All Over Albany

This week was brought to you by

The sudden appearance of December.

Yep, it's chilly.

Good thing we have AOA advertisers to keep us warm. Without them it would be mighty cold and dark and kind of empty over here at AOA. Very empty. Vacuous, even. Kind of like space, without the stars. Or the moon. Or the other planets that make it cool to... wait -- were we talking about something? Oh, yeah -- AOA advertisers.

Sufficient to say, we need them to keep going, and they've got lots of great stuff that you'd really like. So please, check them out when you can. You'll find them all listed below.

Got something you'd like to advertise on AOA? It's easy and affordable. Email us at advertising@alloveralbany.com and we'll get you started.

Stuff to live in

17 Chapel Boutique Condominiums in downtown Albany still has a few condos available. You can check out their new model condo and see the furnished rooftop patio. A special tax discount from the City of Albany means that combined utility costs, homeowners fees and property taxes are as low as $250 per month.

Stuff to do

Albany Dodgeball is looking for players. Join them any Thursday night at The Washington Avenue Armory.

Helpful stuff

+ Dorothy Tischler, an attorney with 24 years experience helping buyers and sellers in commercial and residential real estate.

+Recenter Square is ready to help you jump start your new year's resolution right now. They've got personal trainers, classes and there's off street parking.

+ Sunmark Federal Credit Union is partnering with Regional Food Bank to help distribute prepared and non perishable food. They're also temporarily easing the loan process to get cash to people who need to make repairs, necessities and clean up efforts.

+ Best Cleaners will pick up and deliver your dry cleaning to your home or office at no extra charge. They're now collecting coats and clothing to donate to The Food Pantries.

Stuff to Do

+The Hellions of Troy are celebrating their third year in the Capital Region.

+The Albany All Starsare getting prepped for their first bout of the new year -- January 7th at Washington Avenue Armory.

Food and Drink

+Our Daily Eats -- serving up fresh basil pesto, roasted nuts and seeds. They also have four granolas. Available at the Delmar Farmers Market, Schenectady Greenmarket and the Empire State Plaza Wednesday Farmers Market. Local retailers are listed on their website.

+ New World Bistro Bar is planning a prix fixe menu ($65/person) inspired by global food traditions and themes of a joyous year ahead. The menu includes a New World take on the Southern favorite "Hoppin' John Fritters" and "Lucky 12 Grape Risotto," which calls on the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes - one for each stroke of the clock - before midnight on New Year's Eve. Entree selections include Butter Basted Wagyu Filet Mignon, Good Fortune Surf & Turf, Seafood Paella, Ric's Signature Double Duck, Winter Vegetable and Fava Bean Tagine, and more. For reservations, please call (518) 694 - 0520.

+ The Wine Bar and Bistro on Lark is now offering a five-course tasting menu with seatings at 6 and 9 pm Tuesday-Saturday. You'll need to make a reservation for those.

+ Capital Wine on State and Lark in Albany. They've got tastings every Friday night, so stop by on your way out to dinner. And they've got great tips on wine and food pairings.

+ Taste is serving holiday lunch buffets weekdays through December 23rd. This week's menu includes Creamy Wild Rice Soup accented with Maple Syrup, Cranberry Spinach Salad with Spiced Almods, Red Onions and Roasted Apple Vinaigrette, Chicken Pad Thai and Red Wine Braised Short Ribs.

+ Stop in at The Point for dinner on in the "Don Draper Room."

+ There are lots of great seasonal flavors waiting for you at Honest Weight Food Coop.

Stuff to Try

+ Get $250 off your 2011 website design and development from Brayton Graphics when you mention you came from AOA!

+ Get a FREE MONTH of Wink High Speed Internet Service from Tech Valley Communications. Enter this code when you sign up for service at: www.winkinternet.com: w1n87k0