Birthday freebies: Forty-plus things you can get free on your birthday
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You say it’s your birthday? How about commemorating the occasion with a complimentary meal, coffee, cocktail or heaping plate of sushi or chicken wings?
Family and friends aren’t the only ones ready to spoil you on your special day. Businesses in the Capital Region and across the country are eager to lavish you with deals and free offers.
Below are more than 40 things you can nosh on, sip and savor for free, simply for being born. Many of these complimentary deals were curtailed because of COVID. It’s not a bad idea to call ahead and be sure the gratuitous gift is currently available. Be sure to visit the Shopportunist online - timesunion.com/shopportunist - to see a full list of birthday freebies and deals.
Restaurants going to 75 percent indoor capacity, but 6-foot rule remains
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Upstairs at The Nest in Schenectady. With two floors of dining space, the restaurant will be able to accommodate approximately 15 more guests starting March 19, when the state allows upstate restaurants to increase indoor capacity to 75 percent, from the 50 percent cap that has been in place since June 2020. The Nest s Albany sibling, The Cuckoo s Nest, is much smaller and will see no net gain because of a rule remaining in place that requires dining tables be spaced at least 6 feet apart, the owners said. (Elario Photography for The Nest.)Elario Photography for The NestShow MoreShow Less
Critic s notebook: Chef-prepared meal kits to cook at home
Susie Davidson Powell
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Susie Davidson Powell stretches noodles in a delivery meal kit from Xi’an Famous Foods in New York City. (Provided photo.)Provided photoShow MoreShow Less
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Susie Davidson Powell finishes a noodle dish with beef in a delivery meal kit from Xi’an Famous Foods in New York City. (Provided photo.)Provided photoShow MoreShow Less
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Susie Davidson Powell finishes a noodle dish with beef in a delivery meal kit from Xi’an Famous Foods in New York City. (Provided photo.)Provided photoShow MoreShow Less
Saturday s Saratoga Chowder Tour a different blend this year
Event will continue through the week with pandemic limitations
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1of6Jordan Guljas, a chef at the Parting Glass Restaurant, spoons out a bowl of Luck of the Irish Chowder, of shrimp potato corn chowder, during the 2021 Saratoga Chowder Tour on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. This year’s chowder tour will run through Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 (Jim Franco/special to the Times Union.)James FrancoShow MoreShow Less
2of6Jordan Guljas, a chef at the Parting Glass Restaurant, spoons out a bowl of Luck of the Irish Chowder, of shrimp potato corn chowder, during the 2021 Saratoga Chowder Tour on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. This year’s chowder tour will run through Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 (Jim Franco/special to the Times Union.)James FrancoShow MoreShow Less
Critic s notebook: Takeout from Boca Bistro, Why Not Burger
Susie Davidson Powell
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Takeout from Boca Bistro in Saratoga Springs. (Susie Davidson Powell photo.)Susie Davidson Powell/For the Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
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Exterior of The Crisp Cannoli in East Greenbush, which is also home to the Why Not Burgers concept on Friday and Saturday evenings. (Susie Davidson Powell photo.)Susie Davidson Powell/For the Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
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The takeout food and cocktail spread from Boca Bistro in Saratoga Springs. (Susie Davidson Powell photo.)Susie Davidson Powell/For the Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
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Fare from Why Not Burgers in East Greenbush. (Susie Davidson Powell photo.)Susie Davidson Powell/For the Times UnionShow MoreShow Less