Tag Archives: Fratello’s Pizzeria

My New Wednesday Thing?

Posted on June 30, 2021 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am thinking of making Wednesdays at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort a regular thing. Last Wednesday I discovered another talented local musician: Gary Johnson.

He was excellent.

I was sitting at my favorite spot at the bar. I ordered a large antipasto salad, so I would have something for lunch for the next couple of days. A gentleman sat a couple seats down from me and ordered a calzone.

“Rome Calzone!” I said, quoting a local commercial. This guy is auditioning to be a spokesman for Rome Pre-Owned and can’t quite get it right. “Oh, sorry,” I said to the gentleman at the bar, hoping he knew the commercial.

“You’re fine,” he said.

Not many people were there when Gary Johnson started playing.

“That’s OK,” he said. “I’ll take quality over quantity!” I felt flattered.

He kept asking what we wanted to hear. Being unfamiliar with his repertoire, I told him to play his favorite. He responded with one of his favorites: “Tiny Dancer.” I love that song!

My view.

I enjoyed the music very much. When I left, I gave him a little wave and called, “Thank you!” I enjoyed my antipasto as well. Good Music, good food, why wouldn’t I make this my usual Wednesday 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 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday. They don’t only have music on Wednesdays. You can follow their Facebook page to find out more.

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More Good Music!

Posted on June 24, 2021 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Wednesday I decided to treat myself to dinner at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY again, because I had enjoyed good food and music there the previously. I sat at the bar, ordered a glass of wine and perused the menu. I noticed a musician setting up but did not know who he was.

“It’s Matt Grainger,” the bartender told me. “He’s phenomenal.”

I soon found out that she was right.

He was awesome!

I was amused that he opened the set with “Tequila Sunrise,” because Phil Arcuri (perhaps you read my blog post about his performance at Fratello’s) had opened with “Margaritaville.” I like boozy songs.

I enjoyed White Pizza with the music. I will need to eat out a lot more often in order to work my way through the menus of my favorite restaurants. I guess I don’t have to try EVERYTHING on the menu, but I could come close.

My view while I ate and listened.

One song Matt sang which especially resonated with me was “House at Pooh Corner.” I first heard that song many years ago after working on a play about Winnie the Pooh. I’m still humming the tune a week later!

Full disclosure: when I was writing this post in my head, I had a lot more to say. No doubt I will write more in the future about Fratello’s and Matt Grainger. For now I will say, great music, great food, what’s not to like?

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 9 p.m. Sunday.

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More Fun at Fratello’s

Posted on June 14, 2021 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday I had another great evening at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort! Once again it was unplanned. I got back to my house from running errands to find a message from my sister Cheryl on the machine, inviting me to join her, her daughter Kim and Kim’s boyfriend Matt at Fratello’s.

I had already eaten. As a matter of fact, I heated up some chicken Riggies leftover from Wednesday’s visit to Fratello’s. My intention when I got home was to have a beer, because I had the Pride Stride 5K the next day. A long time ago, I heard that a drill sergeant had recommended one beer as a way to carb up before PT (Physical Training) test. Who am I to argue with a drill sergeant?

When I got there Matt immediately jumped up to give me a hug and get me a beer. I did not make a note of what kind of beer it was, but he told me there were notes of banana.

“Oh yeah, I can taste it. Potassium!” Also good for my projected run. They had ordered upside down pizza, which I had never had. Even though I had already eaten, I tried a piece. Then I had another.

A great band started to play. I later learned they were the Playin’ Again Band. We chair danced (actually booth danced). I also danced when I got up to take a picture, when I went to the bathroom, and when I left. Musicians like it when you do that.

Cheryl later found out they are playing again in July. We might just have to go!

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St. in Frankfort, phone number 315-894-8484. They are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday. You can follow them on Facebook to find out about all the great musicians they host. Don’t forget to try the upside down pizza!

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Music, Riggies, Birthday… I Love It!

Posted on June 10, 2021 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went to Fratello’s Pizzeria tonight and I was so happy I did. There I was in Ilion, thinking of the more sensible route of going home (what was I going to eat there anyways?) and then the idea of going to Fratello’s and sitting at the bar occurred to me. The first person I saw when I walked in was Phil Arcuri.

“Hey!” I said, “I impulsively decided to eat here and I thought, ‘Maybe Phil Arcuri will be playing. Nah, I couldn’t get that lucky. I got that lucky!”

I ordered a Pinot Noir and asked if there were any specials. Chicken Riggies! At first I thought, red wine with chicken? Then I thought chicken riggies could stand up to red wine, especially a light one like Pinot Noir. Not that I am anybody’s expert on wine and food pairings. I like wine and I like food. That is the extent of it.

Oh, I enjoyed the music! Phil always looks like he is having such a good time as he plays. A couple of boys seated at a table were enjoying him as much as I was. When I got up to take a picture and danced my way back to my seat, one of the boys danced too.

To add to the festivities, Toni, the bartender, was celebrating her 21st birthday. I asked if I could take her picture for my blog post. She graciously agreed.

I was delighted with my riggies. For one reason, as I pointed out to Toni, I can eat some leftovers on Friday, for carbs before the Pride Stride 5K on Saturday. She had to laugh at that, because there will certainly will be more than one night’s worth of leftovers. But she wished me luck on my 5K.

I had a great night. Thank you, Fratello’s, Toni, and Phil!

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Throwback Local

Posted on January 15, 2021 by mohawkvalleygirl

I started to write a blog post while at work (while on break, I need hardly add), but I am going to make a Throwback Thursday Post instead. Is that too much past after a Way Back Wednesday? I don’t care.

This time I will scroll through my Media Library. I do not promise to throw back very far. In fact, as usual, I make no promises at all. I am going to look for pictures beginning with p, for past, or maybe n p, for no promises.

Mmmmm… coffee.

Here is a p that is also a plug for a local business, Joseph Putrello Coffee Barista Bar on Genesee Street in Utica, NY. This is also an example of not throwing back very far, because they opened fairly recently.

I could go for some local music about now!

Here is a great p: local musician Philip Arcuri. He is performing at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY, just to plug another local business (and p for pizzeria!).

A great band to dance to!

More local music for my last p: one of my all-time favorite bands, The Posers. We have had some wonderful times dancing to their tunes and hope to do so again one day soon.

I see I am over 200 words. I shall hit Publish and daydream about local coffee and music. Happy Thursday, everyone.

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Good Music, Good Food

Posted on November 12, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Since I am unemployed, it might behoove me not to eat out very often. Then again, I have to support my local eateries AND my local musicians. With that in mind, I headed to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY, to hear Phillip Arcuri.

As I sat down at the bar, the bartender told me it was Happy Hour and showed me on the menu where the buy-one-get-one appetizers were listed. Score! I ordered mild buffalo chicken tenders, jalapeno poppers, and a glass of Cabernet. I happily sipped wine waiting for food and music.

He has as much fun as his audience does.

I love watching and listening to Phillip Arcuri. He has a terrific smile and an eclectic play list. He started with Johnny Cash and went on to The Beatles. The audience was having a great time. “Brown-eyed Girl” seemed particularly directed to one lady, especially when he changed the lyric to “Blue-eyed Girl.” I felt a little left out with my green eyes!

The view from where I sat.

I sang along with “Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la,” as did almost everyone else. I sang along with all the words to “Where Oh Where Can My Baby Be?” Steve should have been there for that one!

Ah, deep fried yumminess!

I know I should avoid deep fried, but how could I resist the Happy Hour special? One thing I particularly noticed behind the bar was a rather large cork collector. I should have a cork collector that big!

I should have asked where they got it.

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. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday.

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Party Socks and Donuts!

Posted on May 6, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I wore my party socks.  I had no plans to actually, you know, party, but they matched my ensemble (pronounced “ahn-sahm”).  I always say, I have to take my happiness where I can find it.

I wore different sneakers when I went out.

Steven fancied some donuts, so I drove to the Friendly Bake Shop in Frankfort, NY.  I admit to feeling a little excited to drive as far as Frankfort.  I tried not to feel too melancholy thinking about other Frankfort destinations such as Heelpath Brewing, Fratello’s Pizzeria,  and Frankfort Free Library.

The little table wasn’t there today.

I made sure I had my mask on and obeyed their dictum of no more than two customers in the shop at a time.  I got a dozen donuts and a loaf of Italian bread.

YES, I ate a donut after I got home.  I KNOW it is not helpful for meeting my weight loss goals, but what do you want from me in these uncertain times?  Anyways, isn’t it mentally healthier to love ourselves as we are?  I can’t get into these philosophical questions on a Tuesday.

In any case, here is my shout out to Friendly Bake Shop,  122 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, 13340.  Phone number 315-894-8861.  They have more than just donuts and bread!

 

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Looking Back at and Forward to Mohawk Valley Adventures

Posted on May 1, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

How about a nice Throwback Thursday post?  I only hope I do not repeat something I have recently thrown back to.  As usual, no promises.

Hubba, hubba! Or do I flatter myself?

This is from April 2017.  These are my friend Kim and I at a Prohibition Party at Gerber’s 1933 Tavern in Utica, NY.  I have some better 1920’s clothes and accessories now.  I hope for a chance to wear them sometime.

Same place, different hotties.

And here are my friend Phyllis and I at the same place a few months later.  It was a delightful interlude each time.

So Sweet! And not just the people.

Here are my husband Steven and our friend Margaret, at Margaret’s business, the So Sweet Candy Cafe in Utica.  You can get lots of yummy sweets and treats there!

Another shot of favorite people at a favorite spot!

Here are Steven, our friend Thom, and Kim at Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Herkimer.  I have mentioned this place many times and will no doubt plug them again soon.

I may be biased, but I think we’re a handsome couple.

Once in a while I get a selfie to turn out right.  This was taken one evening at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort,  where we had gone to eat good food and enjoy good music from local musician Phil Arcuri.

I can’t wait to go hear this guy again!

I feel happy now, looking forward to enjoying more good times at local businesses.  Of course I will stay home and safe — and keep others safe! — for as long as it takes.  But how happy I will be when I can go Mohawk Valley Adventuring again!

 

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Fun Sunday after Run on Saturday

Posted on December 16, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

So now it is Sunday, and I am having quite an enjoyable day.  I went running this morning, most unusual behavior for me on the day after I ran a 5K.  I ran neither very fast nor very long, but I enjoyed it.

Later this afternoon, my husband, Steven, and I went to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY, for a drink and a snack.  I am hoping to write an article about them for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  We had a fun time and enjoyed our food and Chardonnay.

Now we are sitting at home, bra off (me), sweats on (both of us ), watching It’s a Wonderful Life  (Steven’s idea) and having another glass of Chardonnay.  And I realize the necessity of making a blog post (by my rules, made up by me, applying to me).

Where we had a nice snack.

I guess I don’t have a whole lot else to say.  Maybe a word or two about the early Christmas present I received today from aforementioned husband Steven.

The new view if me at leisure.

Aren’t they awesome?  Steven purchased them for me yesterday at a drug store while I was running the Reindeer Run 5K and gave them to me today.  Isn’t he wonderful?

I always say there is no point at getting anything done on a Sunday. At least I am making some semblance of a blog post. I hope to see you all again on Monstrous Monday!

 

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Great Music, Great Food!

Posted on December 13, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday at work, I noticed a co-worker’s t-shirt read, “Support local music.”  I thought that was definitely something Mohawk Valley Girl should do.  What I didn’t know was that opportunity awaited me that very night!

I had suggested another shop and dine evening, with the dinner part at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort,  NY.  When I got home from work, Steven told me Phil Arcuri was playing there from 6 to 8 p.m. Perfect!

We sat at the bar, right across from where Phil was going to play, and ordered wine and food.  I got angel hair pasta with a meatball.  Steven got the shrimp basket with fries. Yum! We both brought leftovers home, and I am really looking forward to eating mine!

He is a great musician!

Arcuri plays great tunes from the ’60’s and ’70’s.  I chair danced to most of them and sang along with the ones I knew the words to.  I was not the only one singing along.

Another angle.

I took a few pictures of Arcuri, but I did not manage to catch his smile.  It is a pleasure to watch such a talented musician who is so obviously enjoying himself.  I’m sure everyone there was having fun.

My delightful date for the evening.

I took a picture of Steven.  He tried to take one of me, but the Tablet would not cooperate.  I finally managed to take an ussie (I’m better at ussies than selfies, but not really good at either).

I guess we don’t look too bad.

We had a wonderful time.  I look forward to the next time we hear Phil Arcuri, and to our next great meal at Fratello’s.

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-8484.  They are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday.  You can follow them on Facebook to find out when Phil Arcuri is going to be there again!

 

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