Category Archives: local business

Return to the So Sweet

Posted on July 7, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’ve talked about my friend Margaret’s shop, the So Sweet Candy Cafe in Utica, NY.  I thought I’d give her another brief shout-out, in lieu of the Wuss-out Wednesday post that has been lurking in my brain all day.

Ever since I went to the So Sweet once, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to bring my husband Steven there.  He would love it!  However, when I got the opportunity to go without him, I did not hesitate, because, yum.  My older sister, Vicki was in town, and she had not visited the So Sweet yet.  Vicki and Margaret were best friends back in the day (we did not use the term BFFs nor yet besties).

It is the cutest little shop. Once again I noticed candies remembered from my childhood:  Boston Baked Beans, Lemonheads, bubble gum cigars.  I could not resist a few of the caramels with sugar in the midde:  3 for 75 cents, who could argue?  For Steven, I got a large brownie and two chocolate chunk cookies (full disclosure:  according to my evil plan, I ate one of the cookies and half the brownie).  These tasty delights were made by Margaret.  What a great talent!  I also grabbed a bottle of water, because, you know, hydration.

I still have not gotten a cup of coffee or tea and sat for a while.  I hope to do that one day soon.  Either I will bring a notebook and write (as Hemingway used to do in cafes), or I will bring Steven and visit.  Either way will be, you guessed it, so sweet.

The So Sweet Candy Cafe is located at 531 Varick St., Utica, NY.  Phone number 315-765-6463.

 

 

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Spunky Start to Scattered Saturday

Posted on July 3, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

How about a Scattered Saturday instead of a Slacker Saturday.  I think I could manage a brief re-cap of today’s activities.  I have quite a headache currently, sorry to complain, and I really just feel like sitting here and chilling.  However, I like to make a blog post every day, and I do not want to put off making today’s any longer.  I know, I know, enough with the excuses, get on with the post.  OK, I will.

Our dog Spunky barked at 5:01 this morning.  I looked at the clock.  For once I let Steven keep sleeping a little longer and got up to take Spunky for his first business meeting of the day.  I got dressed in running clothes, so I could go for my run right after.  I have run eight days in a row.  That may be a record for me.  A little later I wrote some postcards and walked to the post office with Spunky.  Spunky doesn’t seem to like long walks, but he can make it to the post office and back.

By noon I was headed to my sister Cheryl’s house for more adventures.  My sister Vicki was in town, along with her husband and offspring, and Vicki had not yet been to the So Sweet Candy Cafe, which is owned by her great childhood friend, Margaret.  I, of course, am always up for another visit to a candy shop.  I purchased a few treats while I was there.  Vicki and Margaret had a nice if brief visit.

After leaving the So Sweet, we walked down Varick Street to the Mohawk Valley Winery.  We tasted some wine and, yes, I purchased a bottle.  We were disappointed to find out we needed to make an appointment to tour the Adirondack Distilling Company.  I said we must make an appointment for next time.

Next we drove to Clinton and went into a number of wonderful little shops.  My only purchase was at the Adirondack Cheese Company, but I will certainly return to the other stores when I have a little more cash to spend.

Perhaps as the week goes on, I can write longer blog posts about some of my Scattered Saturday activities.  For now, I’m going to nurse my stupid head and hang out with my nice dog.  I hope you’re all having a lovely Saturday.

 

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Good Chips at Arthur’s

Posted on June 30, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

When Steven and I were out adventuring in Newport yesterday, we knew we wanted to go out to lunch but we didn’t know where.  I said it was too bad we were not in the vicinity of Dolgeville, or we could go to Arthur’s.  Steven did not think it would be a too far drive, and he was right.  It was actually a fun drive over country roads.  Once we got to Dolgevile, we found our destination with no problem (I have only been to Dolgeville a very few times).

We had been to Arthur’s one time previously, when I was getting my head shaved for a St. Baldrick’s Day Fundraiser (perhaps you read one of my blog posts about it).  We had some drinks and food and a lot of laughs that day.  We’ve been meaning to get to Arthur’s again ever since, but, well, we just don’t eat out enough, that’s all.

We walked into the bar section and sat right down at the bar.  We like to sit at the bar.  We ordered drinks and spent a lot of time looking at the menu.  Everything looked so good!  I finally decided on one of the specials, an Alamo Chicken Wrap. Steven got The Bird: turkey, bacon and provalone.  Both sandwiches came with homemade chips. I LOVE homemade chips!

When our food  arrived, the chips were even better than I expected.  I order homemade chips almost every time they are available, and these were among the best I have ever tasted.  The sandwich was quite delicious as well. We were very happy with our visit, and hope to return to Arthur’s soon.

Arthur’s American Restaurant is located at 19 South Main St, Dolgeville, NY, phone number 315- 429-9646.

 

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We Bellied Up!

Posted on June 25, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last night when Tracy finally made it to Herkimer (see yesterday’s post about “Waitin’ on a Friend”), we were all famished.  I suggested Steven make us some scrambled eggs or something, but Tracy wanted more of an adventure.  Of course, she was the guest.  I suggested the Belly Up Pub.  It is close to our house and we have not been there since it re-opened under new management.

The Pub is now owned by the same fellow who owns Happen Inn in Little Falls, which had been one of the possibilities I considered earlier.  I figured we could count on a similar good meal at the new venue.  I was right.

We could have sat at the bar, at a tall table near the windows or at a regular size table.  I personally love to sit at a tall table, but Tracy said she was too short for a tall table.  We sat at a regular table and looked at the special board.  When the bartender was free, I went to the bar and asked was there table service or did we order from the bar.  She said we order from the bar and pointed out where menus are.  I got us menus and asked what Steven and Tracy wanted to drink.  Ice water with lemon for Tracy, Pinot Grigio for Steven and me.

It took longer to decide on food, but eventually I settled on a dozen steamed clams while Steven wanted a turkey club with fries, both of which were on the specials board.  Tracy ordered from the menu:  Wild Hog Wings and Portabello (my computer does not agree with ANY spelling I try of portobello and I cannot find it in my dictionary, how frustrating!) Mushroom Fries.  She insisted we help her finish the fries.  Yum!  The mushrooms had been sliced, breaded and deep-fried.  I love portobella mushrooms to begin with, and deep-fried is one of my favorite flavors.  I ate some of Steven’s french fries as well.  Yum!  Steven helped me with the clams, but Tracy did not.

We greatly enjoyed our dinner, and I plan to return to the Belly Up Pub soon.   I saw on their Facebook page they just expanded their hours, opening at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sunday.  Since I love going to a bar in the afternoon, this is great news for me.  The Belly Up Pub is located at 122 W. Albany St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-219-5578.  You can Like them on Facebook.  I did.

 

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Slacker to Shout-Out

Posted on June 19, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

After a rather horrible blogging week (culminating in a Lame Friday Post that got zero Likes!), I find I must have a Slacker Saturday.  Or maybe it’s a blogger’s sick day.  At any rate, I intend to just type in some nonsense, hit Publish and get on with my evening.

First some complaining:  my head is spinning.  I had a headache every day this week.  When I woke up with the beginning of one this morning, I foolishly took some migraine medication.  Oh well, sometimes dizziness is better than pain.  It hasn’t been totally bad all day.  I got a few chores done: three loads of laundry, a (very) little cleaning and a trip to the store.  Oh, shout-out to a local business!  The post won’t be a total loss.

I went to T & J’s Fruits and Vegetables in Herkimer, NY (where I live).  I had taken some sausage out of the freezer for dinner and wanted a green pepper to go with it.  There were red peppers there too, but I decided on one green one for tonight.  I picked the one I liked best.  Then I saw some eggplants that looked nice.  Eggplant, pepper and sausage.  What could be better?

When I put them on the counter I saw some homegrown strawberries.  Yum!  The lady at the register recommended some cherries that were there as well.  I put my stuff down and said I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t something else there I’d like.  I was glad I did, because I had almost forgotten we’re out of yellow onions.  Sausage and pepper without onion?  Say it ain’t so!  I got some of the strawberries but declined the cherries.

Driving home I remembered garlic. Damn!  I had pulled the last bulb off the braid I had gotten at the Mohawk Valley Garden and Herb Festival in Little Falls last September (come to think of it, that braid lasted a LONG time.  I must not be cooking enough).  When I got home I checked and there are still a few cloves left.  Phew!

I feel certain my dizzy head will allow me to cook dinner without major mishap.  Perhaps I could write a post about it tomorrow on Wrist to Forehead Sunday.

 

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Comfort Food at Froggy’s

Posted on June 8, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

When Steven and I wanted to grab a quick bit in Ilion today, we thought of Froggy’s Take-Out.  I was glad we did, because we hadn’t been there yet this year.  It is a little, seasonal place located on a busy corner.  We pulled into the parking lot and walked up to the order window, following the sign that said “Enter.”

We actually have never taken out at Froggy’s.  We sit at the picnic tables under a tent in the parking lot.  They are large, highly polished, green tables.  I like looking around at other Ilion businesses and all the traffic.  Lots of people drive through Ilion at four in the afternoon!

I was immediately interested in two large pieces of chocolate cake under a glass. However, we were there for dinner not dessert. The lady working made a spirited attempt to get us to buy one or both of them to take with us, but I remembered my weight-loss goals.  We both ordered cheeseburgers deluxe, which means mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and onion.  Perhaps this was not the most diet-friendly fare, but at least it was not deep fried (one of my favorite flavors).  What really made my meal bad for my waistline was the chocolate shake.  Don’t judge.

As usual when I have a cheeseburger and chocolate shake, I reminded Steven that this was Shelley Winters’ favorite comfort food.  It was a good meal.  Steven, who had ordered coffee, helped me finish the chocolate shake.  As we sat and ate, we looked at some pictures depicting other menu selections.  Hoffman hot dog, grilled chicken sandwich, deep-fried oreo cookies, root-beer float… we may need to make several more trips to Froggy’s.

Froggy’s Take-Out is located at 4 West Clark St., Ilion, NY, next to Heads R Turning Spa and Salon.  Phone number is 315-894-1400.  You can Like them on Facebook and sign up for coupons as www.FroggysTakeOut.com.

 

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Keep it Local, Folks!

Posted on June 3, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I wrote a letter to the editor of the Utica O-D.  I felt so pleased with it that I thought I would use it as a blog post as well.  Full disclosure:  Another reason is I could use WordPress’ word-count feature  by typing it in here.  It is a little more serious than my usual stuff, but it is a subject I feel strongly about.

How would you like it if your boss said to you, “I’m not going to pay you for the last hour you worked.”  That is what happens to brick and mortar businesses when customers shop their store but buy on-line.

Take for example an eyeglass shop.  People spend up to an hour with the optician looking at glasses.  They utilize this person’s time and expertise, cause wear and tear on the premises and merchandise, then go and make their purchases on-line, “because it’s cheaper.”

Brick and mortar businesses cannot compete with the internet on price.  They try to compete by offering service and a hands-on experience.  I feel it is wrong for people utilize these things but buy elsewhere.  In the case of the eyewear shop, they have sometimes paid for an exam, but the profit from that does not make up for taking up the optician’s time and using of the merchandise.

Most businesses, especially small locally-owned shops, are not out to gouge the customer.  They merely want to make a fair profit on their time and money invested.

I understand people’s desire to save money.  However, spending money on-line sends it out of the community.  That hurts everyone.  The money you don’t save by spending locally stays here.  It is an investment in our towns and villages.  Please, let’s keep our local shops in business.

 

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Attending to my Toes

Posted on June 2, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

When I posted lame at wine o’clock last Friday, I neglected to mention where I had been earlier that afternoon.  As it involves a shout-out to a local business, I feel free to mention it today.  I got a spa pedicure at Hot Spot Salon and Spa in Herkimer, NY.

My toes had needed attention for some time.  At last I made the appointment: 3:45 Friday afternoon. I work till three.  I could make this.  Friday, local readers may remember, was a very warm day.  My place of employment is not air-conditioned, at least not the rooms I work in.  Not to put too fine a point on it: I stunk.  This is where my army experience helps me, because I know how to take a three minute shower.  I made it to my appointment on time and smelling fine.

Claire, my usual stylist, took me in right away and soon my feet were soaking.  I asked for the water to be made a little cooler than it was, because I had been so warm all day.  Ooh, it felt nice.

While Claire worked on my feet, we chatted with each other and with the stylist and customer at the next pedicure chair.  I learned that it  is important to always dry between your toes.  I told Claire about my latest theatrical endeavors.  She asked me to let her know if we did another murder mystery.  She would definitely like to attend.  I chose a bright blue for my toes.  I had previously had a dark color, purple in some lights, green in others.  I like to make a contrast.

As I sit here typing this, I can look down at my toes and feel pleased.  Oh how I love to have pretty toenails during sandal season!

Hot Spot Salon and Spa is located at 121 E. Albany St., Herkimer, phone number 315-866-9113.  Their website is http://www.hotspotsalonandspa.com/.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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Oh, So Sweet!

Posted on May 24, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

When Cheryl, Penny and I were out adventuring Saturday, our first stop was the sweetest:  the So Sweet Candy Cafe in Utica, NY.

The owner of the shop grew up across the street from us.  This is a fortunate circumstance for me, because otherwise it may have taken me longer to discover the place.  I don’t always get to Utica, and I don’t always stop at candy shops, because, you know, waistline.  Ooh, I just flashed on The Most Interesting Man in the World.  “I don’t always stop at candy shops, but when I do, I like the So Sweet Candy Cafe.”

The shop is located on the corner of Columbia and Varick (531 Varick St).   Cheryl was driving, another fortunate circumstance for me.  It’s kind of near the Saranac Brewery.  I am vaguely familiar with that area, because of running the Boilermaker, so I have reasonable hopes of finding the place again.  I have great faith in my local readers’ ability to find it, and I certainly advise you to try.  It’s a great little place.

In the display cases are baked goods and candies, many of which are made by Margaret, our friend the owner.  Old-fashioned and unusual candy is available as well.  Penny purchased some cinnamon toothpicks.  I got a little rubber ducky that looked like he was covered with fudge.  I also chose a number of treats from the display case.  They all featured dark chocolate, so that was healthy, right?

You can also get a cup of coffee or tea and sit at a table, enjoying your beverage and a baked good (for example).   I hope to do that one day soon with my husband Steve.  I’ll probably write a blog post about it.

For more information about the So Sweet Candy Cafe, call 315- 272-9953. You can also Like their Facebook page.

 

 

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Thank You, Utica Roasting

Posted on May 10, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

While I was out and about on Saturday, one of my stops was at Utica Coffee Roasting Company.  Full disclosure:  I was looking for a distinctive local place I could potentially write about for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I think I found one and must get to writing that article, but for now I will content myself with a blog post.

I was on Genessee Street, which looks as if it goes right to the Roasting Company with very little effort on my part.  However, since that section of the street is one way in the wrong direction, I had to overshoot it and turn back.  This accomplished, I found a parking space and walked up to the place.

Saturday had turned into a beautiful, sunny day, and some people were sitting on tables outside the place.  I could see one seat at one empty table (the rest were all crowded around another table, as sometimes happens at these establishments).  Inside, I saw that one of the tall tables I so love was available.  I hoped it would still be available after I ordered.

I got plain, regular hot coffee instead of one of the many other choices available, and asked what kind of bagels they had.  At first the girl said they had Everything.

“My favorite!” I said.

“Oh, wait, it’s onion.  I’m sorry.”

“That’s OK,  I like onion.”  Onion bagels used to be my favorite, as a matter of fact, but I did not burden her with the information.

The tall table was still free.  Yes!  There were also seats free at the bar across the front window.  These had been fully occupied when I walked in.  I do like to sit at the window, so I may go for one of those seats at a future visit.

As I sat, sipping and eating, I looked around at the decor and other patrons.  I opened my notebook and began to write.  Ah, yes, to WRITE!  Regular readers may know I have been having a few problems with that lately.  It felt really good to sit there with words coming out of my pen for a change.  I can’t say that what I wrote was such a much, but that’s not the point.  I wrote.  I was happy.

Utica Coffee Roasting Company is located at 92 Genessee St., Utica NY, phone number 315- 624-9596.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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