Category Archives: local business

My Cinco de Mayo

Posted on May 6, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday I inadvisedly decided to do something for Cinco de Mayo, a holiday which for one reason or another I have never marked.  One reason was that I read that Matt Grainger was playing at the Saalty Dawg Saloon.  I have not heard him in a while.

I started out in some trepidation, because I have been to the Saalty Dawg once, and that time my cell phone told my friend Kim where to drive.  I no longer have a cell phone and I have never had a very good sense of direction.  Hoping for the best, I drove through Ilion till I got to the sign that said “Saalty Dawg” and pointed up Barringer Road.

And drove and drove.  I had it in my head that the Dawg was not actually on Barringer Road, but I had foolishly not written down the address.  I took two wrong turns, turned around in some dumb places, and had just about decided that I had gone too far when I found it.

Imagine my disappointment when I found out Matt would not start playing till eight.  I had a margarita and some chips with queso dip while I was there.  I admired the view and worked on a letter to a friend.

I didn’t mention that the Saalty Dawg is next to a golf course.

By this time it was after six (still too long to wait for eight), and I remembered that the Phil-Ins were playing at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort.  This is a band with Phil Arcuri and friends.  They would start at seven.  I drove there with no false starts.

Geno the bartender greeted me as I came in. I sat at the bar and ordered Sauvignon Blanc and a slice of cheesecake.  I never have room for dessert so thought for once I would get some.  I did not have long to wait for some good music.

They were great!

Unfortunately, my stomach soon let me know that the queso dip was a big mistake.  I confess to having some fears when I saw the peppers but of course I ate it anyways.  In my defense, yum.  I hoped the cheesecake would help.  It sounded soothing.

I fear it is a symptom of getting old that my stomach did not settle down.  I enjoyed some music but felt forced to head home.  I stretched out on my bed (by this time it took some effort to get there) and proceeded to feel miserable for a few hours.  That is why I did not make my Lame Post Friday post on Friday.

On the brighter side, before I left Fratello’s, Geno read me some of their upcoming musical entertainment.  Matt Grainger plays on Wednesday!

 

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Are Wednesdays a Thing Again?

Posted on May 4, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

After deciding last week that I was going to stay home every night this week, I  decided to go to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY for food and music, as I used to do almost every Wednesday.  A quick check of their Facebook page told me Justin Smithson was playing acoustic guitar.

He is an excellent musician.

As I walked in, I was greeted by Geno the bartender and Justin Smithson himself.  I ordered a garlic pizza with sausage and mushrooms.  It was one of Steven’s favorite things to order.  I was sipping some Chardonnay, also a favorite of his.  The music started shortly.

I was loving it right away.  Justin started with a beautiful James Taylor song.  Then I dissolved into embarrassing tears as he got to the chorus:  “But I always thought that I’d see you again.”  This is what happens.  Every day I realize I will never see my husband Steve again.  However, I must try not to make a spectacle of myself.

This one turned out a little dark.

Justin moved on to play a variety of tunes.  At one point he asked for requests, and a man said, “Cat Stevens!”  Justin played “Wild World,” which is a song that plays in my head when I am running and go by a WildWood camper.

“Made my night!” said the requestor when the song was done.

I greatly enjoyed hearing the music.  I will be back at Fratello’s again soon!

 

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Fun Friday

Posted on April 8, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

How about a late Friday post that is not lame?  At least it will not be admittedly lame, as it includes two Mohawk Valley Adventures and  couple seasonal pictures.

My friend Kim and I started our evening with a cocktail tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY.  Felicia, one out our favourite pourers, was giving samples of pre-mixed drinks in cans.

I had to get a picture of the Eastery display.

Kim especially liked the sign:  “EVERY HOUR IS HAPPY HOUR.”  I was taken with the bunny butts.  The drinks were made with vodka or tequila with real fruit juice and no added sugar.  They were pretty tasty, but not really my thing.

From the liquor store we went to Yetty’s for supper.  We were happy to find seats at the bar.  We had not been there in a while, but the bartender remembered us and greeted us warmly.  The first thing I noticed was that the head that graces the shelf behind the bar was dressed for the holiday.

It was perhaps a little dark, but you can see the bunny ears.

We both had fish and chips.  Kim had mayonnaise with hers; I got tartar sauce.  It was quite yummy.  We had a very fun evening, and I got a real blog post out of it (or do I flatter myself?).

Valley Wine and Liquor is located at  326 S. Caroline St.  Yetty’s is at 109 Mohawk St.  Both are in Herkimer, NY.  For more information,  you can visit their Facebook pages.

 

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Music and Fun at Fratello’s

Posted on March 31, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wednesday night I went to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY, because I saw that Mark Nanni was playing.  He’s awesome!  He plays keyboard, guitar, and accordion (no, not all at once, as I am sure some of you were about to say) (you know who you are).  When I walked in, one of the workers greeted me and told me Mark Nanni was playing.

“I know, that’s why I’m here,”  I said.

I love his sound.

While I waited for the music to start I ordered some food and a glass of wine.  Then I got into a discussion with some other patrons about my flowered headband, which I wore because it goes so nicely with my Beer Belly Bob’s tie-dye t-shirt.

“I was a little worried it would make me look like that lady they said killed her husband and fed him to the tigers,” I admitted.  I further admitted I never saw the popular Netflix series on the case, although I did see Dateline episode about it.  One of them looked up the lady’s name, and another shared me a picture.

This is me, by the way.

I believe the resemblance is only superficial, but it was a funny conversation.  I did wonder while I was getting dressed if I would remind people of that lady, and it seems I did, because they were the ones that brought it up.  I told them a friend said I looked like Frieda Kahlo and that they would sound more cultured if they made that reference instead.   I kind of lost them there.

I was delighted when the music started,  Nanni opened with a jazzy tune, which further delighted me.  In one song he transitioned smoothly from guitar to keyboard and back to guitar.  Nice!

It was a lovely evening.  I shall return to Fratello’s soon for more music and food, perhaps wearing a different hair ornament.

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, 315-894-8484.

 

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I Guess It’s My Thursday Thing Now

Posted on March 17, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

Never mind how I ended up at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY, it’s a long story (and I may make it my Lame Post Friday post,  but no promises).  The point is, I walked in, heard music, and right away saw my niece Kimi and her boyfriend,  Matt.

“Boy am I glad to see you!” I said.  Friends, music, food, this was the cure I needed.

I loved his sound.

The singer was Tom Maneen (good God, autocorrect tried to make it Hanson!), who I had never heard before.  He played acoustic guitar and a wonderful mix of music.

At one point he asked for a Jack Fire.  I asked if he had tried Mohawk Valley Fire from Dikin Durt Distillery, which I like to recommend to people when they are having something similar.  He said he had tried all their stuff and loved it.  It’s always nice to encounter someone who likes the same local business I do.

Matt asked for Cold Play but could not pick one of their great hits.  I asked for something from the ’80’s and got “Purple Rain,” which I realized I was writing about with a purple pen.  It’s the little things.

We were soon joined by Matt’s friend Dan, who I had met before.  I was pleased that I remembered his name, because I usually can only remember one person per name, and I already know a few Dans.  Dan was drinking Utica Club, which I mention in order to plug another local business.  I told Dan he was going in the blog for that reason.  He agreed to it, mentioning that he always drinks UC.

As I said, the evening was just what I needed, even if I did wait till Friday morning to make my Thursday blog post (I don’t know why I feel compelled to point up my lateness, but so it is).  I can only hope I get just what I need on Friday.

 

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Thank You, Farmhouse!

Posted on March 13, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

This morning I treated myself to breakfast at Farmhouse Restaurant in Ilion, NY.  I thought about being frugal and eating at home, but then I thought I would support the local economy.  Additionally, I didn’t want to make any more dirty dishes.

It’s a great place to eat.

Dateline was playing on the television when I arrived.  Oh boy!  I changed my seat twice, once to be facing the TV then again because the bright sun was too hot on my ear.  I always think it’s funny how it can be so cold outside but the sun can be so hot.

I ordered coffee and an egg sandwich with bacon, egg and cheese.  Yum!

I love how it’s always a different coffee mug.

It was the waitress’ last day.  She is moving south.  I wished her good fortune in her new home.  As I left I told her to have a good day, then wished the same to the other patrons.

“And as for Dateline, that guy totally did it.”  I looked at the screen.  “Not that guy, the other guy.”

It was a very pleasant breakfast.  I was glad I had bestirred myself to go.

 

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It’s Not Just For Wednesdays Anymore!

Posted on March 10, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

Regular readers know about my regular Wednesday thing of going to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY for music and food on a Wednesday night. Of course they have music other nights too.  This week I got to go there for some great music and family time on a Thursday.

I had not meant to go out this evening.  For one reason, I had to wait for the cable guy to come hook up my internet (long story, perhaps a little interesting but never mind).  While I was waiting my sister Cheryl messaged me that she was on her way to Frankfort and Fratello’s.  Damn!  That sounded good!

Long story a little short(er), I managed to join Cheryl, her daughter Kimi, and Kimi’s boyfriend, Matt for  a really fun time.  Matt happened to be on the porch making a phone call when I arrived.  He immediately gave me a big hug, which I sorely needed.  Joining Cheryl and Kimi at the bar, he said, “I brought in this lady.  She was just wandering around outside,.”

“You brought that old lady in here?”  my sister scolded. I got some more hugs.

They had already ordered their food, but I quickly got a glass of Pinot Noir and ordered a cheeseburger for myself.  The music had already started.  I took my obligatory shot to share on Facebook and encourage others to come down.

He was pretty awesome.

It was Matt Migliore, who I had heard of but never seen (I don’t think).  He played a wide variety of music and asked for any requests. Someone asked for Guns ‘N Roses, which he did a very good job of.  Some of the requests sounded more recent for my tastes, so I asked for Kansas.  It was the first one I could think of because I have been listening to “Leftoverture” in my car lately.  Then I thought of their orchestral, synthesizer-heavy harmonies and admitted it might be a little hard for a solo artist with a keyboard. He began playing a familiar riff on the keyboard then went into a beautiful verse of “Carry On, My Wayward Son.”  He paused at the chorus.

“I need a lot more voices to sing that!” he said.”At least five!”   But what he did was awesome.

Later I asked for something from the ’70’s, and he obliged with “Brandy.”  Other people asked for Cold Play or people I have never heard of.

It’s not just about the music!

Cheryl suggested I take a picture of her food for my blog post. She got Pasta  Al Forno .  I must try that some time.  I got a cheeseburger while Matt and Kimi split a pizza.

A fun group!

I asked to take a picture of my dining companions for the blog post. Cheryl was not best pleased and suggested I crop her out, but I think she is pretty.

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St., Frankfort,  NY, phone number 315-894-8484.

 

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Bad Sunday, Good Pizza

Posted on March 6, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

My Sunday was really crappy, although I’ll admit my problems were primarily of the first world variety.  Then again, when you feel your desires are simple, it can be twice as frustrating to be unable to meet them. Additionally, my whole life these days is overshadowed by the grief of losing my husband.  I am afraid anything that sucks is going to suck a little bit more for the foreseeable future.  One must live through these things.

All I wanted to do was watch television.  A little news in the morning while I played solitaire (on the floor with a regular deck of cards), a little Snapped in the afternoon while I knitted.  A relaxing Sunday.  However, it did not work out that way.  Once again, my television persistently told me “No Signal.”

I spent time on the phone with cable people, I drove to New Hartford, NY to pick up a cable they said I needed, I figured out how to replace said cable, I spent more time on the phone, I drove to Little Falls so the UPS store could send my (brand new) cable box back to the cable company, I required two more phone calls to actually cancel service.  Phew!  That is the short version, but I did not want to skip any steps.

So now I sit in silence on Monday morning, pecking in one letter at a time with the stylus on my Tablet (I always feel the need to tell you that), making my Sunday blog post late once again.  As you see, I did not cancel internet.  I am not a savage, after all.

Just to add a plug for a local business,  in between the last two phone calls, I went to Mangia Macrina’s which is handily located in the same building, for a wood-fired pizza and a glass of wine.  While I sipped and munched, I wrote another character sheet for my upcoming murder mystery, Shooting at the Grange (more about that later) (preview of coming attractions).

Good pizza!

Mangia Macrina’s (Macrina’s, not Marine’s, autocorrect!  Sheesh!) is located at Canal Place in Little Falls, NY.

 

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I Do Love Music

Posted on February 22, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

On a recent Wednesday I made my way to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY, to meet my niece Kimi and her boyfriend, Matt, and to hear one of my favorite local musicians, Phil Arcuri.  It was a bittersweet but lovely evening.

Previously shared picture.

Regular readers know that my late husband, Steven, and I had a Wednesday thing of going to Fratello’s on Wednesday nights for food and music (not necessarily in that order).  More recently, I went alone as Steven did not feel up to it, but I always hoped he would be joining me again soon.  I like to think he was with me in spirit.

Right away Phil gave me a hug and said he was sorry about Steve.  Later on in the evening, he said he missed Steve’s smile.  Steve always was a big fan of Phil’s.  Some Wednesdays when he was disinclined to go out at all, I could tempt him by saying Phil was playing.

Phil opened, as he often does, with “Margaritaville.”  Traditionally, when he gets to the line, “It’s all my fault,”  I say it is Steve’s fault.  This night, I admitted it was my fault.  On the next chorus, I blamed Kimi and Matt.

Also a previously shared picture.

I was glad I got out of the house, and I am glad I finally wrote about the evening.  Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158. E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-8484.  They are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Sunday 1 to 7 p.m.  You can follow them on Facebook to find out when local musicians are featured.

 

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Not Much Post But Cute Pictures

Posted on January 11, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was too tired on Tuesday to make even a Tired Tuesday Post.  I would only have whined for 200 words, as I have done in the past.  It is now Wednesday morning.  I did not take my daily walk (can you still call it a daily walk when you miss a day once a week?), but I thought I would try to come up with some semblance of a blog post.

One thing I have is a couple of cute pictures I took at FarmHouse Restaurant in Ilion, NY, when I went there for a breakfast that I neglected to make a blog post about.

It looks like the creamer is talking to the cup.

I actually did not put creamer in my coffee, but it was so cute I had to include it in the picture.   I ordered a breakfast sandwich, which I did not take a picture of (I will end a sentence with a preposition if I decide to).  However, when I finished it,  I noticed the frogs on the plate.  My husband, Steve, collects frogs.  I took a picture so he could be jealous.

So cute!

Who knows, maybe the frog plates will entice Steve to join me for breakfast one day!

FarmHouse Restaurant is located at  9 Central Ave, Ilion, NY, phone number 315-895-0770.  They are open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday,  8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, closed Wednesday.   However,  I noticed on Facebook that they would like to expand their hours, based on staffing.

 

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