An Entertainment website created to cater to the Utica community.
Tag: local
You wake up this weekend on Saturday, you get out of bed and you do your usual morning routine, then you hear a heavy rumbling. You run to the kitchen to find something to feed the beast within your stomach, while your looking in your pantry for something good to eat you realize nothing looks that good to you. What are you going to do? Continue reading “Get Your Forks and Knifes Ready Folks!”
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.
We are looking to bring you entertainment and updates on sporting events that are happening locally. This is a great opportunity in which people can come to receive sports news, highlights, and updates. Utica has many great local sports to follow and we are going to help you do so. We are going to entertain you with Utica sports like none other.
Today’s special features every Central New Yorker’s favorite entree to eat, and cook. This Italian-American pasta dish was first originated right here in upstate New York. Sadly, the creator of this masterpiece is unknown, although there are everyday cooks out there trying to steal Jane Doe’s creation (my mom is one of them). Chicken Riggies is an Italian/American pasta dish that can be made multiple ways. Usually, you will find a plate of riggies consisting of chicken, rigatoni pasta, mushrooms and hot or sweet peppers in a spicy creamy tomato sauce. The dish serves to be one of the most famous entrees Utica has to offer. You can find Chicken riggies on almost any local restaurant menu each made differently for your taste and for reasonable prices. One bite of this flavorful pasta dish will have you begging for more!
Local Chicken Riggie Hotspots
Delmonico’s Chicken Riggies- Rigatoni Pasta, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Onions, Olives, Hot Peppers and Chicken in our Special Light Sauce…..$15.99
Chesterfields Chicken Riggies- Tender, bite-size pieces of chicken served with rigatoni, Romano cheese, sweet and hot cherry peppers, and red onions in a spicy white wine marinara sauce…..$14.99
Secret Garden- First place winner in the annual riggie fest…..$15.45
Babe’s Macaroni and Grill- Rigatoni with fresh mushrooms, marinated peppers and onions, olives and chunks of chicken tossed in our secret sauce…..$12.99
Ventura’s Restaurant- Rigitaoni and chicken tossed in our homemade vodka sauce…..$ 15.99
Teddy’s Restaurant- Sweet pepper, mushrooms, onions, black olives and chicken with rigatoni in a light wine sauce…..$15.99
Make Your Own
1 16 oz package rigatoni
2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
salt
pepper
garlic powder
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 white onion, diced
1 can olives
1 package mushrooms
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 green pepper, seeded, sliced
3 roasted red peppers drained
crushed red pepper flakes
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmasean cheese
Directions
1 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the rigatoni pasta, and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain and keep warm.
2 Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder and cook in the pan until lightly browned on all sides, and no longer pink in the middle. Once cooked add in onion, mushrooms, olives, remained on medium heat. In a tall add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup heavy cream stir, add in the green pepper, crushed red pepper, and roasted red pepper. Leave on medium heat.
3 Stir the chicken and vegetables cook until slightly softened, cook. Drain and add to pot of sauce. Bring to a simmer, then stir last half of heavy cream. Simmer 2 or 3 minutes, then stir in the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to serve.
Annual Riggiefest
The first annual Riggiefest was held in Utica, NY, in 2005 at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. It is a contest between local restaurants that feature their version of chicken riggies, which determines what restaurant has the best riggies . The winning restaurant will win the prestigious “Riggie Cup”.
Utica Entertainment 