Tag Archives: food

Return to Fratello’s

Posted on November 15, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wednesday I did something I haven’t in a while: went to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY for music an food. Long-time readers may recall that used to be a regular thing with me. Why wouldn’t it be? I love music, and I love food! Additionally, I love supporting local, both restaurants and musicians. But for one reason and another I have not made it to Fratello’s in a while. When I saw that Gridley Paige Naked and Scared with Justin Smithson was going to be there, I made plans!

Unfortunately, only one of my pictures turned out.

I keep saying that I will never get over my disappointment that Gridley Paige is not actually naked. That is the dirty old woman in me. I question, too, how scared they are, but I do no purport to know anybody else’s emotional state. I had never heard Justin Smithson play with them before but have heard him solo and like him quite a bit. He is, as you may know, the Rock’n Roll Mayor of Frankfort. I should see if the Sentinel wants me to start covering Frankfort Village Board meetings. I already do the Town ones.

After quite a bit of debate, I decided on a steak and cheese wrap. Yum! There are so many excellent choices. I may have to start going every week again, so I can work my way down the menu.

When I left, the band was bantering with some customers. I listened for a minute then said, “You guys have to play another song so I can dance my way out!” They were happy to oblige. I took my time leaving, dancing back and forth a few times, looking like the crazy old lady I am. Such a fun time!

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

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.

Breakfast? Yes, Please!

Posted on September 10, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was delighted to discover a new place for breakfast and lunch: the Home Town Diner in Mohawk, NY. The building has housed diners before but has been empty some years now. When I saw a sign saying they were opening Sept. 2, I knew I would be there soon. This morning I was very happy to do so.

For one reason, I was starving! Yes, yes, that is an exaggeration (which you have told me a million times not to do) (you know who you are). I had been driving around Ilion, hoping to get a picture to go with the article I was emailing to the Sentinel about last night’s Village Board of Trustees Meeting. I was not meeting with success. I was going to go home and cook myself a sad little egg when I drove by the Home Town Diner. That would be much better!

The small pictures are old postcards, which you know I love!

I ordered an egg sandwich with bacon egg and cheese on an English muffin. Regular readers now how much I love egg sandwiches! I also had coffee and a glass of water. I had been drinking tea at my house earlier, in deference to my aging stomach. I love tea, but ooh, that coffee tasted good. The water tasted good too. When I noticed they charged me for it, I asked if it was bottled. The waitress told me it was spring water. I certainly enjoyed it. I enjoyed the sandwich too.

The diner is a family business, and a new endeavor for the family. They also run the car business next door. When they purchased the building, it had been gutted. Now everything is new and beautiful. I looked forward to going there again. After all, I still have to report on lunch!

I’ll have to get a better shot with fewer reflections.

The Home Town Diner is located at 150 West Main St., Mohawk, NY, phone number 315-927-4149. They are currently open seven days, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with breakfast till 11 a.m. You can find them on Facebook.

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.

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.

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.

Dinner Today, Donate on Saturday

I got a chance for a good meal I don’t always get a chance for so thought I would make a blog post about it. Herkimer Elks Lodge offers Comfort Food dinner on the first Monday of the month. For once I did not have a meeting to cover so thought I would stop on over.

Fun artwork!

The same fellow who did the artwork for our murder mystery (which I shared in yesterday’s post) also did a board for Cinco de Mayo. The main dish tonight was enchilada. It was delicious!

Other Mondays have featured other dinners. On another Monday I unexpectedly found myself at the Elks Lodge I got a Chicken Parmesan Dinner to go. YUM!

Alas that I do not have any future menus to share, but I feel sure they will all be delicious. You can follow Herkimer Elks Lodge on Facebook to see what future Monday menus will be.

You can see other upcoming Elks Lodge events as well. For example, this Saturday, May 10 they are hosting a box truck to gather donations for Veterans. Have any clothes, bedding, appliances or furniture you are not using? Come to Herkimer Elks from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. to donate them!

Herkimer Elks Lodge is located at 124 Mary St., Herkimer NY, phone number 315-866-1439. And as I said, you can follow them on Facebook.

Mohawk Valley Girl