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“Life is like an ice-cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time. “
Charles M. Schultz
Well, I finally did it. I’ve not only lived in the 518 my whole life but have had numerous birthday parties and attended numerous birthday parties at Guptills Arena but never experienced Coney Express (1085 New Loudon Rd., Latham), until a couple days ago.
I decided to try their new Fat Free flavor Mint Patty. With other mint ice creams that have those teeny tiny chocolate chips, 
I find myself annoyed with having to chew with each and every bite of ice cream but with mint patties, they’re big enough to enjoy the creamy parts of the ice cream and only have to chew every so often. As for the ice cream itself, I did like the flavor and it wasn’t lacking in mint but the minty flavor took over the fudge topping my Mom had and the chocolate crunch dip I had on the ice cream as well as those mint patties I was so excited for. This is either a good thing or bad thing depending on your feelings on mint ice cream but I guess if you don’t like mint ice cream, you would have ordered something else! I, personally, would have liked to have tasting the chocolate a bit more but that’s just my opinion.
I put a chocolate crunch dip on the ice cream not knowing what to expect and it turned out to be chocolate Captain Crunch cereal mixed with chocolate. It was good but trying to chew the chocolate cereal and the mint patties while my ice cream was melting made it difficult so next time I might just get plain chocolate instead. As for the cone, with all the radio ads and the signs posted everywhere I had to get it on the waffle cone. They come in regular and large and as you can see, the regular is plenty of ice cream for one serving so be cautious before you order that large. I don’t tend to like waffle cones but this was fantastic. It had a strong waffle flavor and complimented the ice cream wonderfully- they aren’t know for the best waffle cones for no reason! Total it came to a little over $5.00, which may be steep for ice cream but you get a good amount for the price. Afterward (or beforehand) don’t forget to check out the roller skating rink! Work off that ice cream, right?
“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. “
Doug Larson
It’s official, Spring has begun. It may not look like it outside but with 2/3 of my favorite 518 ice cream places open, believe me it’s only time before the snow stops and the warm weather is upon us. 
This past week’s weather has been cold to tolerable to beautiful to snow but that didn’t stop my Mom and I from going to Kurver Kreme in the cold. Be forewarned, Kurver Kreme is CASH ONLY so make sure you stop at the bank before experiencing this great ice cream.
What I really like about Kurver Kreme is that the ice cream is so soft and there are so many flavor options. When my mother and I went, their No Fat/No Added Sugar options were vanilla and peach. I’d never had the peach before but the flavor was great, I could really taste the peach. One of my favorite accessories to my ice cream is their chocolate mint sprinkles. What I love about Kurvers is that I enjoy their vanilla ice cream just as much as I enjoy the flavors. Those sprinkles on plain vanilla ice cream is probably my favorite thing to get there.
Though it’s an ice cream place, don’t rule out getting food there either. They use local Albany hot dogs and are tasty for a great price especially when the weather gets nicer! Am I making your mouth water yet? You don’t have to wait, Kurver Kreme just recently opened for the Spring, stop by for a scoop or two!
“When the apple is ripe it will fall.”
Irish Proverb
One of my favorite fall time activities is apple picking but since being away at school the past 4 years I haven’t been able to so my goal this fall was to make sure I got to partake in every Fall activity that I’ve missed over the past years. I had no idea which orchard to go to, I’ve heard a few names thrown around but I didn’t know what each offered, which was the best, etc. I looked up online some names of orchards to visit and I found that there were 3 in the same neighborhood so that seemed to be the best option. Just in case my boyfriend and I didn’t like one of them, there were two others to try out.
We started out on Riverview Rd meaning to head to Bowman Orchards but my boyfriend missed the turn so we first stopped at Riverview Orchards (660 Riverview Rd, Rexford). 
I didn’t see a sign for pick your own apples it was mostly a store where you could buy any type of apple you want along with other assorted vegetables. There’s a small place to sit and eat cider donuts and whatever other fall treats you may want along with a place where you can watch the donuts being made. Outside there’s a very small& very short corn maze for the very little kids no higher than their waist. I decided to grab a cider donut and it was very good. It was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect consistency. I found though that it didn’t really have its own special flavor, it just tasted like a plain donut.
Next, we went to Bowman Orchards (141 Sugar Hill Rd, Rexford) and ran into some traffic getting in. 
The wait wasn’t very long, maybe 15-20 but once we got through the entrance everything else moved very quickly. You can either pay 25 cents for one of their plastic bags or bring your own. When you arrive, they hand you a map of the area along with the list of apples you’re allowed to pick that day, apples & tomatoes are $.99lb and pumpkins $.52lb. If you’re looking for Red Delicious, good luck! When we went, they were all picked. The apples were easy to find thanks to the map and number/letter system. I had such a great time, it was like an Easter egg hunt for adults in the middle of fall! They also offer Pony Rides $3, Hay Rides $3, Playland with animals you can pet and feed $3, Peddle carts $3 and apple cannon $1. 
As for food, don’t worry on being hungry during your apple adventures! They have tons of food to buy along with plenty of sweets. I also tried a cider donut from here along with cider donut ice cream (the fudge was really tempting). I liked this cider donut better because it had sugar on it unlike Riverview and had a stronger cidery flavor. The cider donut ice cream is definitely worth it! The line to get into the treats building took about 5-10mins but it was worth it for that ice cream. Not only was the ice cream flavorful (which I think was cinnamon flavored) but the pieces of cider donut right inside made me wish I got a bigger size. If you intend on sharing this, get the medium size!
After we paid for our apples, we went on to check out the last orchard on our way to get a pumpkin. Lindsey’s Orchard (267 Sugar Hill Rd, Rexford) also offered pick your own apples and though smaller than Bowman, it was less crowded and still a good size. 
I decided to get a cider donut from here to finish off my cider donut tour of Rexford and I liked this one as well, it was kind of a mix of the other two. Though it didn’t have sugar like Riverview, it was sweet like Bowman’s but my favorite was still Bowman’s. Jim and I found the perfect pumpkin and will be carving it closer to Halloween (& making pumpkin seeds!). Though this was smaller, if you’re going to Bowman, this is worth a stop. If any of the apples you wanted to pick aren’t available at Bowman, you can buy them already bagged or see if they’re available here. 
Make sure you purchase a glass of hot apple cider for $1.00, a good portion size, at a good price and a great flavor!
Me & Our Pumpkin
Happy Fall!
“Ice cream cravings are not to be taken lightly.”
Betsy Cañas Garmon
On your way back from a concert at SPAC or a day at the track or maybe when you’re just exploring the Ballston Spa area you’ve probably seen JJ’s Snack Bar (Saratoga Ave). 
I’ve stopped there on a few occasions either for a quick dinner or a quick scoop of ice cream and enjoyed the food. Hopefully you’re not arriving here looking for a 5-star meal, this is a place for burgers and hot dogs. My favorite part of this place is the playground. I’m 21 years old and I can’t help but swing on a swing that’s available. There are 3-4 tables to eat your food/ice cream but I tend to enjoy ice cream more when I’m on a swing. They have vanilla, chocolate and twist and though they’re basic flavors- you can’t go wrong. The kiddie size was perfect for me, one scoop (with sprinkles of course) and I was satisfied. Next time you see it, don’t pass it by, even if you just get an ice cream cone! Treat yourself!
“Food which is worth eating is worth discussing.”
X. Marcel Boulestin
As I grew up, the Empire State Plaza in Albany (Madison St, Albany) was my playground. 
My Mom worked in one of the Agency Buildings as far back as I can remember and that’s where I spend a lot of my time growing up on days off from school to spend time with her. She has since retired and because of that, I don’t tend to visit the Empire State Plaza as often, even though on a beautiful day with beautiful weather, it’s just that- beautiful.
Every year, the Empire State Plaza is home to a Food Festival. If anyone has been to the ESP for Fourth of July, you know that on either side of the pond there are types of gyros and hot dogs and that fantastic lemonade containers. This food festival was that- doubled. Food trucks from various 518 eateries, stands, even a wood fire stove trailer! There was also a Farmers Market behind the whole festival if fresh foods are more your appetite.
My Mother and my first stop was Spacey Tracy’s Deep Fried Pickles from Rhinebeck, NY. 
We saw a sign for a “Garlic Dog” and we were sold. My Mom and I split the hot dog covered in Whole Roasted Garlic Cloves and ate it before I was even able to take a picture of it. My *tip? Share the hot dog with someone. It was probably the best tasting hot dog I’ve ever had but my stomach was no happy with me for the rest of the night and I only ate half, therefore, eat only half and follow it with some Tums- but it’s worth it! I couldn’t taste the hot dog itself but the garlic was soft and squishy and delicious. I wish I tried the Fried Pickles but my Mom and I figured that we’d go to a different truck.
Out next stop was the Capital Q Smokehouse (329 Ontario Street, Albany) truck which can be found in the ESP Monday-Friday from 11am-2pm. 
When the truck says that they’re the best BBQ in the Capital Region, I have to give it a try! My Mom and I ordered a Pulled Pork Sandwich. Normally, these are a perfect amount for one person but we wanted to try a little from various stations, so we split one. The pork was cooked perfectly. It was supposed to come with pickles but didn’t, I didn’t notice until I read the sign again. The sandwich was great without it, the perfect amount of spice to meaty flavor.
The Dunkin’ Donuts truck was there offering samples of Iced Coffee and various mixed flavors of Coolatas to the public.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
We also received stress balls from the NYS Lottery who tend to be in the ESP during these events allowing the public to buy lottery tickets and win the big money! The perfect pairing was PIE placed right next to ICE CREAM so we could get a piece of pie and add a scoop from their neighbors for $1 which was a great deal. The pie was awesome, Strawberry Rhubarb with big chunks of Strawberry. The ice cream was smooth and tasty and went perfectly with the pie. YUMM! I had a great time, I don’t spend enough time in our State’s capital and this was a perfect afternoon to try foods from all over. If I was still hungry I would have tried one stations Alligator Nuggets but I was full by that point. Make sure you look out next summer and come hungry!
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.”
Ernestine Ulmer
Every time I go to Bumpy’s Polar Freeze (2013 State St, Schenectady) I’m bombarded with the huge list of flavors that I have to choose from. Each time I decide to try something different but after this flavor, I may be hooked. 
I recently tried Maine Blueberry since after going to that taffy place in Maine, I love Maine Blueberry! In addition to the Maine Blueberry, I decided to add Oreo crumbs and oh what a great idea that was! My favorite part was the ACTUAL blueberries that were embedded in the ice cream, you don’t see that everyday. I’ve also tried their Passion-fruit flavor and it was really good, not like a flavor you’d find anywhere else in the 518. If you want to go on the bumper boats, make sure you have about $5 to experience 5 mins in the mini-pool. Is it worth it? Not really, but make sure you buy your child an ice cream large enough to make them realize it!
*Note: on Tuesdays, if you bring your own banana it’s 1/2 off a banana split!
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years”
Thomas Wolfe
My cousin Cruise and his friends decided to go to a concert at Irving Plaza in NYC this week and in order to actually make it there safe and on time, I decided to drop them off and then spend the evening with my Aunt. 
The boys were hungry so we started at Gray’s Papaya (402 6th Avenue). I couldn’t imagine a cheap meal tasting any better. Just ask for “The Special” and you get two hot dogs and a drink for $4.95, tax included. Gray’s Papaya is obviously known for their papaya juice and I recommend that be your drink choice! You have the option of putting onions or sauerkraut on your hot dogs if you wish.
After we dropped off the boys, my Aunt and I went to Whole Foods (4 Union Square South, New York) where I purchased some things that I’ve been missing here in the 518 such as Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, Pomegranate Vanilla Granola and Garlic Naan that I’d been craving recently. After that, we made our way to the Strand (828 Broadway @ 12th St). Those of you who don’t know about the Strand should take a stroll to the East Village and check it out. Outside are shelves of books that only cost $1.00-.48 and I’ve found many good books in that area, you just have to take the time to look.
After, we went for a stroll to 16 Handles (153 2nd Avenue). I’ve already written a blog entry on 16 Handles and how wonderful I find their ice cream to be if you want to check it out. 
16 Handles refers to the 16 handles of ice cream that you can get yourself and then add whatever toppings you’d like. This past time that I went, I had the biggest blackberries that I’d ever seen but make sure you realize that the price of your ice cream depends on the weight!
Since we had some time to kill, we then went to the movies (Regal Cinema, 850 Broadway) to see Inception. The theater was packed and luckily we bought the tickets before our ice cream or we wouldn’t have been in. If the downstairs looks packed, don’t forget the balcony! Many people don’t realize they have the option, so it gives you some time to find a seat that’s not in the very front.
After the movie, the only choice we had was to go to Max Brenner for a small dinner and a chocolate treat. 
I also have another blog entry on Max Brenner so feel free to check that out as well. We ordered the large serving of the Mediterranean Trio & Crispy Spice Dusted Pita Chips that comes with creamy hummus, Spanish eggplant dip & classic babaganoosh. The Spanish eggplant dip was a little spicy but still very good, the babaganoosh didn’t have any flavor and I wasn’t very impressed but the hummus was fantastic, I wish we had more pita to finish it off. We were just gonna walk out with that but just the smell of chocolate all around you makes you want to have some. My Aunt and I ordered the Bananas Foster which can best be described as tater tots filled with banana sprinkled in powdered sugar. We were given toffee sauce and milk chocolate sauce to dip them in. The toffee sauce tasted just like a Heath bar but was a little strange with the banana flavor. The milk chocolate was probably the smoothest melted chocolate I’ve ever had. It’s reminiscent of a Hershey’s Symphony bar, that smooth flavor that you could eat with a spoon. Luckily they didn’t give us one or I would have had that whole dish. 
*Sorry for the dark pictures but Max Brenner like to keep his restaurant dark, I did the best I could
“I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert.”
Jason Love
Dairy Freeze
Muddy Sneakers
“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.”
Erma Bombeck
Sorry for the somewhat depressing title but the quote made a good point, especially something to think about upon entering my next eatery. Having been to this wonderful place of heaven before I can’t believe I haven’t written anything about this before, my NYU/East Village friends, it is time to discuss 16 Handles. Anyone who enjoys a good dish of ice cream from time-to-time should experience this wonderment if you have yet to do so.
When you first walk in, your welcomed by various dispensers for ice cream/frozen yogurt/dairy-free (that’s right fellow lactose-intolerant ‘peeps’). The difference between this place and something like Pinkberry for example is that you regulate how much ice cream/toppings are in each dish. Pinkberry weighs the dish and already you’re putting your price upwards of $10. 16 Handles allows you to make it how much you want it to be, either a cheap $3 ice cream or a huge $16 monstrosity you expect to last you a week (I had a groupon and it was harder than it seemed).
After your ice cream selection/s if you like to mix as I do, you find yourself in front of a buffet of sweet goodness. The list of options can be found on their website here http://16handles.com/products.htm . My personal favorites include the fruit (blackberries, kiwi, mango, strawberries, etc), M&Ms, Reese’s Cup pieces, Heath bar, Chocolate Crunch, Butterfinger pieces, Mochi (mmmm), cookie dough topped with a chocolate covered pretzel. If you make a particularly delicious concoction, send it in to the website!
10th Street on 2nd Ave; Open Mon-Thu,Sun 12pm-11:30pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-12:30am
