Author Archives: Carmen's Bistro

This Weekend at Carmen’s Cafe / New Expanded Schedule / Breakfast & Lunch Specials

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Weekend Specials —

Saturday & Sunday January 11 & 12
Open 9-4 Sat. & Sun
Closed Fridays until February 7

Hanger Steak and Egg
w/ Toast & Homefries

Multigrain Pancakes
w/ Cranberries & Walnuts

Grilled Manchego Cheese Sandwich
& Mango Chutney
 w/ Yucca Fries

Cheddar Cheeseburger
w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Onion & Yucca Fries

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Regular Hours Resume With A Bonus

Wednesday, February 5

Our new hours will be
Wednesday and Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4
Local Delivery on Weekdays

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Eggnog French Toast

Eggnog French Toast
In the Holiday Spirit
Our delightful French Toast made with Amazing Eggnog (the favorite of our Holiday Party!) Get it with bacon for the perfect sweet-salty combo!

House-cured Smoked Bacon

Fresh Bacon
We cure, smoke and slice our bacon, fresh for you. Chorizo sausage too. Why? It tastes sooooooo good, and because we care.

See You Next Week

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Sorry, folks, not this weekend—
We are taking off the 4th and 5th
We’ll be back next week, Jan. 11 & 12,
and through the rest of January

Our interim hours:
Saturday and Sunday, 9-4
We will not be open Fridays until February

Regular Hours Resume With A Bonus
Wednesday, February 5
Our new hours will be
Wednesday and Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4
Local Delivery on Weekdays,

Stay Tuned for Further Developments!

Eggnog French ToastEggnog French Toast
In the Holiday Spirit
Our delightful French Toast made with Amazing Eggnog (the favorite of our Holiday Party!  Get it with bacon for the perfect sweet-salty combo!

We bring you the best and the freshest!
We take special delight in surprising you with amazing food.
Just ask our servers, we always have goodies for our vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free friends.

Black Bean Burger Supreme

Black Bean Burger Supreme
Gussied up with Onion, Tomato, Lettuce and Avocado

The Year in Tapas

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In addition to our regular tapas menu, here’s a roundup of Tapas Specials we’ve served up over the past year. We hope you enjoyed 2013 with us. We look forward to enjoying 2014 with you.

What were your Top 10 favorites?

Ropa Vieja
Shredded Beef in Tomato Sauce
Served w/ Yucca Fries

Pan Seared Scallops
Crispy Saffron Rice Cakes & Bacon
topped w/ Avocado Sauce

Roasted Chicken
w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Veggie

Sweet Corn & Exotic Mushroom Tamales
w/ Roasted Red Pepper Coulis
& Avocado Sauce
Served With Black Beans & Veggie

Cumin -Coriander Crusted Filet Mignon
w/demi-glace and garlic mashed potatoes

Sauteed Shrimp w/ Creamy Coriander Sauce
over Saffron Rice & Veggie

Fried Chicken Thigh w/ Sun-Dried Tomato Chili Sauce
over Arroz con Gandules   (rice w/pigeon peas)

Roasted Root Veggies
w/Lemon-Marinated Crispy Tofu

Crab Cakes
w/ creamy poblano sauce, served w/saffron rice and veggie

Grilled Hangar Steak
w/churrasco sauce
served with yucca fries

Arroz con Pollo
Chicken stewed and cooked with rice in a tomato-herb broth

Polenta cakes
w/grilled seasonal veggies

Grilled Scallops
w/ Lemon Beurre Blanc
served over Saffron Rice

Filet Mignon
w/ Coriander Mint & Cilantro Pesto
served w/ Pureed Parsnips & Yucca

Chicken Tamales
Steamed in Banana Leaves
Served w/ veggie

Cilantro-Lime Tofu
served w/ Sauteed Veggies over Rice

Pan-Seared Red Snapper Filet
Served w/ Avocado Sauce over Saffron Rice & Veggie

NY Strip Steak
w/ Cumin Demi-Glace
served w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Chorizo Stuffed Boneless Chicken Breast
w/ Coriander Cream Sauce
served w/ Rice & Beans

Risotto
w/ Mushroom Medley, Squash & Red Peppers

Roasted Ham
w/braised cabbage and roasted potatoes

Seafood Bouillabaisse
w/lobster, shrimp, scallops and mussels
in a tomato-herb broth, served over saffron rice

Braised Leg of Lamb
w/a cilantro-lime gremolata,
served with potato pancakes and veggie

Vegetarian Tumbet
stewed in a tomato broth w/chickpeas, eggplant, and potato and topped with baked phyllo

Braised Beef Short Rib
Carmelized Onion-Guava Barbecue Sauce
w/ Fried Yucca

Crab Cakes
w/ Cuban Remoulade
over Saffron Rice and Veggie

Pollo al Jerez
Bone-in Chicken Thighs
Braised in Sherry Sauce
with Prunes, Raisins & Artichokes
served w/ Roasted Potatoes

Vegetarian Paella
Saffron Rice cooked in Vegetable stock
Loaded with Seasonal Veggies

Black Bean Sliders
w/ avocado mayo

Mango-Chili Chicken Wings

Bacon Wrapped Scallops
w/ avocado salsa

Grilled New York Strip Steak
served w/ Manchego Scalloped Potatoes

Boneless Chicken Breast
   Seared in a Sherry Cream Sauce
    over Arroz con Gandules

Crispy Pan Seared Perch
    w/ Seasonal Veggies over Rice

Half Crispy Avocado
w/ Pico
   (Pineapple Coconut Rice
    & Black Bean Cake)

New York Strip Steak
Roasted Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus

Pan Seared Salmon
w/ Roasted Red Pepper Coulis
over Forbidden Rice & Veggie

Chicken Tamales
w/ Black Beans & Rice

Vegetarian Tumbet
Stewed in Tomato Broth, Chickpeas,
Eggplant & Potato, Wrapped in Puff Pastry

Sweet Corn & Black Bean Salad
over Jicama & Bibb Lettuce
with Avocado Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing

Cumin Coriander Crusted Filet Mignon
w/ Potato Pancake & Veggie

Arroz con Pollo
Braised Chicken & Rice

Mussels, Shrimp  & Chorizo
w/ Coconut-Lime Broth
in a Bed of Rice

Avocado Mac & Cheese
w/ Roasted Red Peppers

Black Bean & Corn Salad

Pan Seared Salmon
w/ Mango Salsa
over Exotic Rice

New York Strip Steak
w/ Chimichurri Sauce
& Roasted Red Peppers

Sauteéd Boneless Chicken Breast
w/ Capers & Olives in a light Wine Sauce
Served w/ Rice & Veggie

Grilled Avocado on Crispy Rice Cake
w/ Sauteéd Seasonal Veggies

Crab Cakes with Cauliflower Purée
w/ Sautéed Carrots

Pork Medallions
w/ Caramelized Pineapple
over Coconut Rice

Roast Chicken
with Saffron Rice & Beans

Grilled Flatbread
w/ Sundried Tomato Tapenade & Grilled Veggies
topped w/ Manchego Cheese

Smoked Beef Short Ribs
w/ Yucca Fries & Veggie

Chicken Tamales
w/ Rice & Veggie

Shrimp Kebab
over Rice w/ Chimichurri Sauce

Crispy Tofu
w/ Coconut Curry Sauce
over rice w/ veggies

Chickpea, Golden & Red Beet & Kale Salad
over Quinona

Ropa Vieja (Braised Beef)
w/ Arroz con Gandules & Veggies

Pan Seared Boneless Chicken Breast
w/ Sweet & Spicy Mango Chutney over Exotic Rice

Grilled Salmon
w/ Cilantro Pesto
over Rice w/ Veggie

Stuffed Pepper
w/ Herbed Cous-Cous & Sweet & Sour Sauce

Pan Seared Rainbow Trout
w/ Mango-Black Bean Salsa, served over Rice

Polenta
over Pea and Cauliflower Purée

Grilled Steak
w/ Pepper Coulis
and Roasted Red Potatoes

Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs
w/ Spicy Mango Sauce, served w/ Rice & Beans

Grilled Scallops
over Crispy Rice Cakes

Filet Mignon
w/ Roasted Red Potatoes

Grilled Pork Tenderloin
w/ Orange Mojo Sauce
over Rice & Beans

Crispy Avocado
w/ Warm Quinoa Salad
w/ Tarragon Vinaigrette Dressing

Ropa Vieja
Stewed Shredded Beef in Tomato Sauce
w/ Arroz con Gandules

Pan Seared Perch
over Exotic Rice w/ Veggie

Pan Fried Boneless Chicken Breast
w/ Capers, Red Peppers & Onions
Served with Roasted Potatoes & Veggie

Kale Salad
w/ Buttered Poached Beets,
Carrots & Roasted Chickpeas

Cuban Meat Loaf
w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Veggie

Roast Chicken
w/ Brown Rice & Beans

Shrimp in Coriander Cream Sauce
Over Rice & Veggies

Hummus Trio
served w/ Crudité & Grilled Pita

Beef Tamales
w/ Chili Sauce
served w/ Seasonal Veggie

Pan Seared Perch
w/ Mango-Black Bean Salsa
over Exotic Rice

Coconut Chicken
over Pineapple Rice & Veggie

Grilled Flatbread
w/ Tomato Tapenade,
Manchego Cheese & Grilled Veggies

Pork Ribs w/ Guava BBQ Sauce
Yucca Fries & Veggie

Grilled Salmon
w/ Peach Glaze
over Exotic Rice & Veggie

Roast Chicken
w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Veggie

Mushroom & Leek Risotto

Cuban Bouillabaisse
Shrimp, Mussels, Clams & Scallops
in a tomato broth over saffron rice

Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast
w/ Creamy Coriander Sauce over Saffron Rice & Plantains

Short Ribs
w/ Beef-Chili jus
w/ Roasted Red Potatoes & Veggie

Beet & Sweet Potato Stack
w/ House-Made Ricotta, topped w/ Swiss Chard & Walnut Pesto

Flank Steak
w/ Chimichurri Sauce
w/ Roasted Potatoes

Sautéed Chicken Breast
w/ White Wine-Garlic-Lemon Sauce
over Saffron Rice & Veggie

Crab Cakes
w/ Cuban Remoulade
w/ Potatoes & Veggie

Mac & Cheese
w/ Avocado & Roasted Red Peppers
Topped w/ Toasted Bread Crumbs

Fried Chicken Thighs
w/ Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Veggie

Sautéed Shrimp
in Creamy Coriander Sauce over Saffron Rice

Pork Tenderloin
w/ Butternut Purée & Collard Greens

Black Bean & Plantain Falafel
w/ Toasted Pita Side Salad

Flank Steak
w/ Roasted Potatoes & Veggies

Roast Chicken
w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Veggies

Grilled Salmon
w/ Roasted Red Pepper Sauce & Exotic Rice

Sautéed Mussels
in Light Tomato Broth, served w/ Grilled Roll

Chorizo Stuffed Chicken
served w/ Rice & Beans

Portobella Stack
w/ Grilled Veggies & Fresh Ricotta

Cumin-Coriander Crusted Filet Mignon
w/ Garlic Mashed Potatos & Veggie

Pollo Al Jerez
Chicken Stewed in Sherry Sauce w/ Raisins & Prunes, Olives & Capers

Seafood Bouillabaisse
over Saffron Rice

Portobella Tower
Grilled Portobello w/ our won Fresh Ricotta, Cilantro Pesto & Grilled Veggies

Cuban Roast Beef
w/ roasted veggies & baby new potatoes

Braised Chicken Thighs
w/ cream sherry sauce over rice & beans

Pan Seared Salmon
w/ white wine lemon sauce over saffron rice

Vegetarian Flamenco
lentils, peppers & potatoes simmered in herbed tomato broth, topped with a froth of corn,
served with a grilled roll

Beef Chorizo Sliders

Pan Seared Salmon
w/ creamy dill sauce over saffron rice

NY Strip Steak
w/ demi glace & crispy potato

Arroz con Pollo
chicken stewed in herbed tomato broth, slow cooked w/ rice, olives, peppers & capers

Asparagus wrapped in Eggplant

w/ fresh mozzarella & tomato lime sauce

Fresh Pan Seared Mahi-Mahi
w/ mango beurre blanc over saffron rice & veggie

NY Strip Steak
& garlic mashed potatoes and veggie

Stuffed Chicken Breast
w/ mushroom, spinach & rice, topped w/creamy poblano sauce

Portabello Tower

w/ grilled seasonal veggies, homemade ricotta, & cilantro-pesto sauce

Eggnog French Toast, Vegan Flamenco, and Bacon-Cheddar Omelet Specials

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Schedule Change— Carmen’s Is Open!!

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For The First Time in Eight Years Carmen’s Is Open Thru January!

Due to popular demand and the fact that we would miss the heck out of you we have shifted Heaven and Earth so we can stay open in January
Our interim hours:
Saturday and Sunday, 9-4
We will not be open Fridays until February

We are taking ONE weekend off and visiting friends and family on January 4 & 5

Check our website!
We’ll post lots more fun meals, and pictures daily
Here’s a couple teasers down below

Regular Hours Resume With A Bonus
Wednesday, February 5
Our new hours will be
Wednesday and Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4
Local Delivery on Weekdays,

Stay Tuned for Further Developments!

 

Qz6gWK15CeiiPRYzhKFq1p3FOPfZ8WTE5pGZPayHDyCt0tqdZF4os2eLPK3BqrmHi66C5y5XCee0qz8hhRCiTmu_6XC9tTr9twsJjo3D6-UE8nfvcvkTtBn_mQz8TLs0W5tN39hTJNOKQiWJ_OTippFxi32F=s0-d-e1-ftEggnog French Toast
In the Holiday Spirit
Our delightful French Toast made with Amazing Eggnog (the favorite of our Holiday Party!  Get it with bacon for the perfect sweet-salty combo!
 

 

 

 

Black Bean Burger Supreme
Black Bean Burger Supreme
Gussied up with Onion, Tomato, Lettuce and Avocado

Balloon Gal Jenny Comes To Carmen’s

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She brought us a Rudolph and had some extras (just in case!) She twisted them into an animal for this little girl.

The good cheer abounds!

Carmen’s Holiday Potluck– Tomorrow Night! Tuesday, December 24 5-10 pm

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CHRISTMAS EVE POTLUCK AT CARMEN’S CAFE, TROY – Tue Dec. 24
A Neighborly Gathering for Those Who Can’t Be With Their Family

(Announcing Winter Hours, Expanded Schedule & Delivery Service)

TROY, N.Y. — Carmen’s Cafe will host its annual holiday potluck dinner this Tuesday, Dec. 24, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and open to all. They ask you to bring a friend and a dish or beverage to share.

“We open our doors and our hearts for people who have no place to go on Christmas Eve,” said Carmen Gonzalez, who is co-owner with Jim Lewis of Carmen’s Cafe. “This is one of the events where the community spirit in Troy really shines. Everyone is family here.”

In addition to the dishes brought by guests, Carmen’s kitchen will put out a spread of rice and beans, with picadillo (ground beef, sauteed with tomato and herb broth with olives, capers and raisins), plantains, salad and flan. Sangria, coffees and tea will also be served.

The evening will feature a musical performance by flamenco guitarist Garth Green, of Troy. Carmen’s Cafe is located at 198 First Street, on the corner of First and Adams streets.

“This is about community building and enjoying the spirit of giving,” said Gonzalez. “Bring a dish and a friend.”

The annual gathering has grown over the years from a small group to more than 60 people last Christmas Eve. This year, Gonzalez expects about 100 people will come during the evening.

Carmen, a native of Manhattan, opened the Cuban-American cafe on the border of South Troy in 2004. The daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and Cuban father, Carmen’s menu is inspired by family recipes.

———————————
NEW WINTER HOURS
———————————

While Carmen’s Cafe is normally closed for the winter, this year, by popular demand, the restaurant will be open for limited winter hours. From Dec. 28 to Feb. 2, Carmen’s will be open Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of the Jan. 4 and 5 weekend.

—————————————–
NEW REGULAR SCHEDULE,
EXPANDED HOURS, DELIVERY
—————————————–

Starting in February, Carmen’s will be open for five days instead of three, with a lunch menu of soups, salads and sandwiches served on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in addition to the full menu offered weekends. New hours will be: Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also starting this February, Carmen’s will provide local delivery.

For information, call 518-326-2064 or visit: http://carmenscafetroy.com or https://www.facebook.com/carmenscafetroy

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Huevos Benedictus is back!

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Everyone’s favorite breakfast special!

We make our own Rice Cake, top it with poached eggs, and add fresh made Hollandaise Sauce. The veggie version shown comes with Plantains & salad, and the meaty version has our own fresh-smoked Bacon.

A taste delight!

Carmen’s Holiday Potluck! Tuesday, Dec. 24—5-10 pm (or whenever)

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Tuesday, Dec. 24—

Holiday_Partyc6d7b6Carmen’s Holiday Potluck!

5-10 pm (or whenever)

We put out the basics—  Salad, Rice & Beans, Picadillo, Plantains, plus Flan, Eggnog, Hot Spiced Cider and Sangria
(and maybe a few surprises!)
You bring friends, plus a drink or dish to share
No charge, no cover, just a good old fashioned neighborhood time


198 1st Street
Troy, NY 12180
1-518-326-2064
Fri: 5:00 pm—10:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 9:00 am—4:00 pm

MasterCard — Discover — Visa — American Express

Shoveled Out At Last

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And time for my reward- Spanish dark hot chocolate and a steaming plate of Ranch Eggs.

We dug out the entrance at 8, so our earlybirds could come in at 9. Then it was time to get serious.

For this much snow I borrow a Washington Park snowblower. I pay it forward by digging out a fire hydrant and several neighbors and helping around the park. It probably takes me longer than it would just to shovel, but that’s what neighborhoods are all about.

Many thanks as always to our neighbor Warren Abele, who as usual does much, much, much more than his share.