Category Archives: local business

Breakfast Before Adventures

Posted on October 30, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven and I began our adventure-filled day last Friday with breakfast at Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner in Herkimer. I mentioned that in passing the other day, but today I’d like to give them a proper shout-out. Of course I’ve written about Crazy Otto’s before. It is something of a landmark in Herkimer and one of our favorite spots. We rarely get to go out to breakfast together, so we were happy to take the opportunity last Friday.

For anyone who missed my previous posts about Crazy Otto’s or for anybody who has forgotten, the diner is an authentic 1950s trailer. It’s been on the corner of West Albany and North Main streets for as long as we’ve lived in the area. In 2006 it was taken over by Scott and Kim Tranter, who changed the name from Empire Diner to Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner. You can read the history of Crazy Otto’s on the menu.

Steven and I got there around nine Friday morning. It wasn’t too crowded, being a weekday morning. We got a booth right away and as usual sat enjoying the retro decor. We especially like all the license plates hung on almost every available surface. We gave them our Georgia plate for the purpose. I think it’s still the only Georgia plate they have, but I couldn’t be sure. That’s a lot of plates to check.

After much debate I ordered an egg sandwich of bacon, egg and cheese on a kaiser roll, one of my favorite breakfasts. Steven chose a waffle with eggs and bacon. We discussed our upcoming adventure while we waited for our food. Everything was delicious, as usual.

As we were walking back to our car, a rap on the window called us back in. Our friends Phyllis and Jim were about to have breakfast. As you can see, Crazy Otto’s is patronized by many people of discriminating taste. We were tempted to sit down and have another breakfast, or at least some more coffee, but we had adventures to get on with. We chatted for a few minutes before continuing with our day.

Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner is located at 100 W. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. Phone number is 315-866-8801. For more information you can visit their website at www.CrazyOttosEmpireDiner.com. You can also like their Facebook page. I did.

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Where I Like to Go for Popcorn

Posted on October 28, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Astute readers may remember that a stop at Dyn’s Cider Mill formed part of Steven’s and my adventures last Friday. I’ve written about Dyn’s before, but I think it’s always appropriate to give a fun place another shout-out.

Dyn’s is located at 7915, Rt. 28, Richfield Springs, NY. It’s a scenic ride with views of water, mountains and farmland. The fall colors were past peak last Friday, but Steven and I saw patches of bright yellow, red and orange. We also scanned for Halloween decorations as we drove by people’s houses.

We walked into the large room and once again admired the country decor. One thing I definitely wanted was a cup of hot cider. The girl working there had to bring out more cups. She also brewed a fresh pot of coffee, which is almost always Steven’s beverage of choice. While the coffee brewed, I found my Dyn’s Popcorn, which was the real reason for the visit, and we debated which of the baked goods we would purchase. I moved my things out of the way of another customer.

“There’s popcorn?” she said, as I moved the bag.

“Really good popcorn,” I said. “I get some every year and love it. Then when it’s gone I make do with Jolly Time till I can get more Dyn’s.”

She got some popcorn, too. Steven and I decided on a half dozen apple cider donuts. I thought about purchasing some gourds to enhance our fall decor but decided against it. I pointed out to Steven that if we had felt like sitting and enjoying our beverages there, we could have used ceramic mugs. We could have played checkers on a rather large board on one of the tables. Perhaps on a future visit.

Dyn’s is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They serve breakfast every Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon, and spaghetti and lasagna Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m. For more information call 315-858-2078.

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A Rustic Taste

Posted on October 27, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

One of the stops on Steven’s and my adventurous Friday was Rustic Ridge Winery in Burlington Flats, NY. I am, of course, a longtime lover of wine and of wineries, so I was delighted to find another good one.

We had the map of the Cooperstown Beverage Trail. I would like to make all the stops on the trail one day, but since we had other adventures in mind on Friday, I thought one winery would be good. It was not hard to find, 2805 St. Hwy 80. We pulled into the driveway and felt pleased with ourselves for not getting lost or, even more likely, driving right by the place.

Steven right away saw a nice labrador-looking dog out behind the place. I read somewhere that most of the wineries have dogs. They help keep certain pests away from the vineyard. Also, dogs are nice. Steven tried to get the dog to come over and say hello, but he declined. I said he was probably on guard duty.

Inside, the cabin looked, appropriately enough, rustic. Country music was playing. We were the only tasters there at the time. We could have paid $3 for five tastes, but opted to pay $6 and keep the glasses. We like to add to our collection of wine glasses.

For whites we tried the Chardonnay and the Untamed White. Two Chardonnays were available. I chose the one that was not oak aged. I liked it. The Untamed White had a cool label with evil eyes. Rick Bennett, the owner who was doing our tasting, said it was comparable to Pinot Grigio. We liked it but preferred the Chardonnay.

For reds we both tried the ’09 Pinot Noir and the Cabernet Franc. Steven tried the Merlot and I went for the Lemberger ’09. I’m not as familiar with lemberger as I am with merlot, so I thought to try something different. We liked everything we tried but only purchased the Chardonnay, giving us a good reason to return at a later time.

Before making our purchase we browsed the shop for wine accessories and t-shirts. Steven especially liked one that read, “New York is for wine; Napa is for auto parts.” Of course, we’ve had some California wines that we liked perfectly well, but I enjoyed the play on words.

Incidentally, the dog came in while we were tasting and Steven petted him. I was busy taking tasting notes, but on our way out I petted him, too. I’m sure fellow dog lovers will be happy to hear we got to meet the nice dog.

We were very pleased with our stop. I hope to bring some of my wine other tasting buddies with me next time. For more information on Rustic Ridge Winery you can call 607-965-0626. Their website is www.rusticridgewinery.com, and they have a Facebook page.

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Adventures in Mohawk

Posted on September 17, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Saturday as we drove out of Herkimer, NY on the way to the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival, I pointed out Mohawk Station Bar and Grill, and Mohawk Antiques Mall. When we left the festival one sister suggested we get some lunch at the Station then browse the Antiques Mall. I thought it was an excellent suggestion.

The Mohawk Station used to be an actual train station and still looks like one. We all admired the decor as the waitress led us to a table big enough to accommodate our party of nine. We enjoyed sandwiches, salads, soup and pasta, respectively. There was plenty to pick from. Perhaps I should bring Steven there for dinner one night soon.

After lunch we drove across the street rather than walk, because it’s kind of a busy street. Also, we didn’t know how long we’d be at the Antiques Mall and didn’t want to take up the restaurant’s parking.

It is easy to spend a lot of time at Mohawk Antiques Mall. Three rooms downstairs and a long room upstairs house many dealers and a wide variety of goods. I’ve been there several times, but there is always something different to see (it seems silly to say “something new” about an antiques mall).

My favorite thing this time was an old library card catalog filled with post cards. It was wonderful! The card catalog by itself was a nostalgic item for me as I remembered the days when I could research a topic with some success (the Internet still mystifies me). Somebody went to the trouble of alphabetizing the post cards which filled the drawers.

The others in my group enjoyed the antiques mall as much as I did, so I was happy I had mentioned it. I told them about some of the special events held there as fundraisers for 4PetsSake, the food pantry for pets. We’ll probably return for some of those. Maybe I can write blog posts about them.

The Mohawk Station Bar and Grill is located at 95 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY. For more information call 315-219-5223 or visit their website at www.TheMohawkStation.com. The Mohawk Antiques Mall is at 100 E. Main St., phone numbers 315-219-5044 or 315-866-1209. Their website is www.mohawkantiquesmall.com. Both businesses are also on Facebook.

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Not Overboard Yet

Posted on May 30, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today’s post actually took place before yesterday’s post. At first I felt a little silly about that and wondered if I shouldn’t have made it all one big post. Then I remembered it is Non-Sequitur Thursday. Perfect! On with the post!

Saturday Steven got out of work early enough to do something fun. I had seen in the paper that Ilion Farmer’s Market was selling flowers and herbs, which I wanted for my container garden. Tabby is welcome at the Farmer’s Market. Our plan was set.

We got there around three. Right away we saw the small display of plants, but first we went into the barn to browse. A few of the vendors had changed, but the historic barn’s atmosphere was still warm and welcoming. Tabby found all kinds of interesting places to sniff, and a few people petted her. I did not let her go near the cafe. I may have to come by without Tabby sometime and enjoy a little of that good food.

Back out at the plant table we chose basil, dill and two different flowers. I don’t know what they’re called (have I mentioned today that this is not a real gardening blog?), but the big blooms were red, pink and white while the little blooms were purple. The herbs looked very healthy. I sure hope I can keep them that way.

Jim Parker, the folk artist who runs the Farmers Market, told us they would be getting in more plants. I said I might be back next week. I’ll try not to go overboard (as I said yesterday I tend to do with my container garden), but what’s wrong with leaning out a little over the rail?

Sunday we decided to supplement our Farmers Market purchases with a trip to T & J’s Fruits and Vegetables in Herkimer. I’ve stopped there for produce many times, most recently finding a wonderful hyacinth for my mother’s Easter present. I had noticed their greenhouse was full. All kinds of choices. They even had the leaves that grow straight up (I’m not describing them very well, but perhaps you know what I mean).

“That’s what you need for containers,” I told Steven. “You want the thrill, the fill and the spill.” I said it with gestures, demonstrating the contribution of each “ill.” I did not purchase any thrill, but I found some fill and spill. The fill included marigolds, and the spill some little yellow flowers I of course do not know the name of (some of you are probably surprised I recognized the marigolds).

As I said, I haven’t gone overboard yet. But it’s early days. We’ll see what the weekend brings.

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A Happy Hour Indeed

Posted on May 21, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Friday I asked Steven to take me to Happy Hour at the Belly Up Pub.

“I want to sit at the bar and pretend we’re in our 20s and 30s,” I said. When were first started dating, I was in my 20s and Steven was in his 30s. That was a while ago.

We were happy to find seats at the end of the bar, my favorite spot. We had to wait a few minutes for the Bonus Happy Hour to start at five. Happy Hour at the Belly Up Pub usually runs from 6 till 8, but for May they had a bonus hour from 5 to 6. I felt like a cheapskate waiting for a half price drink, but sometimes you just have to save a buck (don’t worry; we tipped the bartender on the full amount).

Live music was provided by Louis Baldanza, who plays a pretty mean guitar. He sang some bad ass songs from the 70s. I felt a little bad, because he kept asking for requests and I couldn’t think of a thing. We enjoyed his sound and made sure we put something in his Tip Jar.

Everything was half price, so we ordered a couple of hot dogs and some french fries. They offer a selection of appetizers: chicken wings, jalapeno poppers, eggplant fries, to name a few. This was our first time getting hot dogs, and they were quite good.

Drawings for giveaways are held every 15 minutes. I won a Belly Up coozy and a coin for a half price drink.

“So if we come early next time, we won’t have to wait,” I said.

Steven noticed that shot glasses were also half price. He collects shot glasses, although neither of us do shots, so he asked to see one. Before he could ask the price, the bartender did another drawing.

“We usually give away a shot glass at six,” she told us. “You won.” How awesome was that!

We had a really nice time, although I did not actually pretend I was in my 20s. Who wants to go back in time anyways? Life is good right now.

The Belly Up Pub is located at 122 West Albany St., Herkimer, NY. For more information, visit their website at www.bellyuppub.com. You can also Like them on Facebook.

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Getting Crazy at Otto’s

Posted on April 23, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

I could not believe that as many times as our friend Tracy has visited, we had not taken her to Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner. Before she left us two Sundays ago, I remedied the omission.

We tried to get there earlier-ish, because Crazy Otto’s does a booming business. We had to wait for a table to get cleared, but it did not take long. Two other people asked us if we’d been helped while the young man cleaned it off. Did I mention the service there is excellent?

Soon we were sitting perusing menus and admiring the decor. Of course I’ve seen it many times, but it’s always fun to look again. Tracy was especially impressed with all the license plates. I showed her ours from Georgia, that we had given them some time ago. I like being part of the display.

I pointed out the Crazy Elvis on the menu, since Tracy loves Elvis and it is one of my personal favorites — peanut butter and banana on French toast. She decided to order that. After much debate, I chose biscuits and gravy. It was bacon gravy instead of the usual sausage. Quite tasty. Tracy enjoyed her breakfast too.

I was happy to see my friend so well-fueled for her drive home. I think it was a good finish for her Mohawk Valley Weekend.

Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner is located on Albany Street in Herkimer, NY. For more information call 314-866-8801 or visit their website at www.crazyottosempirediner.com.

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More Saturday Adventures

Posted on April 18, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

To return to my Saturday adventures: after breakfast and returning my book to Frankfort Free Library, my friend Tracy and I drove through Ilion into Mohawk to the Mohawk Antiques Mall, where 4PetsSake Food Pantry was holding an indoor garage sale.

The place was hopping, but we managed to find a parking space. We went to the indoor garage sale first, admiring some antiques we walked by to get there. It was fun looking at the various vendors.

We got into quite a nice conversation about art with the guy from Riverstone Sculptures. Tracy recognized his unusual style from some pieces she had seen at the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts. He told us how he looks for different shapes, utilizing things such as automotive parts and items from the hardware store. I asked if they had a website, which led to a discussion about computers (they are not online).

We moved on to where the 4Pets Sake people were selling food.

“We could have had breakfast here,” I said. If you read Tuesday’s post you may remember that we refrained from having ice cream for breakfast. Hot dogs for breakfast, however, I would find quite acceptable.

Instead I bought some cookies, a plate of Italian ones and some chocolate chip that were three for a dollar. Tracy ate one of those and I piggily had two (I did mention I was up three pounds as a result of the weekend). We saved the Italian ones.

After that we went into the regular Antiques Mall and looked around. We met the owner of the mall. He was pleased to welcome an out of town visitor. He told us about an Elvis impersonation contest planned for May 10.

“Tracy would be interested in that,” I said. “She loves Elvis.” I like Elvis too and immediately made a note of the date.

We also checked out the Factory Outlet Store. A lady handed us a coupon good for one day only. We did not make any purchases, although Tracy was tempted by some vests. Perhaps on a future visit.

We were very pleased with our visit, which was only one of our planned adventures for the day. The Mohawk Antiques Mall is located at 100 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY. For more information you can visit their website at www.mohawkantiquesmall.com. For more information on 4PetsSake Food Pantry, visit their website at www.4petsakefoodpantry.org. Both are also on Facebook.

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Fuel for Adventures

Posted on April 16, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Saturday morning my friend Tracy and I decided to have breakfast out, in order to sustain ourselves for the Mohawk Valley adventures we had planned. I had to return a book to the Frankfort Free Library, so I suggested the Knight Spot.

The Knight Spot is one of my favorite breakfast locations, although they are also notable for lunch, dinner and most especially ice cream. I told Tracy how Steven and I love to come in mid-afternoon for coffee and a sundae. Perhaps on a future visit Tracy can enjoy that treat.

The idea of ice cream for breakfast was tempting, but I opted for my favorite of a breakfast sandwich on a hard roll. I had bacon this time (I alternate amongst bacon, sausage and just cheese). Tracy got a yummy looking omelet with peppers, onions and mushrooms. I entertained Tracy while we ate by reading ice cream flavors off the wall.

As usual the service was excellent and the food was delicious. It’s really nice to have a weekend guest and take advantage of some of the fine Mohawk Valley restaurants, which I seldom do any more. On the other hand, after dinner and two breakfasts out, I put on three pounds (on top of the five I am STILL trying to lose) (or was it ten? oh dear). I think some running commentary may be in my future.

The Knight Spot is located at 264 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY. Phone number is 315-894-4054. Their website is www.theknightspot.com. You can also Like them on Facebook. I did.

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Not Down in the Mouth

Posted on April 9, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

This isn’t exactly a fun thing to do in the Mohawk Valley, but I thought I’d give a shout-out to my dentist, Dr. Vincent Bonvino.

When I was looking for a new dentist a year or so ago, I just went to the Yellow Pages and started calling Dr. Bonvino was conveniently located near my place of employment and able to give me an appointment at a time I wanted. Once I got there, I found out he is an excellent dentist.

I am a big huge baby about going to the dentist. Of course most people don’t like to go to the dentist, but I have a rather large phobia about it. For years I did not voluntarily go to the dentist. Now I have dental coverage and a desire to keep my teeth if possible.

Dr. Bonvino is very understanding. When I explained my phobia, he said he could pause periodically and give me breaks. Let me tell you, that helps. The amazing thing is he remembers it every time I go in. I think a medical professional could be forgiven for not remembering every foolish quirk of every patient, but he remembers mine. Or else he made a note of it in my chart, which is just as good.

The doctor’s staff is very good, too. The receptionist remembers where I work and when I like my appointments. The hygienist is just as understanding of my foibles as the doctor.

As I said, I’ll probably never find going to the dentist fun. But Dr. Bonvino and his staff make the process a little less un-fun.

Dr. Bonvino’s office is located at 12 Central Plaza, Ilion, NY. Phone number is 315-894-5330.

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