All Over Albany

This week was brought to you by

This week was brought to you by, cupcakes, presents, parties and all things birthday related. Thanks to the wonderful folks at The Malt Room at Brown's for throwing a fantastic party, and to everyone who has helped make this week, and the six years before it, truly wonderful.

AOA wouldn't exist without its advertisers, so if you like us, check out the list below and thank them for their support. If there's something you want to pass along to the AOA crowd, we can help get you started. It's easy and affordable. Just send us a note at advertising@alloveralbany.com.

Stuff to do

Dining Out for Life
This Thursday, April 24 is Dining Out for Life -- the easiest and most fun way we can think of to do a good thing. Go out to lunch or dinner on Thursday at a participating restaurant and a portion of your bill will be donated to The Aids Council of Northeastern New York.

Drawing Up Central
The Central Avenue BID's Drawing Up Central sidwalk chalk drawing competition, Saturday, May 10.

Movies
+ The Spectrum 8 Theaters Presenting Now:In the Wings on a World Stage, a backstage look at a ten month tour of Richard III, produced by Kevin Spacey -- April 29.

+The Knickerbocker Film Festival. April 18-24.

Classes
+ The Arts Center of the Capital Region offers a wide range of classes, from dance to wood working to digital illustration. You can register for spring classes today.

Laugh more
+The Mop & Bucket Company -- offering a full slate of classes throughout the year. Not a performer? Improv can help increase your creativity and openness in the workplace too. You can catch MopCo performances every Friday night at 8 pm at Proctors.

See a show
+The Troy Music Hall, presenting Red Molly, Friday, May 16.

+The Palace Theater presents 50 Shades: The Musical, a parody of 50 Shades of Gray, Wednesday, April 30th.

Mummy mysteries
The Albany Institute of History and Art presents "The Mystery of the Albany Mummies," series through June 8.

Volunteer
Serve Albany -- a week long volunteer program to better communities in the Capital City. Pick a service project and give some time.

Food and Drink

Easter Brunch
Easter Brunch at New World Bistro Bar is sold out, but the full menu will be available during dinner service, 5pm-9:30pm, along with extra-special-specials in honor of the holiday. Reservations are strongly suggested, (518) 694-0520. New Spring Menu Launches Wednesday, April 23rd! Keep your eyes on newworldbistrobar.com for all the mouth-watering details. On Thursday, April 24th New World Bistro Bar is proud to participate once again in the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York's Dining Out For Life! NWBB will donate 20% of all sales to this amazing organization. Just dine to donate! Reservations are strongly suggested, (518) 694-0520.

Cheese
+ The Cheese Traveler, introducing its new sandwich and panini menu --available Tuesday through Sunday. Sandwiches built on loaves sourced from Bonfiglio & Bread in Hudson and will feature a variety of high quality meats, cheeses, condiments, and other fine accompaniments. Offerings will change based on seasonal availability and inspiration, and can be enjoyed in-store or packaged to go.

Here's a menu sample:
Laguiole, Apple Peach & Apricot chutney (Rosebud Farms) $6.99
Toma Celena, Pawlett, smoked duck breast (Larchmont Charcuterie), black currant jam (Les Comtes de Provence) $7.99
Manchego Artesano, salchichon Iberico (Fermin) oil-cured olive tapenade $7.99

Kimchi fries
+ Mingle on Delaware Ave in Albany. Be on the lookout for Fin the Fishmonger's "Fin"-tastic specials, including fresh haddock fish tacos & pan-seared whole trout. Their chef will be using local products to create new specials daily to keep the menu fresh. Try the Kimchi fries.

Food and history
+Smith's Restaurant has great food in an historic building. You'll want to check out the bar--it's from Tammany Hall.

Food and beer
+Brown's Brewing-- a sponsor of the AOA BAd Boys, Broads and Bootleggers tour. Relax with a cask beer at the new Malt Room.

Helpful stuff

Historic home help
Historic Albany's architectural parts warehouse -- the Capital Region's only not-for-profit architectural parts warehouse.

Taxes
April 15 has come and gone, but Staff Ciampino & Company, P.C. can still help you with your business and personal tax needs. They're also the sponsors of the All Over Albany Start Up Grant business contest.

Banking
Berkshire Bank, providing the $1,500 prize money for this year's AOA Startup Contest. Great rates on home equity loans.

Fitness goals
CDPHP, helping you reach your fitness goal for the 2014 Workplace Challenge

Stuff to learn

Libraries
The Albany Public Libraries. Their mobile app helps you find library locations and hours, check your library card account, learn about upcoming events, download eBooks, audiobooks, music and more. You can even check ISBN bar codes on books, DVDs and CDs to see if the library owns what you need.

Graduate school
+The College of Saint Rose, proud sponsor of the All Over Albany Tournament of Pizza. Offering 52 Graduate Programs with a purpose. Programs include: MFA in Creative writing, MBA, Computer Information Systems and more.

Law School
Albany Law School

Stuff to Try

Local gift ideas
+Urban Maker -- art, clothing, sculpture, jewelry and photography, made here in the Capital Region. Urban maker is currently seeking artists and crafters to sell their wares in this online local marketplace.

Places to live
+The Lofts at Harmony Mills, Manhattan style loft living in the Capital Region.

+Choose Cohoes -- Tourism, dining, entertainment and shopping in the Spindle City.

Internet Service
+ 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