All Over Albany

What's up in the Neighborhood

Among the topics in this most recent spin around the Capital Region's online neighborhood: a misconception, Saratoga bar problems, very good photos, flecks of gold, Saratoga best/worst, holiday season retail from the other side, bars on New Year's Eve, chevre cheesecake, the Olde English, a formidable sandwich, customer service to the rescue, Lasik, jazz-hands Santa, bald eagles, and pernicious discharges.

After the fatal shooting by police in Albany, Bob says there's a widespread misconception about how police are trained to react in those situations.

FiS Dan had some thoughts about how to curb bar-related violence on Caroline Street.

The Idiots named some 2011 best/worse for Saratoga Springs.

Chuck shared some of his best photos of the year.

Daniel shared some his local "flecks of gold" from the past year.

Emily shared her experience of working holiday season retail on the weekends: "[T]here is something weird about the world where my pleasant, rewarding, and interesting employment pays double something that was awful, exhausting, and sometimes demoralizing."

Steve posted a photo log from downtown Albany bars on New Year's Eve.

Val got very "involved" with her chevre cheesecake at New World on New Year's Eve. (Jerry was also at New World that night for the prix fixe menu, and has lots of pics.)

Jen went to the NYE party at the Olde English.

Jerry got a "formidable" riblet sandwich at the Gastropub.

Wendy checked out the Brick House Pizza & Grille in Clifton Park -- and a excellent customer service saved the visit.

Albany Jane ate two soft shell crabs at Blue Spice -- though she could have eaten nine.

Robert says the Slingerlands Sake Cafe doesn't skimp on the fish in its sushi.

Mr. Dave got a Buche de Noel from Crisan -- and a beautiful piece of meat from Rolf's.

Sebastien captured the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in all its cheestastic glory at the TU Center.

One of Kristi's readers asked for local Lasik recommendations.

The Exiles took advantage of the Holiday Lights in the Park walk-through night to get an up close look at... jazz-hands Santa?

Albaniana took in a "bizarre sight" at a local ski mountain.

Jackie went bald eagle spotting along the Hudson.

And Carl noted an early prohibition on "pernicious" discharges around New Year's Eve.