Carmen’s Weekly Newsletter

newsletterJust about every week Jim Lewis puts his heart and soul into this weekly newsletter. He includes updates about happenings at Carmen’s Cafe. He’ll keep you informed about the weekend specials or what Carmen is serving at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market.

Additionally Jim posts about the world around him. The local flavor of the Troy community, and its potential to be discovered as the gem it is, by others.  Jim puts his special brand of wit and whimsey into the newsletter.

So come on aboard for the ride, its free!

Jim

Sign Me Up Jim!

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!

 

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

Vote for Carmen’s Cafe in Metroland’s Readers’ Poll 2015

vote-for-carmens-cafeVote for Carmen’s Cafe in Metroland’s Readers’ Poll 2015

Metroland’s Readers’ Poll for 2015 is out!

Now is your chance to vote for Carmen’s Cafe for a multitude of categories:

FOOD & DRINK

Best Cuban

Best Tapas/Small Plates

Best Caribbean

Best Cuban/American

Best Breakfast

Best Brunch

Best Sandwiches/Subs

Best ___?____ Add Your Own Category! (Cuban-American)

 Click Here to Cast Your Vote!

Friday Night: Mundo Nuevo—Tapas Specials—Fall Music Calendar

Mundo Nuevo Returns to Carmen’s Friday August 22nd

The best in Latin music, plus the best in Cuban food!
What a wonderful world! Mundo Nuevo returns to Carmen’s for an evening of music, dance and celebration. How good does it get?

About the only way you hear these guys is to hire them for your party (hey, we don’t mind!) or come to Carmen’s when they play. Shows @ 6 & 8, $5 cover each

now for tonight’s news from the happeningest bistro on First and Adams:

Tapas Friday night, and maybe over the weekend too

Tilapia over saffron rice w/ garlic-wine sauce

Cubano Sandwich by popular demand— pork, ham & swiss w/ mustard & pickle on Cuban bread

Picadillo

Pernil Pork, slow roasted for 14 hours…served with arroz con gandules…that’s herbed rice with pigeon peas

Desserts tasty & traditional

Flan

Key Lime Pie

Triple Chocolate Cake

Full Tapas Menu (click here)

Music This Fall: Who Plays When

Sensemaya– 9/19
Mundo Nuevo– 10/24
Elizabeth Kasius & Heard– November TBD
The Nellies– Victorian Stroll
Mundo Nuevo– 12/19

Carmen’s Café Special for the Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert

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