Ahora, Latin/Jazz! 2014

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

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.org

Cuban Celebration: Wednesday Feb. 5 from 1-3

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

Cuban Celebration:

Wednesday Feb. 5 from 1-3
Featuring tastes of our new products:

Fentiman’s Botanical Sodas

Cuban Bread from Papito’s Bakery

New Tapas Samples

Celebrate our expanded hours:
Wednesday, Thursday: 11-6
Friday: 11-10
Saturday & Sunday: 9-4
Free Weekday Delivery to Downtown Troy w/ $15 Minimum

Cuban Bread
straight from the source
We are now importing Pan Cubano, made the Cuban way, all the way from the source— Papita’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, more like Challah, but just as tasty!

Tapas Samples!
Try tastes of our famous tapas— we’ll have Jamon Serrano, Marinated Manchego with Marcona Almonds, fine cheeses and fresh fruits. We’ll pass out sips of Sangria and our fruit soft drinks!

Fentiman’s Sodas
Imported from England, these botanical soft drinks feature complex combinations of flavors, distilled and fermented from herbs and spices.

Reduced sugar, eminently satisfying, they are a delicious alternative to mass-market soft drinks.

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

Sandwiches!
All w/ our own cole slaw:
Cubano– star of the show!
Sliders– Cuban burgers w/caramelized onions
Black Bean Burger– fresh and tasty, vegetarian, w/ lettuce, onion, & tomato on artisan roll
Cuban Roast Beef– marinated in seasoned herbs, roasted to perfection
Grilled Cheese– on artisan bread, w/ zucchini, caramelized onions and our own fresh jalapeño jelly

Vegetarian Huevos Flamenco

Soups!
All home made and tasty

Flamenco– yes, our favorite egg dish starts with a stew! And it’s still great without the eggs. Available w/ chorizo or vegan
Tomato Basil Bisque– creamy and delicious
Chicken Noodle– Cuban style w/ tomato broth and cilantro
Caldo Gallego– Cuban beans & greens w/ chorizo

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!

Flan!
What’s Carmen’s without Flan for dessert? What a great way to top off a meal

Cuban Valentine’s with
Mundo Nuevo!
Next Friday, Feb. 14. Reserve early for this heartful evening with our favorite musicians

~~~

~ Full Tapas Menu Here ~

~ Full Breakfast Menu Here ~

~ Full Lunch Menu Here ~

We’ve come up with some great new dishes— check out the pictures below.
In addition to these, we have a new recipe for Hot Spiced Cider, perfect for taking off the chill, and all our usual taste delights. Sample our Wine Cocktails: Bloody Marys, Cosmopolitans and Mimosas. Perfect for a light sip while keeping a clear head for the day!

Vegan Huevos Flamenco

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!

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.

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

MasterCard — Discover — Visa — American Express accepted.

Now Importing Pan Cubano!

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

New Hours Start Wednesday:

Wednesday, Thursday: 11-6
Friday: 11-10
Saturday & Sunday: 9-4
Free Weekday Delivery to Downtown Troy w/ $15 Minimum

Meantime, try these great specials:

Spanish Hot Chocolate

Spanish Hot Chocolate
The perfect way to start the day! We shave Dark Chocolate into Milk & Cream, add Oranges and Cinnamon, then top it off with Whipped Cream, a pinch of Fresh-Ground Nutmeg, and a Slice Of Orange. Strong yet subtle, the Spanish style!

Chocolate Strawberry Pancakes
Imagine our wonderful Pancakes, made with our own fresh batter. Then add in Rich Dark Chocolate, add Fresh Strawberries and garnish with Whipped Cream and More Fresh Fruit! As always, served with 100% Real Maple Syrup. Seriously, folks, this redefines pleasure. But if you want to redefine Ecstasy, get them with a side of Bacon.

Hot Spiced Cider
Naturally sweet, lightly flavored with our own blend of fresh spices, topped off with a Cinnamon Stick and Slice of Apple. A perennial favorite!

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

The little ones are Media Noches (middle of the night), a sweeter bread, more like Challah, but just as real!

Cuban Valentine’s with
Mundo Nuevo!
Next Friday, Feb. 14. Reserve early for this heartful evening with our favorite musicians

Presto— Flan!

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

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

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

~~~

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

~~~

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!

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

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Carmen's Bistro

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 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
Gussied up with Onion, Tomato, Lettuce and Avocado

Schedule Change— Carmen’s Is Open!!

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Carmen's Bistro

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!

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!

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

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

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Carmen's Bistro

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

###

Victorian Stroll—The Nellies!

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Carmen's Bistro

Carmen’s Will Be Open From 9-7 For The Victorian Stroll—And the Trolley stops right outside!

This Sunday, Dec. 8, Victorian Stroll—The Nellies! Beautiful and tuneful, these ladies play the greatest Alt Country/ Americana in the area!
2-6 pm — no charge, no cover!
—And we’re serving free hot spiced cider to boot!

Tapas Specials / Victorian Stroll / The Nellies / Almond Crusted French Toast / Party Hearty at Carmen’s!

Posted on December 5, 2013 by Carmen's Bistro

Tapas Specials for Friday, December 6

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

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

Flan

Lemon-Ginger Cheesecake

Carmen’s Will Be Open From 9-7 For The Victorian Stroll—And the Trolley stops right outside!

This Sunday, Dec. 8, Victorian Stroll—The Nellies! Beautiful and tuneful, these ladies play the greatest Alt Country/ Americana in the area!
2-6 pm — no charge, no cover!
—And we’re serving free hot spiced cider to boot!

Almond Crusted French Toast

Oh, My, it’s good! French Toast, crusted with chopped almonds, drizzled with our own caramel sauce, topped with our own fresh-whipped cream, and garnished with fresh red raspberries One taste and you’ll speak with an accent forever!

Party Hearty at Carmen’s!

Reserve a Table for a small party and we’ll serve you family style. Is it a birthday? Let us know and we will give you a special gift! Pick A Time for your larger party and we’ll open just for you— sit down or buffet, cash bar or open, with a special menu created just for you!

Remember, we make it ourselves: Everything from the sangria and wine cocktails to the bacon and chorizo right on down to the ketchup. We love to cook and we love fresh food!

Friday Tapas Specials / Next Week: Passero / Willie Marlowe: A Splash of Color

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Carmen's Bistro

Tapas Specials for Friday, November 15

Chicken Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Carne Guisado
a bowl of Hearty Beef Stew w/ Fresh Veggies

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

Chorizo Stuffed Chicken
served w/ Rice & Beans

Portobella Stack
w/ Grilled Veggies & Fresh Ricotta

Flan

Lemon-Ginger Cheesecake

Next Week—Passero!

Spicy Latin jazz ensemble from Kingston, playing tight rhythms of your favorite tunes. Hear them online at www.passeromusic.com
Two sets, starting at 6 & 8, $5 cover each.

Ongoing Art Exhibit

Willie Marlowe: A Splash of Color

Paintings and Collages

Shown: Open Window and Spiral Light, Acrylics on Paper

Only The Freshest

We cook it fresh for you: We cook it fresh because we love to cook and we love fresh food. We like it when you compliment our food, our service, the way the place looks and makes you feel. We love it when people have a good time!

We make it ourselves: Everything from the sangria and wine cocktails to the bacon and chorizo to the mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup. Like I said, we love to cook and we love fresh food!

Carmen's Bistro