RSS Feed

Tag Archives: Fratello’s Pizzeria

There Are No Words

I was reading a few other blogs hoping to get some inspiration for today’s post, and there it was: Wordless Wednesday.  If only I had a good, evocative picture to share.  Damn!

He was so handsome!

After looking through a LOT of pictures on my Tablet, I came across several of my dearly missed husband, Steven.  This one caught my eye, because I am wearing that same shirt tonight. I spilled a little sauce on it when I was eating supper.  I’d better remember to rub in a little soap when I take it off later.

Anyways, the picture was taken at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort,  NY, when we used to go almost every Wednesday for music and food.  That adds a little symmetry to the post, I think.

Full disclosure:  I did not want to make a cheerful, chatty post today.  I was rather inclined to give a grief update.  It occurred to me today that my sadness is just a chronic condition I have to get used to, like a bad back or knees (both of which I have, but they are not constant, so I count my blessings).  This is actually a helpful thought: Just something I have to get used to.  I can get used to something.

So I am over 200 words on this Wordless Wednesday.  I can never get these things right.

 

Advertisement

I Guess It’s My Thursday Thing Now

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.

 

It’s Not Just For Wednesdays Anymore!

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.

 

Oh Well! It’s a Post!

It seems that I am in a time warp.  I logged on to WordPress thinking “Throwback Thursday.  I’ll make a Throwback Thursday Post.”  It was not until I looked at my previous posts for the week that I remembered:  it’s Wednesday!  What the hell, me?  Earlier today I knew it was Wednesday.  Furthermore,  I am well aware that tomorrow is NOT Friday.  Sometimes I wonder about myself.

At least it isn’t Tuesday. Or is it?

All is not lost, I tell myself (although why I should listen to myself when I am clearly an unreliable source I do not know):  I can have a Way Back Wednesday Post (should Way Back be one or two words?).

Cheers!

Going back a few years to December 2019, here is my sweet husband, Steven, at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY.  That is Phil Arcuri in the background.  I would have liked to go to Fratello’s tonight, but I called and found out there was no music.  I know, I could have gone anyways for the food, but I decided against it.

Why not another picture of Steve?

I had to look through some previous posts to rememberwhere this picture was taken.  It is Beer Belly Bob’s in Ilion,  where Red Shed Brewery of Cooperstown and Cherry Valley was doing a tasting.  I recently saw their tap room in Cherry Valley and said, “Ooh, I have to go there!”   This could be a sign I should do it soon (preview of coming attractions).

Now my post is in a time warp.  Way Back or Coming Attractions?  Oh well, it’s a post.

 

I Do Love Music

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.

 

Another Fun Fratello’s Night

Regular readers remember my Wednesday Night Thing,  which I have not indulged in recently.  Today I went to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort in hopes of seeing a local musician.  Imagine my chagrin when there was no music this evening!  However, I had an enjoyable evening and thought I could make a blog post about it.

One thing that made it a good evening was that I encountered my niece Kim and her boyfriend Matt.  Everybody knows good company makes for a good evening!

A fun couple!

We had some good laughs as well as enjoying good food and great service.  Our bartender was named Kim too. She remembered that I like Pinot Noir and that I prefer a coaster above as well as beneath.  In fact, the coaster above is most useful in the summer, when there might be little bugs flying around.  But I like to  be in the habit, just in case.

Excellent service!

Kim the bartender graciously offered to take a picture of the three of us.

We did have a nice time.

I enjoyed my evening and took home leftovers for subsequent lunches or dinners.

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, 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

 

More Music on Wednesday!

Regular readers may have wondered if I was ever going to return to my Wednesday Night Thing of going to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort for music and food.  Well, tonight I finally did.  I had the best time!

I got there between 5:30 and 6:00, and noticed a bald, bearded man setting up equipment. I asked who the musical talent was.  The bartender, Kimberly, told me it was Justin, at the same time the man setting up told me, “Justin!”  I said, “What’s your last name, Justin?”  He told me Smithson but I could put “Smithsonian.”  I told him I would put it in my blog post, and he acquiesced with Smithson.  Another patron told me Justin was the lead singer with Showtime.  I have heard of that band but never seen them, so I was interested to hear this Justin.

Great guitar!

I was not disappointed.  He opened with “Layla,” followed by “Peaceful, Easy Feeling.”  He asked for requests, so after a couple other numbers,  I asked if he knew “Sister Golden Hair.”  He looked up the lyrics on his IPad, saying he would rather cheat and do that rather than cut the song short.  He did a wonderful job on the song.

“Looking up lyrics on your IPad isn’t cheating,” I told him.  “It is research!”  He liked that.

I like the hockey pennants you can see in the background.

I greatly enjoyed my evening.  I even stayed for one more song than I intended, dancing with another patron.  It was a friendly crowd at a friendly venue with a friendly, talented singer.  How I have missed my Wednesday Night Thing!

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 pm. Monday through Saturday, 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday.  Local music is featured other nights than Wednesday.  You can follow them on Facebook to find out more.

 

Yet Another Late Post About Good Music

Once you make one late post, it is so easy to make another!  Is that what they refer to as a “slippery slope” (whoever “they” is)?  Oh well, I am often late with my Wednesday posts, due to coming home lazy after a good meal and great music at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY.  Never mind, here is my almost weekly shout-out to one of my favorite places.

He is so talented!

I saw on Facebook that Mark Nanni would be performing.  He is so fun to watch, because he plays keyboard, guitar and accordion.  The other reason I wanted to go out was to order a salad, so I would have leftovers to bring for my lunch Thursday and Friday.  Lately if I eat anything but salad for lunch, I get so bloated.  Sorry, didn’t mean to over-share (even though that is what I usually do).

My husband, Steve, and I mostly wanted to hear some good local music to cheer ourselves up, and Nanni did not disappoint.  We did not get to hear him play the accordion last night, but the keyboard and guitar (sometimes both during the same song) were excellent.  We applauded loudly.

Back home, just like last week, we watched a DVR’d episode of Reasonable Doubt.  I can’t seem to live without my true crime fix.

Just to have another illustration.

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-8484.  You can Like them on Facebook to find out what musician they will feature next.

 

In My Defense, Music!

This is a late Wuss-out Wednesday Post. In my defense, we went to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY for food and music, one of our favorite things to do.  In my accusation (I never did figure out a good word for the opposite of “defense” in these situations), when we came home we watched a DVR’d episode of Reasonable Doubt, another of my favorite things.

I have other pictures to share, but this popped up when I hit “Add Media.”

Steven got a Shrimp Basket while I had a Chicken Wing Wrap, only with grilled instead of fried chicken. Yum!  Steven did not recognize the musician and asked his name.  The bartender said, “Jonathan.”  I remembered seeing him before and later looked him up in one of my adventure books (that is my fancy name for blank books or notebooks I carry around with me to make notes), Jonathan Minter.

Very talented guy.

I was not familiar with most of the tunes he played, but I sure dug the acoustic guitar.  We were also delighted when my niece Kimi and her boyfriend, Matt, showed up.  Fratello’s gets the best clientele!

Cute couple!

Back home, we paused in our true crime viewing to admire a rainbow.  I took a picture which does not do it justice.

I pointed it out to a couple of passersby. I feel the need to share beauty.

It was altogether a very enjoyable evening, with the result that I overslept this morning. A small price to pay.

 

Murder? Music? It’s a Friday Lame Post!

How do I not manage to make a Lame Post Friday post on Friday?  It’s a lame post,  how hard could it be?  Oh well, I was having a nice evening, sipping Barefoot Pinot Noir and watching true crime on cable television.  Yes, I am too lame to stream.  So twentieth century of me!

They are bad-ass and compassionate.

Part of the evening was spent looking at my new favorite thing, Reasonable Doubt on ID on DVR (I am at least technologically adept for that).  Actually, it was my new favorite thing some months ago, but I have not had a new favorite thing in a while.  I need some new favorite things in my life.

Speaking of favorite things,  my husband, Steve, and I may be heading to the Mohawk, NY American Legion tonight to hear The Posers, our favorite local band (preview of coming attractions).  I heard too late last night that another good local band, the Playin’ Again Trio, was at Fratello’ Pizzeria in Frankfort.  Then again, we had such a pleasant evening at home, I do not regret it too much.  We missed hearing another favorite,  Phil Arcuri, on Wednesday, because Steven was not feeling well.  And that is my local music plug for the post.

So I guess this is my Lame Post Friday post, made on Saturday morning,  but who’s counting?  Oh, YOU probably are (you know who you are).  As always, thank you for tuning in.