Tickets for A Taste of Albany 2012
From last year's A Taste of Albany at the State Museum.
Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!
The annual A Taste of Albany is May 3 at the State Museum. The fundraiser for the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless will include samples of food from more than 30 Capital Region restaurants. We have a pair of tickets for the event and we'd like to give them away -- maybe even to you.
To enter the drawing, please answer this question in the comments:
What's the one local food, dish, taste, or food experience that says "spring" to you?
We'll pull one winner at random from the comments.
A Taste of Albany is from 6-8 pm on May 3 (that's a Thursday). Tickets start at $60 ($50 if you're under 30). We've heard from organizers that this year's event is heading for another sell out.
The tasting is in the terrace gallery of the State Museum -- maybe you can ride the carousel.
Important: All comments must be submitted by noon on Thursday (April 26, 2012) 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 (seriously, we want to give you the tickets). The winner will be notified via email by 3 pm on Thursday and must respond by noon on Friday (April 27, 2012).
photo: Bennett Campbell
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Hot dog at the Country Drive-In (Halfmoon) followed up with a soft serve twist ice cream cone.
... said Maureen on Apr 25, 2012 at 10:38 AM | link
Asparagus....my former co-worker Beth would bring me a huge bunch every year for almost 5 years in a row. That was always a traditional Easter food in my family and having it right out of someone's Capital Region garden was the surest sign of food awesomeness to come for the rest of the summer.
... said Kizzi on Apr 25, 2012 at 10:42 AM | link
Cilantro from the farmer's market. The smell instantly brings April inside!
... said Melissa on Apr 25, 2012 at 10:43 AM | link
Gus's hot dogs-long line, eating outside
... said Tina on Apr 25, 2012 at 10:50 AM | link
fish frys and strawberry milk shakes.
... said Jamie on Apr 25, 2012 at 10:52 AM | link
When the vendors show up outside the capital building(s).
... said ethan on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:02 AM | link
Kurver Kreme!
... said Johnny C on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:05 AM | link
Jack's Drive In in Wynantskill is my all-time local favorite. When they open for the season, I know it's spring!
... said cmm2581 on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:05 AM | link
Soft-serve ice cream--any kind and from anywhere.
... said J on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:05 AM | link
The fried long-stemmed artichokes from New World Bistro. The lemon aioli sauce is so good. And now I'm craving it.
... said Sara E. on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:06 AM | link
Ice cream, eaten outside. Preferably during a walk through Washington Park. I'm already planning my route (is it spring yet?).
... said Julia on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:08 AM | link
Definitely the Snowman opening for business! It's not spring until I get my first bite of some of their amazing ice cream.
... said Erin M on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:10 AM | link
Enjoying a Tom Collins on my front porch after work!
... said Matte on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:11 AM | link
Having a beer on a nice sunny spring day at the Biergarten when they have the front doors open!
... said Gill on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:14 AM | link
When Jumping Jacks opens for the season!
... said Lori Palmer on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:15 AM | link
What's the one local food, dish, taste, or food experience that says "spring" to you?
Oh, this is simple. The first day where you can sit outside at a cafe, bistro, or bar (and I do think that one of the best things you can do in Albany is sit on the patio at McGeary's, drink an overhopped beer, have the sliders, and talk with strangers) and enjoy the food, the drinks and the amazing people around you. That first time on the patio is amazing.
... said ned on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:15 AM | link
Sitting on the patio of El Mariachi on Hamilton with good friends, sipping margaritas and noshing on their addictive chips and nachos mariachi supreme. :)
... said Summer on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:16 AM | link
Sitting outside at the Mid town Tap and tea room
... said Hannah on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:16 AM | link
Definitely wild ramps! They're only available for about a month (although probably longer this year with the mild weather!) and I love incorporating them into all our spring dishes.
... said Chelle on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:17 AM | link
My first asparagus haul from my garden
I planted 3-4 years ago and finally this year am seeing spears I can harvest!
... said Adine Viscusi on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:17 AM | link
Patios/outside seating is open and packed on a nice day!
... said Shawn on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:19 AM | link
So many good comments, for me it's soft ice cream outside after a spiedie sandwich or hot dog at Country Drive Inn. It's really summer when PJs opens up in Saratoga I roll down my window to inhale the BBQ smoke everytime I go by but I usually have to stop!
... said Donna on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:21 AM | link
Being able to eat outside for the first time in months.
... said Chrystal on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:23 AM | link
Sauteed ramps and fiddleheads with spring garlic
... said llcwine on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:24 AM | link
Fish fry at the country drive-in!
... said Dan R on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:29 AM | link
Soft serve ice cream anywhere in the sun.
... said Alex h. on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:31 AM | link
Spinach that's overwintered in my garden. I plant it in October and when it's ready (this past Sunday) I savor it with some wild onions and herbs from my garden.
... said Kate H on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:32 AM | link
First trip to Country Drive In!
... said Slacker on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:33 AM | link
Picking up an italian mix and eating it in washington park by the tulips! Can't beat it.
... said melissa D. on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:33 AM | link
A Boston Milkshake from The Snowman in Troy, I wait patiently all winter for them to open!
... said Camilo on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:33 AM | link
The Troy Waterfront Farmer's market. It will be nice to be by the river again especially when they finish all the riverfront renovations.
... said OKW on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:37 AM | link
For me, it's spring when I can get beautiful, purple-green asparagus from the Honest Weight Food Co-op.
... said Sandra on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:37 AM | link
Sitting outside with a white wine at New World Bistro Bar
... said Jennathehun on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:37 AM | link
Hmm, I think what says spring to me is drinking mimosas during brunch in a patio :)
... said Linda on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:43 AM | link
Gelato at Crisan. It usually means I have meandered out of my house and around the hood on a nice day.
... said Bonster on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:45 AM | link
It has to be the arrival of the food trucks outside the capitol. Gyros always bring hope at the end of a long, dull winter.
... said meierrain on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:46 AM | link
Generally, the gelato at Crisan has been my indicator of spring, but as with many things this year, that came early, and now the weather is making it a non-optimal choice.
Alternately, the wonderful taste of the goat cheese, feta, and chevre (what's the difference between goat cheese and chevre?) from Goats & Gourmets in Westerlo is fantastic! If you pay enough attention, you can taste the grassyness, and maybe almost some of the summertime buzz in your ears. :)
... said Andy on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:46 AM | link
Easy! Vanilla-Chocolate twist with chocolate sprinkles at Kurver!
... said RMH on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:47 AM | link
Sipping sangria on the patio of a local restaurant!
... said Crystal on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:47 AM | link
Rhubarb pie, compote, etc...
... said Reuben on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:48 AM | link
Watermelon gazpacho at New World. Hope they bring that back this year!
... said Emily on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:49 AM | link
wild onions, ramps, leeks. they're plentiful, easy to locate and identify, and hard to resist. now if i could just remember to bring breath mints when i go fishing...
... said Ed on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:57 AM | link
Food trucks at the Capitol!
... said Jay on Apr 25, 2012 at 12:02 PM | link
It's got to be the outdoor Troy Farmer's Market for me - the official end of winter!
... said -R. on Apr 25, 2012 at 12:10 PM | link
Eating take out on a park bench.
... said Jesse on Apr 25, 2012 at 12:27 PM | link
A picnic or bbq in Washington Park!
... said Justin on Apr 25, 2012 at 12:34 PM | link
Any cocktail on the patio of the Sagamore Hotel.
... said -S on Apr 25, 2012 at 12:40 PM | link
Grabbing a sandwich (fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, roasted red peppers) from Ragonese and having a picnic in Washington Park while the dogs run around. Heaven.
... said Heather on Apr 25, 2012 at 12:51 PM | link
when Iron Gate opens its front patio!
... said Leo on Apr 25, 2012 at 12:59 PM | link
The fiddleheads I just ate in my All Good Bakers side salad.
... said Mer on Apr 25, 2012 at 1:02 PM | link
We gotta say the best spring eating experience is the meal that follows the first high peak hike of the season in the Adirondacks. We like to stock up on fresh local veggies from the Honest Weight Coop or the Troy Farmer's Market then hike a peak while the melting snow is making the streams flow fast and before the black flies take over. One of our favorite dishes is marinated asparagus and split artichokes in olive oil, moscatel vinegar and minced garlic roasted over a fire we built while tending to our sore muscles.
As a necessary side note: When corn comes out later in the year, the best way we've found to eat it is by soaking it husk-on in the melting ice in a beer filled cooler and then sticking it, husk-on directly into the coals. This produces the plumpest, sweetest, most delicious corn I've ever had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into.
... said Tess and Kent on Apr 25, 2012 at 1:27 PM | link
Margaritas outdoors at El Mariachi.
... said Lauren on Apr 25, 2012 at 2:05 PM | link
Ice Cream at the Pirates Hide Out in Halfmoon
... said Rich R on Apr 25, 2012 at 2:12 PM | link
Ice cream from Snowman's in Lansingburgh.
... said Kathryn on Apr 25, 2012 at 2:13 PM | link
Without a doubt standing in line in 40-degree temps, freezing, but waiting for a Jackburger anyway at Jumpin' Jacks.
... said Alison on Apr 25, 2012 at 2:14 PM | link
Eating fresh garden spring salads on the patio at Panera Bread
... said Michelle on Apr 25, 2012 at 2:17 PM | link
Walking to stewarts to get a milkshake knowing the only reason you'll be cold on your way home would be because of an ice cream headache!
... said Lauren on Apr 25, 2012 at 3:13 PM | link
vanilla/chocolate soft serve at tastee freeze in delmar. yum.
... said kriskaten on Apr 25, 2012 at 3:15 PM | link
I say Ice Cream we all scream for ICE SCREAM.....
... said Kerri on Apr 25, 2012 at 3:26 PM | link
Mint Juleps with fresh mint from the garden. Can't wait!
... said Keri13 on Apr 25, 2012 at 3:34 PM | link
Sauteed fiddlehead ferns with garlic say spring is here!
... said Len on Apr 25, 2012 at 3:50 PM | link
Brunch on the patio at Iron Gate Cafe!
... said Linz on Apr 25, 2012 at 3:58 PM | link
Definitely when fiddleheads start showing up at Hannaford!! Take them home and saute them with brown butter and shallots! Oh, there's nothing better.
(And thank you for the opportunity to snag those tickets! It would be awesome!)
... said Ali H. on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:12 PM | link
Dining al fresco, whether that means Jumpin' Jacks, food trucks at the Capital, or on the patio any number of other good places!
... said Ellen on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:13 PM | link
Definitely a Jackburger from Jumpin' Jacks. Once they open, spring has officially arrived.
... said Heather on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:14 PM | link
Eating on the patio at El Mariachi on Hamilton.
... said Cara on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:38 PM | link
Spring is the really thin, tender asparagus, lightly steamed with a squeeze of lemon and a smatter of salt. Eaten with fingers.
... said Tess on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:44 PM | link
Making a picnic lunch of my Bavarian honey ham, mozzerella cheese, beef steak tomato, thin sliced red onion, boston bibb lettuce, lemon juice, oregano, garllic powder, and olive oil on a crusty artisan sub roll, with a home made brownie, and ginger ale, or wine.
I would eat my feast on "Tar Beach " while listening to Diana Krall, Steve Tyrell, or Pink Martini
... said mg on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:47 PM | link
the smell of fresh basil, eating fiddleheads and drinking coffee milkshakes!
... said Rachelle on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:54 PM | link
Strawberrry-Rhubarb cobbler...or any fruit cobbler!
... said Emily on Apr 25, 2012 at 4:55 PM | link
A gyro and gator nuggets at tulipfest!
... said Lisawitz on Apr 25, 2012 at 5:16 PM | link
A hot dog with cheese from Jumpin' Jacks
... said Jenn on Apr 25, 2012 at 5:28 PM | link
ramps, delicious, delicious ramps from samascott orchard in the K-hook
... said jalarson on Apr 25, 2012 at 6:10 PM | link
I'd say that "Dining Out For Life" (annual fundraiser for the AIDS Council) is a great start to spring every year! It's tomorrow, btw! :-)
... said Sean on Apr 25, 2012 at 6:57 PM | link
Downtown Schenectady Outside Farmers Market on Sundays.
... said Marie on Apr 25, 2012 at 7:11 PM | link
Wild ramps showing up in specials at restaurants.
... said Mike R. on Apr 25, 2012 at 7:40 PM | link
When the Troy farmers market goes back outside. Should be soon now!
... said Megan M on Apr 25, 2012 at 8:10 PM | link
Nothing says spring quite like people talking incessantly about ramps
... said Bill on Apr 25, 2012 at 11:25 PM | link
The first visit to the local farmer's markets in downtown albany are what say "spring" to me. I know there are plenty of farmer's markets that operate around the capital district all year long. But there's nothing like being able to walk outside your workplace during lunch, turn the corner or walk a few blocks away and pick up fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a salad. You get fresh fruit for a snack. There are fresh herbs for pesto and dips. The tastes of the farmer's markets are the tastes of Spring.
... said Josie on Apr 26, 2012 at 5:46 AM | link
Once Free Cone Day has come and passed and all the soft serve stnads have opened, the only place left that says spring to an ice cream lover is Moxies!
... said Ice cream lover on Apr 26, 2012 at 8:07 AM | link
Sunday Brunch on the front patio at the Madison Cafe
... said Susan D on Apr 26, 2012 at 9:03 AM | link
Protein bars and beef jerky in the Catskills.
... said Jared on Apr 26, 2012 at 9:23 AM | link
Asparagus from the Carrot Barn in Schoharie!
... said Leslie on Apr 26, 2012 at 10:12 AM | link
Free Cone Day from Ben and Jerrys!!!!
... said Chris on Apr 26, 2012 at 10:35 AM | link
I think Will Smith said it best, "The smell from a grill can spark up nostalgia." Many associate grillin' with summer, for me it's SPRING. After a long season of warm comfort foods, I can't wait to shelf the crock pot and work the briquettes. I smile every time I catch the scent in the air, while I'm driving around town with the windows down!
... said JennConnally on Apr 26, 2012 at 10:49 AM | link
Eating something delicious and fried at Tulip Fest. Spring into some deep fried oreos...yummy!
... said Adeyinka on Apr 26, 2012 at 11:35 AM | link
Blackened Green beans at new world. Fresh, spicy- full of promise.
... said Nicole k on Apr 26, 2012 at 11:53 AM | link
Strawberry shortcake!!!!
... said Donna on Apr 26, 2012 at 12:10 PM | link