Category Archives: local business

Breakfast at Bridge Street

Posted on March 27, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

This week my Elks friends and I went to the Bridge Street Diner in St. Johnsville, NY for breakfast.  I had never eaten there, although my late, dearly loved husband Steve and I used to drive through St. Johnsville frequently, when we went to visit his family.  I allowed get-lost time, which I did not need for once.  OK, I drove by the street at first, because I did not see it in time.  It was easy enough to backtrack.

Who doesn’t like a diner with a chicken on the window?

I was early, so when I went in I sat at the counter to enjoy a cup of coffee and some conversation with a guy that worked there.  Actually, I had thought to work on a letter to a friend, but the guy behind the counter was chatty, and I appreciate chatty people.

I purchased a raffle ticket to benefit Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter.  They are hoping to purchase a fancy trap which is good for catching particularly skittish animals.  The guy I was talking to told me a story about how they recently borrowed one for a runaway beagle and it was very effective.  They were raffling off two coolers of cheer.

Lots of booze! In high quality coolers!

I was happy to donate to such a good cause.  I said if I won one of the coolers, I would have to have a BIG party.

My friends soon showed up, and we had a delicious breakfast.  It was well worth the drive from Herkimer to St. Johnsville!

Bridge Street Diner is located at 10 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY, phone number 518-568-8018.

 

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Potato Pancakes for Breakfast at Boulevard

Posted on March 21, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

My group of friends that meets weekly for breakfast decided on Boulevard Diner in Whitesboro, NY this week.  I had been there once a long time ago, and I know it has a very good reputation, to I was happy to go there. I knew right where it was, too.  No problemo!

Of course, just because I know where it is does not mean I know how to get there.  In my defense, things  can get a little confusing in the greater Utica area.  It was 2011 when I stopped driving in that area on an almost daily basis.  Also, I have a terrible sense of direction in addition to not reliably knowing my right from my left (that’s a thing, you know, it’s not just me).

Cool clock.

My friends were already there when I found the place but had not ordered yet.  I had no idea what I wanted but found several tempting items on the menu.  I ordered last, which turned out to be a good thing.  Bonnie, who ordered just before me, got Potato Pancakes.  Potato Pancakes!  I didn’t see that, and I don’t remember ever seeing it on a breakfast menu.  I got that, too.  They were delicious.

Before we left, I had to try to win a duck out of the claw machine.  My late, dearly missed husband Steve was really into those machines, so I give them a try once in a while in his memory.  I put two quarters in, realized it needed a dollar, could not find two more quarters. I went back to the table where Michelle nicely gave me two quarters.  I won a duck!

I didn’t have a striped one!

I told Michelle the duck was half hers, but I took it home.  I think she was as pleased as I was that I won it.  Later that day I found I did so have two more quarters, so returned her investment.  Maybe the next time I win a duck in a machine, I will give it to Michelle.

The Boulevard Diner is located at 24 Roosevelt Dr., Whitesboro, NY.

 

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An Artistic Interlude

Posted on March 19, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday when I was in Rome, NY I enjoyed coffee and a scone at the most delightful cafe, Superofficial on West Dominick Street, right next to the Capitol Theatre.  It is actually Superofficial and the Copper Easel Art Gallery, so I enjoyed art and atmosphere as well.

I especially liked the guy shooting the red stuff in the shed, but it does not show up here very well.

I did not want to eat too much, so as not to spoil my lunch, but after much debate I had to try the scone with Rosemary, figs, and goat cheese. It looked more substantial than what I had in mind, but it just sounded so different.  I also had a cup of regular coffee.

You can’t really read the menu, but that’s OK. I understand it changes weekly.

The scone did not disappoint.  The coffee was good, too.  While I ate, I looked around at the art on the walls, all of which was by local artists.  Then I laughed out loud, because I saw a skeleton sitting on the counter.  I love skeletons!

It looks like he’s laughing out loud too!

There were several other customers, most of them looking rather artistic themselves.  Some were working on computers.  I wondered what creative endeavors they were working on.  I myself worked on a letter to a friend, which I believe my friend will appreciate.

Cool logo.

I felt I was in a very artsy spot, and wished there was such a spot in Herkimer (where I live).  Maybe somebody will open one.  In the meantime, I will try to feel creative in the coffee spots I live near, and make sure I stop by Superofficial when I am in Rome.

Superofficial and The Copper Easel are located at 216 W. Dominick St., Rome, NY.  You can find them both on Facebook.

 

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Scattered St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 18, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’m not one to  party heartily all day on St. Patrick’s Day (or any other day for that matter, because I poop out too soon and always have).  However, yesterday when I saw a picture on Facebook of a California friend raising a glass with a group in a nicely decorated pub, I thought, “Why am I sitting home?”  I also reasoned that it would make a good blog post.

First I put on as much green as I could muster, which is harder than it sounds, because so many of my clothes do not fit my current rotundity.  I resorted to Christmas socks and one Christmas earring (my three earrings almost never match, and I found two others green enough).  One excuse I decided was the weather was in fact a little Christmas-like.  I figured if anybody called me on it, I would get a very sad look on my face and say, “I thought I looked pretty.”

I went first to the Elks Lodge, where one member called out another member on not wearing green.  He agreed he was not wearing green.  I pointed out that he was Italian, and again he agreed.

“You will wear red on Thursday for St. Joseph’s Day,” I speculated.  Note to self: wear red on Thursday for St. Joseph’s Day (I am part Italian myself).

After one glass of wine (and not a shot of Jameson, although another member offered to buy for anybody who wanted one) I went to the End Zone, where the owner, Brock looked so cute, I asked if I could take his picture.  He agreed, but lamented that I must not think he was cute the rest of the time.

A sly leprechaun. I was going to put “sly little leprechaun” but, well…

After a glass of wine there, I went across the street to Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden in search of food.  I ordered a McDowell’s Big Mick smash burger, which had Cooper cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and 1127 Sauce.  I chose the 1Velo 2 Pour Red Blend to go with it.  It was yummy!

I also took a picture of the menu, but this is more colorful.

After that I went home to crochet and watch television.  I hope all of you enjoyed your St. Patrick’s Day or run of the mill Tuesday as much.

 

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Yetty’s Is Still Here!

Posted on March 16, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I saw a Facebook post from Yetty’s Pizza and Pasta of Herkimer, NY asking people not to listen to rumors: Yetty’s is still open.  There is a For Sale sign posted in front of the restaurant, but it is open while the owner tries to sell it.  It was good news to me that Yetty’s is still there, because they are open on Sunday.  I went down yesterday and enjoyed a good dinner.

I like the hair band making a skirt on the one Yetty.

I am a big fan of their pizza and the Muffaletta Sandwich, but I was in the mood for pasta.  I got the Ziti Bianco, a vegetarian dish.  It was yummy, and I had leftovers to take home.  I love restaurant leftovers.

While I ate, I noticed the goose dressed for St. Patrick’s Day.  Why I have not included the goose in previous blog posts about Yetty’s, I do not know.

Gotta get me an outfit like that.

I will return to Yetty’s as long as they are open. I only hope that when the place finally sells, the new owner keeps up the tradition of delicious food.

Yetty’s is located at 109 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-4201.

 

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Short Shout-Out

Posted on March 6, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went to the Home Town Diner in Mohawk, NY, this morning, where I enjoyed breakfast with friends.  I was amused as I drove towards the diner when I saw a dog sticking his head out of the sunroof of a car.  I would have liked to get a picture of that, but I was driving.  I probably would not have been quick enough if I had been riding or walking anyways.  But it gave me a good laugh.   I paused on my way in to take a picture of the sign.

I went there for lunch once.

I got my favorite breakfast sandwich, this time on an English muffin with sausage, egg, and cheese.  I debated for a while between ham and sausage. I’m a little surprised at myself I did not compromise on bacon.  No matter.  There will be other breakfasts.

The omelets my friends got looked good, with different options for fillings.  I considered sausage gravy and biscuits but habit won.

I guess this has not been much of a blog post, but at least I can give a shout-out to a local business.  I wonder where else I can go in making my small contribution to the local economy.

Home Town Diner is located at 150 W. Main St., Mohawk, NY.

 

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I Venture to Get a T-Shirt

Posted on March 1, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Athenix Books and Brews was not the only stop I made in Little Falls yesterday.  I also strolled down Main Street to Venture Fourth, the new outdoor store.  I am not really an outdoorsy person, no hiking or rock climbing for me.  But I like this store and I like the owners, a husband and wife team.  I had a nice conversation with the husband at Christmas time when I found a couple of small gifts for family members.  When I saw on Facebook they were having a sale on t-shirts, I thought I would have to have one.

Come on in!

I did not have far down Main Street to walk to find my goal. When I walked in, I saw the t-shirts I wanted right away. The shirts were offered by Preserve Our Past, and each purchase directly supported efforts to preserve significant historic buildings and structures in Little Falls.

What a great graphic!

Additionally, the shirt made a play on words!  Little Falls is known as Rock City, there are some great spots for rock climbing, and the place does, in fact, rock.  How could I resist?
Venture Fourth is located at 590 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-983-8271.  I encourage you to stop by, and to follow them on Facebook.

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Another Coffee Adventure!

Posted on February 28, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought of this title yesterday, as I was writing my blog post, because I remembered that Athenix Books and Brews in Little Falls, NY, was opening the Brews component on Feb. 26.  I needed to get there soon and make a blog post about it!  I drank tea for my first cuppa at home this morning, then after completing a couple of other chores and errands, I headed to Little Falls.

Lots of choices!

I opted for a regular dark roast coffee with whole milk.  I couldn’t resist also getting an Oreo brownie.  I sat at a tall table wrote a few more lines on my murder mystery (preview of coming attractions)  while I enjoyed my treat.  As I sat there I noticed that it looked as if there were letters on the wood floor.  I could not make out what they were supposed to be until I got up and realized I had been looking at them upside down.  Normally I can read upside down, but I failed this morning.

It says Athenix!

I was very impressed with the craftsmanship.  The whole place looks wonderful to me.  Nick mentioned he had gotten a one star review that called the floors unfinished and not modern.  Another customer and I asserted that we love them.  They have character and add to the ambiance.

Cozy!

I sat at a tall table, but there are also some soft chairs and sofas to lounge on while you enjoy your beverage.  I plan to make this a regular stop.  I will sit at a table or one of the cushy chairs, sip my coffee or tea and write!

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY.  You can follow them on Facebook.

 

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I Get Adventurous with my Coffee

Posted on February 27, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

A lot of my Mohawk Valley Adventures involve food.  Well, I like to eat; I may have mentioned that my weight-loss goals are more like daydreams.  Never mind that.  It is also important to me to be sociable. I meet a group of my Elks friends every Thursday for breakfast at various area restaurants and diners.  This morning we went to the Java Shop in Herkimer.

At least you can read “Java.”

Oh dear, I knew I should have tried for a better picture.  In my defense, it was snowing this morning.  I have been to the Java Shop several times and am a great fan of their breakfast sandwiches.  I usually get regular coffee but decided to mix it up this morning with something cold and fancy.  I got a Delgano, which is whipped coffee with milk on the bottom.  SO silly of me not to get a picture of it!  I guess it is an excuse to return to the Java Shop soon.  I also got a breakfast sandwich with ham, egg and cheese on a roll.

Full breakfasts are also available. One friend got an omelet while another got eggs and toast.  The home fries looked delicious.  I noticed the shop does a booming take-out business, especially for the coffees.  There are a lot of options available, for coffee and for food. I greatly enjoyed my breakfast.  I only hope to remember to take more pictures the next time I am there.

The Java Shop by Cucino Berto is located at 402 Mohawk St., Herkimer NY, phone number 315-717-7724.

 

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Another Good Breakfast

Posted on February 19, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

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.

 

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