Tag Archives: local dining

Just Time for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday Post

Posted on June 26, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

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?

Posted on May 4, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

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!

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Posted in humor, local business, local music, personal and tagged acoustic guitar, acoustic guitar music, blog post, blogging, Cat Stevens, dining out, food, Frankfort NY, Fratello's Pizzeria, garlic pizza, husband Steven, James Taylor, Justin Smithson, life as a widow, local dining, local musician, music, widow. Bookmark the permalink.

Fun Friday

Posted on April 8, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

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.

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Posted in humor, local business, personal and tagged blog post, blogging, cocktails, dining out, fish and chips, fish fry, food, friend Kim, herkimer ny, local dining, restaurant, tastings, Valley Wine and Liquor, Yettys, Yettys Pizza and Pasta. Bookmark the permalink.

Back to Zeina’s!

Posted on August 13, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went to lunch today at Zeina’s Cafe in Utica. Regular readers may remember that I went there on Saturday to participate in their fundraiser for the Lebanon Red Cross, in support of relief for that horrible blast. I LOVE Middle Eastern food, so I decided to treat myself to a little more.

Yum!

Utica is challenging these days, due to all the construction. I got lost both coming and going. Full disclosure: I may not have gotten lost on the way there if I had not tried to be on the right side of the street to park. Quite unexpectedly, I succeeded.

Again I say, yum!

I ordered a falafel gyro and unsweetened tea. I was surprised at the size of the sandwich. I was even more surprised by my ability to eat the whole thing! Usually I bring half my lunch home, but this was so good, I just kept eating.

There was a lot more on the menu I’d like to try. I brought home a take out menu, so I can plan ahead. They also offer catering, so I could have some wonderful food at my next gathering.

Zeina’s is located at 607 Varick St., Utica, NY, phone number 315-738-0279. They are open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Mohawk Valley Girl