Scratch That
Stacy’s Scratch Kitchen is having a banner year. First, the Broadalbin hotspot moved out of Higher Ground Distilling Co. into its own brick-and-mortar location, and then it snagged No. 1 restaurant honors for Fulton County in the Bestie awards in this very magazine. And now it has a video shoot under its belt, for the YouTube show America’s Best Restaurants (airing soon). The acclaimed Stacy Tecler—whose popular takeout service is often put on hold because the restaurant is just too darn packed—is known for her love of lobster (in mac ‘n’ cheese, on a steak, in her award-winning lobster rolls…), and gorgeous cocktails. Cheers.
Symphonic Soundtrack
Albany Symphony kicks off its 2023-24 season with a brand-new Film Music Festival Weekend October 5-8 in Albany and Troy. The first night, at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, features guest pianist Kevin Cole’s solo recital featuring songs from the Golden Age of film. On Saturday, October 7, the Symphony’s David Alan Miller leads the ASO in Soundtrack New York, a concert featuring beloved selections from New York-based movies, at the Palace Theatre. And on the final evening, also at the Palace, rocker Tommy Tallarico joins the Symphony for Video Games Live, featuring music and videos from video games such as Warcraft and Tomb Raider.
Music for All
When Jill Rifkin found out that many students in the Capital Region had an interest in playing music but couldn’t afford to buy or rent an instrument, she tackled the issue grassroots style. The result? The donation of more than 750 instruments to 13 of the Capital Region’s poorest school districts—instruments she got from “drives,” where she parks herself outside a library or bookstore to talk to passersby. “Studying music is so good for kids,” she says. “And most of all, it brings joy.” For info on this fall’s drives or to donate an instrument, call 518-439-1843 or email jrrif@aol.com.
Block Party
Local artists are converging on downtown Troy October 13-14 for the inaugural Troy Art Block festival, where pre-selected participants will spend their fall weekend putting their paintbrushes to work. The exciting new public art program, put on by the Arts Center of the Capital Region, promises an inspiring few days of brightening up alleyways via more than a dozen new mural masterpieces curated and produced by the commissioned artists. The Arts Center’s goal is to then bring back the paint party every two years, to create fresh visions for the vibrant town.
Twinning
Lake George just had a sizzling summer of real estate deals, and as we move into fall, it isn’t done yet. A two-mansion compound sitting on almost three acres of prime lakeside property is—at press time—on the market (via Realize Brokers) for a whopping $16 million. Aside from the twin six-bedroom homes, the property boasts two gazebos tricked out with full bathrooms, kitchens and fireplaces; a boat house with room for six slips; and a grid of decks and patios. Perfect for a family (or two!) that’s firmly in the one percent, the compound features basements with game rooms and is within walking distance of Lake George Village.
