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 Capital 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!