Shogun Sushi Grand Opening

Lark Street BID is ecstatic to welcome its newest business, sushi restaurant, Shogun.  Already a hit at its Delmar location, Shogun is opening its second restaurant at 457 Madison Avenue.

"Owner Frank Lee possesses over 20 years of experience serving the palettes of the Capital Region in Japanese, Chinese, and American cuisine. Our promise of exquisite cuisine means Shogun's chefs offer only the freshest ingredients, from our diverse sushi and sashimi to the mouth-watering teriyaki dishes. The elegance behind our presentation only enhances the experience of entrees like perfectly battered tempura shrimp, zesty Japanese curries, and filet mignon so tender it melts in the mouth."
 
Shogun will be open for dining Tuesday, March 27th. Shogun's extensive menu has something for everyone. Treat yourself to lunch, or stop in for dinner.  Even swing by for a drink, Shogun offers a full-bar as well as take-out and catering.

Lark Streets "Best of" picks in Metroland!

It's March 8th and the Capitol Region's alternative newsweekly, Metroland, has released The Readers' Poll 2012.  Whether you're looking for food, drink, art, or something new Lark Street is the prime location in the Capitol Region!  We'd like to take a moment now to acknowledge our fine local businesses that were chosen this year by you, the reader.

If it's Mexican or Southwest cuisine you're craving look no further then El Loco and Bombers, voted top three in the Capitol Region.

Congratulations to both Jewel of India on Lark and Lil' Buddha for placing third in their respective categories, Best Indian/Pakistani and Best Vegetarian!

Trying to find the perfect wine to compliment your meal?  Perhaps a romantic evening outside?  Look no further than The Wine Bar & Bistro on Lark.  Voted #1 best wine bar, #1 best wine list, #2 best restaurant to take a date, and #3 for best outdoor dining experience!

If it's ice cream you're craving after that date just walk down to Ben & Jerry's.  The #3 best ice cream around!

In the mood for wings?  Maybe you're low on cash?  Either way Bombers Burrito Bar placed #1 in best cheap eats and #2 for best wings in the Capitol Region!

The Lark Street Flower Market once again proved they are the #1 florist in the Capitol Region.  Congratulations!

All your cycling needs will undoubtedly be met at The Downtube Cycle Shop, the #1 bicycle shop in the area!

Pastime Legends Video Games is the perfect fit for gaming enthusiasts young and old!  Voted #1 in all the land for best video game store.

Looking for your happy hour scene?  Justin's on Lark was voted #2 best happy hour around!

Stop by the Oh Bar for a drink on their fabulous patio.  Voted #1 best gay bar in the Capitol Region!

Grab some friends and make up a clever team name this Tuesday for trivia night and cheap beers.  Congratulations to Bombers Burrito Bar for being voted #1 Trivia Night in the area!

Not enough art in your life?  Well, Lark Street is the most creative and inspired neighborhood in the Capitol Region!  The Upstate Artist Guild was voted #3 best art gallery!  1st Friday and our very own Art on Lark were voted in the top three for best art event around!  Awesome!

Finally, we'd like to congratulate Metroland for being voted #1 best local publication and #1 best local arts coverage.  Also, a special thanks to Metroland and it's readers for acknowledging our dedicated and hard working local businesses! 

"Buying Locally Builds Community"

Never forget the importance of buying locally.  As Visions Magazine highlights in their recent article on the effects of buying locally, the Capital District has an abundance of opportunities for shops, restaurants and businesses to thrive. Buying locally isn't just beneficial for you, it supports the entire community and boosts the local economy. Lark Street BID executive director Mary Spinelli, quoted below, understands the significance of buying locally.

"Studies have shown that when you buy local, a much higher percentage of your money stays local and is reinvested in community through jobs and purchasing of local goods. Local businesses are owned and operated by people who have a vested interest in the vibrancy and viability of the area." By golly, I think she's got it!

The Visions article shows that a study of ten local businesses in Chicago boasted a 68% cash return to the local economy, whereas only 43% of money spent at a chain store remained local.  Think of it this way, "if you spend $20 at Shop A, that shop owner will likely go across the street and buy lunch from Cafe B. Local residents who are employed at Cafe B take their paychecks and buy gifts from Shop A. Local spending is cyclical and spurs community growth and spirit," says Elizabeth Young, executive director of Downtown Troy BID.

Remember this next time your hungry for a bite, or need to do some shopping.  Lark Street is a mecca of unique shops and restaurants.  Looking for a creative gift? Visit Elissa Halloran's shop.  Jonesing for a cup of coffee? Pop over to the Daily Grind.  Check our our website for a comprehensive list of all of Lark Street's businesses.

"When businesses are both buying and hiring locally, they reinforce the belief in the quality of local talent  as well as the quality of local products," says Spinelli.  Local talent and quality products are not hard to find in the Lark Street neighborhood.

The eclectic nature of Lark Street, not to mention exceptional areas like downtown Troy and Saratoga won't leave you disappointed. So get out of the mall and into the neighborhood!

Robert H. Jackson Albany Law School, Class of 1912

In 2012 we celebrate Robert H. Jackson’s Centennial anniversary since attending and graduating Albany Law School in 1912.  Prior to graduating from Albany Law, becoming U.S. Attorney General, a Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor of Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg Trials following World War II; Jackson shared a tiny one bedroom apartment with two classmates at 267 Lark Street.  The Lark Street building was finished in 1850 and Jackson is listed as living at the address on a 1912 city directory. 

 

Jackson took his wife, Irene Gerhardt, ice skating in Washington Park for their first date.  The couple married on April 24, 1916, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church on State Street downtown.  Jackson had a tremendous impact as chief U.S. prosecutor in the trail against Nazi war criminals and in the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education.  It is a great honor for the Lark Street neighborhood to share a piece of history with such an accomplished and influential American like Robert H. Jackson. 

Champagne on the Park

On Thursday May 10th, the Lark Street Business Improvement District will celebrate our annual formal event which takes place in Washington Park surrounding the beautiful tulip buds.

The event will celebrate the BID's 16th anniversary and celebrate the businesses and people who have contributed to the success of the organization. Champagne on the Park is an annual fundraiser that  honors the members of the Lark Street commuity who help and support the BID to provide them resources needed for the  Lark Street community. Guests will enjoy music, dancing, great food and lets not forget the Champagne. A silent auction will take place with items from the local artists and merchants. The tickets are on sale now and are $60 for an individual or $100 per couple. Tickets can be purchased online at http://larkstreet.org/Registration/champagne_park_ticket.cfm

Lark U Business Forum

Join us this coming Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30pm for a Small Business Forum in the Trinity Church Chapel. The forum is for small business owners & managers & will feature a panel of small business experts there to answer your questions. Whether you have questions about funding, social media marketing, human resource issues, or anything else, we hope you will join us on the 24th.

This is first forum of 2012 and will offer an overview of important small business issues and resources. We are excited to be offering these forums for the second year to the small business community in Albany & hope that you will join us for the discussion and networking.

Lark U Small Business Forum:
Thursday, January 24 5:30pm
Trinity Church Chapel
   235 Lark Street Front Entrance

RSVP to bid@larkstreet.org

2012 Event Dates

2012 is here & with it a whole new year of Lark Street BID events! While we might not be celebrating any major anniversaries this year, we are still planning to go above & beyond & make this years' events even better.

Be sure to make these dates down!

Champagne on the Park -- Thursday, May 10
Art on Lark -- Saturday, June 9
LarkFEST -- Saturday, September 15
Winter WonderLARK -- Saturday, December 8

We hope to see you there!