Safe Travels: 10 Upstate NY museums with nearby restaurants to visit
Posted May 14, 2021
Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series that features things to do in Upstate New York while we still experience the Covid-19 pandemic. Before venturing out, please take proper precautions and check for any changed business hours, park hours or availability. Safe travels!
The statewide reopening of museums at full capacity on May 19 should provide a boost to tourism for any number of Upstate venues. And, along with paying visits to our many and varied museums, visitors also no doubt will be paying restaurants located near them.
Birthday freebies: Forty-plus things you can get free on your birthday
FacebookTwitterEmail
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.
Diners are returning, but restaurants face dire hiring climate
FacebookTwitterEmail 9
1of9Buy PhotoTom Mastrogiovanni, left, and Adam Shumway work in the kitchen at The Hollow Bar and Kitchen on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in Albany, N.Y. Co-owner Michael Philip says that he has been fortunate to have a core staff that has stayed with for a long time. (Paul Buckowski/Times Union)Paul Buckowski/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
2of9Buy PhotoCo-owner Mary Phan makes a drink at The Loft @ 205 on Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Albany, N.Y. Mary and her brother Will regularly have to work fill-ins because they can’t hire enough staff. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)Lori Van Buren/Albany Times UnionShow MoreShow Less
Restaurants going to 75 percent indoor capacity, but 6-foot rule remains
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of11
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
FacebookTwitterEmail
1of21
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
2of21
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
3of21
4of21
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