Category Archives: Special Events

PreRamble 2: Sept. 27

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PreRamble 2

PreRamble 2— Bigger and Better than Ever!

  • Free Helmets for Kids
  • Bike Safety Course
  • Free Bike Tuneups
  • Walking and Biking Tours of Washington Park, the Burden Iron Works Museum and the New Riverfront Trail

Upstate Kayak Rentals will bring their boats to the Troy Boat Launch at Ingalls Ave for the PreRamble 2.  Rent a boat for $10 an hourStoryHarvest:  Finishing up with Free Concerts at Freedom Square

StoryHarvest: Finishing up with Free Concerts at Freedom Square

Ramble Challenge— If 50 people pledge to ride to work for a week, an anonymous donor gives us $1000 to buy bike racks for around Troy. Come to our booth at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday to enter and win a chance for a free kayak ride!

The PreRamble is a celebration of human-powered transportation in Troy.  It starts at First and River Streets, at the south end of the Farmer’s Market, on Saturday, Sept. 27.  It features sample lane markings, showing how the soon-to-be-built path will look, as well as intersection art, used to slow traffic at critical intersections.

Troy Night Out, 6 pm Friday Sept. 26:

Volunteers needed to help chalk intersection art and lane markings.  Meet at First and River Streets.

Farmer’s Market, 10-2 Saturday, Sept 27, centered at First and River:

10-11:30—  Bike safety course from the Troy Police Department—  free bike helmets for kids who need them, while they last

10-1:00—  Complete Streets Tours leaving from First & River.  Borrow a bike if you need one.

10-12:00—  Bicycle tune up station by Troy Bike Rescue

10:30—  Walking tour “State and Second” by the Rensselear County Historic Society leaving from the Information Booth.   Led by Stacy Pomeroy Draper.  $5

12:00—   Walking tour of Washington Park by the Washington Park Association leaves from the Transport Troy Booth at First and River.  Led by Lynn Kopka.  Free.

12:-3:00—  Self guided tours of the Burden Iron Works Museum, foot of Polk Street.  Get maps at the Transport Troy Booth at First and River

1-4:00—  Kayak rides at the Ingalls Ave. Boat Launch by Upstate Kayak Rentals.  $10/hr.  Maps available at the Transport Troy Booth, First and River

3:30-6—  Story Harvest:  Free concert by Nation Beat & Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra, Freedom Square (101st & 6th Ave.)  Stone Soup:  Community Meal

prepared by the Chef’s Consortium.  All free.  Maps available at the Transport Troy booth, First & River

Enter the Ramble Challenge:  If 50 people bike to work for a week, an anonymous donor has promised $1000 for bike racks in Troy.  Enter at the Transport Troy booth and win a chance for a free kayak paddle!  Extra bonus, available to all:  Ride with the Mayor on Thursday, October 2 at Noon, leaving from Monument Square.  45 minutes.  Free, led by Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia.

Email Andrea at diyRestoreit@gmail.com to register, and get a chance to win a free kayak paddle!

Empty Bowls Benefit for the Homeless Oct 5th 2014 ~ 12-3pm Italian Community Center Troy NY 12180

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Featuring many Troy restaurants, including your favorite, Carmen’s

What wonderful blend of savory and spicy will we bring this year? You’ll have to come and see! It’s all good, all for the homeless, AND you walk home with a handmade bowl, courtesy of area potters and volunteers.

A unique event to support the growing fight against the issue of hunger.

OCTOBER 5, 2014 ~ 12-3pm~ Italian Community Center ~1450 5th Avenue, Troy NY 12180
Description: The Empty Bowls Program is a wonderful grassroots movement that have brought artists, chefs, and communities together to help raise money for local food programs. Started nearly 20 years ago, it spread throughout the country to raise money and awareness about hunger.For the past seven years, the Collar City Clay Guild, in partnership with the Troy Architectural Project, Inc., has been fortunate to organize the Empty Bowls Project in Troy, NY. The Empty Bowls Program has become a community event in the city that draws hundreds and maybe even over a thousand people each year to help raise money for food programs.Every year, the Troy community flocks to the Italian Community Center with the great expectation of warm soup, fresh bread, beautiful handmade bowls, and the wonderful company of friends. By selling bowls, we have been able to raise almost $100,000 for the food programs in Troy.Since the beginning of the Empty Bowls Project in Troy our impact has been great, in 2009 we supported 17 food programs in Troy to help put food on their shelves and deliver food to those in need. Empty Bowls

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

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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

Ride Bikes with the Mayor / Freedom Square Free concert / Mouth-Watering Specials

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Squash-Rules

Thurs. Sept. 18 to Sun. Sept. 21 Take the challenge!

Anonymous Donor Puts Up Long Green for Bike Racks
Ride with the Mayor: noon Thurs. 10/2 from Monument Square
A heartfelt donor came back from health problems by riding a bike, and wanted to give something back at the same time as he showed others a key to health— exercise.

Our anonymous donor put up $1000 for bike racks for Troy. “Troy has none!” he moaned. “Get some already! You want people should just flop their bikes on the sidewalk? What is this, third grade!???!?”

The details were quickly dumped on Andrea Davis, who doesn’t have enough to do already. She is hunting down matching funds so we have more reach with this generosity, plus figuring out who and how and all the other questions.

Here’s the skinny— We need 50 people to ride their bike to work or school for a week, starting with the PreRamble Festival on September 27. Email Andrea at diyRestoreit@gmail.com to register, or stop by the Transport Troy table at the Farmer’s Market. You’ll get a chance for a free kayak paddle at the PreRamble when you sign up. Plus a 45 minute ride with Mayor Lou Rosamilia on 10/2!

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PreRamble 2  Sept. 27

  • Free Helmets for Kids
  • Bike Safety Course
  • Free Bike Tuneups
  • Walking and Biking Tours of Washington Park, the Burden Iron Works Museum and the New Riverfront Trail

Upstate Kayak Rentals will bring their boats to the Troy Boat Launch at Ingalls Ave for the PreRamble 2.  Rent a boat for $10 an hourStoryHarvest:  Finishing up with Free Concerts at Freedom Square

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StoryHarvest 3:30-6 September 27 at Freedom Square

Free concert featuring Nation Beat plus Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra
Chef’s Consortium prepares healthy food for a free community meal

How many different ways can you say free in one story? But it’s all wonderful and all free!

Help out w/ food donations: have extra fruit or veggies from your garden? Bring them to the Sanctuary for Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave N. Troy, Fri., 9/26 noon-4 or Sat. 9/27 from 8am-noon.

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New Breakfast Special: Desayuno de Reyes

And this Desayuno (breakfast) is sure fit for a Rey (that’s king!
Two Eggs Over, topped with Pico (diced pickled peppers, but that’s another story for bedtime) on Veggie Hash, with sides of Croquettas and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Then jazz it up with a Cuban Coffee— a Cortado!

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¡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 Friday

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

Mejillones en Salsa Verde Mussels sauteed in a garlic-parsley green sauce

Troy Library: Shorts Out Loud

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Jim-LewisJuly and August is Reading Month at the Troy Library. Jim Lewis is one of many readers, but he’ll be the only one on Thursday, August 14th at 6:30.

He will, however, be accompanied by Ray Andrews on Baroque Guitar.

Not that we are biased, but both are worth a good listen.

Art Reception Today 5—8pm Meet Francelise Dawkins: Textile Collagist

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Francelise Dawkins—Meet the Artist, discuss her work

Since she was a young girl, Francelise has collected fabrics. As an artist, she snips and sews collages— sometimes figural, sometimes abstract. Meet her this Thursday, Aug. 7, from 5-8 pm and discuss her work over Tapas and Sangria.

Yes, we’ve done it again, Carmen’s has scored another amazing artist and is showing some of her best and prettiest work. It’s the perfect time to take some home with you— at Carmen’s we don’t charge the artist a commission, so all proceeds go directly to Francelise.

First Time! Besides serving Tapas Samples, we’ll be serving Tapas Dinners! Limited selection, but if someone should, say, ask for an authentic Cubano Sandwich we’d be happy to oblige!

Francelise Dawkins

Collages, whether made of words, paper, objects or cloth, have always been my means of expression. In 1988, I first coined the term “Silkollages” to introduce my meditative concept in textile collages to interior designs. Then in 1992, I added “Ethnikollages” to re-activate cultural interests. My collages are either embroidered into miniature quilts, or framed into window boxes. When large and three-dimensional, they become hanging art quilts or soft installation pieces. Abstract or representational life forms as dancing shapes seem to multiply in my work. I draw them out of colorful cloth from Asia, Africa and Europe to visually create a blurring of boundaries between such cultures. As a collage maze is formed, the viewers are invited to enter it. If my playing on fabric brings the viewers to rethink the multiplicity expressed, an expansion of their own true awareness might occur. What I seek is an element of uncensored, emotional surprise, beyond multicultural reality. I am on a spiritual exploration, deepening my sense of what it really means to belong to the human race. It is about exploring that sense of oneness, born out of welcoming the difference we are.

Francelise Dawkins is a Parisian “textile collagist”, living in the U.S. for over two decades. She first studied Fiber Arts at the Art League School of Indianapolis before moving to NY, where she developed her meditative concept for interior designs in textile collages. She has since exhibited or taught at the American Craft Museum in NYC, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the NY State Museum in Albany, NY, and other renowned venues. One of her installations was part of the “Putt-Modernism” show at the Hyde Collection Museum in Glens Falls, NY. Writing about her art, she had essays published, such as the one on intuition in Margaret Blanchard’s book: “From the Listening Place”. She designed the art cover for Gisele Pineau’s French novel: “L’Espérance-Macadam”. Many of her pieces have been shown in magazines, on cable network TV and books, such as Carolyn Mazloomi’s contemporary art quilt book: “Spirit of the Cloth”. Her work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society in Paducah, KY.

 

We’re Back!

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Saturday & Sunday July 5 & 6

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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

Organic BasilHoly 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 BeverageFree 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.

berriesWhat 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 BeerCraft 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 BusGo 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 TreatsBreakfast 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 PestoWhat 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 PartyPrivate 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 CubanosWhat 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 DawkinsFeatured 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

Mundo Nuevo Live Tonight

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Friday Night: 5/23 Live music by Mundo Nuevo
Shows @ 6 & 8, $5 cover each

Mundo Nuevo is a musical quartet that is dedicated to preserving the classic repertoire of the Spanish speaking Caribbean, Mexico and South America.

Join the Mundo Nuevo Fan Club on Facebook!

Influences: Guillermo Rodriguez Fiffe, Walter Ramos, Fernando Villalona, Joao do Vale, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Tito Puente, Alvaro Carrillo, Rafael Hernandez, Gerald Mark and Seymour Simons, Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, Johnny Christopher, Mark James and Wayne Carson, Gonzales Y Siaba Sergio Eulogio

Hidden Garden Tour Thursday, May 22 from 4-7:30

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EPSON MFP imageSee the hidden wonders
of gardens you’ve only imagined
Friends of Prospect Park

Hidden Garden Tour

Thursday, May 22 from 4-7:30

Refreshments & Rest Stop at Carmen’s Café
After-party starts at 5:30 at Carmen’s,
w/ prix fixe menu plus wine, beer and sangria

Today’s Specials / Carmen’s Café Special for Glenn Miller Concert / Friday Tapas Specials /Mother’s Day Specials

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Specials Week of April 7

Free Local Delivery Weekdays w/ $15 Minimum

CubanoSandwiches

Half Sandwich with choice
of soup or salad… 7.5

Roast Beef w/ Bleu Cheese & caramelized onions on homemade foccacia 8

Grilled Fresh Mozzarella w/ basil, tomato & balsamic drizzle 8

ribsMeals

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

Mac and Cheese…w/ avocado & red pepper 8
with bacon or chorizo add 1
with plantains add .5

Pork Spare Ribs….w/pineapple guava sauce 9

Remember, free local delivery/ $15 minimum!

Today’s Soup: Get a cup or a bowl

Hearty Vegetable Soup–Rich and cheery, strong enough for winter but light enough for spring

Flamenco– yes, our favorite egg dish starts with a stew! And it’s great with or without the eggs.  Available w/ chorizo or vegan

Salads

The Whole Garden..mixed greens w/grape tomatoes, onion, and
avocado 7.5
with grilled chicken add 4

Desserts

We’ve got you covered

Flan
Fresh Berry Cheesecake

Special Tasting Menu at Carmen’s Café

Winner of six Metroland Reader’s Choice 2014 Awards

Carmen’s is delighted to invite Troy Savings Bank Music Hall patrons to a special tasting menu, prior to the Glenn Miller Orchestra performance

Tapas Tasting Menu for Thursday, May 8:

-pick two of these appetizers:

Manchego Cheese
W/ Marcona Almonds, Balsamic Vinegar & Marinated Cherries

Crispy Chicken Wings
Tossed w/ Spicy Mango Glaze

Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
w/ Manchego Cheese

Piquillo Peppers
w/ Herbed Goat Cheese

-Plus two of these entrées:

Grilled Flank Steak
w/ Chimichurri Sauce over Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Arroz con Pollo
Chicken stewed in Tomato Herb Broth w/ Rice

Grilled Ahi Tuna
Topped w/ Pickled Watermelon Salad over Saffron Rice

Roasted Vegetable Tower
w/ Manchego Crostinis

-plus Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea or Homemade Ginger Ale and your choice of dessert:

Flan
traditional Cuban custard

Chocolate Bread Pudding
light and delicious w/ fresh whipped cream

Beer, wine and Sangria available

Prix Fixe $27 per person. Open for seating at 5:00.
To ensure timely service, please arrive no later than 6pm
Call (518) 326-2064 for reservations (suggested)
Cash, checks and major credit cards accepted.

Carmen’s Café
CarmensCafe@nycap.rr.com

Hours:
11-6 Wednesday & Thursday
11-10 Friday (Friday night Tapas)
9-4 Saturday & Sunday

198 First Street (Corner of Adams)
Troy, NY 12180

(518) 326-2064

Tapas Specials for Friday May 9

Seared Ahi Tuna w/ saffron rice, topped w/ pickled watermelon salad 16

Grilled Flank Steak w/ chimichurri over garlic mashed potatoes 15

Costillitas de Cerdo roasted pork spare ribs w/guava-pineapple glaze 13

Arroz con Pollo stewed chicken w/ rice 13

Roasted Vegetable Tower w/ manchego crostinis 12

Marinated Manchego w/garlic-rosemary olive oil, marcona almonds, and sun-dried cherries 8

Crispy Artichokes lightly floured and served w/aioli 8

Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms topped with manchego cheese 8

Patatas Bravas crispy potatoes w/spicy aioli and sea salt 5

Pan Caramelized Brussels Sprouts w/ balsamic reduction 5

Salmon Pate… served w/capers, cornichon and toasted pita 10

Empanadas 1 for 3.5 | 2 for 6.5
choice of filling:

  • meat seasoned with olives capers onions
  • veggie with spinach mushrooms and plantains

Rice and Beans white rice, black beans 4

Yucca Fries Cuban root vegetable 4

Platanos fried ripe plantains 4

DESSERTS

Flan 5
Fresh Berry Cheesecake 6
Chocolate Sour Cream Cake 6

What are you doing for Mother’s Day?

Here at Carmen’s, we are passing out flowers to mothers, so we’d suggest a reservation for a wonderful meal!

Sunday May 11 Only!

Ahi Tuna topped w/ pickled watermelon salad over spring greens

Eggs Benedict Crab Cakes w/ our homemade hollandaise sauce

Double Chocolate-Strawberry Pancakes the name says it all.

Full Breakfast Menu here.

Full Lunch Menu here.