Category Archives: local business

I Forgot the Cow Bell!

Posted on December 29, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

My sister Cheryl gave me the most appropriate present for Mohawk Valley Girl: a basket of local stuff.

I should have taken the picture as soon as I opened it.

Of course I was not surprised to see items from the So Sweet Candy Cafe, our friend Margaret’s wonderful store.  I am surprised the Santa and Mrs. Claus sugar cookies lasted long enough for me to get a picture, and we have not eaten the Egg Nog Fudge, either.

Aren’t they cute?

I was delighted to see a card from local artist Maria Vallese of Retro Sorrento, whose works were recently added to the So Sweet inventory.  However, the item that made me do back flips (figuratively speaking, of course), were the turkey joints.

I must get more to send to my correspondents!

Turkey joints, for non-local readers, are a marvelous confection made in Rome, NY, where I grew up.  Steven had never had one, but now he is a true believer.

Lots of yum!

Other goodies included a big jar of garlic pickles and smaller jars with jellies and honey.  The whole thing was wrapped in a beautiful Christmas dish towel.

Cheryl loves dogs as much as I do.

I immediately made up my mind to take pictures for a blog post but got distracted (hey, it was Christmas morning!).  I luckily remembered to snap before Steven had eaten all the turkey joints.

Cheryl told me the pickles and jellies came from a place in Booneville called Awesome Country.  Sounds like a good place for Mohawk Valley Girl to visit!  The towel and ornament came from Newport Marketplace, another of my favorite places.

Ah yes, the ornament!  I forgot the ornament when I took my pictures, because I had right away placed it among our Christmas display on the mantle.  It is a very adorable cowbell.  I actually remembered it before I wrote this post, but I thought “I Forgot the Cow Bell!”  would be an excellent title.  Now I am wondering if “Cow Bell to Follow” would be more appropriate.  You may notice I am late in making my Monday post.  I dare not delay further for more photography.  Let’s just say I owe you a cow bell!

 

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Slacking at the Pub

Posted on December 27, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

It is after 11 p.m. on Saturday, according to my clock (I know my WordPress timestamp disagrees). Time enough to make a Slacker Saturday Post.

The height of pandemic fashion.

Earlier today my friend Kim and I went to the End Zone Pub and Grub for a drink. I wore the mask she gave me for Christmas so naturally asked her to take my picture. I took one of her and the bartender.

A little backlit, but nice.

I also took a shot of the ceiling, which I always admire.

I think it is the original ceiling.

No, I really did take a picture of the ceiling. I did not drink too much and end up flat on my back staring upward. That may have happened a time or two back on the ’80’s, but We’re not talking about that now.

You may have come to the conclusion that I have slacked today as a result of wine consumed at the pub. I must confess, I slacked before that. But at least I made a blog post.

End Zone Pub and Grub is located at 129 N. Main St., Herkimer. They are open 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday, noon to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

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Plugging Away at the Blog

Posted on December 18, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday I said I was not too tired for monsters. Today, I think I am. What a big baby I am! Four lousy days of work, what’s my problem? At least tomorrow is Friday. TGTF. Hmmm… doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Be all that as it may, I still want to make a blog post. I think I will speculate on some of the things I could do this weekend. The last Saturday before Christmas! Yikes! I have purchased very few Christmas presents for anyone.

Can Santa Claus help me now?

I could go to Mohawk Valley Community Market on North Main Street. I saw some sweet tree ornaments there as well as jewelry and other handcrafts. I admired some gorgeous handmade wood furniture by One of a Kind by GS. The beauty part about that is that after I shop, I can bop across the street for a drink at the End Zone Pub and Grub.

Gorgeous stuff by GS.
Animals and skulls at the Rose Quartz Stand.

Another Herkimer business I have not been in a while is the Rose Quartz Stand on Mohawk Street. I especially love the carved stone animals. Right down the street from that is the Emporium, another vendor market. After that I just may head on down to Valley Wine and Liquor for a nice bottle of wine.

How is that for a few plugs of local businesses?

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Two in Utica

Posted on December 3, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I took a drive to Utica today and went to two spots, one new, one familiar: Joseph Putrello Coffee and So Sweet Candy Cafe. This time I took pictures.

I had never been to a Barista Bar.

The Barista Bar is located on Genessee Street, in a space with glass walls. I sat in a mezzanine area and looked out as I enjoyed my coffee and croissant.

My view.
My view if I turned around.

I had parked behind the building. When I left I took an unfamiliar turn and soon found myself heading toward the Boilermaker finish line. I know where that is near! My friend Margaret’s shop on the corner of Varick and Columbia streets, the So Sweet Candy Cafe.

Yummy stuff!

I foolishly did not take a picture of the outside or the sign, but here is one of the tempting displays of treats. I noticed the Turkey Joints on top, a local seasonal treat. I wandered around wondering what I should indulge in. Nothing, really, considering my weight loss goals, but I do like to support a local business.

These Bombs seem to be all the rage this year.
Ooh, no calories here!

I had seen on Facebook that Margaret is now carrying items from Maria Vallese of Retro Sorrento. I was not familiar with her work, but I see I have been missing some beautiful stuff.

I greatly enjoyed my visit to Utica. I may have to make the trip on a more regular basis.

Joseph Putrello Coffee Barista Bar is located at 268 Genessee St., phone number 315-790-6719. They are open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

So Sweet Candy Cafe is located at 531 Varick St., phone number 315-765-6463. They are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

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Just a Small Beer Belly

Posted on November 29, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I did not spend Shop Small Saturday going around to a lot of distinctive local shops such as I love.  In my defense, for Mohawk Valley Girl, EVERY Saturday is Shop Small Saturday.  However, this afternoon I did make it to one of my favorite local businesses, so I will write a blog post about that.

Where else to buy beer?

When taking a picture of the sign, I noticed there is a new business in the building. I’ll have to check it out.  But today I was intent on beer.

Beer Belly Bear?

How could I resist taking a picture of the bear?   Every business should have an animal out front!

It’s not just beer!

I may come back to purchase one of these lovely wreaths. And if I ever take up fishing, I can come here for bait!

It did not take me long to grab the beer I sought, and now I am home making a blog post about it. I hope you all had a lovely Saturday, and may you Shop Small this Christmas. I intend to. I wonder how many people on my list would like beer.

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Picture Shopping

Posted on November 26, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

 

I love shit like this!

How about a Wordless Wednesday Post?  Of course, I am never entirely wordless.  However, earlier this afternoon, I stopped by Mohawk Valley Community Market and took several pictures.  The above was taken just as I walked through the door.

 

Santa Claus is coming to town!

The sign in the chair said when Santa will visit, but I did not make a note.  No doubt you can find out via their Facebook page.  I am sure social distancing rules will apply.

The handy site map was new since my last visit.

Is that gorgeous or what?

 

Here’s some beautiful glassware!

Of course I had to check out my friend Gil’s spot, One of a Kind by GS.

Renewed and Rescued, the original inhabitant of the space.

This is where they used to have clothes.

 

One last incidental table that caught my eye.

I love vendor marts like this, because you always see something different.  I will no doubt be back to Christmas shop.

Mohawk Valley Community Market is located at 140-142 N Main St., Herkimer, NY.  They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday,  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Special hours may be in force for this weekend, but they will be open and obviously ideal for Shop Small Saturday. 

 

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Yummy Lunch

Posted on November 18, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today I drove to Ilion, NY (which is very close to Herkimer, where I live, in case you didn’t know) to actually apply for a job in person. After getting frustrated filling out online applications, it was almost a pleasure to sit and fill in the blanks. I even got to keep the pen, so score!

Of course, it is not truly a pleasure to have to look for a job, so I decided to treat myself to lunch at Sorrento’s Pizzeria and Restaurant. For another reason, I feel I need to support our local businesses. Are these mere rationalizations to have a yummy lunch? Go ahead and think that if you like, Judgy McJudgerson!

I wore my mask till I was seated at a socially distanced table. I ordered Greens Francesca, which were on special. Yum! I overheard another patron ask the waitress if they could pretend it was Monday so he could order the Monday special. She said no, because she worked open to close on Monday and did not want to do that again.

At one point the lights flickered. I said it meant the place was haunted. The waitress said, no, it was because it was the wrong bulb for the fixture. I liked my explanation better.

I enjoyed my lunch and took leftovers home. Maybe I can find a recipe for greens and make some myself at home. Maybe I can find a locally owned place to purchase the greens. That will be worth another blog post!

Sorrento’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is located at 86 Central Ave, Ilion, NY, phone number 315-894-9991. They are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

 

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Good Music, Good Food

Posted on November 12, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Since I am unemployed, it might behoove me not to eat out very often. Then again, I have to support my local eateries AND my local musicians. With that in mind, I headed to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY, to hear Phillip Arcuri.

As I sat down at the bar, the bartender told me it was Happy Hour and showed me on the menu where the buy-one-get-one appetizers were listed. Score! I ordered mild buffalo chicken tenders, jalapeno poppers, and a glass of Cabernet. I happily sipped wine waiting for food and music.

He has as much fun as his audience does.

I love watching and listening to Phillip Arcuri. He has a terrific smile and an eclectic play list. He started with Johnny Cash and went on to The Beatles. The audience was having a great time. “Brown-eyed Girl” seemed particularly directed to one lady, especially when he changed the lyric to “Blue-eyed Girl.” I felt a little left out with my green eyes!

The view from where I sat.

I sang along with “Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la,” as did almost everyone else. I sang along with all the words to “Where Oh Where Can My Baby Be?” Steve should have been there for that one!

Ah, deep fried yumminess!

I know I should avoid deep fried, but how could I resist the Happy Hour special? One thing I particularly noticed behind the bar was a rather large cork collector. I should have a cork collector that big!

I should have asked where they got it.

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-8484. They are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday.

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Hey, Paesano’s!

Posted on November 10, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Does everybody get that headline?  It is from a Lou Monte song that starts, “Hey, Paesano, twist Italiano, whoa-oh-oh-oh!”  I used to drive by Paesano’s Pizzeria in Mohawk  on my way home from work.  When I had a job.  Today on Facebook, they offered 20 percent off to all the workers laid off from my place of employment.  How nice!  I decided if they were going to support me, I would support them.

I knew only a slight hesitation, because, you know, weight loss goals.  Additionally, I had made myself pizza for dinner twice in the last week (should have done a cooking post!).  Then I thought: antipasto salad!  Of course!  I ordered 10 garlic wings as well, because, yum.

Mohawk has an old fashioned looking Main Street.

I made my order by phone and tried to do a few chores while I waited the 25 minutes the guy said it would take.  Mohawk is a very short drive away.  I paused outside to take a picture and to pet a passing dog.

I repeat: Yum!

The salad came with some delicious garlic bread.  I greatly enjoyed my meal and have leftovers for tomorrow.  Or later tonight!

Paesano’s Pizzeria is located at 8 W. Main St., Mohawk, NY, phone number 315-866-0333.  They are open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

 

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BBQ at the Boneyard

Posted on November 8, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I just parted company with my friend Kim. I said, “It is the movie watching portion of the day.”  She said, ” You have a blog post to make!” Of course she was right.  We had been at Boneyard BBQ in Utica, NY.

In the heart of Utica.

We had a little trouble finding Roosevelt Drive, but we got there eventually.  The place was small, but we easily found a table.  Kim got a White Zinfandel and after trying a sample I got a Goose Island IPA.  We admired the Halloween decor while we waited for our food and drinks.

The large skull was looking right over my shoulder.

We shared chili cheese fries for an appetizer.  Then I had Everything Wings while Kim had a Pulled Pork Sandwich with a Mac and Cheese side.  We had to wait a bit for our food, because the kitchen was also busy with a catering order, but it was delicious when it arrived.

Note the Utica Club logo on the wall.

We took a couple more pictures outside.

Gotta love the scary pumpkin!

 

And the front door.

Boneyard BBQ is located at 244 Roosevelt Dr., Utica, NY, phone number 315-733-0364.  They are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

 

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