Meet Astrid & Mavis

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

Hardworking hens from Davis Family Farms

Astrid (the owner) works hard too!

We get a lot of eggs from the Davis Farm. You may have noticed– the creamier taste, the proud, round yolks, the fluffy texture.

Mavis (the hen) enjoys life on the farm. She eats organic food, and every week her coop is moved, letting her scratch a new feedlot. There’s a friendly labrador to keep her company and scare away the foxes. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Oops, yes it does— have breakfast at Carmen’s with fresh (hours fresh, not weeks old) hen scratch eggs!

What Do We Eat?

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

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 ~

Vermont Farmer’s Market Sails To Troy

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

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.

We’re Back!

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

Saturday & Sunday July 5 & 6

Another snapshot of the deer VxYVnn4nIlslyOLFMghBWSvdLKO3BfmYafx7mCqlD3b2m8pkn-_5BtY-t9l3LbUlKgzghiWv1Efv8FFSYMMY8s6_2hnbjQjj8MiWavRQL68CAJ_S6JyyTmYfdy9jM3ww_GHcWV54DrB30sCJb1Z0wdXH_FQ9LtQL2bDoRg=s0-d-e1-ft

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

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

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:

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

We Can’t Thank You Enough!

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

Thanks to you, we won First Place for
Tapas/Small Plates & Cuban American,
Second Place for Breakfast & Brunch, Best Cuban American and
Third Place for Carribean and International in Metroland Reader’s Poll

And Jim Lewis won for Best Local Visual Artist

When we reopened in 2008, Troy and the nation were on hard times. We felt that Troy needed a community hangout, a place where you could get great food and drink for a decent price. We’ve worked hard to give you that, and with all our hearts, we thank you for acknowledging us. All of you deserve these awards for making Carmen’s what it is—
We couldn’t do it without you, and we wouldn’t want to try!

Vote is Closing

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

Thanks for Voting for Carmen’s
in Metroland Reader’s Poll!

If you havn’t yet, please vote for us:

Vote now, Reader’s Poll closes soon!

—and if you love our counter, vote for Jim Lewis as Artist!
Metroland Readers’ Poll Ends Friday at 3

Our Hours: Wednesday, Thursday: 11-6 • Friday: 11-10 • Saturday & Sunday: 9-4
Free Local Delivery Weekdays w/ $15 Minimum

—Check out our specials!

Sandwiches

Mango Chicken Salad w/ lettuce, tomato & onion on ciabatta

Grilled Cheese goat cheese w/ roasted red peppers & avocado on sourdough bread

Plus the regular suspects

Salads!

See our full menu

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

Meals

Why wait for the weekend? Get real food, real good, and get it now!

Popcorn Shrimp w/ potato wedges & Brussels sprouts cole slaw

Mac-N-Cheese With Avocado & Roasted Red Pepper Options: Bacon, Chorizo, or Plantains

Soups! Get a cup or a bowl

Lamb & Beef Stew— w/ polenta cakes

Hearty Veggie Stew– Vegan! w/ white beans & seasonal veggies.

Cuban Favorites

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

Cubano Sandwich—Ham, Pork, Swiss, Pickle and Mustard on Pan Cubano bread

Blackberry & Chocolate Mousse

Available on Pancakes & French Toast All Weekend Long

Rich dark chocolate, fresh raspberries— do we know a decadent breakfast or what?

Featured Artist

Robert Gullie—He’s also showing at The Foundry in Cohoes thru April 13

Remember, when you buy art at Carmen’s, all the money goes to the artist.

Let Us Host A Private Party for You & Your Friends!

Have your favorite dishes, hire a band if you want, and have the place to yourselves!

Available any night but Friday (but we’ll seat a smaller party with our regular diners). Call Carmen for details!

Vote For Carmen’s!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro