The Van Buren from Hudson River Coffee House

I eat a turkey sandwich almost everyday.  Yes, that may sound boring to some, but I love it.

When I get the opportunity to try someone else’s version I get psyched since it probably features things I would never think of on my own.  The Van Buren (named after President Martin Van Buren) from the Hudson River Coffee House definitely piqued my interest.  The sandwich starts out on a delicious fresh baked hoagie from Rockland Bakery in NY. They then add bacon which I know isn’t too out of the ordinary but awesome all the same (I will never turn down bacon on anything! Not even ice cream:).  Here is where things get a little different.  They take a wonderful apple grown right here in upstate NY, and slice it into thin pieces which takes this sandwich over the top.  Anton, the creator of the Van Buren and owner of the café, started this business after traveling abroad.  Spending time outside of the States made him realize that he needed to work for himself and after returning home, he did just that.  Open for a little over a year now, the Hudson River Coffee House has proven to be a success! It was great filming “Bite Me” with Anton and learning about his journey to becoming an entrepreneur.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/42239501]

The Crabby Marc from Ambition Café

The Crabby Marc isn’t so shabby! And the owner Marc isn’t too Crabby.

My adventures in filming Bite Me has led me to a fun and quirky café in Schenectady, NY.  Marc says that the way Ambition is decorated would be like looking at him from the inside.  All I can say is Marc must be a lot of fun!  He started this café 12 years ago and told me that he loves what he does everyday.  Ambition Cafe holds a lot of cast parties since it’s right across the street from Proctors Theater and Marc’s gotten to meet many famous people.   Speaking of famous, one of their menu items is legendary and has been on the menu since opening day! It’s the Crabby Marc.  I don’t claim to be a crab cake connoisseur but this thing was awesome!!!! I really loved the horseradish remoulade they put on top and the flavor of the crab cake was excellent! Served with a warm pita and garden salad and I can see why this has been a super star on their menu!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/42239501]

Pixie’s Preserves "Apple Crisp" and "Strawberries In May" Jelly

The other half of one of the best all time sandwiches involves jelly.

I can only imagine the PB&J combos you could make using Pixie’s Preserves since they offer over 37 varieties of jams and jellies!  All of their products are produced the old fashioned way which means it’s made in small batches on top of the stove just like your grandma used to do it.  The ingredients they use are grown locally and nothing contains preservatives.  This all makes a huge difference in the quality of their products since it was the freshest, most delicious jelly I have tasted.  Lucky for me, I got to try the Apple Crisp which contains rolled oats, brown sugar and apples of course!   It’s so good that I don’t know if an English muffin is worthy.  I like to just eat it with a spoon it’s that amazing! The other wonderful flavor I tasted was Strawberries In May which contains May Wine along with Strawberries and Woodruff Herbs.  Imagine the freshest strawberry you have ever eaten with a little extra awesomeness!   I could really use a jar of Peanut Butter right about now. Pixie’s not only makes sweet jellies, but you can also get savory ones like garlic and fiery hot pepper which are great with pork or chicken wings.  If you are looking to jam out, I suggest checking out Pixie’s Preserves and their wonderful assortment of both unique and traditional flavors.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/42519537]

Chicken Cordon Bleu in puff pastry from Michael’s Banquet House

It was so much fun hanging out with Rick at Michael's Banquet House in Latham, NY while filiming "Bite Me."

I got to assist in the making of their wonderful Chicken Cordon Bleu although I don't take any credit for it's deliciousness.  The filling started out with a generous amount of butter, olive oil and prosciutto.  We then added Swiss cheese and surrounded the chicken in a puff pastry.  Yes and Yes!!!!!!!  After I impatiently waited for the chicken to cook, I finally got to dive in.  The pastry was so light and flaky which was a nice contrast to the ooey gooey cheese and spicy flavor of the prosciutto.  If you are looking to host an event here,  you can be certain that the food will be delicious and the staff will treat you very well!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/38240624]

The Fortunate Latte from The Fortunate Cup

I love coffee almost as much as I love sugar (and wine, although wine is the clear cut winner).  There is nothing like the smell of fresh coffee. Add any sort of sugary flavoring along with whole milk and I am on board!

The Fortunate Latte starts out with a generous amount of Ghirardelli caramel syrup.  When I saw that going into the mug, I knew it was going to be great!  Add freshly ground espresso and some steamed whole milk and you figure out quickly why this is their signature drink.  The Fortunate Cup is a great coffee shop on the west side of Saratoga.  People were looking for a great meeting place that has free Wi-Fi, great lattes and delicious food and The Fortunate Cup fills that void.  Doreen opened in 2008 after leaving the finance world and she hasn’t looked back.  The name comes from a thoroughbred horse that runs in Saratoga and it brought the owner a lot of good luck.  Doreen thought it would be the perfect name for the café, which has proven to be a good choice since this place really is a winner!!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/37126216]

Sweet Cream Scone from Wheat's and Sweets

Happy New Year!  I am looking forward to 2012 and uncovering more delectable spots right here in the Capital District.  We kicked it all off at Wheat's and Sweets bakery located in Ballston Spa, NY.

Opened in May 2010, Wheat's and Sweets has been sweetening up peoples lives ever since.  The owner launched this business because he was in search of really great bread and couldn't find any.  He figured if I can't buy it, I'll make it! Well after much trial and error, he not only perfected his bread recipe, but the recipe for all of his cookies, cakes, muffins and scones as well.  After hearing about their Sweet Cream Scone, I knew that's what I had to try.  Faboosh!!!  And to celebrate the fact that I have just been celebrating all of the holidays for 2 weeks straight, I also tried the spritz cookies and the unbelievable carrot cake muffin!  Happy New Year to me!  New Year's Resolutions?!?!?!?! NAH! I'll take a scone with a side of cupcakes please! Especially if they are from Wheat's and Sweets!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/37126216]

Chocolate cake with strawberry moose and chocolate ganache from Cake in Schuylerville, NY

So I don’t think this will come as a surprise to anyone but I have a serious sweet tooth!

I’m two bites away from a 12-step program for sugar addiction (I kid I kid but I do love sugar☺)  Well I certainly got my fix at Cake in Schuylerville, NY!  I had the pleasure of trying her chocolate cake layered with strawberry mouse and then topped with chocolate ganache!!! Drooling yet??? I am just thinking about it!!  The cake was so rich and had a deep chocolate flavor.  The ganache was a wonderful addition (when is it not) and the strawberry moose was light and tasted like a fresh picked strawberry.  Alissa, the owner of Cake is some baker!  I am pretty picky about baked goods and this place takes the cake (pun intended).  She started this business after years in corporate America.  Alissa decided to quit her job, become a professionally trained pastry chef and start her own business.  Her wedding cakes are beautiful and her cupcakes are decadent!   I am so glad she decided to start this business because it means we all get to benefit from it.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/38240624]

Fifth and Fifty Pizza in Scotia, NY

There’s nothing like a good slice of pizza and Fifth and Fifty has it!

The crust was thin and very crunchy and I loved the sauce, which is always important.  If the sauce isn’t good then forget it, the pizza is ruined!  All of the items here are made from scratch. No pre-packaged stuff is going on or in one of their pizzas!  One thing that’s really great about Fifth and Fifty is that they offer a gluten free option for all of their pizzas.  Their gluten free pizza is so good in fact, that it won them the number one spot at Pizza Wars earlier this year.  Bob, the owner, bought this business 11 years ago after working for a large food chain.  He said he would rather work double the amount of hours for himself versus slave away for someone else and I couldn’t agree more! He obviously made a good choice since they have been in business a long time.  If you are in the Scotia area, this place is definitely worth checking out!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/35472736]

Sundaes Best Original Hot Fudge Sauce

Ahhhh the ultimate combination of hot fudge and ice cream. If you are fortunate enough to have Sundaes Best hot fudge sauce on your sundae then you are really in luck.

Katie, the owner started this business 10 years ago using her mother-in-laws recipe.  She quit her corporate job and launched with one flavor. Today you can choose from over 10 varieties including hazelnut, peanut butter and orange.  When I walked inside her commercial kitchen it smelled like something out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  Luckily, Katie had a freezer full of vanilla ice cream and after heating up her hot fudge, she assembled a sundae for me using her sundae making expertise.   First, she poured a generous amount of hot fudge in the bowl (because who wants to get to the bottom of the bowl and be out of toppings already!), then she topped it with 2 heaping scoops of ice cream, poured on more hot fudge so that the ratio of hot fudge to ice cream is about 1:1 at this point (shaping up to be my kind of sundae!).  Top it with whipped cream and you guessed it, more hot fudge.  Add nuts, sprinkles etc. and enjoy!  I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed both my sundae and hanging out with Kate while we shot “Bite Me.” Sundaes Best could make everyday the best if you get to eat this!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/35472736]

Fall off the bone ribs from LT’s Grill

I have the best job in the world because “Bite Me” has led me to LT’s grill in Niskayuna, NY.

The owner L.J. insisted we stop in a week before filming so that he could feed me and my crew.  I guess if your going to twist my arm I’ll come in for some free food ☺ We were lucky enough to try the potato encrusted haddock with dill, chicken wings with a delish dry rub and LT’s specialty, their ribs!!!!! I am not usually a ribs kinda girl but if I were eating here, I would have a change of heart.  They are fall off the bone, lip smacking good!  Not only is the food great, but the owner L.J. treats all of his customers like family.  He practically knows every guests name by heart, but don’t let that stop you from coming in.  If you’re a newbie, L.J. will make you feel right at home and you’ll be a regular in no time!

Customized Whoopies from Whoopies are Good in Ballston Spa, NY

Whoopies are Good was the next place to be featured on “Bite Me.”  These whoopies aren’t just good, they’re great!!

You can now go into their new retail location and order your own customized whoopie pie!  You start out by choosing your cake flavor, then pick your filling and last but not least, a topping to have your whoopie rolled in.  Are you a chocolate fan?? I know I am and they told me that I could have my whoopie take a chocolate bath if I felt so inclined.  Being the sugar addict that I am, I ordered 2 whoopies.  The first one was a vanilla cake with peanut butter filling and crushed peanuts which I had her roll in chocolate chips.  For the second one, I went with their best seller which is a chocolate cake with a marshmallow cream filling that I had her roll in whoopie crumbs.  These were SO delicious and I will definitely be back soon so they can whip up another whoopie concoction for me!!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/33695918]

Carrot Cake from Laurie’s Gluten Free Goodness

My adventures in filming “Bite Me” have led me to Laurie’s Gluten Free Goodness in Scotia, NY.  Laurie’s was born out of a need for great gluten free products at a reasonable price.

After she was diagnosed with Celiac’s disease 10 years ago, then finding out her son also suffered from the same condition, Laurie made it her mission to make wonderful baked goods for people suffering from a gluten allergy.  She started her bakery 2 years ago and they are still going strong.  Laurie sells her products both locally and in NYC.  I was lucky enough to try her Carrot Cake which includes locally grown fresh carrots and is both gluten free and dairy free .  All I can say is DELISH!!! Honestly it was so darn good I had to be convinced that there wasn’t any butter in it! I mean WOW! It was spicy, rich and moist.  Not only did I love their products, I loved them as well.  The owners were so sweet, much like their baked goods.

The Pit in Raleigh, NC

I was in North Carolina to visit some friends and I had one request- bring me somewhere that screams Raleigh, NC. They had one solution, “The Pit”.

I couldn’t wait to get there knowing that it’s been featured on The Food Network, Travel Channel and the Today Show to name a few.  The décor was upscale and the food was awesome! I had the Triple Combo (I mean why would you want to try just one thing when you can have 3!).  I chose the fried chicken, brisket and their famous Chopped, which comes from a pig raised on a local NC farm then cooked to perfection as a whole-hog on their pit-cooked barbecue.  In true southern fashion, I chose the cheesy bacon grits and black-eyed peas as my side and I chose wisely!  If you are lucky enough to be in Raleigh, make the day even better by stopping here for some real southern BBQ!!

Virgil's House Cinnamon Bun Latte

This was an exciting day because the first episode of "Bite Me" was filmed at Virgil's House in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY.  After interviewing the owner about her journey as an entrepreneur, I had to know what item on their menu really represents Virgil’s House.  She said the Cinnamon Bun Latte and I said YES PLEASE!!!!

This literally tastes like a liquid cinnamon bun.  The espresso had a little sweetness with the addition of cinnamon and a few other spices.  It's then topped off with foamed milk and sprinkled with Cinnamon. Paired with a real cinnamon bun and you could have quite the decadent experience.  Check back soon to see the first episode of "Bite Me" and to find out how the owners of Virgil's House were bitten by the entrepreneurial bug.

City Sandwich in Hell's Kitchen NYC

So I traveled to NYC in June to take a TV hosting class at Actors Connection and to my surprise, the school was located smack dab in the middle of Hell's Kitchen. UMMMM Yes!!!!!!!  I was tempted to blow off the class and just eat my way down Ninth Ave but that of course would not have been the best idea (or would it have been ??:) I stumbled upon a new sandwich shop called City Sandwich where the owner was greeting everyone who walked in and he walked us through the menu that hung on the wall.  You could feel his love for all the sandwiches as he described the fact that each one was named after someone who has either helped him out along the way or happens to be a close friend.  Guerrieri, who started City Sandwich 7 months ago, was born in Italy, raised in NYC and lived in Portugal for many years and as he puts it “marries those worlds between the bread” which might I add could be some of the most delicious bread for a sandwich I have ever had.

Engagement Dessert

Wow, I couldn't have been any happier when this came out. I ordered the Gianduja chocolate canollis and my new fiance had what I called the triple threat of the creme brule world. I loved the way the dish separated out the three wonderful variates of pistachio, espresso and vanilla bean creme brule. To top it all off, we had fresh berries with wonderful cream to lighten things up a bit :) I think that the flavor of the chocolate and hazelnut in a cannoli could be one of the best combination's yet! The Sagamore on Lake George really knows how to sweeten up an already sweet day.

Welcome!

Hi and thank you for checking out my site! I am exicted to share with you all of the wonderful food and beverage startups this amazing country has to offer.  I look forward to finding and talking with many different business owners who get to share their passion with us.  Stay tuned for all the yummyness headed your way!! Bite Me!