Bite-sized is a new regular feature where we’ll spotlight upcoming local food festivals, special events, menu changes, restaurant news and more. Let’s dig in.
Let’s lunch
There’s another lunch option in store for Schenectady diners. Union Street’s Manhattan Exchange announced earlier this week that it’s bringing back lunch service.
Starting at noon on Wednesday, the bar and grill will offer up burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Lunch will be offered Wednesdays through Saturdays. For the full menu visit manhattanexchange.net.
New Bunker on block
There’s a new Bunker on the block. The locally owned chain of sports lounges and indoor golf simulators recently opened a Saratoga Springs location. It joins six other Bunkers, including Clifton Park, Schenectady, Latham, Guilderland and North Greenbush.
The Saratoga Bunker features golf simulators, darts and two bars. The menu includes traditional pub appetizers - think pretzels, loaded fries, and boneless wings - along with grain bowls, wraps and paninis.
There’ll be a grand opening celebration starting at 6 p.m. Friday with darts, golf and specialty cocktails. DJ TOMB will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Bunker’s Saratoga lounge is located at 307 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. For more information visit The Bunker on Facebook.
New beginnings
Spring is here and that means drive-in season is upon us. In Amsterdam, Cappie’s Drive-In is set to reopen under new ownership on April 5.
Peter Michailidis, Kevin Tiefenwerth and Robert Dicker bought the popular Route 67 diner and ice cream joint from Donna and Craig Durinick. They owned Cappie’s since the late 1990s, after taking over from John and Terry DiCaprio who opened the restaurant in 1965.
The change in ownership will mean some menu changes, though in a recent Facebook post, the new owners noted that they’ll be keeping some of the staples.
“We understand the special place Cappie’s holds in the hearts of the local community and visitors alike and we are committed to honoring its rich history while bringing fresh energy and ideas that will only add to the overall Cappie’s experience,” read the post. For more information visit Cappie’s Drive-In on Facebook.
Tap-tap-tap
New York Maple Weekends continue on Saturday with producers around the greater Capital Region opening their sugar shacks for tours and tastings.
Sugar Oak Farms in Malta will host tapping and sawmill demonstrations as well as a sugarbush walk. Johnstown’s Peaceful Valley Farms is offering a family-style breakfast along with tours of the sugar house.
Nightingale’s Maple Farm in Galway is running tours of its sugarbush and sugarhouse. For a full list of participating producers visit mapleweekend.com.
Have a suggestion for Bite-sized? Write to Indiana Nash at inash@dailygazette.net.