Easter Menu

—Amazing Food, Just Like You Expect

You know us, so you know to shop the specials as well as our regular menu.  Well, here we go!

It’s been a while since we’ve had Steak and Eggs, and for Easter we’re pulling out all the stops. We scored a great Filet Mignon and we’ll serve it this weekend.  Along with eggs your style, a potato pancake, and all the trimmings.

That’s not all—  Strawberries are here, and we’re passing them on. Pancakes with Strawberries in Orange Glace (thanks, Jackie, for the inspiration!), on plenty of fresh whipped cream.

Full Breakfast Menu

Full Lunch Menu

Elegant Cafe

Carmen’s Weekly Newsletter

newsletterJust about every week Jim Lewis puts his heart and soul into this weekly newsletter. He includes updates about happenings at Carmen’s Cafe. He’ll keep you informed about the weekend specials or what Carmen is serving at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market.

Additionally Jim posts about the world around him. The local flavor of the Troy community, and its potential to be discovered as the gem it is, by others.  Jim puts his special brand of wit and whimsey into the newsletter.

So come on aboard for the ride, its free!

Jim

Sign Me Up Jim!

Closed on 4th of July. Open Sun July 5th Beakfast, Brunch, Lunch

We are closed at the Cafe and the Farmer’s Market Sat. July 4th.

We’re going to the annual family picnic.
A wonderful 4th to all !

The Café is open for breakfast brunch lunch on Sunday July 5th 9-4.

img 4826

img 4826

Our Sunday Specials are: Tostada: Eggs layered with a crispy fried tortilla, home fries, veggie or chorizo hash, manchego cheese, and lime crema, plus ranchero sauce made from vine-ripe fresh tomatoes.

Weekend Breakfast Menu

Weekend Lunch Menu

 

new benches

Perfect Sidewalk Weather At the sign of the bee.
Enjoy the new benches!

Carmen’s Cafe @ Troy Farmer’s Market Starts May 2nd

farmersmarket

Carmen’s is at the Waterfront Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s Market Menu:

We will offer quick versions of our favorites:

  • Flamenco
  • Flan French Toast
  • Picadillo
  • Empanadas
  • Cubano Sandwiches
  • Topped off with Minty Iced Tea and Jim-Gerale

Starting Saturday May 2, from 9AM—2PM Carmen’s will be in the Troy Farmer’s Market at Monument Square
AND we will also be open at the Café, 9AM—4PM Saturday & Sunday until further notice.

We will be open at both places:
9-2 at the Farmer’s Market, with some of our specialty foods
9-4 at the Café, with all those specials you have come to know and love

We love you all, and so enjoy cooking for you.

Artist’s Reception for Michael Gwozdz & Renata Memole Sat 4/25

Michael Gwozdz & Renata Memole

Michael Gwozdz & Renata Memole Artist’s Reception, Saturday April 25 from 3-6

Meet the artists, talk about their process.
Tapas and sangria samples!
Limited dinner menu plus full cash bar available

Bookmark our events calendar for news and updates about Carmen’s Cafe.

Thank You – Thank You – Thank You!

Metroland

Metroland Reader’s Poll came out, and we’re in it!

Thank you for your votes— thank you for any time you mention us to your friends or online. Thanks for scheduling your meet-ups here, for hiring us for catering, for your wonderful support.

We try to give you the best food at reasonable prices, in the nicest atmosphere. It feels wonderful to be acknowledged!

Your votes placed Carmen’s Cafe second in two categories and the “add your own category”: Best Brunch, Best Breakfast and Best [???] add your own category Best Cuban Food: Carmen’s Café.

 

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

Vote for Carmen’s Cafe in Metroland’s Readers’ Poll 2015

vote-for-carmens-cafeVote for Carmen’s Cafe in Metroland’s Readers’ Poll 2015

Metroland’s Readers’ Poll for 2015 is out!

Now is your chance to vote for Carmen’s Cafe for a multitude of categories:

FOOD & DRINK

Best Cuban

Best Tapas/Small Plates

Best Caribbean

Best Cuban/American

Best Breakfast

Best Brunch

Best Sandwiches/Subs

Best ___?____ Add Your Own Category! (Cuban-American)

 Click Here to Cast Your Vote!

Good Morning from the Heart of the South Troy Arts District!

New Artist!

Abby Lublin by SusanBAnthonyDoes the name Susan B. Anthony ring a bell? And she came by it honestly!

Susan is from Brooklyn, and just loves Troy. So much that she’s writing a book about us— if by writing you mean taking pictures of everyday Trojans. And we’ve got a preview hanging on our walls. This is her photograph of our hero Abby Lublin, urban grower extraordinaire.

Meet her Saturday Feb. 21, from 5-8, when we throw our usual Grand Artist’s Reception. Dinner will be available, plus complimentary Cuban hors d’oeuvres.

Fire Drum by Jim Lewis of Springwood Studios

By Jim Lewis of Springwood Studios

What did YOU do for Christmas? Jim made drums for a numbew of people. Here’s the Fire Drum, made of cherry, blooddwood, and butcherblock oak.

See him for those extra special things, from furniture to sculpture to— yes, even counters and floors like Carmen’s.

Cookin’ With Chef Carmen!

Cookin' With Chef CarmenWho makes all that delicious food? Chef Carmen, mostly.

That’s not to say she doesn’t have help, but mostly it’s her back there, bringing us authentic Cuban recipes she was taught by her Aunt Matilda. And a few things she’s picked up since then.

Here’s a picture I took of her the other day. You can tell she was dreaming about springtime.

Pretty strong dream. I hope it comes true soon!

January Hours:

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

Of course, we’ll still do a party if you call ahead!

Regular Hours start Feb 1:

Back to the full schedule:
Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Free local delivery for orders over $15 on weekdays.

We’re Back!

Week of Sat. Jan 10 to Sun. Jan. 11

We’re all spruced up and ready for the New Year!

January Hours: Just open Weekends till we catch our breath: Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Of course, we’ll still do a party if you call ahead!

Regular Hours Starting on February 1st:

Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4
Free local delivery for orders over $15 on weekdays

New Artist!

Does the name Susan B. Anthony ring a bell?  And she came by it honestly!

Susan is from Brooklyn, and just loves Troy.  So much that she’s writing a book about us — if by writing you mean taking pictures of everyday Trojans. And we’ve got a preview hanging on our walls. This is her photograph of our hero Abby Lublin, urban grower extraordinaire. Abby Lublin by SusanBAnthony

Meet her Saturday Feb. 21, from 5-8, when we throw our usual Grand Artist’s Reception. Dinner will be available, plus complimentary Cuban hors d’oeuvres.