Category Archives: local business

Another Good Breakfast

Thursdays I usually meet a few of my friends from the Elks Club for breakfast.  Looking back at the last couple of blog posts, I see I eat out a lot.  Well, one must eat after all, and why not put some money into the local economy as well?  So I was happy to drive to Little Falls to Ann Street Restaurant and Deli.

It looks like they still have their Christmas decorations outside.

The sign says, “Restaurant and Deli,” but their Facebook page is “Ann Street Deli,” and I usually hear it referred to as Ann Street Deli.  I add this purely for information’s sake. I remembered to take a picture before going in, so I would have an illustration for my blog post.  I have eaten at Ann Street many times, for breakfast or lunch.  It is a very popular spot, for good reason.

I had one of my favorites: a sandwich with egg, ham and cheese on a grilled hard roll.  One of my companions asked for mayonnaise on his sandwich (I forget which kind he got), and I said, “Oh yeah, put mayonnaise on my sandwich, too!”  I got into putting mayonnaise on my breakfast sandwiches in the army.  A friend who was from Alabama used to do it, and when I was in Georgia, the Waffle House automatically brought a packet of mayo with your sandwich.   I thought it was a southern thing.

Of course I had coffee and a glass of water.  And I enjoyed some good conversation.  Looking around, I saw that Ann Street is a gathering place as well as a restaurant.  There were a lot of groups of various sizes enjoying each other’s company as well as a good breakfast.

Ann Street Deli is located at Canal Place, Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-823-3290.

 

Good Tuesday Dinner

Yesterday was Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday as I like to call it.  I know, for me every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, and every other day as well.  Leave me alone, I’m working on it (was it a Freudian typo that I first put “forking on it”?).  Anyways, the day was wearing on, and I thought I would like to do something fat.  Like go out to eat.  After considering every possible place I could get to, I decided on the Paradise Eatery.

As soon as I walked in, I knew I had made the right decision, as the waitress gave me a big smile and welcomed me.  Soon I was sitting down and looking at a menu.  My eye immediately fell on Cheeseburger, and my body said, “Yes!”  It was a rare moment of decisiveness for me.  I had asked for a glass of water to start with but later requested a cup of coffee as well.  It was very good coffee.

The Cheeseburger was everything I had hoped for, and it came with fries which were perfectly done.  I chatted a little with the waitress, who has helped me before when I have eaten there.  I told her how her big smile had made my day.

Picture taken at a different time.

When looking for a picture, I remembered my original post about Paradise Eatery was “Bad Pictures, Good Eatery.”  I guess I need to get some better pictures.  An excellent excuse for another meal at Paradise Eatery!

Paradise Eatery is located at 122 W. Albany St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-219-5149.

 

That Little Breakfast

I found myself in Little Falls, NY and hungry this morning, so I made my way down Main Street and enjoyed a good breakfast at That Little Place on Main Street.

That is exactly what it is.

It is indeed a little place, but I found a booth with no problem, and the waitress brought me a menu.  By the time she brought my coffee and water (I almost always ask for water), I knew what I wanted: a breakfast sandwich on a hard roll with egg and cheese.  I had been smelling bacon from the sidewalk, but decided to be calorically conservative.

As I waited for my food, sipping coffee and working on a letter to my sister Diane, a regular sitting at the bar was giving the waitress a hard time, as regular customers like to do.  I came to her defense.  He said a few other things, and I did not hesitate to join in the conversation.  You can do those things when you’re a crazy old lady.  At one point, he said his wife said he looked like a homeless person.  I told him to tell her it was Boho Chic.  He did not think he would remember that expression.

My sandwich was delicious!  The eggs were so fluffy!  I asked if there was hot sauce.  The guy who brought my food says, “We’ve got Tabasco, Red Hot, and some that’ll make you sorry you walked in.”  I opted for the Red Hot.  I was very happy with my breakfast and felt fortified for further Mohawk Valley Adventures.

That Little Place on Main is located at 28 W. Main St., Little Falls, NY.

 

My Valentines

I thought it might be fun to do something unexpected for somebody else on Valentine’s Day.  Accordingly, I went to Flowers by Suzanne in Herkimer, NY, and purchased some carnations.

I love flowers.

Mindful of my mental and physical health, I walked.  I am SO looking forward to bare roads and sidewalks!  The lady at Suzanne’s was very helpful.  I got pink and white carnations, which she nicely wrapped in some pink paper.  She told me they did not need to be put in the little water holders; they would be fine.  I walked back down Mohawk Street till I came to To Niche Their Own, a delightful little shop I have written about before.

It’s a cool place.

Ashley, the owner was behind the counter, and a lady (whose name I stupidly did not ask) was working at the sewing machine in the window.  I presented each of them with a carnation.  They were very happy.  Ashley insisted on giving me a beautiful artificial flower.  I may purchase some of them for other people! Ashley also pointed out to me some new earrings that had come in, handmade and each pair unique.  I returned later and purchased a pair.

My next stop was A Little Touch of Country on South Washington Street.  The owner was very touched, saying I made her day.  She gave me a hug, which made my day!

I don’t have a picture of the outside of the shop, but here is some of the merchandise.

I gave flowers to others, but those were the most memorable, and the best shout-outs.  It wasn’t a bad Valentine’s Day.

Flowers by Suzanne is located at 433 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-0206. To Niche Their Own is at 127 Mohawk St., A Little Touch of Country on South Washington Street.

 

I Didn’t Can It

I did not mean to go to the tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY on Friday (yesterday). However, I was taking a walk for my mental and physical health, remembered I was short on cash so stopped by the ATM, realized the ATM was right across the street from the liquid store (OK, that is why I chose that ATM), and decided to stop in.

He was a cool guy.

They were sampling Cutwater canned cocktails.  I am not a huge cocktail drinker myself, but I thought it was worth a taste.  I said they would be good for parties, especially outdoor parties in the summer.  I’m sure many people would like to sip out of a can poolside.  I guess that is looking a few months ahead.  Eddie, the young man pouring, said they would also be good for bars.  I agreed, noting how bartenders maybe be too busy to make fancy drinks, and two bartenders may make the same drink differently.

There were three martinis: Espresso, Chocolate Espresso, and Lemon Drop.  Oh, were they yummy!  And dangerous!  The Lemon Drop tasted just like lemonade, and I could see myself sucking down the Chocolate Espresso as if it was chocolate milk (my recovery beverage after a work-out).  Personally, I prefer my booze to taste like booze, and I sip it slowly.  Still, to have one at a party…

I also liked the Lime Margarita.  It was as good as any blender Margarita I have had.  The Spicy Bloody Mary was also good.  I actually liked it better than the ones I make myself, because it was not too thick, which is the effect the tomato juice sometimes has (you may suggest I add more vodka, but I will refrain from doing so).

Last was the Long Island Iced Tea.  Of course I told the story of how that was one of the first cocktails I ever had, at JJ’s in Rome, NY, age 18 (which was the drinking age at the time).  It tasted just like iced tea, and I got into a little bit of trouble that way.  I never had an iced tea that tasted as good since, even in Long Island.  This one tasted just like iced tea. I was not really surprised, after the Lemon Drop Martini that tasted like lemonade.

I had a nice time sampling, and made tasting notes.  I will keep Cutwater in mind if I have any parties this summer.  I will inquire of my guests what they might like.  I personally will probably stick with wine.  Well, maybe one Cutwater can.  But not of each!

 

A Little Help with Self Help

On a recent visit to Athenix Books and Brews (the Brews are coming soon!), I saw a book I had read before and liked, Atomic Habits by James Clear.  It is about making small changes to have a large impact on your life.  It was recommended to me by one of my VA doctors, and I found it had a lot of helpful advice.  I decided I would like a copy of my very own.

No, it wasn’t nailed to the door.

 

Nick Bennett, the proprietor, praised my choice.  It turns out he read the book and loved it.  I am not surprised, because that young man definitely has his act together.  He said he loves self help books.  I do, too, but usually I read them and mess up on the follow-through.  Well, we can only do what we can do.

Speaking of not following through, I love to read books about writing.  Another VA doctor had recommended one about not just writing but any creative endeavor, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.  I got it on inter-library loan through midyork.org.  I was partway through it when it came due, but I was able to renew it.  I soon decided this was another book I should have for my very own.  Accordingly, I went to Athenix, and Nick nicely ordered it for me.  Full disclosure:  I also found two books to purchase while I was there.  Can you blame me?

Will they help? One can hope!

I took a picture of the two books for blogging purposes, including the pen-holding ghost and coffee mug I purchased on my first visit to Athenix.  The books in the background were purchased at some used book sale; I read them and am passing them on to my parents, who will perhaps pass them on to my sisters.  We are big readers in my family.

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  You can follow him on Facebook to stay updated on when the Brews will be available!

 

I Treat Myself at Chickweed

I read recently that we should treat ourselves to nice things once in a while.  Regular readers know I also like to support local businesses.  I did both this morning with a stop at Chickweed Boutique in Little Falls, NY.

I LOVE to shop small!

Chickweed Boutique has a variety of items to tempt most tastes:  clothes, soap, candles, jewelry, cards, and more.  I found some nice Christmas presents there in the last two years.  I knew I could find something I liked.  Now I am wishing I had taken a couple pictures of things I liked and didn’t get.  Damn!  Next time!

I just spent a foolish amount of time searching through my Media Library then through my phone, looking for more pictures of the Boutique with no luck.  I will return, take more pictures, and do another blog post.  In the meantime, I will continue with this one.

After looking through everything in the store twice, I settled on some loose herbal tea.  I have not had loose tea in a while, and I liked the illustration on the label of this one.  I thought it looked like me, only skinnier.  I came home and made myself a cup.

Yeah, the chick on the label is MUCH skinnier!

 

I enjoyed my tea quite a bit and look forward to having another cup.  I also look forward to my return to Chickweed Boutique.

Chickweed Boutique is located at 624 East Main St., Little Falls, NY.

 

I Yetty While I Still Can

The For Sale sign on Yetty’s Pizza and Pasta of Herkimer, NY tells us a great place to eat might not be with us much longer.  Of course, Yetty’s fans hope somebody will purchase the property and continue the restaurant.  In the meantime, I was happy to see they were still open and serving on Friday, because I was hungry.

He looks so jolly.

I took that picture on a previous visit.  I did not take any yesterday, because I did not think of it.  It took me some time to peruse the menu, because I did not know what I wanted.  Pasta? Pizza?  At last I decided on a Black and White Burger.  Black and White refers to the sauce.  It came with fries, and I asked for ranch dressing to dip them in.

They always treat me special!

The special board probably says something different now, but I did not notice.  I really must start paying more attention to these things.  In any case, my food was delicious, and I took leftovers home.  I love leftovers!

I do enjoy eating out, and I especially love a local eatery.  When it is walking distance from my house, Score!

Yetty’s is located at 109 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.  Their website is yettys.com.  Go eat there while you can!

 

It Was a Sauvignon Kind of Day

I have not done a wine tasting post in a while.  In fact, I go to fewer wine tastings these days, but Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer has them almost every weekend.  In fact, many area liquor stores do, but Valley is the closest one for me.  When I still worked it was oh so handy to stop by on my way home on a Friday.  When I would go adventuring with my friend Kim on Saturdays, we often stopped in to taste, if something was going on.  I have a lot less wine in my house since I stopped being so faithful!

This weekend, Valley Wine and Liquor has tastings Thursday through Sunday.  I speculate that they are helping people get stocked up for Super Bowl parties.  I have not been invited to a Super Bowl party, but one never knows when a last minute invite may come along.  I needed exercise, so I walked down to the store Thursday afternoon.  I questioned my ability to carry multiple bottles of wine home but hoped for the best.  Sasha, one of the regular pourers, was sampling Bonterra Organic Wines from California.

We love wine!

We started out with Cabernet Sauvignon, which I declared very tasty.  Regular readers know I do not have a sophisticated palate and rarely taste notes of anything, but I liked this.  I liked the Red Blend, too, but not as much.  Alas, I neglected to ask what it was a blend of so cannot tell you.

For whites, I was quite taken with the Sauvignon Blanc.  I told Sasha I found I liked California Sauvignon Blancs best.  She said she liked all California wines.  Indeed, there are great wines coming from CA.  I liked the Chardonnay a lot, finding it not the least bit buttery.  I know some people like buttery chardonnays but I prefer the crispy, unoaked ones.

I purchased the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sauvignon Blanc.  I confess I did not enjoy my walk home.  Two bottles of wine are heavy for an old, un-muscular broad like me!  It reminded me of a blog post I made years ago, when I walked home from the much missed Ramar’s Liquors with my even more missed dog Tabby and a box of wine.  I could have made a whole post about yesterday’s walk home but prefer to give a shout-out to a local business instead.

Valley Wine and Liquor is located at 326 S. Caroline St., Herkimer, NY.  You can check their website at shopvalleywine.com for the tastings schedule.

 

What’s a Good Name for a Bat?

Here at last is my shout-out to To Niche Their Own, a lovely shop on Mohawk Street in Herkimer, NY.  I have been there several times, finding some beautiful Christmas gifts and once saving myself from my own carelessness when I left the house NOT wearing earrings.

Extra points for a punny name!

The shop features the works of several local crafters.  Crochet items, stuffed toys, jewelry and more.  It is fun just to walk around and look.  The last time I was there (about two days ago), I fell in love with some Valentine bears.  I don’t have a Valentine any more, but maybe I could think of somebody to give one of these adorable bears to.

So cute!

I did make a purchase when I saw a lone bat left over from Halloween.  I told Ashley, the proprietress, about Mookie Wilson, the bat my late husband Steve won from a claw machine many years ago and which has hung from various light fixtures in our house ever since.  My sister Diane suggested the name.

Me and Mookie Wilson.

I wondered what I should name my new bat.  I don’t think I can do much better than Mookie Wilson as a name for a bat.  Ashley suggested I ask my blog readers.  Accordingly, I took a picture of the bat:

He is a two-sided bat.

Or maybe it is a she-bat. Oh dear.

Maybe it is a trans bat.  In any case, I was quite delighted with my purchase and happy to mention a fun new business in my blog.

To Niche Their Own is located at 127 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.