Category Archives: local business

Love That DikinDurt!

Posted on August 17, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I used to make it to all the tastings at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY. It was a great way to start and to continue the weekend. These days I am not so consistent, but when a great local producer like DikinDurt Distillery is tasting, I am there!

I arrived early and stood chatting with the guys behind the counter, hastening to get out of the way when I noticed someone wanted to make a purchase. This is my problem with living alone: I go all day with only myself to talk to. This is not easy for an incurably social person such as myself. I went on to some good conversation with Kayla, who was pouring.

She was really nice.

For hard liquor they are allowed to give you three regular tastes or six itty bitty tastes. I went for three regular tastes, starting with the bourbon. I have never been fond of bourbon, but lately at tastings, I have found a few I liked. I really liked the DikinDurt stuff. I suppose my tastes are changing in my old age. That should keep things interesting. I went on to the Toasted Maple Moonshine, which I have previously liked quite a bit. This time it tasted sweet to me. Kayla pointed out that it doesn’t taste so sweet after the berry-infused flavors. Quite true, of course.

I ended with Mohawk Valley Fire, and my tasting note is, “Oh yeah!” I am constantly recommending this to people drinking Fireball. Kayla recommended mixing it with apple cider and a splash of apple juice for an Apple Pie drink. I know some people who would love something like that. For myself, I will probably use it to flavor some iced coffee one afternoon. I love a glass of iced coffee on a summer afternoon!

Kayla also suggested I visit DikinDurt’s tasting room in Newport, which is open Fridays from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 9 p.m.. I have been meaning to do this, especially as there are a few other places in Newport that are worth a stop. I just do so little adventuring on my own these days. Perhaps it is time to change that.

Lots of Cars at Dave’s!

Posted on August 15, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Tuesday I went to one of the last Cruise-Ins at Dave’s Diner in Schuyler. Dave’s is closing as of Sept. 1, to the dismay of many, but, hey, folks are allowed to retire! My late, beloved husband, Steve, and I used to stop there on our way to Rome or Utica, usually for a great breakfast, although their lunches were splendid as well. Tuesday I had a delicious burger before walking outside to enjoy the cars.

Yes, they stretched for a long line!

I later found out that trophy was the People’s Choice from the first year Dave had the Cruise-In 25 years ago. The winner has returned to proudly display the trophy every year since.

I LOVE classic cars!

Yes, there were two long rows of cars.

I walked up and down the rows of cars a few times, because more kept arriving. A couple of the owners said if it had not been so hot, more cars may have shown up.

Back when cars had style!

If I had a car this cool, I would take Bonita for a ride.

A couple of cars had cool passengers. After getting a shot of the skeleton, I noticed Chucky.

“I’m Chucky, wanna play?”

Then I said, “Oh, you have Tiffany too!” The lady said, “Of course!” Of course I took another picture.

The couple that slays together, stays together!

I’m not really a huge fan of the slasher flicks, but my husband and I rented the original Chucky movie (Child’s Play) (on video; that’s how old that is!) and were entertained by it. Years later I saw Bride of Chucky in a theatre (it may have been second-run) and urged it on Steve. I just love that Jennifer Tilly! But I digress.

Two more Tuesdays remain for Dave’s Cruise-In, and two more weeks to get a good meal at Dave’s Diner, 2251 State Rt. 5, Utica, NY, phone number 315-735-4332.

I Take a Taste

I started out my weekend the way I always used to, by stopping in at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY for a tasting. I no longer make it every weekend, but this past Friday, it was Hazlitt Winery. I had to support a New York State Winery!

I have been to Hazlitt a number of times, most memorably in (I think) 2003 when my late, beloved husband Steve and I went on our first wine tasting tour in the Finger Lakes. Wow, that was a long time ago! I have learned a little bit about wine since then. Not a lot, of course; my ultimate accolade is still “Yummy.” One thing I have learned is that you might as well take a taste, because you never know.

I make friends at these tastings!

The gentleman pouring was Connor Hennessy (one of the all time great names). I have met him before and perhaps included him in the blog (too lazy to go back and check). I started with White Stag, a sweet table wine. I found it tasty. I am not a fan of sweet wines, but I do enjoy a taste now and then. If somebody was serving this at a dinner party, I might take a small glass.

I went on to try the Peach Mango and Strawberry Watermelon. Yum! I liked the Peach Mango best. It was sweet but not too sweet. We discussed how it would be good on a hot day, perhaps over ice or in a wine slushy. I know wine slushies are very popular these days, although I have never had one.

I finished up on the Red and White Sangria. The Red was the sweetest of the day, but I did not think the White was too sweet (it was sweet, it just wasn’t too sweet). I still prefer a drier wine, but I may pick up one of these when I am entertaining and want a variety of tastes available.

It was an enjoyable interlude. I enjoyed chatting with Connor and hope to see him again. Valley Wine and Liquor holds tastings almost every weekend. You can check out the schedule at http://shopvalleywine.com.

A Little More Stone Soup, Please

Recently I went for another meal at Stone Soup in Herkimer, NY, so I could sit inside instead of in the beer garden. I took a few pictures to use in a blog post.

Elegant dining surroundings.

I am well used to dining alone; I’ve done it for years, even before I was a widow, but looking at the dining room, I thought it would be very nice to sit at a table with a few friends. I’ll have to arrange that sometime.

I do love a tall table.

Or I could sit with one friend at a tall table. I SO miss my bestie, Kim, who moved to Colorado!

Where I sat.

Instead I sat at the bar, which I also like to do. I ordered the Alex Smash Burger, which is what I had before. I feel I should branch out and try other menu options, but that smash burger is just so good! I love the homemade chips that come with it, too.

My view from where I sat.

It might be a good idea if I stopped eating out so much, so I can cut down on calories and save a little money. But then again, it makes for such good blog posts, and I do love to support a local business!

Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden is located at 148 N. Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-219-5045. You can find them on Facebook.

A Little Music is Always Nice

Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY used to be a regular stop for me, but not so much lately. However, tonight, after attending the Frankfort Town Board Meeting to cover it for Sentinel Media, it was right on my way to stop as I drove home. I did not know if there would be music, but I thought I could use a little food. I decided if there was a parking space readily available, I would stop. There was! And there was music!

He is very talented.

Ryan Quinn was playing a James Taylor song as I walked in, “Fire and Rain.” It is kind of an emotional song for me, because of the line, “But I always thought that I’d see you again.” It makes me think of Steve, my late beloved husband. I’m not the only one. At the time of Steve’s passing, at least one friend referenced the song, talking about how hard Steve’s death hit him. But I don’t mean to bring everybody down. It is a beautiful song, and Ryan did a great job with it. However, I was happy when he went on to “Benny and the Jets.”

I ordered a mixed sub as a wrap and a glass of wine. It was delicious. I chatted up Tony, who was my favorite Wednesday bartender a few years ago. She was waitressing tonight. She still has the alpaca pen Steve and I got her at Paca Gardens. How fun is that?

No keyboard pictures tonight, but he did play it.

Before I left I danced my way into the room where Ryan was playing to take a picture and leave a tip. “Thank you,” he said, “for your interpretive dance and your tip.” I thanked him instead for the music.

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-8484. You can follow them on Facebook to keep updated on their musical entertainment.

I Raise a Glass of Farewell!

I like to use my blog to highlight businesses and attractions local readers can decide to go to themselves. Today, however, I am going to talk about a business we can no longer visit, as I bid a sad farewell to a Prospect Falls Winery and wish its owners a happy, enjoyable retirement, which I am sure they richly deserve.

There’s a classy place to put a bottle of wine!

I first went to Prospect Falls Winery in 2016 and thought it was pretty awesome. I went back numerous times as well as seeing them at events such as the Cheese Festival in Little Falls, NY. More recently, I found their wine available at the Raindrops on Roses Wine Tasting Room in Herkimer, NY.

I was very sad to hear that Nick and Margaret Keblish were retiring and closing the winery. Of course I wish them well; I could hardly expect them to continue to make wine till they dropped dead. I was happy I made one last trip to see them before they closed shop for good.

A present to the winery from another fan.

Of course I tasted wine while I was there, and chatted with the owners and a few others who were there tasting or drinking. I took my last opportunity to purchase a few bottles.

Isn’t that beautiful?

In addition to wine I purchased two wine glasses and a t-shirt. Silly me, why am I not wearing the t-shirt today?

May they have a lovely retirement!

And so, farewell, Prospect Falls Winery!

Bad Pictures, Good Eatery

The other day I checked out the other new restaurant in Herkimer, NY, Paradise Eatery.

Must get a shot of the window without all the reflections!

I had been intrigued for some time by “This must be the place” on the front window. I heard they had opened and stopped by one afternoon. At the time I stopped they were only serving smoothies, smoothie bowls, or appetizers. Appetizers are my favorite, so I looked at them first. I chose Crab Rangoon. Ooh, were they good! They came with soy and boom-boom sauces for dipping.

Oh dear, this isn’t the best picture either.

I could have sat out on the patio but opted for the dining room, which was almost empty at the time. It was just before the dinner rush. I appreciate beating the rush.

And this one’s blurry! Damn!

I took a picture of the ceiling on purpose, because it is one of the cool ones you often see around here. As you see, it is not such a good picture. I am nobody’s photographer. However, even with lousy pictures, I can recommend Paradise Eatery. If the other menu items are as good as the Crab Rangoon, you will be in for a treat!

A Yummy Snack

The other day I finally made it to Caffe’ Maya in Herkimer, NY. It was late afternoon and I was feeling peckish, not ready for dinner but in need of a snack. I happened to walk by Caffe’ Maya and found it open. Score! I had an antipasto for one, and it was delicious.

I know, I only should have taken a picture from the outside as well.

It looks like a traditional Italian place with lots to look at.

Maybe too busy of a picture?

Of course, seeing all the cans made me want to cook for myself, which I rarely do these days. Then again, my stuff probably would not turn out as well.

Not such a good shot with the sun coming in the window, alas.

I did not take a close look at everything hanging on the wall. Perhaps at another visit. Of course there must be another visit. I must try other things than the antipasto!

I did not sit on this inviting bench.

The bench was near the door to the ladies’ room. I guess you could sit there an wait if it was Occupado. Oh wait, that’s Spanish. Silly me.

Caffe’ Maya is located at 208 S. Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-574-2236.

Stone Soup? Yes, Please!

Friday I checked out the newest restaurant in Herkimer, NY, Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden. I had heard from friends that it was a good place to eat, and the outdoor seating area was lovely. It took me a couple of tries to be hungry at a time they were open, but then I had a great meal!

I especially like the lettering!

I had been watching with interest the work being done on the empty storefront. As soon as they had a Facebook presence, I followed that. The name was inspired by the children’s story “Stone Soup.” The lettering on the sign comes from different locations across the country.

It can seat up to 50 outdoors.

I opted to sit out back, in the beer garden. I was early, so tables were not filled. I ordered a smash burger with homemade chips. I am a sucker for homemade chips!

Where I was sitting.

This would be a great place for a group of friends to meet. I must gather a group of mine soon! In the meantime, perhaps I will go there for lunch and get a picture of the indoor seating. And sample more of the menu, of course.

Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden is located at 148 Main St., Herkimer, NY. You can check their Facebook page for menu and hours.

I Hop to the Java Shop

I went to the Java Shop a few times when it was on Main Street in Herkimer, NY and liked it but had not yet visited their new digs on Mohawk Street. I finally corrected the omission yesterday.

Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

I confess one reason I had not visited yet is that there is only street parking, and I am not good at finding a parking space. Of course this was the case on Main Street too, but I find parking easier on Main Street than Mohawk. I guess that’s just me. Also, the Main Street location was easier walking distance from my house. I can still walk to Mohawk Street, but it is farther and I have to cross Route 5. I know, the trials and tribulations of being me. Some of you are probably playing miniature violins or whistling, “It’s a Hard Knock Life” (you know who you are).

No gumballs in the gumball machine, but I like it.

I ordered an egg sandwich on an English muffin and after some debate decided on regular coffee. I was going to get fancy and try a latte but decided against it at the last minute.

Plenty of seating.

I sat at a table and started a letter to a friend while I waited for my sandwich. There is a section with couches, which would be nice to sit at if I was only having coffee. I wanted to take a picture, but with the sun shining in through the windows, I was afraid it would not come out.

I enjoyed my breakfast very much. The coffee was delicious, but I must return one day to try one of them there lattes.

The Java Shop by Cucina Berto is located at 402 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-717-7724. You can find them on Facebook.

Mohawk Valley Girl