Items tagged with 'Albany Jane'

Checking out the new location for the Hong Kong Bakery & Bistro

different dishes at the new Hong Kong Bakery

By Albany Jane

The Hong Kong Bakery recently moved from its location nestled in the front of the Asian Supermarket on Central Ave to 8 Wolf Road -- it's right at the southern end, across from Colonie Center between Cocca's Inn & Emperor's.

Among the changes: Their menu has expanded, and they added "bistro" to their name. It's now the Hong Kong Bakery and Bisto. And it lives up to the bistro moniker -- there's a counter to pick up baked goods and drinks to go, and sleek brushed metal tables with glass tops for dining in. It's cozy, casual, and chic at the same time. Go for a power lunch, or show up with a book and sweats, and you'll be welcome all the same.

After stopping in at the new location, here are a few things that are worth trying...

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An ode to Aldi

Aldi exterior.jpg

Think of it as your ghetto Trader Joe's.

By Albany Jane

It's Supermarket Week on AOA -- a whole week of posts about shopping for food. Because we all have to eat.

Oh Aldi, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Aldi is one of the Capitol Region's discount grocery chains. The store has locations throughout the globe, and has owners in common with Trader Joe's. There are some similarities between the two.

Think of Aldi as your ghetto Trader Joe's.

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The Casola Dining Room at SCCC

casola plates closeup

Plates before they head out to diners.

By Albany Jane

If you haven't been to the Casola Dining Room at Schenectady County Community College, you are missing out on one of the area's interesting culinary experiences. Where else can you get three courses for $22, tax and tip included? And that's for dinner. The same menu is available for lunch, and costs a mere $16.

The Casola Dining Room is a simulated restaurant where students in SCCC's culinary programs can apply their studies. Think of it like a mock trial -- it's not exactly real life, but pretty darned close.

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Chicharrones at Mr. Pio Pio

Chicharrones.jpg

Fattacular.

By Albany Jane

It's Forget the Resolution week on AOA: a whole lineup of foods that can send your New Year's resolution to eat better/eat less/exercise more/lose weight to its timely end.

When AOA asked me to come up with something special for its Forget the Resolution week, I thought: "But I eat like that most of the time I go out." I mean, what better way to celebrate the very act of dining out than going whole hog and ordering with abandon?

While I might be remiss in these thoughts, the first thing that immediately sprung to mind for a fattacular, resolution-killing dish was chicharrones.

Deep. Fried. Pork.

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Mexican Market in Albany

mexican market albany composite

There's a lot packed in a small space.

By Albany Jane

Blink and you'll miss the new Mexican Market at Central and Allen Streets in Albany.

But for a small space, the selection will impress you.

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Albany Jane's guide to stocking the bar for parties

albany jane party drinks composite

Albany Jane game plan involves a few stops.

By Albany Jane

It's party time.

Say you're having anywhere from 5-25 friends, family, or moderately tolerable neighbors over for dinner.

What do you do about the bar? Wine, cocktails, aperitifs? If you can't hire a bartender for the night (and chances are you can't), you're on your own.

So here are a few stores that I enjoy patronizing for my party libations.

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Albany Jane's must-try cheap lunches

albany jane lunches composite

All cheap. All good.

By Albany Jane

When I picture lunch, I want something satisfying, but not over-the-top. It needs to be affordable, and obviously, flavor comes first.

Albany's got some great places to hit up for quick, cheap lunches.

In general, when someone asks me, "Albany Jane, where should I go for lunch in Albany?" -- these are the first places that immediately come to mind.

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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.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

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Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

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My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

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A look inside 2 Judson Street

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