Category Archives: local business

That’s the Spirit, Mr. Reilley!

Posted on April 3, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Friday, after leaving Vintage Spirits, Steven and I decided to stop by Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer to see if they had a tasting, which they usually do on a Friday.  I’m so glad we did.

“Life of Reilley Distillery!” I said, reading off the sign up front.  “Yay!  I love them!”  I remembered as soon as I saw it that I had seen it was an upcoming tasting, but I rarely make a note of these things.  Next time I will definitely make a note when Life of Reilley is expected.

We had tasted Life of Reilley at Valley Wine and Liquor before.  Ben Reilley remembered me from last time.  He remembered that I have a blog, which is another reason I am making sure to write a post about his business.  The main reason is, yum.

I am not a vodka drinker in general.  These days I rarely indulge in hard liquor at all, but even when I did, gin was my drink of choice, with occasional forays into whiskey, rum or brandy.  However, they say there are exceptions to every rule.  Life of Rielley products are just so tasty!  I had the plain, the raspberry and the vanilla and loved them all.  When I remarked about my usual preferences, Ben said he heard that a lot.  He was thinking of using it as an advertising slogan: the vodka for people who don’t drink vodka or something like that.

Life of Reilley Distilling and Wine Co. was founded in 2013 in Canandaigua, NY.  They are a family-run business and according to their Facebook page, they are living the life.  I love their spirit as well as their spirit, if you see what I mean.  To learn more about Life of Reilley, you can visit their website at http://www.lifeofreilley.net/. You can also Like them on Facebook.

Valley Wine and Liquor is located at 326 S. Caroline St, in Herkimer, phone number 315-867-5800.  They are also on Facebook.

 

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Working on my Oenophile Cred

Posted on March 31, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Friday after adventuring for most of the afternoon, I stopped by Vintage Spirits in Herkimer, NY for their Easter wine tasting.   As regular readers know, I have no real oenophile cred (or even a clear idea of how to pronounce “oenophile”).  However, I love wine and I like giving a shout-out to a local business.

Tastings at Vintage Spirits are always educational for me, because Bronson, who owns Vintage Spirits, is very knowledgeable.   I suppose if I go to enough tastings there, I will eventually gain a few oenophile creds myself.  If I don’t drink too much wine and forget everything I hear (not at the tasting, of course, but, you know, if I buy a couple of bottles).

I started with Le Petit Rouviere Rose 2015 from Provence, France. I told Bronson how Steven and I often make the joke:   If I have a little red left in my glass but Steven is opening a bottle of white, I tell him to mix it and we’ll make Rose.  Of course that is not really how it is done.  Bronson explained how the wine skins are left in for a certain length of time to make the color.  I’m afraid I don’t remember the full explanation (yes, I purchased a couple of bottles; why do you ask?).

I though the Rose was tasty and would make a good summer wine.  Of course I am quite ready to sit out on my deck with a glass of wine, but so far the Mohawk Valley weather has not been cooperative.

Next I tried Heron Hill Dry Riesling 2013 from Keuka Lake, NY.  I like dry riesling and I am a huge fan of New York State wines (what a surprise), so I had high hopes for this one.  I was not disappointed.  It earned my ultimate accolade of “yummy.”  I made a further note that it was “New Yorky.”  I can’t describe exactly what I mean by “New Yorky.”  It’s one of those “I know it when I taste it” things.  This riesling was not entirely dry, and the description said it paired well with ham, so I felt confident in purchasing a bottle to bring to my parents’ house for Easter dinner.

I tried all the reds except the Fulkerson Red Zeppelin from Seneca Lake, NY.  I knew it was sweet, and I think I have tried it before.

In addition to the riesling, I picked up a bottle of Barefoot Pinot Noir, which is a very tasty wine, especially for the price.  Mom was cooking a rolled roast beef as well as the ham, so I thought some people might prefer a red.

Steven was working till six.  Thinking he had worked all day and would like a treat, I walked to his place of employment and brought him to the wine tasting, which ran till seven.  The nice people at Vintage Spirits did not mind that I tasted twice.  After Steven had tried everything, we purchased a bottle of the Rose.  Steven liked it, and I found I liked it even better on the second try.  Now if we could only get some good deck-sitting weather.

Vintage Spirits is located at 246 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.  Phone number is 315-866-6800.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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Scattered Saturday Post About Friday’s Adventures

Posted on March 27, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday I had some nice Mohawk Valley adventures with my sister Cheryl and our friend Penny.  We went to Barneveld and made several stops.

Our first stop was Foothills Mercantile, a venue which includes over 20 vendors of different sorts.  They have antiques, collectibles, handmade items and more.  I’ll have to go back again and write a more detailed blog post about them.

While there we ate some fresh-popped popcorn, and I purchased some vintage postcards.  They were a very reasonable price, so I shall feel free to send them to the people I like to send postcards to.

Next we went to Adirondack Cheese Company.  I LOVE cheese.  We tried some free samples, and I selected  Extra Sharp.   I liked the Dill and the Horseradish kinds as well, so I have motivation to return.  Additionally, they carry Croghan bologna.  Yum!  I also got some sesame sticks.

We were hungry after that so went to Van’s Tavern and got fish fry.   What a huge piece of fish!  It came with french fries and cole slaw as well.  Cheryl got macaroni salad instead of cole slaw, which she said was very good.  I took a good amount home.

This is just a brief and I’m afraid uninspired overview of the day.  I am still having problems with WordPress which are causing me no little frustration.  I suppose it is my own problem for being so tech un-savvy.  No matter.  Here is my post and tomorrow is Easter. Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

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Moonstone on my Toes

Posted on March 25, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

We interrupt my week of posts lamenting my inability to write a real post with a shout-out to a local business.  Will it be a real post (whatever that means)?  I am not the best judge of that.  However, I will strive to keep lamentation to a minimum.

I have been wanting to get a pedicure for, roughly, ever.  Yes, that is a hyperbole, didactic readers (it is also an exaggeration, ordinary readers).  Still, my feet have been in need of serious attention for some time now.  I just keep forgetting to make an appointment, and you need one at Hot Spot Salon and Spa, where I like to go.

Facebook came to the rescue last week when Clair Does Hair, the page of my favorite stylist, posted that Clair had a couple of openings on Friday.  I immediately commented saying something like, “Ooh!  Ooh!  Can I get a pedicure?” Then I saw that the post was some time ago, so I got on the phone.  I got a 5:30 appointment for a spa pedicure.  I could have had 4:30 with a basic, but I really wanted the exfoliation and massage for my first pedicure of the year.

Oh, it was nice to soak my feet in the warm water.  It was nice to get my callouses rubbed off and my nails properly trimmed and all the rest of it.  It was nice to catch up with Clair, too.  I told her about our murder mystery (which you may have read my blog post about).  She was very upset that she is going away that weekend and cannot attend.  I told her I would be sure to let her know if we do any others (oh, I HOPE we do!).

Clair helped me pick a color called Moonstone.  It looks purple in some lights and green in others.  My two favorite nail colors!  She felt the color was really Me.

The weather has not been as lovely warm lately as it was previously, but I have been wearing sandals anyways, because I am so delighted with my toes.   For another reason, I don’t have that many good pairs of socks.  However, that may lead to a laundry lament, so I shall end the post.  Happy Thursday, everyone.

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

 

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A Pause for Coffee

Posted on March 21, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I interrupt my Wrist to Forehead Sunday for a brief shout-out to a VERY local business: The Locavore in Frankfort, NY.

There I was, on my way home from church in Chadwicks, during which my delightful year-old great-nephew declined to sit on my lap, pondering my actions for the rest of the day.  I felt sluggish and down (you know, Wrist to Forehead Sunday and all).  I thought a cup of coffee might perk me up. Then I remembered:  Higby Road takes me right into Frankfort. I could go to The Locavore for an awesome cup of coffee!

The Locavore has all kinds of locally made products. I considered purchasing soap, honey, cheese, meat and other stuff, but ultimately decided just to get coffee.

The proprietor of the establishment remembered me from previous visits but remarked he had not seen me in a while.  I said I never went anywhere, and he said that was a lousy excuse.  He was quite right, of course.  I told him about all my theatre commitments, which he was interested to hear.

After some debate I decided on… oh crap, I can’t remember the name of the coffee.  But it was YUMMY!  There are several different kinds of coffee, both iced and hot. I had the LocaMocha another time and loved it.

The Locavore only recently started opening on Sundays.  I asked what time they are open till, because Steven works till one.  I was thinking maybe we would make it a thing to go out for fancy coffee after work on a Sunday.  Then I could try all the coffees.

The Locavore is located at 159 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-895-0325. You can Like them on Facebook.  I did.

 

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Yum, Not Lame

Posted on March 12, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of my usual Friday Lame Post, I shall give a brief shout-out to a local business: Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Herkimer, NY.

Our original plan had been to go out for a fish fry, but I am, what a surprise, not feeling well.  Yes, I’m as sick of feeling this way as you are of hearing about it. Let’s not dwell on it, shall we?

It is Friday during Lent and I am kind of, sort of Catholic, so I didn’t want meat.  I suggested a large garlic pizza with peppers and mushrooms, and an order of calimari.  We don’t technically need a large pizza for just the two of us, but I like how thin the crust gets.  Then I get leftover pizza for breakfast.  Yum.

Delivery was astonishingly prompt.  It usually is from Salvatore’s.  That is one reason we often let them come to our rescue when we don’t feel like cooking or going out.  The other reason is, of course, yum.

Wow, I guess there’s not a whole lot else to say.  How embarrassing.  Then again, perhaps my readers would prefer to stop reading a silly blog and get back to enjoying their Friday.  I know I do (yes, yes, I’m writing not reading right now; don’t be didactic).  Happy Friday, everyone.

Salvatore’s is located at 650 1/2 German St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-2600.  Their website is http://www.salvatores-herkimer.com/index.html.

 

 

 

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Friday with Fish

Posted on March 5, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

As Steven’s birthday weekend continues, I am no more inclined to cook or wash dishes than I have been during the week.  Luckily Steven was pleased to have dinner out again.  He wanted fish fry.  I remembered that Salvatore’s in Herkimer usually offers a fish fry special on Fridays.  We often call Salvatore’s for delivery, but it is also a good place to eat in.

The parking lot seemed full when we got there, but we easily got a table and were soon perusing menus.  Steven got the fish sandwich, which came with fries.  He said yes to tomato, lettuce, mayonnaise and tartar sauce.  I chose the baked haddock with ranch dressing on the salad.  It came with pasta.  I asked for butter and garlic instead of tomato sauce.  We each got  glass of Pinot Grigio as well as water with lemon.

The chef put a little parsley on my spaghetti along with the butter and garlic.  I asked for grated cheese, and a spoon.  I am quite adept at twirling my spaghetti, as a result of growing up in an Italian family.  Spaghetti and meatballs was a high treat for Sunday dinner.  I have since read that it is most proper to twirl your spaghetti on the plate; using a spoon is second best, and cutting the noodles up is downright vulgar.  Of course I’m going to eat my pasta the way I like to and not worry about somebody else’s arbitrary rules, but I can’t help making note of these things.

Speaking of downright vulgar, I know one is supposed to cut the lettuce in the salad.  I’ve seen people do it quite classily; it spreads the dressing around nicely.  I got lettuce on the table.  You can neither dress me up nor take me out, it seems.

The people at Salvatore’s wished Steven a happy birthday a day late.  Their Facebook page had wished him well on the day.  We like Salvatore’s.

Salvatore’s is located at 650 1/2 German St., Herkimer, NY, phone number  (315) 866-2600.  You can also find them on Facebook.

 

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Steve’s Birthday Dinner

Posted on March 4, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today is my wonderful husband’s birthday.  He wanted to go out to dinner, and I suggested PK’s Pub. For one reason, I neither baked nor bought him a cake, and PK’s has the BEST desserts.

We went early and were happy to get the tall table.  I love sitting at a tall table. When the waitress asked for our drink orders, I opted for a cup of coffee and a glass of water.  I felt I had had enough wine yesterday at Applebee’s.  It turned out the coffee was freshly brewed.  It was very good coffee.

I ordered hats with marinara sauce and two meatballs while Steven got the grilled chicken platter.  We both had ranch dressing on our salads.  PK’s does a great salad as well.  I especially like the garbanzo beans. The ranch dressing was creamy and delicious.  I also enjoy the herbed butter that comes with the bread.

I declined dessert (still hoping to lose that last 10 pounds) (oh, OK, it’s 15 pounds now, don’t judge), but Steven got Chocolate Lava Cake.  I could not resist trying one little bite.  Yum!  A lady who worked there walked by and said she got a great whiff of chocolate aroma.

We were delighted with our dinner, and I had enough hats left over to make part of another meal.  We had not been to PK’s in a while, a scandalous omission.  We won’t wait that long next time.

PK’s Pub is located at 221 King St. in Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-3494.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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My Spontaneous Friday Night

Posted on February 28, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I don’t have a Scattered Saturday post for this week, but I thought I could give a brief overview of why I was in Ilion, NY at dinnertime yesterday, instead of sensibly and frugally at my home fixing fish sticks or tuna noodle casserole or something.

Directly after work, I went to the Medicine Shoppe to pick up a prescription.  It was not ready (weird renewal situation, not really relevant), but they said they could process it and have it for me in about 45 minutes (in retrospect, they might have said “Four to five minutes,” but, again, not really relevant).

Since I was in the neighborhood, I walked across the parking lot to Ilion Wine and Spirits, to get some of the Pinot Grigio Steven likes (full disclosure: I like it too).  What did I see on their door but a sign advertising a wine tasting that night at five!  Woohoo!  I love wine tasting!  It was only four, but that was a problem patience could easily solve.

“I have a prescription to pick up later,” I said.  “I was wondering if it was worth it to come back out, but now I’m motivated!”

I went home and made vague attempts at doing something useful.  Then the phone rang, and it was my friend Diane.  Diane recently opened Eye Q in New Hartford, NY, an excellent optical establishment.  She gave me a good deal on a truly awesome pair of glasses.  When she heard about the wine tasting, she was happy to meet me at Ilion Wine and Spirits at five.

The wine tasting was from Lakeland Winery from Syracuse.  I’ve tasted their wines before.  The lady that does the tastings is a delight.  She remembered me from the last time we had met at Ilion Wine and Spirits, and even remembered how my husband Steven had joined the tasting already in progress.

“I should go get Steven at work so he can join us this time,” I said.

I ended up doing just that.  Everybody was pleased to see Steven, Steven was pleased to taste some wine, and a delightful time was had by all.  Incidentally, I forgot to mention that the store served crackers and Herkimer Cheese as an accompaniment to the tasting.  Yum!

So that was my Friday, and I’m glad I wrote a blog post about it.  For one reason, I woke up this morning with the dull, draggy feeling that I had wasted my Friday on frivolities.  I see now that I did not.  I had a spontaneous and enjoyable time.  I’m soon off to have a marvelous time at Ilion Little Theatre.  I hope to write about that tomorrow.  Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

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My Local Valentine

Posted on February 15, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody.  Somebody on Facebook (really an invaluable source of information) said it was Galentine’s Day, when women can appreciate all their female buddies.  Imagine my disappointment to find out it had nothing to do with my favorite TV show, Galavant.  But I digress.

Digress from what, my inner critic huffs (that is, says in a huffy tone of voice; it’s not like snorting fumes or something),  you haven’t written anything yet.  Too true, too true.  Then again, this is Wrist to Forehead Sunday, is it not?  Yes, my friends, it is.

It is dreadfully cold in the Mohawk Valley today.  We were remarking on it to the fellow at T & J’s Fruits and Vegetables earlier.  It has really been not a bad winter so far.  What I really like about the frigid temperatures is how balmy 20 degrees feels afterward, because perspective is a wonderful thing.

We were at T & J’s at my suggestion to purchase eggplant for a yummy Valentine’s Day dinner, which is currently baking in the oven.  We also got a red and a yellow pepper, some sharp cheddar cheese, a bag of MacIntosh apples and a loaf of bread from  Star Bakery in Utica, NY (see, all kinds of local in today’s post).

In addition to the eggplant and peppers, the dinner features some sausage I purchased two weeks ago at Melrose Market in Frankfort, NY. They have quite a good butcher department.  And, yes, the sausage has been in my freezer since I bought it; I’m not cooking rancid sausage (Sheesh!).  Oh, I also used some garlic purchased at the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival in Little Falls NY, last September.

With or after dinner, we will enjoy EITHER a nice champagne we got at a wine tasting at Vintage Spirits in Herkimer OR some Cayuga White from Villa Verona Vineyards, in, of course, nearby Verona, NY.  I got that at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer (I like to spread my alcohol dollar around).

As a matter of fact, I just heard a cork pop.  I think it’s time to start sipping the champagne now. Once again, I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

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