Tag Archives: dining out

A Delightful Dinner

Posted on September 25, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today I found myself in Little Falls around dinner time and decided to check out Trattoria Giorgio’s. It is in the space previously known as Ruggiero’s Trattoria, which I always liked. I found that it is still a delightful place to eat.

I guess it’s also known as a Tap and Tavern.

I took a seat at the bar and perused the menu. I wanted to get a glass of wine with my meal but would not know what to drink till I decided what to eat. I went with one of the specials: a grilled chicken BLT. I thought it would pair well with Chardonnay. I don’t really know a lot about wine pairings, but I know in general white goes with chicken.

While I waited for my food I worked on a letter to my sister Diane and chatted with the bartender and other patrons. The bar is in a U shape, which is handy for conversation.

My sandwich was delicious. As usual, I cut it in half and took half home with me. It came with chips, but I figured the chips wouldn’t travel well in the same box with the sandwich. They were not the homemade kind anyways. But I kept nibbling on them while I finished my drink.

I was in Little Falls to attend a meeting of the Flash Fiction group at Little Falls Public Library (preview of coming attractions). If I make that a regular Wednesday thing, I may make dinner out a regular Wednesday thing too. There are a few more places along Main Street in Little Falls I would like to eat at (another preview of coming attractions!). But I will make Giorgio’s a regular stop.

Giorgio’s is located at 546 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-823-1414.

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.

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.

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.

Family, Food and Fun at Asteroga

Wednesday night I walked down to Asteroga Ale House in Herkimer, NY, to meet some members of my family for dinner. It was half price burger night. I got there a little early so sat at the bar and sipped a glass of wine while I waited. My sister Cheryl and my parents soon showed up, and we sat at a table. We were joined by Cheryl’s daughter Kimi, Kimi’s boyfriend, Matt, and his daughter Athena. We were a merry group, having a lot of laughs while we enjoyed our meal.

Kimi and Athena.

I had a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and red onion, well done. Athena had the same but no tomato, and added waffle fries to hers. Mine came with homemade chips and a pickle. Athena is particularly partial to pickles, as am I. Kimi opted for a Reuben and regular fries.

Athena and Matt.

I forget what kind of burger Matt got, but it had an onion ring on top. Cheryl got the bacon-mushroom-Swiss burger. That sounded yummy. Mom got the same, and Dad got an Italian burger.

Mom and Dad.

I did not take any pictures of the food. Quite frankly, I was too interested in eating it. My dining companions graciously agreed to have their pictures taken for the blog.

Cheryl and Kimi.

I took half my burger and some of the chips home, for future enjoyment. It started to rain when I walked home. I often say, I ain’t sugar; I won’t melt. Lately, however, I begin to wonder: would I melt like the Wicked Witch of the West? At least this time I survived to make the blog post.

Just Time for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday Post

I am up later on a Sunday than I usually am, because I like to go to bed early on a Sunday, but I thought I might just make a Wrist to Forehead Sunday Post before turning in.

One reason I am up later is that I met two long-time friends (tactless to say old friends, but we ain’t none of us very young) for dinner at Carmella’s in New Hartford, NY. Carmella’s was doing such a booming business, I hardly think they need a plug from Mohawk Valley Girl, but there it is nonetheless.

They are the best!

I had a great meal and a great time visiting with two friends who I met through my late, dearly missed husband Steve.

It was in fact, the second night in a row for me dining out. Last night my bestie, Kim, and I had a great meal at Yetty’s in Herkimer. I declared the bartender, Piel, my new favorite person. He graciously agreed to a photograph.

Isn’t he the cutest?

I gotta say, I love being older, because I can enjoy these young people and say so without their thinking I am coming on to them. I can just be everybody’s Aunt Cindy.

Oh goody, that is over 200 words. Sufficient for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday Post. Time to worry about going to work tomorrow. Or not. That is, not worry. I plan to go to work.

Back off, Creature! I have a few more hours left!

Are Wednesdays a Thing Again?

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!

Fun Friday

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.

Fun Thursday at the End Zone

I see that last Thursday I did not blog about going out to eat. Was it last Thursday? Perhaps it was another day, and I am looking at the wrong blog posts. My point is that one day recently, I came home from work and Steven said, “I want to send out or go out for dinner, and I said, “GO out!”

The same thing happened today. We ended up at the End Zone Pub and Grub in Herkimer and had a very nice time.

We arrived about twenty till five, ordered wine and asked if the kitchen was open. The owner told us it would be at five, when his son arrived. We sipped our wine and bided our time.

Eventually I got a cheeseburger and Steven got chicken tenders with fries. I helped him eat his fries. While we sipped and ate, we talked about plays, movies, the Oscars, and playing darts. Two other patrons were playing darts at the time.

As we left, I told the owner I wanted to get a picture of him and his son for a blog post some time.

“Do you want to do it now?” he asked, and called his son out.

The men responsible for our good time.

After I got that shot, I took a couple more.

My date for the evening.

The dart board.

I thought it made for a fun Thursday night. One more work day to get through before the weekend!

Mid-Week Meal Out

As Steven and I drove to Salvatore’s in Herkimer for dinner, I said, “And the beauty part is, I can write a blog post about our dinner!” So here I am, trying to make the post but full disclosure: all I want is another glass of Chardonnay! Don’t judge me.

There was really no reason for a dinner out tonight, except that we wanted to go. Salvatore’s is right in town, and we like them. When we pulled into the parking lot at 4:08 (I was looking at the clock in the car), the parking lot was empty. So was the dining room, and a nice young man invited us to it wherever we would like. Steven suggested an intimate table for two.

Soon we were sipping Chardonnay and perusing menus. We got up to look at the special board again, after telling the waitress that yes, we had seen the specials. We decided to order off the menu. I got a Chicken Greek Wrap with pasta salad while Steven got a Spinach Salad with ranch dressing and a bowl of vegetable-beef-potato soup. The parking lot got more full as we sat there. A few more people came in for take-out orders and a young man sat in the dining room for a slice of pizza. Additionally, a few people were sitting outside at a table. I had thought of sitting outside at a table but ultimately felt it was too warm for me.

Our dinners were delicious, and we had leftovers to take home. These will enhance my lunch tomorrow and perhaps our dinner another day. We enjoyed the quiet dining surroundings, although we have also enjoyed busier nights when we have seen people we know dining.

I highly recommend Salvatore’s, 650 1/2 W/ German St., Herkimer, NY. You can Like them on Facebook.

Mohawk Valley Girl