Category Archives: local business

More About My Toes

Posted on November 21, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I mentioned in passing a couple of times that I had gotten a pedicure. I thought I’d say a little more about it today.

I’d been wanting to get one for a while now. My last pedicure was self-administered and it did not turn out so well to begin with. By last week the polish was chipped and grown out in a disgraceful fashion, and I was getting an uncomfortable ingrown toenail.

For anyone who is about to scream, “TMI!” Oh, just be quiet. You must know I hate that expression, and why shouldn’t I talk about my toes? This is a personal blog, after all. If you don’t like it, just don’t read me. (Then again, maybe nobody was about to scream anything and I should just get over myself.)

Where was I? Ah yes, calling the Hot Spot Salon and Spa for an appointment. I worked till eleven on Saturday. Claire had an opening at 12:30. As soon as I had made the appointment, I started second guessing myself (what a surprise).

“Shouldn’t I go running rather than get a pedicure?” I asked some co-workers.

“Go for a short run first,” one of them suggested. “The pedicure will feel really good then.”

This was good advice, but I was worried I would not have time to put on running clothes, run, go for cooldown walk with Tabby, shower, find thong sandals (they are not flip flops; flip flops are shower shoes), get to the Hot Spot. However, I felt I did have time to change shoes, take Tabby for a nice walk, shower, find sandals, get to the Hot Spot. Hmm… It doesn’t sound like so much less when I write it, but it felt a lot more relaxed at the time.

I was glad I got the pedicure. I picked a lovely shade of deep orange, a real harvest color. I was so pleased with it, I wore sandals for the rest of the day. And I went for a run on Sunday, so everybody can be happy.

The Hot Spot Salon and Spa is located at 121 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY 13350, phone 315-866-9113. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Peppermint Oil and More

Posted on November 20, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

One of my stops while shopping Saturday was a place I had never been before but had always meant to visit, Peter’s Cornucopia in the New Hartford Shopping Center.

I had most recently heard about Peter’s during the last play I was in. One cast member gave another peppermint oil to help clear sinuses suffering from a bad cold. She said she had purchased it at Peter’s Cornucopia and that it was good for many things.

While I was getting my pedicure on Saturday the topics of peppermint oil and Peter’s Cornucopia came up (I forget which was mentioned first). Clair, who was working on my feet, said that somebody had given her peppermint oil to help an upset, nervous stomach.

Therefore, when my friend Phyllis mentioned stopping at Peter’s, I was delighted.

Phyllis enjoys Peter’s for their wide selection of gluten free products. I spent a good deal of time browsing the herbal and homeopathic remedies before finding the peppermint oil (I suppose I could have asked somebody, but it was more fun to look).

I did not see all Peter’s has to offer, but I did notice free-range organic turkeys, Three Village Cheese and some very fancy chocolates which I virtuously resisted. I said I must bring Steven next time.

“Does he like organic stuff?”

“He just likes unusual stores like this.”

According to their business card, Peter’s Cornucopia offers natural and gourmet foods, a juice/coffee bar and cafe, fruit and nut trays, vitamins and herbal supplements, and gourmet gift baskets. Steven will definitely like to check out the cafe, and I will take a closer look at the gourmet foods.

Peter’s is located at 38 New Hartford Shopping Center, New Hartford, NY 13413, telephone 315-724-4998, fax 315-724-1975. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Yummy and New Yorky Wines

Posted on November 18, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have a new way of attending wine tastings on a Friday. I work out at Curves with my friends Phyllis and Kelly, then we go to the wine tasting in our sweaty workout clothes. Friday we went to one at Vintage Spirits in Herkimer, NY.

Bronson was already pouring the wines when we got there. This time he was assisted by a lovely young woman with long blonde hair. I later found out this was Alyssa, a representative of Empire Merchants North, one of the distributors Vintage Spirits deals with.

When I pulled out my little zebra striped book to take notes in, somebody said, “Ooh, she’s a professional.” I kind of tarnished that reputation when I pronounced the first wine “yummy,” and I completely obliterated it when I described another as “New Yorky.” As they say, I gotta be me.

The first yummy wine was The Skinny Vine Mini Moscato. Alyssa told us it was only 95 calories a glass. It was semi-sweet. I thought it would be a good middle-of-the-road wine for a gathering.

The New Yorky wine was Red Tail Ridge Chardonnay, from a Seneca Lake winery. Bronson described it as “lightly oaked,” kind of midway between a California chardonnay (aged in oak) and a French chardonnay (aged in stainless). I sometimes get a little oenophile-ish over chardonnays. It’s not my favorite wine, but I seem to know more about it. I taste a lot of differences between the different aging processes, so it is more interesting to me to taste than, say a pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon that I’m pretty sure I’m going to like.

Phyllis pronounced the Milbrandt Vineyards Riesling, from Washington State, refreshing. We all liked the Mumm Napa Brut Prestige.

Two pinot noirs were offered, Red Tail Ridge and Chateau St. Jean. Both were very good; the Chateau St. Jean was more smooth. That was my favorite wine of the day.

I also liked the Four Vines Petite Syrah, but decided to purchase the Chateau St. Jean. That was one of the ones distributed by Alyssa’s company. I asked her if I could mention her in my blog post. She said I could if I had nice things to say.

“In real life, I can say cutting things about some people,” I said. “But in my blog, I like to keep it positive.” I hastened to add that there was nothing negative to say about her or her company anyways. She was very friendly and helpful, even pouring samples of wines that her company did not distribute.

Another lady at the wine tasting (another regular, like me) vouched for my blog being positive.

“You read my blog?” I was quite delighted.

The wine tasting was a great deal of fun. Phyllis, Kelly and I may go on more wine tasting adventures. Stay tuned.

Vintage Spirits is located at 246 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY. Phone number 315-866-6800.

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Breakfast at the Bakery

Posted on October 23, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

About halfway through last week, I decided that since Steven had Saturday off we would have breakfast at the Heidelberg Bakery and Cafe, 3056 State Route 28, Herkimer, NY. I spent the rest of the week upheld by a vision of sourdough toast.

We got up early on Saturday, so I knew we would beat the crowd. I admired once again the larger tables with benches that look like church pews, but we sat at the same table for two we had sat at last time.

“It can be Our Table,” I said. It was our anniversary. I was allowed to be sentimental.

Of course we got coffee. I had been looking forward to the coffee from Utica Coffee Roasting Company as well. I don’t know why they don’t sell Utica Roasting at Hannaford, seeing as they love to carry local. I’ll have to ask.

I ordered fried eggs with sourdough toast. Steven ordered French toast, which is made with raisin walnut bread, and sausage. When I told the waitress how I had been looking forward to sourdough toast, she told me they don’t always have it. Well, I’m sure there are other good choices as well. I love Heidelberg bread.

We decided to get a treat before we left. After pondering cookies, brownies and strudel, we settled on a small apple cake. We ate most of it on Sunday. I may go back soon and get another.

Heidelberg Bakery and Cafe is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone number is 315-866-0999. You can like them as well as Utica Coffee Roasting Company on Facebook. Utica Coffee Roasting Company (which probably rates a blog post all its own) is located at 92 Genessee St., Utica, NY, phone 315-269-8898.

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Crazy Dinner

Posted on October 19, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wednesday evening Steven and I had some shopping to do, so I suggested we grab a bite at Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, 100 W. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

I know I have written about eating breakfast there on several occasions, but we don’t often get there for dinner. I thought it was definitely worth a post.

I was a little afraid the whole thing would come to a grinding halt by our finding out that Crazy Otto’s was only open for dinner on the weekends, but we were in luck: Wednesday through Saturday they are open till nine.

Once seated in a booth, a nice young man offered to start us off with a beverage (decaf coffee for me, regular for Steven), and we perused the menu. I already knew what I wanted. I had, in fact, suggested Crazy Otto’s specifically to order the Patty Platter: a burger sans bun served with cottage cheese on a bed of lettuce and tomato on the side. Perfect for my weight loss goals and perfectly tasty as well. Steven ordered a Patty Melt, one of his favorites, with french fries. That comes with a small cup of bread pudding, so he enjoyed a dessert as well.

The diner was not crowded, as it usually is when we make it there for breakfast, especially on the weekend. I enjoy to sit in a booth and look out on the main drag of Herkimer. I could see the top of the old warehouse that holds Fat Cat’s Fish Fry (must make it there for a blog post one day), Dollar General, Mavis Tires and Cole Muffler.

Our waiter kept us well supplied with coffee as we enjoyed our repast. I especially liked the tomato, fancily sliced and quite fresh and flavorful. I wondered if it was local, but foolishly forgot to ask.

I highly recommend Crazy Otto’s for any meal of the day. For more information you can call them at 315-866-8801, or you can Like them on Facebook.

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Saturday Afternoon Interlude

Posted on October 15, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was delighted to see the Belly Up Pub going into the space that once held the late, lamented Albany Street Cafe. Saturday afternoon, Steven and I had a chance to check it out.

We arrived around four. I wanted to go at a time when it was not likely to be crowded. We easily got seats at the bar, our favorite place to sit, and ordered drinks.

The menu features a number of appetizer-type foods. Deep-fried is one of my favorite flavors. I suggested we order chicken tenders, which Steven loves, then, after considering deep-fried pickles or raviolis, decided on eggplant fries. We got to pick four dips — two per basket. We selected Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Wasabi Cucumber and Cheddar. Yum!

The Pub only occupies one room, where Albany Street Cafe spread over two with a patio, since it was a full service restaurant as well as a beloved watering hole. The remodeled space is more open. The raised booths were taken out, allowing the late afternoon light to come in the picture window. A couple of tables and two dart machines are in that area now. A few people were playing darts while we were there.

We watched the college football game on one of the wide-screened TVs and fell into a conversation with some other patrons of the sizes of our respective screens at home. I ordered a second glass of Pinot Noir and sat back, appreciating the scene.

Steven and I greatly enjoyed our interlude at the Belly Up. We have tentative plans to meet there again on Friday for Happy Hour. Might rate another blog post. For more information on the Belly Up Pub, visit their Facebook page.

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Interlude at Little Falls

Posted on October 11, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Our plans for Sunday included a trip to Little Falls, NY, where we hoped to take in a show at the Black Box Theatre at Canal Place.

Little Falls is a mere six miles from Herkimer. You can get there by State Route 5 or by Route 5S. We went 5S this time, another scenic country road. We noted what seemed like a lot of cars at Herkimer County Humane Society and hoped that meant lots of people adopting dogs and cats. We also noticed the scaffolding at the Historic Fort Herkimer Church where they are doing some renovating. I’m hoping they have some event celebrating when the repairs are finished. It would make an awesome blog post.

The play we had hoped to see at the Block Box was sold out. That was disappointing, but we made the best of it by checking out the shops. Two re-purposed factories, Canal Place and the Shops at 25 West, host a variety of antique and specialty shops. We browsed vintage clothing, books and toys I remember from my childhood (I believe I’ve mentioned I’m old).

We took our time wandering around. Steven found a ceramic witch he couldn’t resist. I admired a few Santa Clauses on our way out, but I figured one holiday was enough for now.

I picked up a brochure about Little Falls and discovered a number of other attractions I would like to check out for future blog posts. If you’d like more information about Little Falls, visit cityoflittlefalls.net

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Cider Mill Sunday

Posted on October 10, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Because Steven had a rare Sunday off, I suggested we make our annual trip to Fly Creek Cider Mill. I had made the suggestion before suffering the back pain that’s been plaguing me and cluttering up my blog posts, but I was determined to let nothing interfere with a fun day with my favorite husband.

I love the drive out towards Cooperstown. Twisty — not too twisty — country roads through the mountains with incredible views. There was still plenty of color in the trees, although some areas were what they call past peak.

We listened to our Halloween CD as we drove. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned our Halloween CD before. It started out as a cassette tape Steven made when he worked at a radio station up north in the ’90s. It was for use as pre-show music for a play our community theatre was presenting. When we lived in Georgia, a friend who had equipment transferred the songs onto CD, adding a few we had acquired since. It is a fun CD.

Fly Creek was a little crowded, but people were mostly polite and good-natured. Of course I went around and tried all the free samples. We purchased some wine, wasabi peas and treats for Tabby. Then we wandered outside to feed the ducks.

On the way back to Herkimer, we stopped, as usual, at Dyn’s Cider Mill. We discovered Dyn’s some years ago, on our first trip to Fly Creek. It is smaller and much lower key but quite charming. We each got a freshly made donut, and Steven had a cup of coffee while I enjoyed some hot cider. I purchased, also as usual, some Dyn’s popcorn. I will enjoy that on some not too distant Sunday with crime shows or cheesy movies.

We rounded out our Mohawk Valley morning back in Herkimer with a late breakfast at Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner. Then we went home so I could rest my back prior to implementing our afternoon plans.

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Cheese Before Wine

Posted on October 3, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven and I began our Friday Mohawk Valley adventures with a trip to Vintage Spirits in Herkimer, NY for a wine and cheese tasting. I was delighted to see that Three Village Cheeses was providing the cheese.

The wine tasting table seemed a little crowded, so I started with the cheese. Tom remembered me from last June. He had read my blog post from that tasting, so that established cordial relations right away.

I tried the feta first and immediately declared it my favorite. So smooth, so deep. I don’t know how people usually describe cheeses (notes of… what? I never taste the notes in wine either, so what does that tell you), but I thought the feta was substantial. The other heavy one was the tomme, which I think I declared my favorite last time. I like the ones that are more complex.

I happily nibbled the mild ones, too, and when I got to the Habanero Havarti (I think habanero should have a tilda over the n, don’t know how to do it on my computer) (point and laugh if you must), I knew I had found my cheese of the day.

I recently bought some store brand pepper jack at Hannaford and found I liked the bite. Well, this was a glorification of that taste. The cheese was cheesier! The pepper was peppier! It was better than yummy!

Having made up my mind on the cheese, I turned my attention to the wine. Of course, as I sipped I returned to nibble. Must experiment with wine/cheese pairings after all.

I believe I can purchase Three Village Cheeses at Ilion Farmer’s Market. If not, I will surely make my way to the cheese factory and retail store at 2608 Newport Rd., Poland, NY. I can get directions via their Facebook page. I think it is time to upgrade from store brand cheese. Sorry, Hannaford!

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The Red Apple Delivers

Posted on September 6, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

A local restaurant recently made a comeback, so I thought I’d give them a shout out.

The Red Apple on Main Street in Mohawk suffered a fire. They were boarded up and blocked with stern yellow tape for what seemed like the longest time. The OPEN sign perched mockingly in one window. Well, why wouldn’t it be there? When there is a fire, the operative thing to do is GET OUT, not worry about turning the sign over to “Sorry, We’re Closed.”

I drive by the place almost every day after work and was pleased to see first when clean-up had started and second when they had re-opened. After they helpfully left a menu on our front porch, I suggested we order delivery.

From the appetizers we selected Crab Rangoon with Cheese Wontons and Fried Scallop. The rangoon we usually get but had never tried the scallops. For our entree we went with General Tso’s Chicken. That is one of my favorites, although I’m never sure exactly how much you’re supposed to pronounce the T. A friend of mine just asks for “The General’s Chicken,” really a very sensible way to order it; I’ve never seen another general on a Chinese menu.

Our dinner arrived in due course. Steven tried unsuccessfully to keep Tabby from greeting the delivery guy (I was no help; I was busy doing an anacrostic puzzle). The food did not disappoint. The scallops were yummy, and the crab rangoons were some of the best I’ve had.

Another menu was included with our order. I looked at it and saw another dozen or so things I’d like to try, particularly from the Thai Style Cooking section. Oh dear, just when I was thinking I ought to cook for myself a little more often.

Red Apple is located at 10 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY, telephone 315-866-1788, fax 315-866-1833. They are open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

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