cafe – Utica Entertainment

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.

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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