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

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!

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

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

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

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

Victorians

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!

The_Nellies.1.1

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!

Almond_Crusted_French_Toastb23b9e

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!

Holiday_Partyc6d7b6Remember, 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!

Sensemaya Trio / Tapas / Meet Lynn Kopka / A Splash of Color

Sensemaya Trio Hot Latin Jazz Friday, October 25
Shows at 6 & 8PM  $5 Cover Each

Sensemaya

Tapas Menu for Friday, October 25

Chicken Soup

Cumin-Coriander Crusted Filet Mignon
w/ Roasted Potatoes & Veggie

House-Made Seafood Sausage
over Masa Harina (cornmeal) Pasta w/ Tomato Chili Sauce

Arroz con Pollo
Chicken Stewed in Tomato Broth
w/ Rice, Olives, Capers, Peppers and Onions

Cuban Gnocchi, made w/ Yucca
served w/ Sauteed Veggies & Cream Sauce

Flan

Apple Cheesecake
________________

Meet and Greet The Candidate
Wednesday, October 30, 5 – 7 pm
Lynn Kopka
for Troy City Council
Tapas & Refreshments will be served
___________________

Ongoing Art Exhibit
Willie Marlowe
A Splash of Color
Paintings and Collages

Mayday Spun Glass
Collage Dyptich # VII, acrylic mixed media, 15 3/4″ x 20″