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Author: Tionna De Freitas
Groovy Bagel Contest
Utica’s authentic bagelry, Bagel Grove is one of Utica’s most prized possessions. Bagel Grove offers home made one-of-a-kind bagels, with over 15 varieties daily as well as a full lunch menu to choose from including delicious sandwiches, salads and soups.
The fresh ingredients and products they use are from local farms surrounding the Utica area.Their whole wheat bagels are made from 100% Organic whole wheat flour that is grown and milled by Farmer Ground Flour in the Finger Lakes, just hours away from the shoppe. For more information on their products click here.
For our viewers and bagel lovers we have an opportunity for you to win a dozen bagels and cream cheese for free. Just place your vote for you favorite bagel here and comment your name in the comment box and we will pick our lucky winner next week. Happy voting.
Tramontane Cafe: A local favorite
The fall season is here and it shows promise that the bitter cold is here to stay for awhile.
That’s no surprise to us folks who live in Upstate, New York we’re immune to the cold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hold back on warming up with a little something special. The first sip of coffee sure is something to look forward to. It warms my soul, perks me up right away and as a college student, coffee is what gets me and many other students through the day.
As a native of Utica, I’m all about finding new local hang-out spots. I believe there is so much more to Utica than what meets the eye. One thing I know for sure is, coffee spots are a definite favorite here.. and I’m not talking about corporate chains such as Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks, which are great for on the go runs, but the local ran cafe’s all over Utica are what make the city unique.
One cafe in particular that caught my eye was the Tramontane Cafe. The Cafe also known as “The Tram” is a local favorite because of the uniqueness and entertainment it has to offer. With funky, bohemian and vintage furniture including couches and lamps and humorous wall art bouncing off the walls. The Tram makes it feel like your in the comfort of a family lounge.
Owned and operated by Robin Raabe and Garrett Ingraham, The Tram has been open since 2008 and was rated Utica’s 4th best coffee house, but if you haven’t heard of it, you are not alone. It took me awhile to find it. Tramontane Cafe uses local coffee grounds and beans, mostly from the Finger Lakes and local produce as well. And If coffee isn’t your first go to, then have no fear because the cafe offers so much more than your ordinary cup of coffee. Whatever you’re wishing for, they have it. From latte’s, to chai tea, to homemade vegan soups, vegan burgers, salads, hummus, baked goods and sandwich melts, The Tram has it all. But it doesn’t stop there, when you stop in stick around for the events and entertainment. The Tram is open 7 days a week and offers nightly events including open-mic night, poetry night, story night and also has local band performers time to time. Stop on in and check it out for yourself. The Tram is located on 1105 Lincoln Ave. Just shy of Downtown Utica.
Wacky Tacky Thursday
It’s homecoming week here at Utica College.
We can thank one of our beloved organizations, Africa In Motion (A.I.M) for this one. Thanks to them, they’re making homecoming week eventful by having a week full of dress up. And what better way is their to show school spirit than to go all out?
This Thursday pull out your tutus, leg warmers, obnoxious bright color pants, Chuck Taylor’s and suspenders because it’s wacky tacky Thursday. Wacky Tacky day seems like a cheesy event to be apart of, but it’s a great way for students to display their pride and individuality.
Have pictures? Send them to uticaentertainment@gmail.com and be featured on our page!
Yummy Pasticciotti
Pasticciotti also known as “pusties” are a regional favorite here in CNY and also too addictive for my liking, even though the word “pustie” doesn’t sound all that appealing.
Pusties are a sweet pastry tart filled with custard and baked in an oven to a golden crisp. Most of the family-run Italian bakeries in Utica have an unlimited variety of flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, coconut, raspberry and just in time for the fall season, pumpkin.
Florentines is located on Bleecker street and has been around ever since East Utica was renowned as “Little Italy” mainly because of all the Italian restaurants, bakeries and cafes.
Not only is Florentine’s a high contestant when it comes to selling the best pusties around, but they also make many other delicious desserts including lobster tails, cannolis, tiramisu, chocolate kisses, and much more.
A vast number of bakeries and pastry shops give long time local, Florentine Pastry shop a run for its money when it comes to making pusties. The competition is so fierce that there are two bakeries located in the same vicinity as Florentines. Just down the street Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe offer a wide selection of pastries and deserts. Family owned by the Caruso family and Utica native Michael Paniccia, they offer walk-ins and catering. Right around the corner we have Giuseppe’s bakery, who I personally think hits it right on the nail when it comes to making the perfect pustie.Whether you’re in town, or need a new go to dessert, stop by any of these local shops and get your fix.
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Utica Greens
In Central New York, restaurants are often judged by the Utica Greens they serve. “They’re too spicy.” The escarole is over-cooked.” “There’s no meat in this dish.” Ay caramba! Literally. This signature dish is a staple of Utica and it’s legacy. Utica Greens, is a combination of sautéed escarole, cherry peppers, garlic, cheese, prosciutto, breadcrumbs and olive oil, and has become a regional specialty. Originated right here in Utica, New York , Utica Greens appear on the menu of nearly every Italian-American restaurant and can be found on buffet tables at receptions, banquets, graduation parties and potlucks in the local area. Famous chef Rachael Ray, who is also a native of the upstate region, featured her spin of Utica Greens (‘Scarole With Soul) on her show 30 minute meals . Each chef and restaurant have their own take on how they make their greens, but as a local here in Utica wherever they’re from, I know they’re jut as good as every other restaurant. For recipes, comments from locals and tips from the Owner of local restaurant, Joey’s head over to storify.
Utica Food
Dive into a taste of Utica with amazing hometown dishes, plenty of cultural cuisines and family restaurants right here in Utica, NY.
Utica’s position in the northeastern United States has allowed the mesh of cultures and traditions. The city shares characteristics, traditions and cuisines with other refugee cuisines as well as their own traditional staple foods including chicken riggies, Utica greens, half-moons and tomato pie. The city is also a melting pot of immigrant and refugee cuisines, including, Italian, German, Irish, Asian and Bosnian. Other popular dishes include upside-down pizza from the family owned local pizzeria, O’scugnizzo’s, sausage and peppers, and delicious pastries.
Along with the famous food Utica has to offer, nothing amounts to the variety of ma and pa restaurants and cultured cuisines available. From Italian steak houses, to Bosnian cafes, to breakfast diners, and ice cream shoppes there’s some where new to go every night of the week.
Not only is Utica well known for their cuisine, but they also know a thing about brewery. The family-owned Matt Brewing Company was ranked the 15th-largest brewery by sales in the United States in 2012.
So whether you’re trying to find a new place to eat, or want to broaden your horizons stay tuned for new posts every Thursday to find some favorite local hotspots for Utica Cuisines.
What else you can look forward too
Make it yourself, steal the recipe
Tips from the cooks
Map it
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