Troy’s 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour

Hidden GardenProspect Park Hidden Garden Tour

Annual Tradition: Thursday, 5/21, from 4-7:30

Self-guided tour showing some of Troys finest private gardens
Top it off with a benefit dinner at Carmen’s from 5:30-9
Free refreshments from 4-6 if you show us your tour map!

Tickets $10, available during event at First & Division Sts. or online
More info at (518) 874-1303 or email
All proceeds benefit Prospect Park

May 21, 2015 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Rain or Shine
A self-guided walking tour of backyard gardens in the Historic Sage, Washington Park and adjoining districts in downtown Troy.

COST/BENEFIT
Admission is $10; all proceeds benefit ongoing projects in Prospect Park.
Limited access for baby strollers.

PARKING
Free event parking is provided at the Russell Sage College lot, located at First and Division streets. Additional free parking is available in lots farther south on First Street.

CHECK-IN
Required check-in near Russell Sage College parking lot, corner of First and Division streets. You will pick up your tour map.

DOGS, STROLLERS, ETC.
No dogs in gardens.
Note: The gardens are small and may include stairs and unpaved or cobblestone paths.

FREE LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
(AT CARMEN’S CAFE)
The Hidden Garden Tour map is also a ticket for free light refreshments, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Carmen’s Cafe, located at 198 First Street.

POST TOUR DINNER BENEFIT (AT CARMEN’S CAFE)

Benefit Dinner for Friends of Prospect Park:
Thursday, May 21 from 5:30-9

Prixe Fix Menu, $33 per person:

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin w/ grits & Swiss chard

Rainbow Trout w/couscous, pine nuts & butternut squash purée

Plus: Crisped Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Vegetable Medley

Basmati Brown Rice

Mixed Greens Salad

Flan

Sangria, Tea, Iced Tea, Coffee, Seltzer

Cash Bar

Reservations suggested: (518) 326-2064

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT TOUR
For information, call (518) 874-1303 or email haliskim@verizon.net

Get your tickets NOW!

Ice Cream—Huevos Tostados—Lox and Chevre Omelette—Artist’s Reception

icecreamIf it wasn’t Vegan we’d call it Ice Cream

–but it’s smoother and creamier than any ice cream we’ve ever tried, and we make it here at Carmen’s!

Help us name it and win a bowlful, with all the trimmings

I mean, if it isn’t ice cream, what is it? We aren’t asking about what to call the flavors— yet!!

So far, we’ve tasted Vanilla and Chocolate. I want to try Cubano Pecan, with our famous Cuban Sauce, and Carmen is holding out for Lemon Zest.

Huevos TostadosHuevos Tostados: Layers of flavor, Perfect savor!

Picture this: a crisped tortilla 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.

Lox and Chevre OmeletteLox and Chevre Omelette

Smoooth blend of tastes make a delicate dish

Goat cheese (chevre) and lox, capers and onions fill a delicate spring omelette

Michael Gwozdz & Renata MemoleMichael Gwozdz & Renata Memole

Saturday April 25 Reception— 3-6pm

Carmen’s will be open with tapas samples and a light dinner menu till 6. Meet & greet the artists!

C’mon, folks, this is what makes Troy such a fun place!

 

Easter is here, and the weather just broke

Baked HamBaked Ham

Easter is here, and the weather just broke.

It’s amazing how it feels balmy at 38*. Join us and enjoy our baked ham, Cuban style. And if there’s one thing Cubanos know, it’s how to handle their ham.

Baby Lamb ChopsBaby Lamb Chops

Tender lollipop lamb chops with Carmen’s own maple-rosemary sauce. What a wonderful taste for Easter Morning!

Huevos BenedictusHuevos Benedictus with Homemade Hollandaise Sauce

I have to tell you, we don’t have these all the time because keeping the Hollandaise fresh is a real bear. But for you, on Easter, anything goes! Smooth and creamy, with avocado for that creamy taste. That’s why we say it’s the best way to have eggs in the whole wide world!

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.

Lox and Chevre OmeletteLox and Chevre Omelette

Smoooooth blend of tastes make a delicate dish

Goat cheese (chevre) and lox, capers and onions fill a delicate Easter omelette.

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

Blueberry Pancakes / Huevos Tostados / Vote for Carmen’s / Tiffany Tour

Banana-Pecan PancakesCuba meets New England Blueberry Pancakes with pineapple-mango sauce! and FRESH blueberries! 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!

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.

vote-for-carmens-cafeVote For Carmen’s!

The perfect way to start the day!
So vote for us in the
METROLAND READER’S POLL

Three ways to vote:
–Online
–Send in the ballot in Metroland
–Come in to Carmen’s and we’ll send it in for you

TiffanyWho has more Tiffany glass per square mile than anyone in the world?
Troy do!

What’s that, you say? Who has the most per person?

Also Troy!

And you can see it tomorrow night if you sign up QUICKLY for the Tiffany Tour, put on by the Gateway, of course, and benefiting all those places who house and care for these precious jewels. Call (518) 279-9779 for info.

And if you miss the boat, there will be another one sometime this year. The Gateway folks take their responsibility seriously!

Carmen’s Newsletter

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

 

Huevos Tostados / Lox & Goat Cheese Omelet / Banana-Pecan Pancakes

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.

Lox Goat Cheese OmleteWhat do you get when you put Lox in Goat Cheese?

The best omelet that ever escaped from a bagel!

What’s that, you say?  Can you have it with Capers?

I’m glad you asked!
Of course we’ll pack it with capers!
And garnish it with
fresh fruit!
And give you a side of bacon, if you really love taste sensations!

Banana-Pecan PancakesBanana-Pecan Pancakes everybody’s favorite!

We pralinize the pecans— crunchy-crispy, sweet and spicy!
Then we wrap them in Banana Pancake batter, with a sweet taste of Orange Zest for that Tropical Cuban flavor.

Party the winter away!

Some whipped cream, some fresh fruit—
with 100% pure maple syrup!
Why?  Because we’re Carmen’s! And it tastes so gooooood!

Xocolate Season Is Upon Us!

Spanish Hot Chocolate, shaved from extra dark chocolate plus fresh squeezed orange and cinnamon. For toppers, we whip cream and grind nutmeg for a rch, deeply layered flavor

Spanish Hot Chocolate

Whipping down from the North Pole, the bitter wind of winter brings the cold. Our only recourse, the only way to fight back, is with Piping Hot Xocolate from the sunny plains of España.

The  gentle taste of sweet Orange and spicy Cinnamon distracts the cold while the hot milk and cream revive you, until the heady rush of fine 75% cacao German chocolate steps in to finish the job.  Revived!  Or the biggest buzz ever!

Whichever.  Old Man Winter defeated before he even grabs hold!

Week of Thurs. Nov. 13 to Sun. Nov. 16

¡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

Dinners

Arroz con Pollo traditionally stewed chicken cooked with rice

Pan-Seared Tilapia w/ lemon-white wine- cilantro sauce over rice

Carne Guisada: Spanish beef stew, marinated and slow cooked, just the way
you love it

Desserts: expanded offerings:

Chocolate Mousse
Pear Apple Tart
New York Cheesecake
Flan

Prix Fixe Dinners

Friday, October 31st Served 5-9

Braised Oxtail fontina grits, apple gastrique, fried leeks, cilantro

Smoked Baby Pork Loin whipped plantains w coconut, butternut squash hay, pineapple rosemary demiglace

Butter Poached Monkfish fried green tomatoes, pine nut couscous, pink lemon pearls, white wine syrup

Includes Choice of Dessert:

Flan

Chocolate Satin Cake

Pear-Apple Tart

30, or w/ red or white sangria 35

Full Tapas Menu Also Available

as is wine, beer, and Jim-Gerale

Art Night / Street Painting / Prix Fixe Menu / Faces and Places

Week of Thurs. Oct. 30 to Sun. Nov. 2

Art Night at Carmen’s!


Prix Fixe Dinners

Thursday and Friday this week, 10/30 & 31 Served 5-9

Braised Oxtail fontina grits, apple gastrique, fried leeks, cilantro

Smoked Baby Pork Loin whipped plantains w coconut, butternut squash hay, pineapple rosemary demiglace

Butter Poached Monkfish fried green tomatoes, pine nut couscous, pink lemon pearls, white wine syrup

Includes Choice of Dessert:

  • Flan
  • Chocolate Satin Cake
  • Pear-Apple Tart

30, or w/ red or white sangria 35

Full Tapas Menu Also Available as is wine, beer, and Jim-Gerale

Gary Masline’s Artist’s Reception 

Faces and Places

a show of fairly recent work
5-9 Thursday 10/30 
Meet the Artist, See the Work!
tapas hors d’oeuvres and sangria will be served

Intersection Art

Alley Action leads all-volunteer fun
First and Adams has no crosswalks, so we’ll be painting them in for Halloween
Bees, Hives and Flowers theme in honor of Adams Street Apiary

Painting starts at 4—  Be there or be square!

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!