Sunday specials:
-Peach Pancakes with Cinnamon Ricotta Mousse
-Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict
-Steak and Eggs
-Crispy Brussels Sprouts Omelette with Manchego Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar
-Cuban Sliders topped with Caramelized Onions & Avocado
Author Archives: Carmen's Bistro
What Do We Eat?
Carmen and Jim have been changing their diet. Away from sugars, GMOs and wheat. Toward more rice and veggies. We were out of beans this morning, but had broccoli, so this is what we had instead of Cuban Eggs.
Two farm fresh eggs, poached, with steamed broccoli and brown rice topped with pico.
~ See our full menu here ~
Chef’s Challenge for Big Brothers-Big Sisters July 31st
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region
Thursday, July 31, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Excelsior Springs, adjacent to the Marriott, Saratoga Springs, New York
Carmen’s is up against other area restaurants
Join us for a great time with fantastic food. We’ll be featuring Mofungo and Ribs!
Artist’s Party!
Francelise Dawkins Thru September
Fabric collages—so precise, so delicate, so detailed.
Save The Date: Thursday Aug 7 5-8 pm
When you buy art at Carmen’s, all proceeds go to the artist. We take no cut or commission.
Mofongo Now!
“Mofongo” by Diane – originally posted to Flickr as PUERTO RICO. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
You start with green plantains, mash them up pretty well. Add roasted red sweet peppers, sautéed portabellas, and peas.
The traditional way to serve this is in a big lump, with meat on top. We like a different style, and we’ll compare ours to anyone’s. We make wafers, about a quarter inch thick and 2″ across. You can have it with beef or as a vegetarian, gluten free dish, and it’s wonderful either way. Friday night and thru the weekend.
Vermont Farmer’s Market Sails To Troy
Fresh from the Green Mountain State, Carmen’s loads up on 100% Maple Syrup
We got a gallon—enough for a lifetime for most folks, but it lasts us less than a month. That’s because we serve only 100% genuine Maple Syrup with our pancakes and French toast. Tastes better, great for you, and that’s what Carmen’s is all about.
It’s Hopping at Carmen’s!
photo7
We have some great breakfast specials today— from the Fresh Peach Pancakes to the Basil Pesto and Sun Dried Tomato Omelet, to the Honey Goat Cheese French Toast with Blueberries, then on to a few more even I haven’t heard of yet.For lunch, try the Caprese: fresh basil, red ripe tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil on Sourdough bread. Wowie, love that fresh basil!!
We’re Back!
Saturday & Sunday July 5 & 6
Another snapshot of the deer
We’re Back!
We took three days to catch up and cook great stuff
Seems like the whole neighborhood took pix of the doe and fawn.
This one by new neighbor Eric Floess. Amazing!
Breaking News: Basil Pickfest!
Bounteous basil buffet bounces billings at boffo bistro
Look for the specials below
Another amazing menu turns culinary world on its ear!
Get ready to rock your weekend at Carmen’s
Holy Basil, Batman!
Our favorite herb The wonderfully spicy fragrance of basil tells us that summer is really here. Some of the best meals I’ve had are a sun ripe tomato, some fresh mozarrella, and a sprig of basil.
We just picked four pounds of this wonderful gem, so look for organic garden fresh basil surprises on this weekend’s menu
Free Beverage!
We love it when you talk like this
The movie Chef has brought in more people… And we are showing our appreciation. For the next few weeks, bring in your ticket stub and we’ll give you a complimentary beverage with your Cubano.
Come in with Sophia Vergara, and the whole meal is on us.
What a taste!
Our own little blueberry patch is wow! flavor packed!! Soon we’ll be hiring pickers to bring in the harvest. It doesn’t get more local than this!
Craft Beer
Check out this list and help us grow it over the summer.
Tell us what you love and we’ll keep adding!
Nine Pin Cider by Nine Pin Ciderworks
Leisure Time and
Hoponius Union by Jack’s Abbey
Raspberry Ale by Dark Horse
Scotch Ale by Black Isle
Go Green
Take The Bus
New faster express service from CDTA
find out more about it at THe Atrium, Tuesday, July 8 from 6-8. Or at Albany Academy Thursday, same times.
Breakfast Treats
Sweet Basil Pesto & Sundried Tomato Omelet
Wow, doesn’t that sound great?
Farm Fresh Peach Pancakes
Made with– what can we say? — Peaches!
Honey Goat Cheese French Toast
w/ blueberries. Love them blueberries!
What is Pesto?
We make so many, and often NOT with basil
While traditional pesto is made from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts and Parmesan, it doesn’t have to be that way. The word comes from pestle, and means anything that’s pounded, as in, a green sauce for pasta, meat, fish or whatever.
Here at Carmen’s we often use arugula, mint, parsley, and cilantro in addition to basil.
Private Party for you & your friends!
The food is cooked, the tables are set, the guests are arriving, and you have hardly lifted a finger. Don’t worry, we’ll clean up afterwards.
Book Carmen’s for the night, and we’ll cook your favorite dishes better than you have ever tasted them.
Call Carmen
for details!
(518) 326-2064
What Ya Got Besides Cubanos?
Don’t think you’re gonna diss a sandwich named after a nation
Cubanos are fantastic.
S-l-o-o-o-w roasted pork shoulder, ham, Swiss, and pickle, grilled on an authentic Pan Cubano. Dee–lectable!
Caprese
fresh mozzarella, fresh basil (see above and left), red ripe tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil on sourdough bread.
Featured Artist: Francelise Dawkins
Thru September. Look for the reception at the end of July.
When you buy art at Carmen’s, all proceeds go to the artist
Breaking for the 4th, Back Saturday
Wed. July 2 to Fri. July 4
Carmen’s takes a breather—
We’ll be back on Sat. & Sun. – Jul. 5 & 6
So this week we are all chillin’, getting ready to pick up the post-holiday slack. We are closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but will be back Saturday and Sunday 9-4 to prepare fresh, tasty, and delectable food for you.
What is Pesto?
We make so many, and often NOT with basil
While traditional pesto is made from basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts and Parmesan, it doesn’t have to be that way. The word comes from pestle, and means anything that’s pounded, as in, a green sauce for pasta, meat, fish or whatever.
Here at Carmen’s we often use arugula, mint, parsley, and cilantro in addition to basil.
Holy Basil, Batman!
Our favorite herb The wonderfully spicy fragrance of basil tells us that summer is really here. Some of the best meals I’ve had are a sunripe tmoato, some fresh mozarrella, and a sprig of basil.
We just picked four pounds of this wonderful gem, so look for organic garden fresh basil surprises on this weekend’s menu
Breaking News: Basil Pickfest!
Bounteous basil buffet bounces billings at boffo bistro
Another amazing menu turns culinary world on its ear!
Get ready to rock your weekend at Carmen’s
Cubanos just won’t be the same again…
Cubanos are best made on a flat topped panini press, like the new one we just installed. The double sided grilling melts the cheese fast, before burning the roll. This gives a pleasant, subtly crispy surface. The interplay of juicy and crispy and succulent and tangy goes a long way towards justifying their title of The Greatest Sandwich Ever Eaten On The Face Of The Earth, according to an independent polling company headquartered at 198 First Street, Troy.
Featured Artist:
Thru September
Look for the reception at the end of July.
When you buy art at Carmen’s, all proceeds go to the artist
For Lunch: Cuban-Spanish-American Cuisine in a Bistro Setting
Salads
Half Garden Salad Baby mixed greens w/cherry tomatoes, sliced onion & slivers of avocado 5
Whole Garden All the same fresh veggies, just… bigger 9
Stews
Flamenco Chorizo Stew with peppers, onions and potatoes in a spicy tomato broth; served with a Portuguese roll 8
Veggie Flamenco Same as regular but made with lentils; served with Portuguese roll 8
Cuban Favorites
Picadillo Ground beef sautéed with olives, capers, raisins and peppers; served with rice and beans and plantains 9
Empandas Meat or veggie—fried pockets filled with seasoned meat or grilled veggies 1 for 3.5, 2 for 6.5
Two, served with choice of rice & beans, plantains or salad 8
Sandwiches
All served with potato wedges and house made Brussels sprouts cole slaw
Cubano Roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickle and mustard on a
Portuguese roll 8
Burger with lettuce, tomato and onions 8
options: bacon, cheese, grilled onions, grilled mushrooms 1 each
Chicken BLAT Marinated & grilled, with bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato on a Portuguese roll 9
Carmen's Bistro 