Friday, January 30, 2009
Carmine's Restaurant
Located at 818 Central Avenue, Albany, NYI've been watching this chef on television for a while and liked his local style and pure chutzpah so I gave him a call and asked to come photograph him.
People, if you want something just ask! Carmine invited me right down and fed me before we have even had a chance to work together.
A chef's life is really chaotic and demanding and Carmine was called away before we actually got more than a handshake out.
I wandered his place while I waited for some of the best risotto I've ever had; see my clean plate.
Note the autographed photo of Patrick Stewart! I'm a "Kirk" man myself but there is no real question as to who could act. I was impressed to also see James Beard Foundation material up on the walls.
There is also Carmine's kitchen studio for his television show right in the restaurant! It was cool to see that it looks the exactly same on TV as in person. This is going to be a sweet gig!
Morning at Patsy's
I stopped in at Patsy's this morning for a long overdue trim and to keep the ball rolling for this summers big plans for the barbershop.
Don't ask me why but I have no picture of Kim 1313 who was at the shop. Kim has been a great friend for around twenty-five years and plays / played in so many good bands that I'll just do a larger piece on her.
Also at the shop was a guy I had never met named PJ who works for Cardona's Market (340 Delaware Ave., Albany) He had brought some awesome looking sandwiches and snacks.
I'll be certain to try them out soon.
Last lets not forget Mr. Sunshine - Jimmy Loveless.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Church on Sunday
I was at church this morning which was the start of a long project with the Episcopal Church in Saratoga Springs, NY.
When they built this place they did it right! Look at how the light plays in the isle.
Thanks to Canon Parke and his daughter Emily for allowing me the opportunity to photograph the church and it's work.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Olde Saratoga Bike and Boards
On the convergence of the X and Y axis of teaming Schuylerville, NY is Olde Saratoga Bike and Boards.
Run by Jeffrey J. Cook this shop is a prime example of giving up your awful job to peruse your passion. The shop has that really sincere feel that I look for when giving up my hard earned bucks. This is one of those little places that really make upstate NY a great place to live.
Raised in Connecticut Jeff was exposed to this part of the country visiting his family's dude ranch during the 1960's. By the 1990's Jeff had found his way to the area and just over two years ago he opened his bike and board shop giving up his job selling cars - which he apparently was less than fond of.
Jeff's shop offers that personal service and attention that larger stores can not provide.
"It's all about the love" is Jeff's motto concerning both his clients and the sports he caters to.
Customers tend to be local and Jeff is hoping to become a fixture for sports as his clients grow from children and start families of their own.
Out front is one of the most amazing treasures; a Gore Mountain gondola!
These were legend up here and though I was never in one myself I've heard it implied that lot's of "no good" took place in these gondolas back in the day.
As seasons change we'll check back in and see how the bike business is doing and perhaps an expansion into kayaks?
123 Broad St., Schuylerville, NY (518) 695-9500
www.oldesaratogabikendboards.com
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Tired out from mooching
Violette-Alligator is exhausted from a long day of trying to get underfoot in order to get dad to drop food while cooking.
Poor little "dump-wolf" will now doze off dreaming of ribs and chickens.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
FIFTY SOUTH DINER, Balston Spa, NY
FIFTY SOUTH DINER - Rt. 50 Balston Spa, NY 518-884-2926
Run by the Kim Klopstock of The Lilly and the Rose Catering 50 South serves both as a fancier restaurant and a traditional diner.
Started in what was previously for many years Leo's diner the restaurant much like it's owner is an odd combination of influences that bound together into something that works surprisingly well.
I could go on about the fancy stuff on the dinner menu, but who cares when this place has the only rueben sandwich worth eating short of NYC!
Well I don't know of any better....
Look at this sandwich!
Note the unctuous marriage of corned beef and all of the sauerkraut, swiss cheese,russian dressing and high quality rye bread. Despite being a total chazer (that's Yiddish for pig) I can barely finish one of these. I love this sandwich so much!!!
Also pictured are Kim's "Saratoga Chips". These are hand made at the restaurant and are perfectly seasoned.
In case you did not know the potato chip was invented here in Saratoga by a very angry chef who was repeatedly told his potatoes were not crispy enough.
There is so much I did not cover like the truly enormous omelets and great burgers but there's every opportunity for you to go there and find out.
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