Birthday Present: Dinner at 677 Prime

677 prime cowboy steak

A cowboy steak at 677 Prime.

Update: The drawing is now closed.

It's the last day of birthday week, but the presents are still coming! Today's drawing is for a gift certificate to 677 Prime -- or any of the Mazzone restaurants (Prime at Saratoga National, Tavolo or Aperitivo).

It's a $180 value. If you use it for the prix fixe Mazzone restaurant week menu, that could be dinner for 4. Hey, everything's more fun when you share.

Which brings us to today's entry question:

What's your favorite thing to share in the Capital Region?

Maybe it's a food, maybe it's a view, maybe it's an experience, maybe it's some history or a fun fact.

Whatever it is, share it with us in the comment section below to enter today's drawing. We'll draw two winners at random.

Important: All comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm Friday (March 25, 2011) to be entered in the drawing. One entry per person, please. You must enter a valid email address (that you check regularly) with your comment. The winners will be notified via email by 5 pm on Monday and must respond by 5 pm on Tuesday (March 29, 2011).

photo: Tomas Malave / Mazzone Management Group

Comments

Ice Cream!!

The view from the 42nd Floor (or the Observation Deck) of Corning Tower. AND fireworks from the top of 677 Broadway. That was cool to share! :)

Hiking the Indian Ladder Trail at Thatcher Park. Do I need to say more?

An evening with Nick going to the Brown Derby for cocktails, and then the Palace for a classic movie. It doesn't get any better.

My comments. Like this one.

This sounds silly, but most of my family is from a small town. So my favorite thing is to bring them into Albany via 787 - the ooohs and aaahs when you get past the exit for 90 and they see the city and the buildings for the first time makes me feel really good and brings back the joy I felt the first time I saw the city.

a nice warm afternoon on the deck with friends and loved ones, sharing stories, laughing at silly things, eating appies and sipping beverages - alchoholic for those that want and non - for those that don't...what could possibly top this?

I like to share information that I receive from great blogs.

My favorite thing about the capital region is that we have all the benefits of a large city, but with a small town feel. We're only about 3 hours from NYC, Boston and Montreal if you really NEED something in a large city.

a HUGE cookie from Bountiful Bread.

Happiness! Food! (equally)

My favorite thing to share in the Capital Region is Cheesecake Machismo.

A bottle of wine on the Wine Bar on Lark patio (any day now, right?)

Cupcakes :-)

The Troy Farmer's Market on a warm, sunny day.

The view from the lookout @ Thacher Park!!

I love sharing the dog section of Washington Park with the other dogs and dog lovers. It's a great little community of happiness.

My stuff. :)

If I were to bring someone to the Capital Region I'd most likely wait till the summer and take them to the track and out to eat in Saratoga (at Prime, of course :) ). We have pretty good golf courses, too, so that would be perfect if it was a Tuesday (dark day) or in June or early July.

I also like that parking downtown doesn't cost $14.99 per half hour.

My back yard- I can’t wait to start having cookouts again.

The experience of closeout shopping at Big Lots and Ocean State Job Lots (and other bargain stores like Aldis) with those who have never experienced it. Its always a surprise!

my favorite thing to share in the capital region isn't necessarily in the "capital region". It is a tradition I got from my father, going for hot dogs at the dog shack in hudson falls. The price is right and they are by far my favorite hot dogs.

I don't live in the Capital Region anymore (nearby, tho'), but I always loved sharing two things: a walking tour of Center Square/Capitol area, and all the great restaurants.

Breakfast at Madison Cafe!
They have weekly breakfast specials that takes up the first full page of the menu. Who has breakfast specials! THEY DO!! Like Eggs Benedict with fresh tomato, basil, and sun dried tomato infused hollandaise sauce! Ohhhh... Yummerssss....
I haven't even mentioned the bloody mary's yet...

My favorite thing to share in the Capital Region is a tour of the amazing Cohoes Falls and Erie Canal Locks in Cohoes and Waterford.

A bicycle ride on some of the nice roads around here.

Naomi beat me to it: I share my stuff when I declutter through donations to charities and through Freecycle, CRFreeStuff, and AlbanyReUseIt.

A day game at the Joe with the family. Sunshine, hotdogs and homeruns!

Homemade Beer!

If I have people visiting for the first time, their trip might include:

- A trip to the Troy Farmer's Market
- Beer at Wolff's Biergarten
- Dinner at Jose Malone's
- A trip to I Love in Troy
- The Indian Ladder trail at Thacher park
- A ride on the Albany Aquaduck tour!

DAS BOOT! @ Wolff's Biergarten. :-)

Ultimate frisbee

Honest Weight Food Co-op and the Troy Farmer's Market!

Washington Park. I freakin' love chillin out there in the Summer (just a short walk from my apartment) with a grill and drinking some beers and playing some frisbee. Albany may not have a ton going for it but Washington Park is the shiz.

Favorite things to share include: TNO, bar hopping in Troy from Brown's working our way back to South Troy (and usually ending up at the Ruck at 2am), and small family owned restaurants like Beruit!

Germs. Or at least that's what was shared with me at the AOA party, because I've been sick since them. The cupcakes are innocent though.

I love to share Mrs. Londons. Best. croissants. ever.

Melting Pot!

fave thing to share...

um... the steak i will get if i win?

no. actually - i love to share walks on the Empire State Plaze with people visiting in the summer. so pretty, i live close so it's just a few minutes away.

love it.

also - Super 400. i love to share their music with others that haven't heard them yet.

all the seasons! but mostly the santa speedo sprint followed by drinks at dp and then it's a wonderful life on a snowy night in december

Calamari with my husband. It's our favorite appetizer when we go out for a quiet, romantic, and child-free (we have a 2 year old that we enjoy an occasional vacation from) dinner...usually enjoyed at one of the fine establishments to be found throughout the Capital Region.

I like to bring visitors to the Madison Cafe for brunch on sundays.

I don't share well, but the sharing of experiences of dining in the area (and sometimes out of the area) - good and bad - is something that I like to do.

a different view of the hudson river

I love living in Troy!

I love to share restaurant suggestions and places to get local food.

The gorgeous rural landscape of Montgomery County.

Lark Street. When I bring my friends and family there, they are always amazed by how much that street has to offer on just a few city blocks.

The museum (yes, I'm that cool). It's the first place I bring visitors. I love it! Everyone always dreads it and then when we are there they realize how awesome it is. :)

Farmer's Daughters Soft serve with my three year old daughter (Addie).

Bomber's Pulled Pork Nacho's!

When friends visit from out of town, I like taking them to Grandma's Pies for lunch or dinner. They always love the pie! The NYS Museum is another great place to walk around and explore, especially during our freezing winters!

I love sharing Mousse Mice from Villa Italia Bakery in Schenectady. Once they taste those delectable little chocolate bombs, they happily do my bidding.

The Local

My favorite part about Albany is going almost anywhere and seeing people you know (and enjoy seeing). After living in New York City for awhile, you really realize how nice of a feeling that is. I just love the small town feel, and the (relatively) laid back attitude. Every inch of the city feels like home to me.

Dessert! Nothing like splitting a dessert after a wonderful meal.

Fresh veggies from my Community Garden!

I love to introduce other dog owners to the Hartman Road Dog Park - I love seeing how happy the dogs are, running around, sniffing, rolling in mud or the kiddie pool - its pure joy and the other dog owners who bring their dogs there are good people.

I love bringing friends to the race course in Saratoga Spings and show off the beauty of the sport with the casual fun of a tailgate.

Marshmallow Sundae from Tastee Freez!

I'd have to say the 4th of July fireworks display on the Plaza. It's truly spectacular and for one night a year, Rockefeller's overzealous project is a perfect venue.

I love to share a bottle of J Lohr merlot and the shrimp pizza from Billinis. Its how I destress and since I work all of the time, its the one time a week I get to go out nice with David.

Johnny cakes at Iron Gate Cafe.

Tulip Fest!

The Troy Farmers Market

I enjoying sharing my god given talents.
Whenever the opportunity or time allows I like to design.
A few examples include:
Logo for House of Praise - www.houseofpraise.cc
LCS Auction Logo - www.lcs.org
LCS Softball Team Logo - www.lcs.org

I love to share the Forbidden Delights menu at New World Bistro Bar with my sweetie!

To the person who posted "my mom" as the spiciest thing in the Capital Region -- please don't ride that theme into this post. *shudder*

That said, I have to agree with the folks who offered up the State Museum. It's a great place to take out-of-town guests and no matter how many times I share it with my kids, we find something new to explore every time we go.

Roller Derby, Chicken and Waffles from the Wine n' Diner and a pitcher of margaritas from El Mariachi :)

That amazing view from Thatcher Park -- Albany looks so clean, green, and manageable from up there

A conversation below the Kaaterskill Falls with someone special!

Patio dining is fun to share, and we have our share of nice ones.

A pint of Philly Vanilla ice cream from Stewarts (best vanilla ever)!

A night on the town with my sweetie, and a few suggestions from the gang at AOA.

I've found myself inevitably dragging most of my out-of-town visitors to the NYS Museum. It's a good way to spend a few minutes or a few hours.
If they're here on a weekend, perhaps a farmer's market.

I really like going to some of our small restaurants. Quick, quality food at a fair price. A stroll around Lark Street is always fun, too.

Maybe a beer or two at The Ruck, and when the weather is supremely nice out, a trip to a park (Washington, Grafton Lakes, etc.).

I love sharing the game of ultimate frisbee, its a lot of fun, you meet great people, and get in shape. In fact, I urge people to check out Albany Ultimate Summer League!

I love going to the track then out in Saratoga! Can't wait for the summer!

When I have visitors, I like share my knowledge of the area. I do so by doing three things; walk, drive, or if the weather is poor, we go inside inside.

If we're walking, I'll take them to a local park and walk around the park and talk. As I still am, they are often amazed by the park that is right around the corner.

If we are driving, we'll see such sites as the local buildings (architecture), and interesting things like Nipper on the roof of the Arnoff Moving Co. Warehouse Building and the U-haul on 139 Broadway in Albany. Also, I can take them to the tower building to see the awesome view, or, over I-90 to see the awesome skyline, which is particularly nice at sunset. There's also the spectacular skyline of Troy coming east on route 7, which is absolutely to-die-for at sunrise.

Of course if the weather is poor, we can ride around in the car and do most of the stuff above, but, my favorite place to take them is to a museum, such as the State Museum. There, kids still ride the carousal for free, we can wonder around at our own pace, enjoy peeking into NY's past and best of all, sit down on the set of Sesame St. without going to NYC!

Thanks & Happy birthday to AOA!

large nachos with the works from Graney's

I love telling people about all the little foodie gems we have in this area. While walking around Washington Park.

I like sharing a good meal with friends - conversation and food can't be beat!

A picnic lunch from Cardona's.

I always like bringing friends along on rambling trips. Stops often include the farmers' market in Troy or Schenectady, Cohoes Falls, Dove & Hudson, and At the Warehouse.

Sweet sweet tomatoes from my community garden

I like to share all the great entertainment that is in the capital region; esp., the great free concerts in the summertime, I like to share the good music and good times with my family and friends!

I love finding out about a new small business (café, restaurant, book store) or beautiful park/nature preserve and then sharing my discovery with friends!

what I learn from AOA.

Having a Plato's Closet and a Clothes Mentor in Albany and giving you cash on the spot for selling them your gently used clothing, those you no longer want or use. Also the fact that buying from them costs you a lot less because almost everything is designer!

I recently had my best friend, a history teacher up here from Arizona and showed her all the historical places around town. It was great to share that! In addition, I love being able to share a variety of experiences ranging from city-esque to small town or country. Plus, we have NYC, Boston or Montreal to choose from if a big city visit is in order, not to mention the beauty of Lake George and the Adirondacks when nature calls. We really have it all in our backyards here, makes me mad when people call it "Smalbany!"

Our park....Buckingham Pond

Introducing people to Midtown Tap & Tea Room for the first time!

My shovel (metal strip, ergonomic design, the creme de la creme of snow displacement tools)... with folks that are digging their cars out with their ice scrapers. After this winter, we're truly all in this together.

An early morning walk in Washington Park when the tulips are in bloom!

I love to share new food finds - like my latest fave - Athos in Guilderland!

I love bringing friends to the track because of the amazing history. There's something surreal about putting on your Sunday best and spending a warm August afternoon at the clubhouse.

I like to explore all of the gustatory pleasures of the area (you know, think NOT chain restaurants!)

But as the warm weather approaches, I can't help but smile thinking about a nice relaxing meal at El Mariachi II on the patio followed by some amazing cheesecake next door-ish at Cheesecake Machismo.

Sunshine and a happy belly are always great things to share!

I love sharing the history of the Mansion Neighborhood with people. Including stories of my great-grandmother being pushed out for the building of the empire state plaza. Most people don't find it as interesting as me, but I'm fascinated.

My favorite thing to share --
The summer rolls at Van's.
Also, new discoveries at Putnam Market.

I love sharing cider and a bag of hot cider doughnuts from Indian Ladders during the fall!

To visitors, I don't even have to point out the amusing juxtaposition of Albany's beautiful historic architecture and the soul-sucking geometric modernism of the Empire State Plaza. That, and The Egg are always good for a shared laugh.

Crisan - it's such a beautiful space and everything is delicious!

The track -- there are a surprising number of people around here who've never been, and it's always a fun day out.

I love sharing summer birthdays with my friends at all the outdoor patios in Albany. Especially when those birthdays fall on national holidays.

I like to share local specialty foods and food finds.

picnics in washington park with friends watching the weird ballet dog guy, beer with friends on stoop, ice cream or gelato from crisan in the sun, snowball fights and sushi. all of those things are very fun and sharable.

My homemade sangria. It's a summertime favorite!

I love to share the beauty of the capital region. From the views, to the lakes, to the small towns, to the surrounding mountains. It's a gorgeous area!!

I actually did this last night. My girlfriend's brother and father came into town because her brother was looking at RPI, so I drove them through Albany pointing out all sorts of cool facts and fun places to go. We ended up eating at the Pump Station because the whole family are beer fanatics, but overall my favorite things to share were all of the old buildings and fun facts about them, like how the Pump Station got its name because it used to pump water from the Hudson to fill the reservoirs inland. Yay, history!

For visitors, I like sharing some of my knowledge about what a clusterfrick the building of the Empire State Plaza was-oh Rockefeller, such a megalomaniac.

For those who live here, it's fun to turn people on to AOA.

i love to share all of the little things i see. like the jaws shark in the window on state street, the random "lobo" stickers all over center square, the goose on Dove street. Because it's the little things that count!

The Schenectady Greenmarket.

Coffee @ Professor Java's. Because the place is so random and unexpected.

That and Thacher park.

every july 4 I have a party. all my neighbors are invited. they often bring visiting guest that they have for the weekend.
The visitors are always amased that neighbors are able to get along so well. so there you go it is our HOSPITALITY !

I love sharing Saratoga with my out-of-town guests, including the track, Broadway, and SPAC. So many of them have enjoyed their day-trips there!

All the fun and free summertime activitites... walking down Lark St, Washington Park, Alive at 5...

Chicken wings at Brown's Brewery

a cab ride home after a great night out

The view from the corning tower!

I love sharing a night out at Allen Street Pub (formerly McCaffrey's) for a drink and show (usually provided by bartender Brendan).

A day on the Mohawk river consisting of wakeboarding, bar-b-q and a nap in the sun.

breakfast on the front patio at the madison cafe.

I like to share a cab because the fares are too damn high.

A piece of cheesecake from Cheesecake Machiaimo!!

The regional fish fry!

Food!

I love sharing stories and laughter with new friends at the many great local bars and restaurants in Troy.

I love sharing secrets! Some of my oldest friends are still in Albany and environs, and every time we get together (over steak?!) there is much to discuss :)

A pitcher (or two) of beer on patios/decks during the summer or during a trivia night throughout the winter.

My favorite thing to share is Mahar's. I take all of my friends there and visiting Mahar's on my first trip here was all it took to convince me to come here for graduate school. Well, a few other things, but mainly Mahar's beer selection...

My favorite thing to share is random bits of trivia about Canajoharie, home of the dummy light and gateway to the western world.

I like when I have visitors from out of town and Im able to share some history about the area with people who have never been.

My time....by volunteering, of course! :-) I love the way it feels.

I like sharing warm afternoons in a patio drinking some summer time concoction and talking about pretty much nothing.

taking a walk in the park on a summer evening, or having a late-night picnic on a warm night

dinner and margaritas at El Loco!

Well, in the past two years I've had a lot of great experiences in the capital region from camping, hiking, discovering local restaurants and coffee shops, attending local events like the pig out or the chowder fest. So, I'd say that I love sharing all these moments with the great friends I've been fortunate to meet here and who (Camilo A. Jimenez Cruz) have introduced me to all the fun around here :)

A sundae at Bumpy's Polar Freeze ice cream stand.

A Beer with a friend at any local bar

My favorite thing to share is info about all the fun, free or low-cost things there are to do in this area. Albany Art Room to the Indian Ladder trail to being a member of the awesome community garden.

I also wouldn't mind sharing a nice dinner at 677!

The view from a few places on the Rens side of the river, looking at downtown Albany, the State museum, Lark St, fireworks at the Capitol as viewed from the Holiday Inn parking lot on Route 4.

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Superb acoustics (not a bad seat in the house) and the visuals are fabulous.

Whenever I've got friends in from out of town, I always try and bring them to Mahar's and Capital Q's. If there's time and we've got the cash, I love to go to New World Bistro. I live in VT now, but still close enough to Albany to go down for a day or a weekend. Now I'm the friend from out of town!

The waterfall/hike at Thacher park...then driving a half hour and being back in the city with a diverse selection of places to eat, drink and people watch!

The road.

I consistantly try to share as much of our diverse music scene with as many people as possible.

definitely Indian Ladder Trail!

My favorite thing to share is a movie at the Spectrum!

There are actually a lot of things that I like to share about this area. One of my favorites is the views at Cohoes Falls.

Bed bugs.

Da Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

(Saratoga Race Track)

The State Capitol Building. We know it's here and take it for granted but it's a beautiful and historic building, inside and out.

My homemade delights like hawthorne berry chutney, thimbleberry jam, elderberry champagne, wild leek (aka ramp) and potato soup... ah, the list goes on, foraged from my favorite walks around the Capital District. Yum!

The abundance of beautiful views, the great farmers markets and the Hudson river

my lane with 3 other cars, during AM rush hour as I try to merge onto i-90 from i-87.

Love to share the views from Thatcher Park and the Indian Ladder Trail. It's so beautiful up there!

I'd have to say the various monthly art nights are fantastic shared experience for our local communities - full of creative people that make life in this area fun, rewarding, and full of opportunity. And now off to share another lovely evening of art, music & friendship at Troy Night Out!

I love sharing the Park Playhouse shows with my daughter!

Mini-tacos and sweet potato fries at Bombers, of course!

Peebles Island in autumn.

Recently moved to Albany from Miami, FL to be closer to my boyfriend and some friends. Love being able to share time with them up here. And I love them sharing their capital region knowledge with me... best eats, shopping, bars, etc.

I like sharing my dessert at Cheesecake Machismo with my girlfriend every Sunday evening.

I like to share the 'complimentary' homemade pizza frites (fried dough) at D'Raymonds....

I love sharing LOVE with everyone!

A walk through Washington Park in the Spring.

Naan at any Indian buffet!

The Egg and the empire state plaza!

Fireworks at Peebles Island during the Tugboat Round Up in Waterford.

...that "upstate" doesn't mean "cows" !

The view from the Thacher Park Overlook.

The favorite things I like to share about the Capitol Region are far too many to number, I think my top picks include, Nipper (in Albany), The Schenectady Green Market, and down town Troy as well as many special events that happen annually.

Jokes!

walking around the area-Washington Park, Lark Street, Empire State Plaza & Egg, State Museum...all are beautiful to share with others.

a dance at the First Friday Capital Swing Dance

Brunch! Homemade or maybe at Creo, New World, or Cafe Madison.

I know i am too late. I donate blood to the Red Cross,signed an organ donor card, and am growing my hair for locks of love.
All of those cost nothing,do good, and share in a really BIG Way!

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The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

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