October 15, 2011

Today, I accomplished one of those little things on my bucket list. 

As we all know, Salem, Massachusetts is the historical location for witchcraft and the Town of Salem comes alive during October for its annual haunting and visiting this town during October has been on my list for quite some time. 

So this Saturday morning, I boarded a Wade tour bus with my friend Megan at 6:00am to travel the 200 miles needed to reach our destination.  Upon arrival in town we first visited Pickering Wharf where we had a wonderful lunch at Finz, the oh-so-hip seafood restaurant where I dined on a great fish and chip lunch. 

Then we were off to visit the Salem Witch History Museum to see the presentation of Salem Witch Trials of 1692, one of the most important cases of mass hysteria in our history.  In 1692, 29 people were convicted of the felony charge of witchcraft, 19 of whom were hanged (14 women and 5 men) and one man, Giles Cory, was pressed to death (by placing large boulders on his body) for refusing to enter a plea. 

One of the things that I found most interesting was the fact that although they began reversing the judgments in 1711, it wasn’t until 2001 that all of those convicted were proclaimed innocent.  Almost 300 hundred years later.  Wow! 

Next stop was the House of Seven Gables, the Turner/Ingersoll Mansion, built in 1668 and the inspiration for Nathanial Hawthorn’s legendary novel.  This mansion is also filled with family history and drama, since it had been in the Turner family until the youngest Turner lost everything the family owned including the home.  I am not certain I knew exactly what a gable was but I do now!

I also took a trip to the cemetery where the hangings took place and also the cemetery in which it has been rumored as the location of the pressing of Giles Cory.    

Next stop the Haunted Happening carnival, complete with monsters and ghouls.

A fabulous day and totally enjoyable.  I highly recommend a visit, especially during October. 

October 13, 2011

Today is my friend Scott’s birthday and we decided to celebrate his birthday by heading to Sam’s Italian American Restaurant, located at 125 Southern Boulevard in Albany, just 19 miles from my house.   Besides being a wonderful restaurant, this place comes with a beautiful love story.  The story begins over 60 years ago in Montemurro (a province of Potenza), where Salvatore Rappoccio fell in love with Angela Santalucia, the sister of his good friend Michael.  Angela refused to marry Salvatore until he was released from the army, so 10 years she waited and after his release, they were wed. 

In 1960, Salvatore (now known as same) came to the United States at the request of his sister.  He and Angela saved enough money to open up a grocery store in 1965 and a few years later, they began selling pizza’s and Italian specialties out of the back of store.  In 1971 the store was completely renovated and Sam’s Italian American Restaurant was established.  The restaurant has remained in the family since that time and is currently managed by Sam’s children Paul and Carmela and they are still maintaining the high standards set by their parents. 

I enjoyed the eggplant rollatini for dinner, while others in my party had chicken marsala and chicken parm.  Everyone said their meal was delicious, so  I encourage you to stop by for a wonderful Italian dinner and homey atmosphere. 

Also, I had a chance to speak with Carmela while we were there and learn more about this amazing family while viewing the photos all along the wall, a sort of picture history throughout the years.  It is truly a wonderful restaurant filled with history and family. 

October 8, 2011 (Italian food all day!)

Wow what a fabulous fall day.  My day started out with a final motorcycle ride before putting the bike away for the season.  It was really a perfect riding day.  This year I decided to store my bike at my parents in Meco, so my friend Megan offered to pick me up there and bring me home.  For payment, I took her to lunch at one of my favorite establishments in Johnstown, Romana's Italian Kitchen on Comrie Avenue.  They came to the region in 1974 when I was a child, however, since I grew up in that area, I must say that I have probably tried everything on the menu.  That being said, when I visit now, the only thing I seem to order is a ham grinder and honestly if you visit, it is one of the things I most recommend.  Between the toasted grinder roll and the heated ham, it is just as delicious as it sounds.  I challenge you to find a better ham grinder and if you do, please be sure to let me know.

How does one top such a fabulous lunch?  I will tell you but be careful who you share the knowledge with because it is one of the best kept secrets in Schenectady.  I met some girlfriends (Carmel, Terri and Kathy) for a girls night out and our choice this evening?  Why it was none other than John Riccitello's Restaurant on Foster Avenue in Schenectady. 

John Riccitello's is an Italian family run restaurant that has been open since 1963.  One of my favorite things about the restaurant is its history.  From the panelled walls, its linens, its atmosphere complete with a room to house their pay phone (probably one of the last ones in Schenectady, except for the one in my house), it says history is here. 

I have had dinner here several times and one of my favorite dishes at this restaurant is the eggplant rollatini and since it is not on the menu always, I was certainly excited to see it as tonight's special.  Please don't be persuaded by its understated exterior, this is a true treasure and one you should experience while in town.  Please tell me about your favorite dinner selection. 

October 2, 2011 (Welcome ShopRite)

Goodness, I was so excited on Friday night (September 30) as I attended the preview celebration for the new ShopRite store in Niskayuna.  ShopRite is located in the former St. James Square which has now been renamed the ShopRite Square.  This New Jersey based grocery chain has come into our region and I for one (among many others I'm sure) am welcoming them with open arms. 

This organization and the team of individuals that they have brought into our area are wonderful.  They have brought us a new shopping experience, complete with a registered dietician and shopper advocates.  This company wants to be involved in our region and is putting their commitment right here in town.  I have personally had the opportunity to discuss this region with their senior management and the team that has been brought to this area and I am so thrilled that they are here and that they are here to improve our region with healthy living.  

Coupling my Friday night experience with my Sunday morning (opening day) shopping experience, made me even more excited than before, which is hard to believe.  There was not a parking spot left when I arrived at 7:30 this morning and that is a sign that we were all waiting for this new experience. 

Not to mention that my dinner this evening was fabulous.

Welcome to the neighborhood ShopRite!!!  

September 24, 2011 (Proctors' Gala)

When I think about all the great things that we have access to right here in Schenectady, Proctors' Theater is one of the things that pops into my mind. Not only because it is a great place to see Broadway shows but because of their continued commitment to this region.  Tonight I had the opportunity to attend their Season Opening Gala, and "Oh What a Night" it was.  One of the inductee's to the Capital Region Hall of Fame at Proctors' tonight was The Costumer.  When Kathe Sheehan spoke about the company and how she and her husband Jack (who passed away last year) came to own it, their's is such a loving story and most importantly, you could tell that they love this region and are also very committed to its growth.

There is no better way to spend the evening than with a group of people that love this area as much I as do so I was extremely grateful to my friend Denise for including me tonight.