It’s that time again…the votes have been counted and the results are out for the Readers’ Picks 2010. Just as we had hoped, many of our local Lark Street businesses have ranked in the top 3 of the selected categories! Whether you are looking for a specific type of shopping, artwork, food, dessert and especially drinks, Lark Street has got it all! Some of our restaurants are listed multiple times throughout these categories because they are just that GOOD! Let’s recap and give mention to our winners!
Start off your day right with Dunkin Donuts coming in at #1 and The Daily Grind as #3 for BEST COFFEE!
Hungry for brunch, sandwiches or subs?
Check out Justin’s which came in as number 2 for the BEST BRUNCH around!
Also don’t forget to stop in at Debbie’s Kitchen who was ranked second for their best and unique sandwich creations!
If you want to get more specific and fill your craving, stop by at
-The #1 spot for the BEST GREEK food at Lark Street’s own A Taste of Greece!
-Ranking in 2nd for BEST Mexican and Southwestern is El Loco!
-And come in just a few steps behind is Bomber’s!
With Bombers we can always expect more than one award to follow!
Ranking #1 in cheap eats and coming in a first place tie with Wings over Albany for the BEST WINGS!!
-Also at Bombers if you’re looking for some cheap drinks to go along with your cheap eats, hang around at Bombers being that they were ranked #3 for the BEST HAPPY HOUR!
Speaking of happy hours Lionheart was ranked 2nd for their great specials!...and also make sure to visit the #1 BEST spot for happy hour at Tess’ Lark Tavern! Lark Tavern seemed to sweep a ton of categories!
Also ranking in at #1 for:
-BEST BAR
-BEST OPEN MIC
-BEST SERVERS #1 Sarah Stevens and ranked 3rd Nicole!
To make sure all those happy hour drinks get served how you would like, make sure you see the ranked number 2 BEST BARTENDER Karen Caraner! Congrats Ladies!
Looking for some more number 1 spots to check out…Make sure to stop by Oh! Bar for the top ranked BEST KARAOKE and BEST GAY BAR!
And of course one of our newest editions to Lark Street, The Wine & Bar Bistro who came in on top in 3 categories! BEST WINE LIST, BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE A DATE, and BEST WINE BAR!! Make sure you don’t forget flowers for your date, pick them up at the Lark Street Florist who came in at #3!
At the end of the day get a delicious ice cream cone at Ben & Jerry’s who came in at #2 for BEST ICE CREAM!
Lark Street is well known for its restaurants and bars, but that’s not all we have to offer!
Deciding on a tattoo parlor can be very tough; the readers pick helps you make your decision that much easier…Get your tattoo done at Lark Tattoo who was voted #1 for BEST TATTOOS!
When it comes to art, we have got some of the best!
Congrats to the Albany Institute of History & Art for being ranked #2 for the BEST MUSEUM and coming out on top as #1 for the BEST ART GALLERY and to the Upstate Artist’s Guild who came in at the respectable #2 spot.
And of course this list wouldn’t be possible without the Metroland who ranked in at the top quite a bit themselves!
-#1 for both BEST LOCAL PUBLICATION and BEST LOCAL ARTS COVERAGE
-#2 for both BEST LOCAL WEBSITE (ARTS) and BEST LOCAL WEBSITE ( MUSIC)
We want to wish each of these businesses our congratulations and thanks for helping make Lark Street the great place that it is today!
March 04, 2010
February 19, 2010
Vegan Lark Street
While there might not be a strictly vegan restaurant in the Lark Street District any longer there are so many vegan options here that is sure to make dining out or grabbing a snack easy! Both of us here at the BID are vegan/vegetarian so we know! The best thing about all the Lark Street options is that you can tell them you are vegan and they get it!
Here's a quick run down of what is available:
-Scratch Bakery Cafe always has lots of delicious options in terms of soups & desserts. Not to mention their sandwiches, wraps, & salads. If you haven't tried the vegan spice cookies I think it is time you head over there to get one. They have a great soft texture and a perfectly spiced flavor.
-Debbie's Kitchen has veggie sandwiches too which are as inventive as the others and delicious to boot.
-El Loco has the words vegetarian & vegan all over their menu. Even their mole is vegan! They make it so easy to eat out that El Loco is sure to become a fast favorite.
-The Good Leaf Gourmet Tea Company always has soymilk so if you like your tea a little creamy or if you are in the mood for one of the delicious Tea Lattes you are in luck. The most exciting news though is that the Good Leaf can make VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE!!! Creamy & frothy, it is the perfect cuppa for a gray winter's day.
-Bomber's is another place that is super veg-friendly...vegan chicken nuggets, bbq tofu, veggie chili. The vegan tofu fries are sure to satisfy your bad but good craving. And now you can get vegan baked goodies for dessert!
-Cafe 217 is a great little place to get some food after a late night or to get your day started. Breakfast can be difficult for vegans but Susie's has some options that are sure to keep you going.
-Ben & Jerry's even has vegan options! The sorbets are vegan and are a refreshing way to satisfy that sweet tooth.
-Al Baraki has lots of veg-options and makes a mean falafel. The garlic paste is amazing!
-A Taste of Greece has two vegetarian sections on their menu so knowing your options is easy, choosing isn't.
Here's a quick run down of what is available:
-Scratch Bakery Cafe always has lots of delicious options in terms of soups & desserts. Not to mention their sandwiches, wraps, & salads. If you haven't tried the vegan spice cookies I think it is time you head over there to get one. They have a great soft texture and a perfectly spiced flavor.
-Debbie's Kitchen has veggie sandwiches too which are as inventive as the others and delicious to boot.
-El Loco has the words vegetarian & vegan all over their menu. Even their mole is vegan! They make it so easy to eat out that El Loco is sure to become a fast favorite.
-The Good Leaf Gourmet Tea Company always has soymilk so if you like your tea a little creamy or if you are in the mood for one of the delicious Tea Lattes you are in luck. The most exciting news though is that the Good Leaf can make VEGAN HOT CHOCOLATE!!! Creamy & frothy, it is the perfect cuppa for a gray winter's day.
-Bomber's is another place that is super veg-friendly...vegan chicken nuggets, bbq tofu, veggie chili. The vegan tofu fries are sure to satisfy your bad but good craving. And now you can get vegan baked goodies for dessert!
-Cafe 217 is a great little place to get some food after a late night or to get your day started. Breakfast can be difficult for vegans but Susie's has some options that are sure to keep you going.
-Ben & Jerry's even has vegan options! The sorbets are vegan and are a refreshing way to satisfy that sweet tooth.
-Al Baraki has lots of veg-options and makes a mean falafel. The garlic paste is amazing!
-A Taste of Greece has two vegetarian sections on their menu so knowing your options is easy, choosing isn't.
February 11, 2010
We've been busy!
We've been busy here at the BID! We have been making all sorts of updates and changes so that we can stay in better touch with all of you! We are trying to make sure that we are able to connect in all of the ways that you want to.
Obviously, there is the website. We have been updating it so that you can get the best most up to date information on the BID, our events, and community events all in one place!
Would you rather the information come to you? Then subscribe to our newsletter. We email it out and include information about what we are up to and how you can get involved. This is a great way for event vendors and merchants to get the latest news about event registration and dates!
Last but not least be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter! We would love to hear from you!
Obviously, there is the website. We have been updating it so that you can get the best most up to date information on the BID, our events, and community events all in one place!
Would you rather the information come to you? Then subscribe to our newsletter. We email it out and include information about what we are up to and how you can get involved. This is a great way for event vendors and merchants to get the latest news about event registration and dates!
Last but not least be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter! We would love to hear from you!
January 27, 2010
Albany 2030
If you haven't heard Albany wants to know where you would like to see the city in 2030.
Albany is in the process of putting together a comprehensive plan for the future called Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future and they are asking for residents to be a part of the process. What makes it even better is that they are making it really easy for everyone to be involved.
Like going to meetings? There are 3 coming up with childcare available.
Like small house gatherings? They are setting up those too.
Social Media? They have that too!
So what are you waiting for? Get involved it's your city!
Albany is in the process of putting together a comprehensive plan for the future called Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future and they are asking for residents to be a part of the process. What makes it even better is that they are making it really easy for everyone to be involved.
Like going to meetings? There are 3 coming up with childcare available.
Like small house gatherings? They are setting up those too.
Social Media? They have that too!
So what are you waiting for? Get involved it's your city!
January 22, 2010
Benefit for Haiti
Wine & Dine for the Arts and Albany Area Chefs have announced that they will host "A Taste of Haiti" on Thursday, January 28 at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany to benefit Haitian earthquake relief efforts through the American Red Cross.
"A Taste of Haiti" will begin with a cocktail reception from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., featuring Haitian cocktails, wine, soft drinks and hors d'ouevres. From 6:30 p.m. 'til 9:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a menu of sumptuous traditional Haitian dishes created by top chefs Michael St. John of The Desmond, Brian Molino of Marché at 74 State, Jaime Ortiz of Angelo's 677 Prime, Yono Purnomo of Yono's, Kevin Roberts of the Crowne Plaza, Chef Luc Pasquier of Jack's Oyster House, John Marizilli of Salty's Pub & Bistro, and Rachel Mabb of the Hilton Garden Inn Troy. Desserts will be provided by Gio Culinary Studio. Please note: list of chefs is current as of 11:00 a.m. on January 21. More chefs may be added before the event--check http://tinyurl.com/ATasteofHaiti for updated listings.
100% of proceeds will benefit American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Advance registrations are strongly encouraged, although walk-in registrations will be available. Reservations for the cocktail reception are $25 per person; reservations for the cocktail reception and dinner are $50 per person. Free parking will be available at the Crowne Plaza Albany Hotel(on State and Lodge Streets in Albany), with valet parking services available for an additional $10 donation to the American Red Cross.
Guests can make reservations by calling the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York at (518) 458-8111 or online at http://tinyurl.com/ATasteOfHaiti. For multiple or group reservations, guests must call (518) 458-8111.
In addition to delicious food and drink, "A Taste of Haiti" will feature live music, a 50-50 raffle to benefit the American Red Cross, and remarks by American Red Cross leaders and local dignitaries.
"A Taste of Haiti" will begin with a cocktail reception from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., featuring Haitian cocktails, wine, soft drinks and hors d'ouevres. From 6:30 p.m. 'til 9:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a menu of sumptuous traditional Haitian dishes created by top chefs Michael St. John of The Desmond, Brian Molino of Marché at 74 State, Jaime Ortiz of Angelo's 677 Prime, Yono Purnomo of Yono's, Kevin Roberts of the Crowne Plaza, Chef Luc Pasquier of Jack's Oyster House, John Marizilli of Salty's Pub & Bistro, and Rachel Mabb of the Hilton Garden Inn Troy. Desserts will be provided by Gio Culinary Studio. Please note: list of chefs is current as of 11:00 a.m. on January 21. More chefs may be added before the event--check http://tinyurl.com/ATasteofHaiti for updated listings.
100% of proceeds will benefit American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Advance registrations are strongly encouraged, although walk-in registrations will be available. Reservations for the cocktail reception are $25 per person; reservations for the cocktail reception and dinner are $50 per person. Free parking will be available at the Crowne Plaza Albany Hotel(on State and Lodge Streets in Albany), with valet parking services available for an additional $10 donation to the American Red Cross.
Guests can make reservations by calling the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York at (518) 458-8111 or online at http://tinyurl.com/ATasteOfHaiti. For multiple or group reservations, guests must call (518) 458-8111.
In addition to delicious food and drink, "A Taste of Haiti" will feature live music, a 50-50 raffle to benefit the American Red Cross, and remarks by American Red Cross leaders and local dignitaries.
January 15, 2010
2010 Event Dates!!!!!!
We have gotten so many requests about our 2010 events dates so here they are! The dates aren't yet updated on the website but don't worry we are getting to it :)
Champagne on the Park- Thursday, May 6, 2010
Art On Lark- Saturday, June 26, 2010
LarkFEST- Saturday, September 25, 2010
Champagne on the Park- Thursday, May 6, 2010
Art On Lark- Saturday, June 26, 2010
LarkFEST- Saturday, September 25, 2010
January 14, 2010
We've Joined Local First!
Well we did it. We have joined Local First! Here at the BID we know the importance of supporting locally owned businesses- its what we do. By joining Local First we are now supporting the greater community. And how do you know when you are supporting a local business? Check for the window decal!
Local businesses are essential for building a strong community. To check out all the reasons to buy local check out Local First, a non-profit organization serving the Capital District with the mission of promoting and improving the conditions of the locally owned and independent business community.
To see who else is a member of Local First or to become a member yourself visit them at capitaldistrictlocalfirst.org!
Local businesses are essential for building a strong community. To check out all the reasons to buy local check out Local First, a non-profit organization serving the Capital District with the mission of promoting and improving the conditions of the locally owned and independent business community.
To see who else is a member of Local First or to become a member yourself visit them at capitaldistrictlocalfirst.org!
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