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

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

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″

Mundo Nuevo Returns

Mundo Nuevo Returns
Smooth Cuban Jazz
Friday, September 27  —  Shows at 6 & 8  — $5 Cover Each
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Tapas Menu for Friday, September 27

Pernil
w/ Arroz con Gandules

Coriander-Cumin Crusted Ahi Tuna
w/ Apple & Jicama Slaw & Crispy Rice Cakes

NY Strip Steak
w/ Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Veggie

Fricasé de Pollo
w/ Grilled Multigrain Roll

Flan

Death by Chocolate Cake

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Tomorrow:  The Pre(R)amble
Saturday, September 28
Tour South and Central Troy
See routes proposed for The Collar City Ramble
Get a Free Bike Bell and Flag!
Info at CollarCityRamble.com

Schedule:
Noon—  Visit the Green Fair, just north of the Green Island Bridge
12:30— Leave from the south end of the Farmer’s Market, Monument Square, Troy
1:00—  Arrive at Burden Iron Works Museum, foot of Polk St, Troy
2:30—  Arrive at Freedom Square, corner of 5th Ave, 6th Ave, and 101st Sts, Troy
3-3:30—  Pre(R)amble announcements and prizes awarded
5:00—  Events over

Willie Marlowe

-2
A Splash of Color
Paintings, Prints and Collages
Through November

Friday Tapas / Doc Scanlon Trio / Troy Night Out / Joy Adams’ Artworks

Tapas Menu for Friday, July 26

Grilled Scallops
over Crispy Rice Cakes

Filet Mignon w/ Roasted Red Potatoes

Grilled Pork Tenderloin w/ Orange Mojo Sauce
over Rice & Beans

Crispy Avocado w/ Warm Quinoa Salad
w/ Tarragon Vinaigrette Dressing

Sliced Fresh Fruit in Season

Flan

~~~

Call 518 326 2064 for reservations

Friday, July 26 Troy Night Out:

-4
Doc Scanlon Trio
plays Carmen’s!

Doc Scanlon plays hot swing jazz of the 1920’s through the 1940’s, classic rhythm & blues, New Orleans Jazz, Motown and 1950’s & 60’s roots rock. His song list can include the great standards of Gershwin, Berlin & Porter as well as the hot jazz of Django Reinhardt, Fats Waller and Benny Goodman as well as the roots rock & roll of Elvis, Chuck Berry & Buddy Holly.

Shows at 6 & 8  Cover $5 each

~~~

Through August 18—
Joy Adams
Strange Paradise
works on paper and paintings
Last of the Summer Thistles—  Oil on Board
Last of the Summer Thistles—  Oil on Board

Doc Scanlon Trio plays Carmen’s! Troy Night Out Friday 7-26

Call 518 326 2064 for reservations

Friday, July 26 Troy Night Out:

-4
Doc Scanlon Trio
plays Carmen’s!

Doc Scanlon plays hot swing jazz of the 1920’s through the 1940’s, classic rhythm & blues, New Orleans Jazz, Motown and 1950’s & 60’s roots rock. His song list can include the great standards of Gershwin, Berlin & Porter as well as the hot jazz of Django Reinhardt, Fats Waller and Benny Goodman as well as the roots rock & roll of Elvis, Chuck Berry & Buddy Holly.

Shows at 6 & 8  Cover $5 each

Sensemaya Plays Carman’s

Sensemaya Trio Plays Carmen’s This Friday, June 28

Sensemaya

Shows at 6 & 8  Cover $5 each

Tapas Menu for Friday, June 28

Crab Cakes with Cauliflower Purée   18
w/ Sautéed Carrots

Pork Medallions w/ Caramelized Pineapple    16
over Coconut Rice

Roast Chicken with Saffron Rice & Beans   14

Grilled Flatbread    14
w/ Sundried Tomato Tapenade & Grilled Veggies
topped w/ Manchego Cheese

Flan   5

Mango Granita   6
Shaved Mango Ice layered with Kiwi and Mango
topped w/ Plum Slices

photo6

photo6

~ Full Tapas Menu Here ~

~ Full Breakfast Menu Here ~

~ Full Lunch Menu Here ~

We are Closing at 3 PM This Saturday, June 29—

Through August 18—
Joy Adams
Strange Paradise
works on paper and paintings

Last of the Summer Thistles—  Oil on Board
Last of the Summer Thistles—  Oil on Board

Troy Night Out / Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard / Friday Tapas

Troy Night Out Friday April 26th @ 6 & 8 PM

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard
World Beat Jazz!

Shows at 6 & 8, $5 cover, full menu available with wine, beer and sangria.

herd

~ Tapas Specials April 26th ~

Mango-Chili Chicken Wings

Black Bean Sliders
w/ avocado mayo

Bacon Wrapped Scallops
w/ avocado salsa

Grilled New York Strip Steak
served w/ Manchego Scalloped Potatoes

Boneless Chicken Breast
Seared in a Sherry Cream Sauce
over Arroz con Gandules

Crispy Pan Seared Perch
Seasonal Veggies over Rice

Half Crispy Avocado w/ Pico
w/ Pineapple Coconut Rice
& Black Bean Cake

Black Forest Cake
w/ Chocolate Ganache and Cherry Filling

Flan

Friday Tapas Specials / Paintings by Carl Voegtling / Next Weekend: Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard April 26th

menu

~ Tapas Specials April 19th ~

Smoked Short Ribs w/ Guava Barbecue Sauce, Fried Yucca & Veggie

Grilled Lamb Chops w/ Cilantro-Mint Pesto over Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Pan Seared Rainbow Trout w/ Lemon-Caper Sauce over Saffron Rice w/ Veggie

Crispy Cilantro-Lime Tofu w/ Sauteed Seasonal Veggies

Mango Lime Cheesecake

Paintings by Carl Voegtling

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Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard–  World Beat Jazz! Troy Night Out Friday April 26th

Shows at 6 & 8, $5 cover, full menu available with wine, beer and sangria.

herd