Our Food, Our Philosophy

CanalIce on the Canal—  The Poestenkill where it flows into the Hudson.  There’s still ice in the railroad bridge that’s nearly two feet thick.  And look at that beautiful stonework just beyond!  I’ll show you a picture of that sometime next month.  You’ll be amazed at Troy’s hidden treasures.

Something New at Carmen’s You might Have Noticed…

We have been working with flavors in a new way.  We write about them, here and in posts to our website/Twitter/Facebook, but I never feel like I am really describing what’s going on.  It’s something about layering flavors and textures—  making a Fritatta, for instance, with six different preparations in it, and the tastes all combine like magic.  Take any two, any three, or  hey, all at once, and you get an interesting combination.  It’s not that they are all the same savor, like for instance in a hearty stew, but that the flavors combine to make something larger than the whole.

It’s different than I’m used to, especially for breakfast.  And I can’t say enough about it because I think you’ll love it too.  But don’t take my word for it, come in and try some!  Ranch eggs, Huevos Tostados, Cuban Fritatta, Orange Pancakes.  All winners, all great, all part of that good ol’ Carmen’s magic!

What’s Snoo in the Snooze:

Cuban FritattaCuban Fritatta

Traditional Spanish dish done Cuban style—open faced omelette is Carmen’s newest taste treat!

It starts a lot like any omelette. Then you add potatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and sautéd spinach. Top with Manchego cheese, and leave it open faced.  Use the right spices, and POW, you have it!

While it’s true name is Tortilla Español, we felt it was too confusing—  Mexican tortillas are nothing like this omelette.  So we renamed it Cuban Fritatta, and it’s our most popular new special.

Huevos TostadosHuevos Tostados

Layers of flavor, Perfect savor!

Picture this:  a crispy fried taco topped with home fries and chorizo or veggie hash, manchego cheese, and a pair of sunnyup eggs—  then some spring greens and avocado.  And don’t forget the ranchero sauce or the lime crema on top!

And yes, that is a small side of cucumber pico just to set it all off.

Orange PaOrange PancakesOrange pancakes
 with 100% pure maple syrup!

Light and fluffy, just what the doctor ordered to chase the wintertime blahs away! Some whipped cream, a little fresh fruit garnish— 100% pure maple syrup! Why?  Because we’re Carmen’s! And it tastes so gooooood!

Fresh BerriesWould you believe it’s Berry Season?

Fresh Berries!

In the middle of Winter?  Well, technically, it’s Spring, and yes, they are good ol’ raised in the USA berries.  They are so special, and so good, we are offering them as a breskfast appetizer.  We give you a few as a garnish, but here’s your chance for a small bowlful.

Come in and enjoy the fresh goodness and natural phytogens of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries!

Next Week at Troy Night Out:

Kevin Maul and Friends– the area’s premier Dobro guitar player, with guest Peggy Lecuyer. Refreshments by Carmen

JimBarista-Sangrista

Jim-GeraleCarmen might do the food, but Jim makes the drinks.

Not the bartending drinks, that’s Paula.  You know, Bloody Marys and Margaritas and Mimosas and such. But Jim blends the sangrias, mixes the secret recipe for Jim-Gerale, brews iced tea, and pulls shots for Espressos and Cortados.  Truly, he steams milk like no other. And don’t worry—  Carmen tastes everything he mixes, and sets him straight if it’s wrong  ;?)

CarmenWinter Hours

Just open weekends till we can catch our breath: Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Of course, we’ll still open special for a private party.  Call us at (518) 326-2064

Friday is Tapas and Mundo Nuevo!

Friday December 19th at Carmen’s: Shows @ 6 & 8, $5 cover each

Mundo Nuevo at the Guilderland Public Library: Mundo Nuevo is a musical quartet that is dedicated to preserving the classic repertoire of the Spanish speaking Caribbean, Mexico and South America. Lush vocal harmonies, acoustic guitars, bongo and flute deliver the music of Rafael Hernandez, Miguel Matamoros, Armando Manzanero, Antonio Carlos Jobim and many more of the composers that make up the Latin American Songbook.

The Nellies at Carmen’s Cafe – Troy Victorian Stroll

The NelliesThe Nellies at Carmen’s Cafe – Troy Victorian Stroll:
When: Sun, Dec 7, 2014 | 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: Carmen’s Cafe, Troy, NY
Cost: FREE ADMISSION

The Nellies will be playing as part of Troy’s fabulous Victorian Stroll at Carmens Cafe in Troy, NY. The Nellies will feature Karen Ann on guitar, Peggy Lecuyer on mandolin, Kevin Maul on dobro and the amazing Gene Lemme on the bass.

Carmen’s Cafe serves wine, beer and delicious eclectic small plates and is located at 198 First Street, Troy, NY 12180 – phone – (518) 326-2064. Note that First Street runs one-way heading south.

For More Information Call: (518) 326-2064

Kasius & Heard bring World Beat Jazz to Carmen’s

herdElizabeth Woodbury Kasius and Heard will play Carmen’s, Friday night, Nov. 21 at 6 & 8 moving us with their wonderful music. Two sets, reservations suggested. $5 cover.

1-518-326-2064

Check out their website to get a listen.  Every time they visit, they make amazing tunes.

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius – composer-pianist

HEARD New World Jazz The original repertoire of HEARD is the work of composer-arranger-pianist ELIZABETH WOODBURY KASIUS who brings a wide array of styles –jazz, classical and world music– into her captivating soundscape.

Jonathan Greene – woodwinds. Woodwinds player Jonathan is an active freelance musician in the New York Capital Region’s jazz, world and classical scenes.

Bobby Kendall – Bass. Bobby Kendall, bass, brings his great experience as a jazz, rock, and post-rock stand-up and electric bass player to HEARD.

Brian Melick – drums/percussion. Brian Melick is a percussive treasure who is known for his unique “hybrid” sound, built from his incredible collection of world music instruments.

Zorkie Nelson – drums/percussion/vocal. West African drummer Zorkie Nelson comes from a long line of Ghanaian master drummers and brings an exciting and deep richness to the music of Heard.

Photo courtesy by Kathleen Lisson

Mundo Nuevo Returns! 2 Shows Friday 10/24

Bringing you Specials and Events from Carmen’s Cafe, a Cuban-American Bistro in the Heart of South Troy

Week of Fri. Oct. 24 to Sun. Oct. 26
(Sorry, Closed Thursday–
See you Friday for Mundo Nuevo

What Ya Got Besides Cubanos¡Lunch!

By which we mean, breakfast any time, PLUS our lunchtime menu! Which is why we are showing you a picture of French Toast with Fresh Fruit and Real Whipped Cream

Cubano Sandwich by popular demand—  pork, ham & swiss w/ mustard & pickle on Cuban bread

Picadillo

Check out our full menu! Though for a real treat, come in and see what’s on our Specials Board

Tapas Menu

Beef Stew slow cooked in a tomato herb broth

Costillitas de Cerdo baby back spareribs, dry rubbed and s-l-o-w roasted

Pan Seared Tilapia w/ garlic-wine-cilantro sauce

Grilled Lamb Chops w/ rosemary glaze

Flamenco Stew

Craft BeerCraft Beer

Check out this list and help us grow it over time. Tell us what you love and we’ll keep adding!

Nine Pin Cider by Nine Pin Cider Works, Albany, NY

Leisure Time and Hoponius Union by Jack’s Abbey

Raspberry Ale by Dark Horse

Scotch Ale by Black Isle

Check out all the Libations

Desserts: expanded offerings

Chocolate Satin Cake

Pear Apple Tart

New York Cheesecake

Flan

Upcoming Events Calendar

Mundo Nuevo Returns! Two shows, Friday, 10/24starting @ 6 & 8, cover 5

Mundo Nuevo 10/24
Elizabeth Kasius & Heard 11/21
The Nellies Victorian Stroll 12/7
Mundo Nuevo 12/19

Art Night at Carmen’s Next Thurs, 10/30

Gary Masline Faces & PlacesGary Masline Artist’s Reception 5 till 9

Open for Dinner! 5 to 9 Chef Ross is whipping up a special menu, we’ll pass out Tapas hors d’oeuvres and Sangria, and we’ll be serving dinner till 9!

Tapas / Win Lunch / Artist Reception / Mundo Nuevo

Week of Thurs. Oct. 16 to Sun. Oct. 19

Paradise on EarthParadise on Earth

This is what our chickens wake up to every day. See? Already we are getting possessive. But if this is the first thing those hens see in the morning, no wonder their eggs taste so good.

Get Your Leaf Peeping In this week, or you will miss it!

And here’s the weekly hoop-de-raw from Carmen’s:

Friday Tapas Specials

Beef Stew slow cooked in a tomato herb broth

Costillitas de Cerdo baby back spareribs, dry rubbed and s-l-o-w roasted

Pan Seared Salmon over herbed couscous

~Full Tapas Menu Here~

Troy-FlowersTell Me Where–Win A Prize

A Cubano and a Cortado
That’s a Cuban Sandwich with Cuban Coffee, to you Anglos

Walking the streets of downtown Troy today, and I happened to look down. I saw these beauties: someone planted them to make the City look good, to bring a smile to a passerby’s face. And it worked!

Relax, slow down, enjoy life while you can.

So tell me where the flowers are, and be precise.  The winner gets to RELAX over a tasty lunch with us—  on us.

¡Lunch!

By which we mean, breakfast any time, PLUS our lunchtime menu!

Cubano Sandwich by popular demand—  pork, ham & swiss w/ mustard & pickle on Cuban bread

Picadillo

Check out our full menu!

Though for a real treat, come in and see what’s on our Specials Board

Gary Masline Faces & PlacesReception—Gary Masline: Faces & Places

Showing Thru 2014

Artist’s Reception Thursday, October 30 5 till 9

Dinner is Served!

Chef Ross is whipping up a special menu, we’ll pass out Tapas hors d’oeuvres and Sangria, and we’ll be serving dinner till 9!

Mundo-NuevoMundo Nuevo Next Week

Shows @ 6 & 8, $5 cover each

Music This Fall:

Mundo Nuevo – 10/24
Elizabeth Kasius & Heard– 11/21
The Nellies – Victorian Stroll
Mundo Nuevo – 12/19

Kitty CatPreview: Coming in November!

The Kitty Cat carving adorns the headboard of this king size bed. Springwood Studios, the former Icarus Furniture, will host a reception soon to show off Jim’s new gallery-showroom.

Weekly Specials / Tapas / New Art / Fall Music Schedule

Week of Thurs. Oct. 9 to Sun. Oct. 12

Carmen Updates Window Boxes

As Wednesday’s cold front was rolling in, Jim was winter proofing and Carmen was cleaning and redecorating the window boxes. Check them out—  hearty mums, gourds and baby pumpkins.
Get Your Leaf Peeping In Soon!

¡Lunch!

French TaostBy which we mean, breakfast any time, PLUS our lunchtime menu!

—Which is why we are showing you a picture of French Toast with Fresh Fruit and Real Whipped Cream

Cubano Sandwich by popular demand— pork, ham & Swiss w/ mustard & pickle on Cuban bread

Picadillo

Check out our full menu!

Though for a real treat, come in and see what’s on our Specials Board.

SearedTroutFriday Tapas Specials 10/10

Beef Stew slow cooked in a tomato herb broth
Herb Stuffed Pork Loin marinated, served over mashed sweet potatoes
Pan Seared Rainbow Trout over saffron rice & pea purée

~Full Tapas Menu Here~

Desserts expanded offerings:

Have you tried the Apple Crisp? Fan-Tastic!!

Flan

Raspberry Chocolate Layer Cake

Gary Masline Faces & PlacesNew Art: Gary Masline—Faces & Places Showing Thru 2014

Gary loves Santa Fe, and it shows.

You may have seen Gary’s work around the area, he’s widely known.  We like the way his paintings start to tell a story, then leave the rest for you to figure out.  Look for an artist’s reception toward the end of the month.

Shows @ 6 & 8, $5 cover each

Music This Fall:

Mundo Nuevo – 10/24
Elizabeth Kasius & Heard– 11/21
The Nellies – Victorian Stroll
Mundo Nuevo – 12/19

Bringing you Specials and Events from Carmen’s Cafe, a Cuban-American Bistro in the Heart of South Troy

SensemayaSensemaya Trio Plays Carmen’s

This Friday, September 26 — Shows @ 6 & 8, $5 cover each

One of the greatest Latin bands around, and they are coming to Carmen’s Friday!

Interesting—  Sensemaya and Mundo Nuevo share Walter Ramos (second from left)

Wanna dance? Great music. Wanna listen? ditto.

Gambas al Ajillo  Grilled Jumbo Shrimp in a garlic and wine sauce over cous cous

Gambas al Ajillo
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp in a garlic and wine sauce over cous cous

—Tapas Specials for Friday 9/26 Troy Night Out

Pan Seared Tilapia w/ Garlic-Wine-Cilantro Sauce over Saffron Rice

Gambas al Ajillo Grilled Jumbo Shrimp in a garlic and wine sauce over cous cous

Braised Beef Short Ribs over mashed potatoes

Pernil Pulled Pork over saffron rice w/chimichurri sauce

Desserts: expanded offerings:

Flan

Apple Bread Pudding

Key Lime Pie

Rawspberry Chocolate Cake

Full Tapas Menu Here

Full Upcoming Events Calendar Here

Love Live Music? Mark your Calendar Now:

Mundo Nuevo – 10/24
Elizabeth Kasius & Heard– 11/21
The Nellies – Victorian Stroll
Mundo Nuevo – 12/19

Tapas¡Lunch! We make it great, fresh cooked and tasty!

Cubano Sandwich: by popular demand— pork, ham & swiss w/ mustard & pickle on Cuban bread

Picadillo

Check out our full menu!

Though for a real treat, come in and see what’s on our Specials Board

Tapas Specials / Expanded Dessert Offerings / Fall Music / Chardapalooza

TapasFriday Tapas
 Specials

Pan Seared Halibut w/ Chopped Chard-Tomato Ragu & pineapple cilantro slaw

Roasted Vegetarian Napoleon w/ Roasted Red Pepper Coulis & Sautéed Swiss Chard

Costillitas de Cerdo— Cuban Spare Ribs w/ pineapple guava glaze

Pan Seared Beef Tournados w/ apple brandy cream sauce.  Tomato Jam w/ potato hash & sautéed chard

Cubano Sandwich by popular demand—  pork, ham & swiss w/ mustard & pickle on Cuban bread

Picadillo

~ Full Tapas Menu ~

DessertsExpanded Dessert Offerings:

Flan

Key Lime Pie

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Carrot Cake

ChardChardapalooza!

Rainbow, Dinosaur, and Swiss Chard, Fresh Grown & Organic! What’s to become of it?

 A great veggie special, that’s what! Come in Friday for 
Roasted Vegetarian Napoleon.

also on the menu:

Cuban Sliders topped w/ caramelized onions & avocado

Picadillo

Music This Fall

Sensemaya – 9/19
Mundo Nuevo – 10/24
Elizabeth Kasius & Heard – 11/21
The Nellies – Victorian Stroll, 12/7
Mundo Nuevo – 12/19

~ Bookmark the Upcoming Events Calendar ~

Weekend Menu Served All Week / Friday Tapas Specials / Fall Music Calendar

Weekend Breakfast Menu Served All Week!

And why shouldn’t we serve it all the time, when our scrumptious breakfasts are what first made Carmen’s famous? Any time you want Huevos Flamencos, Cuban Eggs, Flan French Toast or a Ricardo Omelet, come on by!

Weekday Specials:

Cuban Sliders topped w/ caramelized onions & avocado

Picadillo

Plus our regulars

Friday Tapas Specials

Friday night, and maybe over the weekend too

Grilled Salmon over couscous

Costillitas de Cerdo Cuban Spare Ribs w/ pineapple guava glaze

Cubano Sandwich by popular demand pork, ham & swiss w/ mustard & pickle on Cuban bread

Picadillo

(Full Tapas Menu Here)

Fall Music Calendar

(Bookmark the Event Calendar Here)

Sensemaya 9/19
Mundo Nuevo 10/24
Elizabeth Kasius & Heard 11/21
The Nellies Victorian Stroll 12/7
Mundo Nuevo 12/19