Artist’s Reception for William Gill

Artist’s Reception for William Gill

Thursday, 12/3 from 4-7

at Carmen’s Cafe: 198 1st St, Troy, New York 12180

Meet South Troy photographer and bon vivant Will Gill. Ask him your most pressing questions abut life, art and why the world goes around.

Stop by Carmen’s (198 1st St, Troy, NY) and check out the photos of the crazy place that is South Troy. People. Trains. Fireworks… all of it!

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.

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

 

Best Coffee in All The Land!

Week of Sat. Jan 24 to Sun. Jan. 25

Matthew

Why are those Cortados so good?

Meet Matthew Loiacono, Lead Roaster at Uncommon Grounds in Saratoga Springs, NY

The idea of the Cortado is that it pulls all the natural sweetness it can from the coffee bean, given that caffeine is naturally bitter.  We also steam the milk for sweetness, while avoiding a stiff foam.  Ideally, the milk thickens the expresso and you don’t need sugar to make it good.

We finish it off with a dollop of fine German chocolate at the bottom of the cup, just to make you perky.

Carmen’s Café:

Bringing North Troy to South Troy since 2004

And here’s the news:

Beautiful tableCan you say six-way miter?

Beautiful table, but how do you cut those joints?

There’s not much room for error in this one. Bringing the six arms and legs together takes more than a little finesse.  Fortunately, Jim is up for it.  Check out this beautiful table at Troy Night Out next Friday, January 30.

Springwood Studios
154 4th Street, Troy
Open 5-9
music by Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and Heard from 6-8.

124c516c-d984-476d-8371-023b01db5681Jim-Gerale is Back!

It’s been the hardest, coldest month on record

Not the temperature, not the weather.  We mean the soft drinks—  we have been out of Jim-Gerale, a full-blown South Troy Tragedy.

No excuses, no recriminations please.  Just be advised that your favorite homemade sodey pop is back in the cooler.  Let us jerk you a real old fashioned Jim-Gerale.

Made from seltzer, sweetened with fruit juices and a dab of agave, but at it’s heart it’s just fresh squeezed ginger.

Almond_Crusted_French_Toastb23b9eRegular Hours Resume March 5:

when we go back to the full schedule:

Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Free local delivery for orders over $15 on weekdays
We can hardly wait!

Cookin With Chef CarmenCookin’ With Chef Carmen!

Who makes all that delicious food? Chef Carmen, mostly.

That’s not to say she doesn’t have help, but mostly it’s her back there, bringing us authentic Cuban recipes she was taught by her Aunt Matilda.  And a few things she’s picked up since then.

Here’s a picture I took of her the other day.  You can tell she was dreaming about springtime.

Pretty strong dream.  I hope it comes true soon!

Vegan_Flamenco4bd130Jan. & Feb.Hours:

Just open Weekends till we catch our breath:
Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Of course, we’ll still do a party if you call ahead!

Authentic_Cubano906638Cubano Sandwich

—everyone’s favorite!

It all starts with the bread, and we FedEx ours in from a Cuban bakery.  We roast our pork for 14 hours after marinating it all day, just to give you that authentic Cubano flavor.  Such a savory blend you wouldn’t believe!

HuevosFlamencosHuevos Flamencos

Is that really Spanish for Eggs on Fire?  Carmen used to actually cook the eggs IN the Flamenco Stew.  The first time she served them, she put a bowl in front of me and dared me to eat them.  Gingerly, I spooned a dab of 212° liquid into my mouth and (quite naturally) winced.  “Hah!  Yanqui!” she teased.  “Too hot for you?”  As welts rose on my tongue, I tried in vain to explain that there were two kinds of heat.

Spanish_Hot_Chocolate.1.1Spanish 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!

Meet The ArtistMeet The Artist

No, that’s not her above, that’s one of her portrait photographs, showing  Abby Lublin, urban grower extraordinaire.  Does the name Susan B. Anthony ring a bell?  And she came by it honestly!

Meet her Saturday Feb. 21, from 5-8, when we throw our usual Grand Artist’s Reception. Dinner will be available, plus complimentary Cuban hors d’oeuvres

Good Morning from the Heart of the South Troy Arts District!

New Artist!

Abby Lublin by SusanBAnthonyDoes the name Susan B. Anthony ring a bell? And she came by it honestly!

Susan is from Brooklyn, and just loves Troy. So much that she’s writing a book about us— if by writing you mean taking pictures of everyday Trojans. And we’ve got a preview hanging on our walls. This is her photograph of our hero Abby Lublin, urban grower extraordinaire.

Meet her Saturday Feb. 21, from 5-8, when we throw our usual Grand Artist’s Reception. Dinner will be available, plus complimentary Cuban hors d’oeuvres.

Fire Drum by Jim Lewis of Springwood Studios

By Jim Lewis of Springwood Studios

What did YOU do for Christmas? Jim made drums for a numbew of people. Here’s the Fire Drum, made of cherry, blooddwood, and butcherblock oak.

See him for those extra special things, from furniture to sculpture to— yes, even counters and floors like Carmen’s.

Cookin’ With Chef Carmen!

Cookin' With Chef CarmenWho makes all that delicious food? Chef Carmen, mostly.

That’s not to say she doesn’t have help, but mostly it’s her back there, bringing us authentic Cuban recipes she was taught by her Aunt Matilda. And a few things she’s picked up since then.

Here’s a picture I took of her the other day. You can tell she was dreaming about springtime.

Pretty strong dream. I hope it comes true soon!

January Hours:

Just open Weekends till we catch our breath:
Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Of course, we’ll still do a party if you call ahead!

Regular Hours start Feb 1:

Back to the full schedule:
Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Free local delivery for orders over $15 on weekdays.

We’re Back!

Week of Sat. Jan 10 to Sun. Jan. 11

We’re all spruced up and ready for the New Year!

January Hours: Just open Weekends till we catch our breath: Saturday & Sunday 9-4

Of course, we’ll still do a party if you call ahead!

Regular Hours Starting on February 1st:

Thursday 11-6
Friday 11-10
Saturday & Sunday 9-4
Free local delivery for orders over $15 on weekdays

New Artist!

Does the name Susan B. Anthony ring a bell?  And she came by it honestly!

Susan is from Brooklyn, and just loves Troy.  So much that she’s writing a book about us — if by writing you mean taking pictures of everyday Trojans. And we’ve got a preview hanging on our walls. This is her photograph of our hero Abby Lublin, urban grower extraordinaire. Abby Lublin by SusanBAnthony

Meet her Saturday Feb. 21, from 5-8, when we throw our usual Grand Artist’s Reception. Dinner will be available, plus complimentary Cuban hors d’oeuvres.

The Nellies at Carmen’s Cafe – Troy Victorian Stroll

The NelliesThe Nellies at Carmen’s Cafe – Troy Victorian Stroll:
When: Sun, Dec 7, 2014 | 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where: Carmen’s Cafe, Troy, NY
Cost: FREE ADMISSION

The Nellies will be playing as part of Troy’s fabulous Victorian Stroll at Carmens Cafe in Troy, NY. The Nellies will feature Karen Ann on guitar, Peggy Lecuyer on mandolin, Kevin Maul on dobro and the amazing Gene Lemme on the bass.

Carmen’s Cafe serves wine, beer and delicious eclectic small plates and is located at 198 First Street, Troy, NY 12180 – phone – (518) 326-2064. Note that First Street runs one-way heading south.

For More Information Call: (518) 326-2064

Happy Thanksgiving— See You Saturday!

Week of Sat. Nov. 29 to Sun. Nov. 30

Carmen’s is closed on Thurs. & Fri the 27th & 28th

We’ll Be Open Sat. & Sun!

Everyone needs time to be with their families. So, if we may suggest, schedule some downtime. Take that after-dinner nap, then talk– play a game– call someone you haven’t talked to in a bit. Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Astrid-&-Mavis100% Pure

Did you know that Carmen’s offers nothing but 100% pure maple syrup for their pancakes and French toast?

Well, we do put homemade caramel on the Flan French Toast, but that’s another story.

We spend the extra money because it makes a difference— it tastes better, it’s better for you, and we love supporting family farms.

We are happy to get our maple syrup from the Davis Family Farm in Cambridge. If you want us to get you some, you know where to find us.

Kasius & Heard bring World Beat Jazz to Carmen’s

herdElizabeth Woodbury Kasius and Heard will play Carmen’s, Friday night, Nov. 21 at 6 & 8 moving us with their wonderful music. Two sets, reservations suggested. $5 cover.

1-518-326-2064

Check out their website to get a listen.  Every time they visit, they make amazing tunes.

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius – composer-pianist

HEARD New World Jazz The original repertoire of HEARD is the work of composer-arranger-pianist ELIZABETH WOODBURY KASIUS who brings a wide array of styles –jazz, classical and world music– into her captivating soundscape.

Jonathan Greene – woodwinds. Woodwinds player Jonathan is an active freelance musician in the New York Capital Region’s jazz, world and classical scenes.

Bobby Kendall – Bass. Bobby Kendall, bass, brings his great experience as a jazz, rock, and post-rock stand-up and electric bass player to HEARD.

Brian Melick – drums/percussion. Brian Melick is a percussive treasure who is known for his unique “hybrid” sound, built from his incredible collection of world music instruments.

Zorkie Nelson – drums/percussion/vocal. West African drummer Zorkie Nelson comes from a long line of Ghanaian master drummers and brings an exciting and deep richness to the music of Heard.

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