Category Archives: local business

Back at the Bar!

Posted on June 18, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of my usual Wuss-out Wednesday Post, I thought I would talk more about Saturday’s visit to the End Zone Pub and Grub in Herkimer.  Regular readers may recall that I had just gotten my bald on and wanted to go out for a celebratory drink.  I contacted my friend Kim and made plans to meet.

I walked down to the End Zone.  No drinking and driving for me!  I walked in to see the bar stools spaced the recommended six feet apart.  I sat on one and ordered some wine.  I chatted up one of my favorite bartenders, Tino, and another patron while I waited for Kim.

Tino is behind the bar; I never got the other guy’s name.

When Kim got there, I moved a bar stool from beside the wall to a table that was opposite the bar.  This put Kim close enough for conversation but still socially distanced.

She had Moscato; I had Chardonnay.

We had a great time hanging out and talking.  I have missed going out!  Talking on the phone or via computer is not the same as in person socializing!

I also took a shot of Tino and Kim, for good measure.

End Zone Pub and Grub is located at  129 N. Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-219-5796.  They are open from noon to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to midnight Sunday, and 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday.

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Fun at The Flower Barn

Posted on May 28, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

After work today, I drove out Barringer Road in Ilion, NY, to the Flower Barn.  I have yet to out together my container garden, but I think this weekend it could happen!  I have been meaning to get out there before this, but with one thing and another… well, these things happen.

And they are awesome!

Full disclosure:  the above picture is one I took last year, when I was writing about The Flower Barn for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  Today I went straight from work and did not have my Tablet with me.  I did, however, have my mask.  I was pleased to note most other people were masked as well.

I had made up my mind not to go overboard, as I have a tendency to do.  However, once I had two plants in my hand, I realized the efficacy of using a cart.  I saw a flat wagon that seemed to be free.

“Is that your wagon?” I asked a nearby lady.

“No, not mine.”

“Mine now!” I declared.  She laughed.  I picked up a few more plants.  I had not seen any marigolds, which I usually get.  Another lady had some and told me they were in two different places.

When nobody was nearby, I pulled my mask down for a little air.  Today was hot and humid, by the way.  Then I saw a worker watering plants, wearing a bandana (I have also done the Old West Bad Guy mask on occasion).

“Sorry!” I said, pulling the mask back up.

“You’re OK,”  he said.  “I have to wear it, you don’t.”

“But I do,” I said.  “I don’t know what germs I have.  My mask keeps me from spreading them to you and others.”

“Thank you!”

I paid for my plants, while dancing to some David Bowie that was playing near the cash register.

I don’t think this is too many, do you? I can always buy more.

I put the plants on my back deck, where the rain can water them.  If it does not rain after all, I will water them tomorrow morning.

Before I went inside, I took a couple of pictures of our daisies, which started to bloom today.  I love daisies.

I did not plant these; they just grew.

 

And here are some with the peonies in the background. Come on, peonies!

He loves me, he loves me not…

The Flower Barn is located at 1480 Barringer Rd., Ilion, NY, phone number 315-895-4313.  They are open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

 

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Party Socks and Donuts!

Posted on May 6, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I wore my party socks.  I had no plans to actually, you know, party, but they matched my ensemble (pronounced “ahn-sahm”).  I always say, I have to take my happiness where I can find it.

I wore different sneakers when I went out.

Steven fancied some donuts, so I drove to the Friendly Bake Shop in Frankfort, NY.  I admit to feeling a little excited to drive as far as Frankfort.  I tried not to feel too melancholy thinking about other Frankfort destinations such as Heelpath Brewing, Fratello’s Pizzeria,  and Frankfort Free Library.

The little table wasn’t there today.

I made sure I had my mask on and obeyed their dictum of no more than two customers in the shop at a time.  I got a dozen donuts and a loaf of Italian bread.

YES, I ate a donut after I got home.  I KNOW it is not helpful for meeting my weight loss goals, but what do you want from me in these uncertain times?  Anyways, isn’t it mentally healthier to love ourselves as we are?  I can’t get into these philosophical questions on a Tuesday.

In any case, here is my shout out to Friendly Bake Shop,  122 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, 13340.  Phone number 315-894-8861.  They have more than just donuts and bread!

 

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Salvatore’s for Supper

Posted on March 20, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today Steven and I decided to help our local economy and one of our favorite restaurants by ordering in.  Eating a delicious dinner we did not have to fix was strictly by the wayside.

Steven called Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Herkimer and ordered lasagna, which is on special on Thursdays (I never like to call places on the telephone).  When Steven asked what they had for dessert that two could share, they suggested chocolate spoon cake or strawberry cheesecake.  I voted for spoon cake! Yum!

Delivery did not take long, and we were soon enjoying our food.  Alas, I did not take a picture.  That’s a habit I have never gotten into: taking a picture of my food before I eat it.  I know others do, because I see it when they share the pictures to Facebook.  I think it is supposed to be a good dieter’s thing to do, because it makes you more aware of what you eat.  So much for my weight loss goals!

It was a delicious supper.  I encourage everyone to support local eateries by ordering delivery or take out.  I’m going to make a list of local places for us.

Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is located at 650 1/2 German St. In Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-2600.  You can check out their specials on Facebook.

 

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We’ll Be Sociable Again!

Posted on March 18, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Apropos nothing, here’s me and a friend pretending it’s the 1920’s.

I wanted to open with a picture, and for some reason, this one spoke to me.  It is Jay Groah and me at the Ritz and Ragtime at Rutger Park fundraiser for the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica.

Here’s the thing:  this social distancing thing is really hard on a gregarious soul like mine.  In lieu of a Tired Tuesday post,  I am going to share pictures of social times in my past.  I will resolutely keep to myself during the current health crisis.  In the meantime,  I can bask in memories and make plans for good times to come.

Check out the hair! Check out the glasses!

I am not sure when this was taken, but here are Steven and I and a young friend.  Look how happy Steven is!  He has a terrific smile.

How embarrassing that I do not remember their names!

Here is the owner of the End Zone Pub and Grub in Herkimer, NY, and his son.  No more hanging out at the bar for a while!  Damn!

Another pleasure temporarily gone!

Here are Steven, our friend Kim, and one of our favorite pourers, Dannielle, at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  Valley has suspended all tastings, but they assure me they will reschedule.  Phew!

There are many local businesses I must wait to patronize again.  I can order take-out or delivery from some restaurants.  No doubt I will, because we must all do our part to keep local businesses going.  Eating delicious food is strictly by the wayside!  I hope to write blog posts about such things in the future.

In the meantime,  I am over 250 words, and I have barely whined at all.  Score!  Happy Tuesday,  everyone!

 

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I Dig DikinDurt!

Posted on March 4, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

We recentlyenjoyed a tasting of DikinDurt Distillery of Herkimer at Valley Wine and Liquor,  also in Herkimer.  We have enjoyed DikinDurt Moonshine on many other occasions and were happy to sip a little more.

Good stuff!

We also had a nice time chatting up Elizabeth Stack, one of the proprietors of  DikinDurt.  We have met her at numerous tastings as well as at the distillery itself.  You know me, I am always ready to taste!

I had to persuade Elizabeth to let me get a picture of her and Steve.

Of particular interest was their bourbon, a non-moonshine choice.  I have only recently started to like bourbon, and I quite enjoyed this one.  Elizabeth gave us some recipes, using the bourbon and the various flavors of moonshine.  Perhaps a moonshine cocktail party is in our future!

Sometimes I like other things than wine.

We purchased the Honey Buzz Moonshine, which is made with local honey.  I am looking forward to making a few hot toddies with that!  We also talked about making another trip to the distillery.  For one reason, I would like to bring my sisters there.  I think they would enjoy the moonshine and the bourbon.

DikinDurt Distillery is located at 115 Smith Rd., Herkimer, NY.  Their tasting room is open 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday.   You can also purchase their delicious product at Valley Wine and Liquor, 326 S. Caroline St., Herkimer.

 

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We Love Meeples!

Posted on February 23, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

For my late (judge me if you are so inclined) Saturday post, I would like to give a brief shout-out to the place LiFTers have been meeting to discuss summer Skakespeare: Meeples Mug House in Little Falls, NY.

LiFT, in case you did not know, is Little Falls Theatre Company.  For five years they brought Shakespeare to the Mohawk Valley but have not done so for the last two.  They have done a few other things along the way: Cheese Plays for the Little Falls Cheese Festival, a re-staging of the wonderful readers theatre play Strike Story by Angela Harris, as well as a couple of murder mysteries.  But now we want the Bard!

However, my current purpose is not to talk about plays but about the awesome board game cafe that is Meeples.  We love the place, and proprietor Matt Powers has been very generous about letting us meet there.

We love Meeples!

I like to get there well before our meeting and have a sandwich.  Yesterday I got a Nacho Turn Yet panini.  Yum!  It came with veggie chips, which were delicious, and I had Utica Roasting coffee as well.

Steven loves coffee.

We like to sit at the bar and chat up Matt.  Then for the meeting we retreated to the back room, where we could gather in a circle.

This is actually from our first brainstorming session, but you can see how comfy we are.

I think next time I am at Meeples,  I am going to get a mug cake, even if it does set me back a bit in pursuing my weight loss goals.  They have different flavors and a variety of toppings to choose from.

I must also get there when I do not have a meeting so I can play a game or two.  I have a few family members I feel sure would like to join me.  I wonder if Meeples has Clue.

 

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I Would Never Whine About a Sausage Roll!

Posted on February 20, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven suggested that instead of whining about how tired I am (he was too nice to use the word “whining,” but I really do whine), I write a little more about Napoli’s Italian Bakery and Deli, where we went on Sunday.

Regular readers may recall I used this picture on Sunday’s post.

I wanted something to write about for Mohawk Valley Living magazine, and I knew there was a bakery on Culver Avenue in Utica, so off we went. It was quite easy to find.

All kinds of good eats!

We did not order anything from the deli case but got a sausage and pepper roll, which was on the counter.  Yum!  For more immediate consumption,  we chose a couple of treats from another case.

Steven got an eclair while I chose a chocolate cannoli.

We ate our sweet treats right away.  Then I walked around taking a few pictures.  I wrote and submitted an article about Napoli’s to MVL.  I hope they print it!

Family owned and operated!

In any case,  I’m sure Steven and I will return to Napoli’s, and I will write more blog posts about them.

Napoli’s Italian Bakery and Deli is located at 412 Culver Ave., Utica,  NY, phone number 315-735-5023.  They are open 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday,  and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

 

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I Wasn’t Tired When I Tasted

Posted on January 22, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Cute girl with beer, what’s not to like?

 

So there I was, feeling too tired to make a blog post.  I went to my pictures, wondering if I could come up with something, and my thumb accidentally hit this delightful shot.  This is Emily at Beer Belly Bob’s Discount Beverage in Ilion, NY.  She is pouring us a growler, which we purchased after a tasting recently.

I picked up a couple of stickers and coasters, as I usually do at these things.

The tasting was Buried Acorn Brewing Company, which is located in Syracuse, NY.  Steven and I visit Syracuse on occasion, usually to visit my sister Diane and her family (they live in Liverpool, which is practically Syracuse).  We immediately began to plan when we can go to Acorn with Diane and her husband, Chris.

I thought this was a good pose.

I wanted to get a picture of John, who poured and told us about the brews.  At first he just stood and smiled, which was nice.  Then he reached into the tub for another beer to pour, and I said, “Wait! Smile!”  I’m nobody’s great photographer,  but I liked this.

We tasted a few good brews, but unfortunately I did not take good notes.  This is why I should make my blog posts sooner after I have these Mohawk Valley Adventures.  On the other hand, this is a better blog post than I had thought myself capable of making (or do I flatter myself?).

Buried Acorn Brewing Company is located at 881 Van Rensselaer St., Syracuse, NY, phone number 315-552-1499, web site http://www.BuriedAcorn.com.

Route 51 Beer Belly Bob’s Discount Beverage is located at 70 Otsego St., Ilion, NY, phone number 315-895-0936.  You can Like them on Facebook.

 

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Thanks Again, Melfe’s!

Posted on January 17, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Saturday, Steven accompanied me on my yearly jaunt to Melfe’s Shoes in Ilion, NY, for work shoes.  I just love that place!  Vicki, who has helped us before was there, as was a young man I had not seen before.  He brought out my selections with a friendly smile.

He was equally cheerful about having his picture taken for my blog.

Vicki told us he was David, who attends college in Cortland but returns every year to help them with their January rush.

Steven got a pair of sneakers.  His feet have been bothering him lately, so I wanted him to get a quality pair.  Vicki helped him.

More service with a smile!

He ended up getting one of the best-fitting pair of sneakers he has ever had, because they had a pair of 10 1/2 EEEE in stock.  I didn’t know they made quadruple E.

Just a few of the shoes available.

It did not take us long, because we had good luck finding what we liked.  Sometimes I end up trying on pair after pair before I say, “I think we have a winner!”

Melfe’s also does shoe repair.  I have had several heel bottoms replaced on dress shoes.  Some people just go ahead and buy new shoes, but when I find a pair I like, I like to keep them for as long as possible.  Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Melfe’s is located at 64 Central Ave., Ilion, NY, phone number 315-894-4049.  They are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

 

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