Kasha Sunrise Wins It!

two eggs over kasha & caramelized onions, served w/ avocadoIt was as much fun judging as eating—  68 entries, some with as many as ten names!  But Carmen trudged through, in between laughter and amazement—  the sheer audacity of Uncle Bill’s “Carmen’s Sunny Runny Oniony Lil Rascals” left us wondering how long it would take Paula to write down the order, but earned him the runnerup’s prize—  the new Kasha breakfast or a hot Cubano Sandwich, your choice.

Some we loved, but just didn’t seem right for our menu, like “2 Bucked Up Eggs,” by Chuck.  It’s great to see Carmen laugh so hard.  Same story for “Buck ‘N’Cluck,” by Carol Werner.  Likewise the Kasha or the Cubano for both of you.

The Grand Winner is Kasha Sunrise, submitted by Ken and Mike.

It wasn’t what we were thinking of, but when the name hits you, it hits, and there is no denying.  Thanks, guys—  you get a complete breakfast for two, with all the trimmings, as promised.

Wait! The rest of you—  don’t go away! We wouldn’t leave you in the cold.  Everyone who entered, come in this Friday, March 14, and have a sip on us.  Sangria, Minty Iced Tea, or our new Jim-Gerale, a low sugar, strong ginger alt-soft drink.  Make it between 5:30 and 7 and we’ll have a plate of appetizers out and be on hand to share the good cheer.

Cubano Sandwich BitesFine details:  Prizes must be claimed in person in the next month—  thru April 13 (drinks are only this Friday, 3/14).  Print out your email notification as your ID.  For sangria, you must be over 21.  Call us at (518) 326-2064 with questions.

Thanks for entering!

Polenta Eggs

Two Eggs Over Easy on Crispy Polenta, with Roasted Red Peppers & Arugula Pesto.

Breakfast served all day. And at Carmen’s, you don’t have to choose between hearty and tasty & fresh.

Surprise Special!

When we say Hearty Vegetable Stew, we mean HEARTY.

And let’s be clear, this is a fresh batch, not a holdover from last week. We just loved it so much we made some more.

It’s every bit as hearty as a beef stew, but like our other special, Black Bean & Corn, it’s totally vegan.

Grab it while it lasts!

Robert Gullie Reception Wed. Mar. 5 from 5-7

Bob GullieRobert Gullie Reception—Wed. Mar. 5 from 5-7

If you’ve been in Carmen’s during the past month, you’ve seen the work— striking images, interesting juxtapositions, sharp colors with interesting contrasts. That’s what makes Bob one of my favorite artists.

Meet the man himself, this Wednesday from 5-7. Ask questions as he discusses his work. I’m sure you’ll be impressed too.

At Carmen’s, we don’t take a percentage, so all proceeds go directly to the artist.

Dinner Available

When Carmen throws a party for an artist, she sets out a spread for all to enjoy. Sample our tapas and our red and white sangria.

We are open weekdays for lunches and light dinners from 11-6. You can order dinner until then as well. Wine, beer and cocktails available at our cash bar.

 

We’re Smokin’ That Salmon

Wed. Feb. 26 to Sun. March 1

We’re smoking salmon! For Sandwiches now, for Tapas on Friday, and Salmon & Eggs on the weekend!

Wednesday, Thursday: 11-6

In a rush? Call ahead and we’ll get it started!

Friday: 11-10

Delivery for lunches, eat in Tapas dinner

Saturday & Sunday: 9-4

Same as it ever was!

Free Local Delivery Weekdays w/ $15 Minimum

—Check out our specials!

Salads!Salads!

Cleanse your palate– build your body right with Carmen’s half and whole Garden Salads
–flowers optional.

Bob GullieArtist’s Reception: Bob Gullie

Bob is master of the odd  note. His colors are perfect, his images just slightly jarring. You know what you are looking at is truth and also that it’s not— a neat trick, and he pulls it off consistently.  Meet him, ask questions and see for yourself.
Sangria and Refreshments will be served Wednesday, March 5 5-7 pm.
Remember, when you buy art at Carmen’s, all money goes to the artist.

Apple PieM-m-m-m-m, Apple Pie

Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream—  Toasty warm pie, made fresh with fresh apples!

Other options:

Flan—  A Carmen’s tradition since forever

Chocolate Bread Pudding—  With ice cream if you please!

Chicken B.L.A.TSandwiches!

All w/ our own cole slaw and potato wedges:

Roast Beef... w/caramelized onions and manchego cheese on ciabatta roll

House-Smoked Salmon…w/bacon, lettuce, capers and tomatoes on rye

Mozzarella… w/sun-dried tomato tapenade on grilled sourdough

Also:

Mac and Cheese…w/ roasted red peppers & avocado

Or any of our regulars– check them out online!

Cubano SandwichThere’s always the Cubano

With real Pan Cubano! We have always built great Cubanos, now they are even better!  We start with Pan Cubano, authentic Cuban bread (or a Media Noche if you prefer, a bit sweeter and just as delicious. We layer it with Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese, and Pickles, add a dab of Mustard and wow, what a flavor!

SoupsSoups!

Get a cup or a bowl

Flamenco– yes, our favorite egg dish starts with a stew! And it’s great as a stew without the eggs. Available w/ chorizo or vegan
Hearty Vegetarian– w/white beans & seasonal veggies

Cuban BreadCuban Bread

straight from the source We are now importing Pan Cubano, made the Cuban way, all the way from the source— Papito’s Cuban Bakery in New Jersey’s Little Havana!  We drove down specifically to get these beauties, and we’ll be bringing them in fresh twice a week so our flavors are more authentic.  The little ones are Media Noches (middle of the night), a sweeter bread and just as tasty!

 

Name That Dish And Win Your Breakfast!

Brand new special here, and they are selling like hotcakes. Problem is we need a name.

It starts with toasted buckwheat, fried in butter with caramelized onions, then topped with a pair of sunny side up eggs.

Buckwheat, aka Kasha, is actually a seed, not a grain. Naturally gluten free, it’s known for its nutty taste and the way it energizes you without filling you up. The flavor combines ob-so-well with the eggs and onions, like you wouldn’t believe. It gives you the go to last all day without slowing you down.

The contest? We need a name as great as the taste. Ideally it is short and snappy, maybe clever but not too clever if you know what we mean. You know Carmen’s, so of course you know what we mean.

The winner gets a full breakfast for two with all the trimmings. If the names are good enough, we may even give a second prize.

Carmen picks, and as usual her decision is final. I hope someone wins, because these breakfasts don’t just eat themselves!

But you know Carmen’s, so of course you know that too.

Ahora, Latin/Jazz! 2014

We’re excited to tell you about these upcoming Latin Jazz concerts at Union College!

Jazz/Latino, inc. Presents Ahora, Latin/Jazz! 2014

Ahora, Latin Jazz 2014 program

Sunday, March 2 – 3:00 pm, the twenty-piece Union College Jazz Ensemble will perform with special guest Sensemayá. After the UCJE plays a set, Sensemayá [at its full size] will take the stage for a set of Latin jazz, to be joined in several numbers by the UCJE. Free admission. Sponsored by the Union College Department of Music and Jazz/Latino, inc.

Wednesday, May 14 – 7:00 pm, Lecture by Dr. Chris Washburne: “El Tema del Apolo: Latin Music in Harlem.” Sponsored by the Union College Department of Music and Jazz/Latino, inc. Free Admission.

Saturday, May 17 – 8:00 pm, Rebecca Cline & Nicki Denner play the music of Bebo Valdés. Admission: $15; Students and Union College Faculty $10.

All events at the Emerson Auditorium, Taylor Music Center, Union College, 807 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12308.

For maps and directions go to – maps

Funding and support for Ahora,Latin/Jazz! 2014 has been provided by Price Chopper, the Music Department at Union College and Latin Jazz listeners in the Capital Region.

tickets & information
518-466-9990
info@jazzlatino.org
http://www.jazzlatino.orgAhora,-Latin-Jazz-2014-prog

Wensleydale & Ham?

Carmens-Cafe

Wednesday Feb. 19 to Sunday Feb. 23

Remember our expanded hours:

Wednesday, Thursday: 11-6

In a rush? Call ahead and we’ll get it started!

Friday: 11-10

Delivery for lunches, eat in Tapas dinner

Saturday & Sunday: 9-4

Same as it ever was!

Free Local Delivery Weekdays w/ $15 Minimum

SaladsSalads!

Cleanse your palate– build your body right with Carmen’s half and whole Garden Salads –flowers optional. See Our Weekday Lunch & Dinner Menu

Chicken B.L.A.TSandwiches!

All w/ our own cole slaw and potato wedges

Grilled Wensleydale and Ham– Cranberry Wensleydale fluffs as it cooks.  Amazing with ham!
See Our Weekday Lunch & Dinner Menu

Eggplant Sliders– w/ carmelized onions and guava paste—  A veggie favorite! Or any of our regulars–

Cuban BreadCuban Bread

straight from the source

We are now importing Pan Cubano, made the Cuban way, all the way from the source—  Papito’s Cuban Bakery in New Jersey’s Little Havana!  We drove down specifically to get these beauties, and we’ll be bringing them in fresh twice a week so our flavors are more authentic.

The little ones are Media Noches (middle of the night), a sweeter bread and just as tasty!

SoupsSoups!

See Our Weekday Lunch & Dinner Menu
Get a cup or a bowl

Flamenco– yes, our favorite egg dish starts with a stew!  And it’s great as a stew without the eggs.  Available w/ chorizo or vegan

Hearty Vegetarian– w/white beans & seasonal veggies

There’s always the

CubanoCubano

with real Pan Cubano!
We have always built great Cubanos, now they are even better!  We start with Pan Cubano, authentic Cuban bread (or a Media Noche if you prefer, a bit sweeter and just as delicious. We layer it with Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese, and Pickles, add a dab of Mustard and wow, what a flavor!

Holiday_Partyc6d7b6Sandwich Samples!

Sign your office up by sending an email, letting us know how many you are and how much you’d like to give your co-workers a taste of Carmen’s. We’ll pick a couple each week to visit, then set up a time to visit and pass out tastes and menus, and talk to your friends about our wonderfully fresh food!

Raspberry CheesecakeRaspberry Cheesecake!

Raspberry Cheesecake—  Cheesecake, made fresh with fresh fruit!

Other options:

flanFlan—

A Carmen’s tradition since forever

Chocolate Brownie—  Wow, are they good!
See Our Weekday Lunch & Dinner Menu

We Survived The Snow!

Our walks are shoveled and the streets are clear

Open 11 to 10 tonight, and 9-4 through the weekend

Mundo Nuevo is still playing, and our Tapas Menu is online!

Sidewalks are cleared at Carmen’s Jim

I know it looks like snow But really, the Hot Spiced Cider is on us! If you take the time and trouble to come in, it’s the least we can do! Jim just spent a couple hours clearing snow around the block, clearing fire hydrants, helping get six cars out. Why? It’s what neighbors do. Of course, he couldn’t have done it without our neighbor Warren, who kindly lent his snowblower. Around and around it goes, and don’t forget to pay it forward!

Hot Spiced CiderHot Spiced Cider

Our most popular beverage this winter after water and coffee. We could be selling them, but today we are passing them out for free. You don’t have to bring a coupon or buy anything, just come in and take a load off, swap snowstorm stories, and enjoy having neighbors! Hot Spiced Cider: cheers you, warms you, reminds you that winter is fun!

Mundo Nuevo plays such danceable Cuban jazz!

Mundo Nuevo Plays!-3

We called them, and they’ll be here… Will you? Amazingly danceable Cuban jazz. A couple spaces left– Shows at 6 & 8, $5 Cover

Faceoff!

Which cheese do you like?

On the left, on sourdough, grilled Brie with thinly sliced apples and fresh arugula pesto.

On the right, on ciabatta, fresh baked turkey with Wensleydale cranberry cheese, arugula, and a compote made of sundried tomatoes, wine-soaked cherries, and caramelized red onions.

Simple or complex, a fresh take in a classic or a classic version if a fresh new idea. Hot from Carmen’s.

Delivered to your door, if you are local. Open till 6. Call us at 326-2064.