECTADY (Feb 17-26) at Proctors is Classic Theater Guild Inc. presents One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest http://www.proctors.org/events/ctg-one-flew-nest

-          LAKE GEORGE (Feb 25-26) in Lake George Village is the FOURTH WEEKEND of the Lake George Winter Carnival

Unless you dislike sweet treats as a whole, I feel as if everyone has that feeling from time to time- “Me want cookie!” Also, on the website for Bake For You (475 State Street, Albany), owner Linda Kindlon used another favorite Cookie Monster quote of mine “C is for cookie, that’s good enough for me” so I felt this was an appropriate quote to start with for this blog entry.

Linda recently invited me to her hidden kitchen to not only taste some of her delicious creations but see where everything is made. She emailed me the address beforehand and I knew the general neighborhood but I still had trouble finding where she was, especially since the address I was given was a church and I assumed something had to be wrong. Luckily, I wasn’t.

BakeForYou is based out of the kitchen of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. When asked if she had her sights on a storefront anytime soon she said that she was happy with the way things were right now and her relationships with each of her clients. Don’t worry though if you want to try these delicious sweets, her cookies are available at Bob and Ron’s Fish Fry, Elena’s Italian Cafe, Our Daily Grind, Andy’s Italian Imports, Hudson River Coffee House, Irongate Cafe, Uncommon Grounds,  and many others! If you’re looking to order a bigger selection of cookies check out her WEBSITE for delivery.

Linda had mentioned that she was working on her menus but I was sure to grab a cupcake menu before I left! Cupcakes have become quite a big deal in the Capital District over the past year or two and though I didn’t get to try any of them, I think the Guinness cake is calling to me:

-          The Traditional: Yellow Cake, choice of vanilla butter cream or chocolate butter cream

-          Guinness Chocolate Cake: Moist subtle chocolate cake topped with vanilla butter cream or chocolate butter cream

-          Classic Carrot Cake: sweet carrots, pineapple, coconut and cinnamon topped with cream cheese frosting

-          The Velvet Supper: traditional red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting

-          The Addison: yellow cake with fresh orange zest topped with orange butter cream frosting

-          The State Street: coconut cake topped with creamy coconut frosting

-          Cheers to You: white champagne cake with raspberry filling topped with white frosting

-          Walk in the Park: lemon poppy seed cake with a lemon glaze

-          The Sprague Place: vegan chocolate cake topped with chocolate frosting

-          Always Fall: pumpkin cake topped with cinnamon frosting

I did get to sample two delicious cookies Bake For You has to offer, the signature cookie, White Chocolate and Craisins and the S’mores cookie with chocolate and marshmallows. I started with the White Chocolate and Craisins cookie and was so impressed how this cookie that was rather crusty on the outside was soft on the inside with the chocolate semi-melted. I don’t normally like Craisins but it paired so well with the white chocolate that I didn’t even notice. It was almost more like I was eating a scone than a cookie. I knew if  that was their signature cookie, the next was going to be just as delicious.

As you can see in the picture, the marshmallows on the S’mores cookie were toasted brown but don’t let that fool you, they are just as mushy on the inside as the cookie itself. Along with big chunks of chocolate this tasted just like a s’more, with the cookie texture acting as a graham cracker. I luckily was able to take some of them home and I honestly ate one each day until they were gone, I’m going to have to go to one of the locations she sells them in to grab some more! Next time I’ll have to try dunking them in hot chocolate. With the marshmallow on top, it’s like that’s what it was made for. Linda had mentioned an Earl Grey cookie and since I have such a love of tea, I can’t even imagine what it would taste like in cookie form but I’m going to have to give those a try as well. Overall her cookies weren’t sickening sweet as some cookies could be which is either good because it makes each experience just as delicious but bad because my sweet tooth doesn’t get that sugar shock and I could probably finish a dozen of these by myself!

I love to support business owners that don’t just “do this” for the sake of owning a business but actually have a passion for it and in each bite of the cookies (yes, multiple) I had from Bake For You, you could taste the passion. I had visited Linda the day after Valentine’s Day and in between discussing how busy it had been for her the past couple days, she had said that she has turned people away in the past who wanted to order cookies when she hit her limit. Some may think of this as a bad business decision but I think it goes to the quality of her product. She said that if she’s not going to make it to the best of her ability than she’d rather not make it and have a cut off so she can guarantee you the best her product could possibly be.

Not only are the cookies delicious but she makes them all organic and all with local products. The eggs are free range from Mountain Winds Farm, the flour and butter are from Vermont,  the organic raisins, organic tea, spices, soy milk and cheeses are from the Honest Weight Co-Op in Albany & when the fruits and vegetables she needs are in season she buys them local. I had asked her how she decided upon which local places she was going to use for her products and it was based on which made the best cookie in her opinion. Her belief is that “great ingredients make for wonderful sweets” and with that mantra, how could you go wrong?

-          NORTH CREEK at Tannery Pond Community Center at 9:00AM-4:00PM is Widlund Gallery” Taff and Jack Fitterer and Paul Chapman for FREE

-          TUPPER LAKE at The Wild Center is Winter Homes- learn about and help construct a quinzee, meet live animals and build a unique craft to take home- Also, Winter Birding for $15 for adults, $9 for youth and $13 for seniors

-          WEVERTOWN at Wevertown Community Center at 2:00PM is NYS Battle Flags of the  Civil War for FREE

-          SARATOGA at the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 2:00PM-4:00PM is Family Movies- The Lion King for FREE

-          TROY at Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center at 12:00PM is Ryan + Trevor Oakes: The Periphery of Perception for FREE

Tuesday, February 21

-          ALBANY at The Egg at 7:30PM is Zee Avi with special guest Bryan Thomas

-          SARATOGA at the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 2:00PM-3:00PM is Andrew Simmons’ Wildlife for FREE

-          ALBANY at UAlbany Uptown Campus, Ballroom at 8:00PM is Michio Kaku, physicist and author and cofounder of “string field theory

-          GLENS FALLS at Charles R. Wood Theater at 1:00PM-9:00PM is Adirondack Regional Theaters Auditions

Wednesday, February 22

-          SCHENECTADY at Katie O’ Byrnes at 7:00PM is Frank Jaklitsch

-          ALBANY at the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink at 6:00PM-8:00PM is Let’s Skate hosted by BlueShield of Northeastern New York

-          ALBANY at UAlbany Performing Arts Center at 7:30PM is Oswego Jazz Project- $12 general public, $10 seniors and UAlb faculty & staff and $8 students

-          ALBANY at the Albany Institute of History & Art at 7:30AM-9:30AM is Corporate Breakfast Series, “Technology and Museums Today”- FREE but pre-registration required & from 10:00AM-5:00PM is CELEBRATE 221 Years with $2.21 admission!

-          SARATOGA at the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 11:00AM is Animal Tracking Snowshoe Hike for FREE

Thursday, February 23

-          SCHENECTADY at Jewish Community Center at 1:00PM-2:00PM is Magic Show with Melvin the Magnificent- members are $3/ pp and $8 per family, non-members are $4/pp and $12 per family

-          TROY at Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center at 7:30PM is Last Year at Marienbad for $6

-          ALBANY at Massry Center for the Arts at 7:30PM is Backstage with Paula Cole ($25)

-          SARATOGA at Maestros at 7:00PM is Pull Your Own Pint for FREE

-          SARATOGA at Longfellows at 6:30PM is Harpoon Beer Dinner

-          SARATOGA at Circus Café at 7:00PM is Randal the Enamal Animal and Dogfish Head for FREE

-          SARATOGA at Bookmakers at the Holiday Inn at 7:00PM- 9:00PM is Samples of ADK Brewery for FREE

-          SARATOGA at Prime at 7:00PM-10:00PM is Meet the Brooklyn Brewery Team for FREE (beer and food are additional costs)

-          SARATOGA at Irish Times Pub at 8:00PM-10:00PM is Goose Island Sampling Night/ Longtrail, Otter Creek, and Wolavers Organic beer sampling for FREE ( beer and food are additional)

-          SARATOGA at City Tavern at 5:00PM is Five Floors of Beer & at 9:00PM-12:00AM is Redhook Trivia Night with Head Brewer for FREE (beer and food are additional)

-          SARATOGA at Stadium Café at 7:30PM-11:00PM is Craft Brewers Alliance Tap Takeover with Head Brewer for FREE (beer and food are additional)

-          SARATOGA at Saratoga Brewery at 4:00PM is Kick Off Party for Saratoga Beer Week ($7) & at 4:30PM-10:00PM is New York State Brewers Meeting for FREE

-          SARATOGA at Long Fellows at 4:00PM-6:00PM is Long Trail Sampling

-          SARATOGA at The Springs at the Saratoga Hilton at 5:00PM is Redhook Lounge for FREE

-          SARATOGA at The Saratoga Hilton Lobby at 3:00PM-6:00PM is Beer Week Registration for PASSPORT HOLDERS ONLY

-          ALBANY at Albany Public Library, Main Library Auditorium at 2:00PM is Pit Bull Education Workshop for FREE

ONGOING

-          SCHENECTADY (Feb 20-26) is RESTAURANT WEEK http://www.sayschenectady.org/

-          SCHENECTADY (Feb 17-26) at Proctors is Classic Theater Guild Inc. presents One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest http://www.proctors.org/events/ctg-one-flew-nest

-          SCHENECTADY (Until Feb 26) at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium at 2:30PM-3:30PM is Hidden Power Demos, every Thursday-Sunday in February

-          NORTHVILLE (Feb 21-Feb 24) at Lapland Lake is one pass full price, second pass half price for all elementary and secondary school teachers with ID

-          ALBANY (Feb 23-26) at UAlb Performing Arts Center is Great Expectations; look at website for times and prices http://www.albany.edu/pac/

-          SARATOGA (Feb 22- 23) at the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 9:30AM-11:30AM is Exploring and Interacting with Media Websites for students, call 584-7860 to register

-          LONG LAKE (Feb 17-26) is WINTER WONDERLAND WEEK

-          ALBANY (Until Feb 21) at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at 7:00PM is Eighth Annual Africana Film Series for FREE- This week is Long Night’s Journey into Day: South Africa’s Search for Truth and Reconciliation

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I love that after living in Schenectady for so long, this blog has led me to learn about little parts of our history that I had no idea about. For example, I received an email some time ago about the Schenectady Day Nursery (25 Lafayette Street  Schenectady) and that this year is its 110th birthday. On February 3rd, the nursery had a children’s birthday celebration with 5 dozen cupcakes while they sang “Happy Birthday.”

Former SDN board member Kay Ackerman was announced at the party at the chair of the “110 Community Readers” initiative. This is a way to get the community involved further with the nursery by allowing them to read to the children to encourage literacy and community awareness. To schedule a reading time, email Kay Ackerman at kaydonack@aol.com or call 518-393-5000.

If you missed the birthday celebration on February 3rd, there are plans to continue the celebration throughout the year. For example, the yearly “Steak & Lobster Fest” on August 16 will be a fundraiser for the school as well as the “A Little Big of Jazz & More” festival on May 3rd.  The board of managers are trying to reach out to other former SDN members, students and teachers during this year’s celebration.

The SDN Board of Managers Chair, Amy Herter Robinson said that this anniversary is a way for the community to “celebrate the tradition of contributing to the quality of life in Schenectady by providing excellent care for children of working families.” The Schenectady Day Nursery originated with a group of local women who, at the turn of the century, realized the need for a daycare center for the children of working families who more often than not were left unattended.

Look out for celebrations throughout the year for this great institution that was the first nursery in Schenectady and maybe even in New York State. Below is a picture of some of the children who attended the Schenectady Day Nursery many, many years ago. Enjoy the history!

-          ALBANY at Valentines at 8:30PM is B-Scene Productions with Rebel Rose Presents: Continental (Featuring Rick Barton, Original Dropkick Muphys)

-          ALBANY at The Egg at 7:30PM is Laughs Against L&L to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

-          ALBANY at Red Square at 8:00PM is DNBC Presents: Bassfix

-          ROUND LAKE at Lake Ridge Restaurant is the LAST NIGHT of the 5 Day Valentine’s Celebration

-          QUEENSBURY on West Mountain is Fire on the Mountain featuring Audio Stars from 8:00PM-Midnight & Rich Ortiz 9:00PM-1:00AM

-          CLIFTON PARK at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library at 10:30AM is Stories of African Americans

-          SARATOGA at the Saratoga Winery at 6:00PM-9:00PM is Aaron Mittler Live for FREE

-          QUEENSBURY at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge Ballroom at 7:00PM is An Evening with Elvis- $30/pp, call 518-824-6060 for reservations

-          SARATOGA at Vapor at Saratoga Casino and Raceway at 8:00PM is Cryin’ Out Loud for FREE

-          GLENS FALLS at Glens Falls Civic Center at 7:00PM is Phantoms vs. Manchester

-          DELMAR at St. Thomas School at 7:00PM-11:00PM is Hair of the Dog for $25

-          ALBANY at Recital Hall, Performing Arts Center at 7:30PM is The Films of John Sayles: Honeydripper for FREE

Saturday, February 18

-          SCHENECTADY at Proctors at 7:30PM is Party Horns NYC: Brooklyn Qawwali Party

-          SCHENECTADY at Proctors at 2:00PM & 8:00PM is Blast!

-          ALBANY at Valentines at 7:00PM is Abandon Me!

-          ALBANY at The Linda at 8:00PM is Willie Nile LIVE for $23

-          COHOES at Michael’s Banquet House at 5:00PM-9:30PM is Stupid Cupid Valentine’s Day Dance Party- $25 in adv and $30 at the door http://www.michaelsbanquethouse.com/images/Valentines%20Day%202-18-12.jpg

-          LAKE GEORGE at 6:30PM is FIREWORKS!

-          LAKE GEORGE on the ice is a Hot Air Balloon Moon Glow starting at dusk http://www.lakegeorge.com/winter/carnival.cfm

-          LAKE GEORGE at YMCA Camp Chingachgook at 10:00am-4:00pm is Winter Wonderland Day- $5/pp + $5 optional lunch

-          ALBANY on Lark Street starting at 12:00PM at Lionheart is the 2^nd Annual Lark St. Magic Hat Mardi Gras Charity Pub Quiz & Crawl

-          TROY at Revolution Hall at 2:00PM-5:00PM is Brown’s Brewing Co’s 2^nd Annual Firehouse Chili Cookoff ($10)

-          ALBANY at the Times Union Center at 7:00PM is Albany Devils Hockey

-          TROY at Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at 8:00PM is Annie Dorsen: Hello Hi There ($18)

-          GUILDERLAND at the Guilderland Public Library at 10:00AM-12:00PM is Finding Your Revolutionary Patriot for FREE! Learn how to trace your lineage to a family member that served or aided the cause of the American Revolution

-          QUEENSBURY at West Glens Falls Emergency Squad at 10:00AM-2:00PM is Bone Marrow Drive in honor of Emily Ziegler https://www.facebook.com/events/360500220643579

-          ALBANY at Different Drummer’s Kitchen, Stuyvesant Plaza at 12:00PM-2:30PM is Memories of Poland ($65)

-          LAKE GEORGE at Shepard Park Beach at 12:00PM is Chowder Cook Off http://www.lakegeorge.com/winter/carnival.cfm

-          TUPPER LAKE at The Wild Center at 1:00PM is The Color of Ice for 15 adults, $9 youth and $13 for seniors; look at close up images of ice with Peter a research scientist with NASA

-          GLENS FALLS at Crandall Public Library at 10:00AM-4:00PM is Cabin Fever Baby Festival for FREE

-          LATHAM at Latham Farms Petsmart at 10:00AM-1:30PM is Peppertree Rescue Adoption Clinic

-          ALBANY at the New York State Museum at 10:00AM is Catalyst, Conflict, Conclusion: New York’s African American Civil War Legacy for FREE

-          SARATOGA at Vapor at Saratoga Casino and Raceway at 9:00PM is Vinnie Guadagnino from Jersey Shore sponsored by JAMZ 96.3 http://saratogacasino.com/vapor-nightclub/sightsandsounds/vinnyjerseyshore.aspx

-          ALBANY at the Albany Marriott at 11:00AM-2:30PM is the 3^rd Annual Mac & Cheese Bowl to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY- sample 30 different Mac & Cheese dishes from your favorite restaurants—tickets available at all Price Chopper Supermarkets (Adults $15, children 5-12 are $5 and children under 5 are FREE) http://www.rfbneny.com/events/3rd-annual-mac-cheese-bowl/

Sunday, February 19

-          ALBANY at the Times Union Center at 7:00PM is Albany Devils Hockey

-          ALBANY at Playdium Bowling Center at 11:00AM-3:00PM is Bowling for PAWS- STRIKE the Waiting List – raise $25 or more to bowl! http://www.pawsnycapitalregion.org/

-          TROY at Hilton Garden Inn & The Rensselaer Banquet & Conference Facility at 11:00AM-3:00PM is Hilton Garden Inn Bridal Show, registration required CALL 518-953-1983

-          SCHENECTADY starting at the City Hall Rotunda at 12:00PM-4:00PM is the Key to Schenectady Open House Tour; dozens of Schenectady properties will be open for viewing- you can accompany City officials including Mayor Gary McCarthy, Police Chief Mark Chaires, Fire Chief Michael Dellarocco and school district reps. To properties on Keyes Ave, Ardsley Rd and Waverly Place http://www.cityofschenectady.com/pdf/development/schenectady-open-house2.pdf

ONGOING

-          ALBANY (Feb 17-18) at the Palace Theatre at 7:30PM both days and 2:00PM on the 18^th is STOMP

-          SCHENECTADY (Feb 17-26) at Proctors is Classic Theater Guild Inc. presents One Flew Over the Cukoo’s Nest http://www.proctors.org/events/ctg-one-flew-nest

-          SCHENECTADY (Until Feb 26) at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium at 2:30PM-3:30PM is Hidden Power Demos, every Thursday-Sunday in February

-          INDIAN LAKE (Feb 18-19) at 10:00AM-3:00PM is Winter Wonderland Craft Show for FREE

-          SARATOGA (Feb 18-19) at Irish Times Pub at 9:00PM is Who Are You- A Celebration of THE WHO for FREE

-          ALBANY (Feb 18-19) at Academy of the Holy Names at 10:00AM-5:00PM is Antiques Show and Sale

-          SARATOGA (Feb 17-19) is The Flurry Festival Annual Dance and Music Festival http://www.saratoga.com/winter/dance-flurry.cfm

-          LONG LAKE (Feb 17-26) is WINTER WONDERLAND WEEK

-          COHOES (Feb 9-Feb 19) at Cohoes Music Hall is the Pirate of Penzance

-          SCHENECTADY (Feb 10-12 & 16-19) at the Schenectady Light Opera Company is BABY, the musical

-          LAKE GEORGE (Feb 18-19) in Hague is the Hague Winter Weekend

-          SCHENECTADY ( Jan 20- Feb 19) at the Capital Repertory Theater is The Sisters Rosensweig

-          LAKE GEORGE (Feb 18-19) in Lake George Village is the THIRD WEEKEND of the Lake George Winter Carnival

Today’s local blog is called Sporks & Spoons, whose name I adore, written by Nicole. Nicole is a self-proclaimed foodie who like the rest of us is looking for a way to live healthier and still enjoy the food and exercise she is doing to get there. The most recent blog post was in August 2011 and it grabbed my attention. This Eggplant Salad with Chickpeas and Feta puts some of my favorite food items in one place. The step-by-step pictures with easy to follow instructions & final picture so I know what it’s supposed to look like just makes my mouth water. Not everything she mentions is recipes, she also includes some healthier products she’s come across like Spicy Avocado Inari which I have NO CLUE what that is put apparently is at the Fresh Market and looks delicious. What I like about healthy living blogs is the pairing of healthy options rooted in the bloggers personal life. Instead of just reading about what someone ate each day or how they worked out with a list of recipes, I like having some insight into their personality, their pets, job, etc. I like to relate through their writing and I feel that with this blog & hopefully she’ll be back to write some more entries soon!

I don’t frequent Saratoga as often as I’d like but when I do think about it I think of class. The shops and restaurants on Broadway which is more upscale than and has a completely different feel than downtown Albany. I recently went for their yearly Chowderfest and though since I was working, I wasn’t able to partake in any chowder but I was able to grab lunch quick from Esperanto (Caroline Street, Saratoga).

I’m familiar with Esperanto from various let’s call them frequent social late Saturday night gatherings on Caroline Street. After I’d be out with my friends, I’d crave a warm slice of pizza and Esperanto was there until 3:30AM (every Friday & Saturday night) to appease my hunger. What I didn’t realize was that they’re quite famous for their DOUGH-BOYS.

A dough-boy is sauteed chicken breast diced & spiced, blended with cheeses and scallions and baked in fresh pizza dough until golden brown ($3.50). I decided on the dough-girl which is the vegetarian version that includes all of the same things except instead of chicken had roasted red peppers, corn and some other vegetables. It may seem as if it wouldn’t be filling but it truly was. I normally don’t like to eat these types of fried food but I was assured by my coworkers that it was something that couldn’t be missed and that’s the truth!

The consistency is difficult to explain, it’s definitely cheesey but there was no overpowered cheese flavor- left me mindboggled. My favorite part was that I tasted each and every vegetable and found pieces of actual corn and pepper and showed me how fresh these actually are. I’m one of those kinds of people who if I order a veggie burger, I want to see veggies in it; same goes here and I was impressed. The sauce that goes rather well with the dough-boy/girl is Frank’s Red Hot. I tasted it without the sauce and it’s not necessary but it definitely compliments the flavor. Even after all my coaxing, this doesn’t seem to be your cup of tea, they have food from Greece, Mexico, Thailand & Middle East so there’s gotta be something there you’re in the mood for.

Next time you’re in Saratoga and especially if you’re on Caroline Street on a late Friday or Saturday night, stumble into Esperanto and give the FAMOUS dough-boy (or dough-girl) a try! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did!

Has anyone else experienced the dough-boy? What did you think?

-          SARATOGA at the Saratoga Winery at 12:00PM-6:00PM is a Wine and Chocolate Tasting ($50 for 2 people); Includes gourmet chocolate covered strawberries, keepsake wine glasses, sparkling Saratoga waters, a red rose and MORE!

-          SARATOGA at Ravenous starting at 5:00PM is a Valentine’s Day Dinner Special ($19.99/pp); Includea a dinner crepe, organic side salad, small cone of pommes frites, your choice of any homemade dip sauce and any dessert crepe.

-          ALBANY at the Ten Broeck Mansion starting at 6:00PM is a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner ($115 per couple); Includes a 6 six course dinner with a sparkling aperitif, wine pairing, tax and gratuity- call 518-436-9826 for RESERVATIONS

-          ALBANY at Taste is Valentine’s Day: Menu for Two; Includes: http://www.tastealbany.com/menus/2012valentines-day-dinner-for-2/ each meal at a different price

-          LOUDONVILLE at Blue Stone Bistro starting at 5:00PM; Includes: http://www.blustonebistro.com/dnn/valentinesday.aspx ($150 per couple)

-          LAKE GEORGE at Holiday Inn Resort has a Surf and Turf Dinner for Two ($49.95 per couple); Includes a Bottle of champagne or wine, house salad, 8z filet mignon and a 5oz lobster tail, dessert will be chef’s choice; RESERVATIONS recommended 518-668-5781

-            ALBANY at The Olde English has a Tea for Two Meal ($60 per couple); Includes: http://518bitesandsights.com/2012/02/13/valentines2012/

-            SARATOGA/CLIFTON PARK at Wheatfields has a special Valentine’s Day menu; Includes: http://www.wheatfields.com/pdfs/VDay%202012_Clifton%20Parkweb.pdf in CLIFTON PARK & http://wheatfields.com/pdfs/VDay%202012%20Saratogaweb.pdf in SARATOGA

-             SCHENECTADY at Katie O’Byrne’s ($15.99/pp); Includes Osso Bucco with twice baked potatoes and mixed vegetables with a complementary glass of house wine

-              ALBANY at Marche at 6:00PM-10:00PM ($59/pp); Includes: http://www.74state.com/V-DayLetter.pdf

-             ALBANY at Mingle; Includes drink specials like chocolate covered cherry martinis $7, bellini $6 and appetizers such as coconut shrimp and mussels, sea bass and crab cakes for an entree and tiramisu and chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert

-               COLONIE/DELMAR/CLIFTON PARK at Blue Spice at 4:30PM-10:00PM (9:30PM at Delmar & Clifton Park locations) at is a Special Valentine’s Day Menu ($50 for 2 people)

-               COLONIE at Central Steak is Valentine’s Day Specials in addition to their regular menu- couples will receive a special invitation to join again in March to win prizes including desserts, wines and complimentary dinners (SALAD BAR IS BACK!)- same offer is being held at the other related restaurants such as Creo, Bountiful Bread, Mangia, and Log Jam

-                 SARATOGA at Nove Italian Restaurant is a 3 course meal of Valentines Specials; Includes shrimp nove, burrata arugula salad and homemade fettuccine for a first course, surf and turf, 16oz veal chop, yellowtail snapper, dover sole for the main course and either a chocolate flourless cake or chocolate covered strawberries for dessert

KEEP LOOKING BACK HERE for continuous updates as I hear from them/find them. If you know of any restaurants doing any special deals, feel free to comment here, on my Twitter or my Facebook page.