Tag Archives: food

I Love Good Food

Posted on May 5, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

The first Monday of every month, Herkimer Elks does a dinner.  I am almost always busy on Mondays, covering a town or village board meeting for the Daily Sentinel (regular readers may remember I am an intrepid girl reporter) ( you know, from a 1940’s horror movie or screwball comedy).  However, the first Monday of the month is usually Herkimer Town Board at 6 p.m.  Dinner starts at 5.  I can get my dinner at 5, bring it home, eat some of it, and still make it to the meeting on time.  Score!

I was especially anxious to try yesterday’s meal: Lemon Parmesan Chicken.  It sounded wonderful!  I got to the Lodge around 4:30 to enjoy a glass of Chardonnay and some company while I waited for my to-go meal.  I really do need a little bit of sociableness, living alone as I do.

It looked and tasted awesome!

I make bold to show my messy coffee table as well as my delicious meal.  As you see, I am re-reading another Agatha Christie book.  It is my comfort these days.  However, I have read every Agatha Christie book within reach within the last month or so, including the three I brought home from my sister Diane’s house last week, so I must resign myself to a comfortless period.  But never mind me.

I cannot describe how delicious that chicken was. I could barely restrain myself from eating it all.  Now, of course, I am happy I have some left over.  I wonder what delicious treat the Elks will have for me next month.

 

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A Really Tiresome Tuesday

Posted on April 1, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I really really want to do a Tired Tuesday post.  That is, I really really want to do a blog post and only feel capable of managing a Tired Tuesday.  At the risk of oversharing (it’s kind of a hobby of mine), tomorrow I am finally having a colonoscopy.  I guess some people start getting them at age 50, but I have always been kind of a late bloomer.  I tried to spend the last few days eating easy to digest food (as much as I could manage at the Elk of the Year Banquet), and today I am eating NOTHING SOLID.  What a struggle for a big fat pig like me!

Wednesday afternoon or Thursday will be OK with me, too.

Of course I have very little to complain about.  I can sit here and do nothing except not eat; I do not have to be at work, I do not have to be getting anything specific done.  Then again,  I always say go with your strengths: complaining is one of mine.

What I will feel like if I go too long without eating.  Or without coffee.

I went to look for a silly picture to cheer the post (and myself) up, and found this one.  How appropriate, yes?  My only hope is that I do all the prep properly, so nothing terrible happens, like having to reschedule or my butt exploding.  I try to keep myself from envisioning possibilities.

The other possibility, if I don’t get food and coffee at some point.

My sense of humor comes to my rescue as usual (what isn’t to laugh at Joan Crawford with an ax?).  I laugh at myself.  I sit here drinking tea, water, broth.  Later on I will have some GatorAde and that stuff they tell you to put in it.  I feel a little better now that I have expressed myself about the matter.  I hope you are all having a delightful Tuesday.

 

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Potato Pancakes for Breakfast at Boulevard

Posted on March 21, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

My group of friends that meets weekly for breakfast decided on Boulevard Diner in Whitesboro, NY this week.  I had been there once a long time ago, and I know it has a very good reputation, to I was happy to go there. I knew right where it was, too.  No problemo!

Of course, just because I know where it is does not mean I know how to get there.  In my defense, things  can get a little confusing in the greater Utica area.  It was 2011 when I stopped driving in that area on an almost daily basis.  Also, I have a terrible sense of direction in addition to not reliably knowing my right from my left (that’s a thing, you know, it’s not just me).

Cool clock.

My friends were already there when I found the place but had not ordered yet.  I had no idea what I wanted but found several tempting items on the menu.  I ordered last, which turned out to be a good thing.  Bonnie, who ordered just before me, got Potato Pancakes.  Potato Pancakes!  I didn’t see that, and I don’t remember ever seeing it on a breakfast menu.  I got that, too.  They were delicious.

Before we left, I had to try to win a duck out of the claw machine.  My late, dearly missed husband Steve was really into those machines, so I give them a try once in a while in his memory.  I put two quarters in, realized it needed a dollar, could not find two more quarters. I went back to the table where Michelle nicely gave me two quarters.  I won a duck!

I didn’t have a striped one!

I told Michelle the duck was half hers, but I took it home.  I think she was as pleased as I was that I won it.  Later that day I found I did so have two more quarters, so returned her investment.  Maybe the next time I win a duck in a machine, I will give it to Michelle.

The Boulevard Diner is located at 24 Roosevelt Dr., Whitesboro, NY.

 

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Scattered St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 18, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’m not one to  party heartily all day on St. Patrick’s Day (or any other day for that matter, because I poop out too soon and always have).  However, yesterday when I saw a picture on Facebook of a California friend raising a glass with a group in a nicely decorated pub, I thought, “Why am I sitting home?”  I also reasoned that it would make a good blog post.

First I put on as much green as I could muster, which is harder than it sounds, because so many of my clothes do not fit my current rotundity.  I resorted to Christmas socks and one Christmas earring (my three earrings almost never match, and I found two others green enough).  One excuse I decided was the weather was in fact a little Christmas-like.  I figured if anybody called me on it, I would get a very sad look on my face and say, “I thought I looked pretty.”

I went first to the Elks Lodge, where one member called out another member on not wearing green.  He agreed he was not wearing green.  I pointed out that he was Italian, and again he agreed.

“You will wear red on Thursday for St. Joseph’s Day,” I speculated.  Note to self: wear red on Thursday for St. Joseph’s Day (I am part Italian myself).

After one glass of wine (and not a shot of Jameson, although another member offered to buy for anybody who wanted one) I went to the End Zone, where the owner, Brock looked so cute, I asked if I could take his picture.  He agreed, but lamented that I must not think he was cute the rest of the time.

A sly leprechaun. I was going to put “sly little leprechaun” but, well…

After a glass of wine there, I went across the street to Stone Soup American Bistro and Beer Garden in search of food.  I ordered a McDowell’s Big Mick smash burger, which had Cooper cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and 1127 Sauce.  I chose the 1Velo 2 Pour Red Blend to go with it.  It was yummy!

I also took a picture of the menu, but this is more colorful.

After that I went home to crochet and watch television.  I hope all of you enjoyed your St. Patrick’s Day or run of the mill Tuesday as much.

 

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Yetty’s Is Still Here!

Posted on March 16, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I saw a Facebook post from Yetty’s Pizza and Pasta of Herkimer, NY asking people not to listen to rumors: Yetty’s is still open.  There is a For Sale sign posted in front of the restaurant, but it is open while the owner tries to sell it.  It was good news to me that Yetty’s is still there, because they are open on Sunday.  I went down yesterday and enjoyed a good dinner.

I like the hair band making a skirt on the one Yetty.

I am a big fan of their pizza and the Muffaletta Sandwich, but I was in the mood for pasta.  I got the Ziti Bianco, a vegetarian dish.  It was yummy, and I had leftovers to take home.  I love restaurant leftovers.

While I ate, I noticed the goose dressed for St. Patrick’s Day.  Why I have not included the goose in previous blog posts about Yetty’s, I do not know.

Gotta get me an outfit like that.

I will return to Yetty’s as long as they are open. I only hope that when the place finally sells, the new owner keeps up the tradition of delicious food.

Yetty’s is located at 109 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-4201.

 

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I Get my Wish for Fish!

Posted on February 21, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

All week I looked forward to going to Fish Fry at Herkimer Elks Lodge.  I got the fish to go several times last year and, YUM!  This year, I planned to dine in and sit with friends.  My parents may join me later in the season.  I encourage anybody who likes fish to check it out!

Who doesn’t love fish fry? I guess somebody somewhere, but I love it!

Being an Elk Lodge member, I showed up early and had a glass of wine at the bar before eating.  When we sat down, I was hungry!  In fact, I did not get fried fish but, with calories and my finicky stomach in mind, asked for the baked. Dinner included fish, cole slaw, fries or baked potato, and a roll with butter.  I opted for the baked potato.  Mmmm… sour cream!

Such a good meal!

I hope to get the fish fried another Friday, if my stomach is feeling good, but I will probably stick with the baked potato.  Dinner is $17.  For an additional $4, you can get clam chowder.  Cash bar is available.

Herkimer Elks Lodge is located at 124 Mary St., Herkimer, NY.  Fish Fry runs Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. during Lent.  You can eat in or take out!  Call 315-866-1439.

 

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Good Tuesday Dinner

Posted on February 19, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday was Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday as I like to call it.  I know, for me every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, and every other day as well.  Leave me alone, I’m working on it (was it a Freudian typo that I first put “forking on it”?).  Anyways, the day was wearing on, and I thought I would like to do something fat.  Like go out to eat.  After considering every possible place I could get to, I decided on the Paradise Eatery.

As soon as I walked in, I knew I had made the right decision, as the waitress gave me a big smile and welcomed me.  Soon I was sitting down and looking at a menu.  My eye immediately fell on Cheeseburger, and my body said, “Yes!”  It was a rare moment of decisiveness for me.  I had asked for a glass of water to start with but later requested a cup of coffee as well.  It was very good coffee.

The Cheeseburger was everything I had hoped for, and it came with fries which were perfectly done.  I chatted a little with the waitress, who has helped me before when I have eaten there.  I told her how her big smile had made my day.

Picture taken at a different time.

When looking for a picture, I remembered my original post about Paradise Eatery was “Bad Pictures, Good Eatery.”  I guess I need to get some better pictures.  An excellent excuse for another meal at Paradise Eatery!

Paradise Eatery is located at 122 W. Albany St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-219-5149.

 

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A Breakfast Bribe

Posted on January 11, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have been putting off going grocery shopping for too long.  This is something I have been prone to for the last couple of years (yes, since my widowhood).  This morning I had the bright idea to go out to breakfast (because there was little food in the house and no breakfast food) then shopping.  Sort of a bribe in advance.  Accordingly, I headed to the Hometown Diner in Mohawk, NY.

I have been there several times and enjoyed it quite a bit.  Today I went for one of my favorites: a breakfast sandwich on an English muffin with sausage, egg and cheese.  I worked on a letter to my friend Kim while I waited for it.  I did not have long to wait, which was just as well, because I did not have much to say in the letter.

As I got up to go to the rest room, I noticed the Valentine’s Day decorations.  Nice!  I had noticed some sparkly red earlier but thought it was left from Christmas. I congratulated the staff for being so up to date.

Not the ones I thought were left over from Christmas.

Naturally I took a couple of pictures for blog post purposes.  It was a delicious breakfast, but it kind of backfired on me.  When I got to the supermarket, I was still full, so none of the food looked particularly appetizing.  The usual advice of  “Don’t shop on an empty stomach” does not work for me.  However, I did manage to purchase a few things, including some toaster waffles and a dozen eggs.  At least breakfast is set!  Then again, breakfast out is always nice.

Had to get a close-up of this cute guy!

The Hometown Diner is located at 150 W. Main St., Mohawk, NY, phone number 315-927-4149.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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