Plaza Promotion
Albany’s Stuyvesant Plaza has been busy, welcoming two big names early this summer (plus its new Lawn with free Wi-Fi for all!). Simone’s Kitchen—known for its “mezza bowls” and other tasty Mediterranean fare—is known around the Capital Region because of its Schenectady hotspot and Coxsackie location that owners Shan Kaurejo and Bashir Chedrawee recently reopened. Around the corner, Union Hall Supply Co.’s new Capital City digs are three times as big as its Saratoga flagship, and owner Heidi Owen West promises the store will be packed with the same style of casual clothes (no suits or ties!) for the modern man. And turn to page 36 for another hotspot coming July 1!
Play Time
For year-round fun in the adventure realm, head straight to Urban Air Adventure Park’s newest location, at Crossgates Commons Plaza (between Walmart and PetSmart). The all-ages trampoline park is a mega-hit for kids parties, but it is also perfect for team-building events for adults—or just a day of physical fun. In addition to the trampolines, Urban Air also offers a Sky Rider zip-line, virtual reality, a ropes course and a “warrior course” that’ll make die-hard fitness buffs feel like they’re on TV’s American Ninja Warrior.
Hope Floats
Capital Regionite Jeff Foley made a name for himself as a photographer, but his newest book took a complete left turn. Healed on the Inside: The Power of God’s Love, a Family’s Battle with Cancer, and a Will to Live is scheduled to hit Amazon in June, with the goal of helping other cancer patients triumph over the inevitable adversities. Says Foley of his book about hope and finding the sliver lining of life’s toughest days: “Even in the darkest times, you can find joy. As long as you’re not dead, you can live.”
Prime Time
One of the most popular restaurants in Saratoga has just finished a refresh. Prime Restaurant has reopened with a slightly tweaked name and a new menu that prioritizes farm-fresh, local and sustainable products—think beef tartare, house-made pasta and the hotspot’s signature surf and turf rolls. Prime is open daily for lunch, happy hour and dinner (dinner entrées include heavier options such as salmon, veal and ribeye). The menu will change seasonally to reflect the freshest local ingredients, with summer being one season not to miss, thanks to Prime’s stunning patio overlooking Saratoga National Golf Course.
New Digs, Who Dis?
GlobalFoundries created thousands of well-paying tech jobs when it opened its $15 billion campus in Malta—and a second chip factory is on its way. But where will all the workers live? Luckily, GrandeVille’s luxury carriage houses, townhouse buildings and apartments are ready. Built by nationally acclaimed LeCesse Development Corp., this second phase has just been completed and includes 189 units that range in size from one to three bedrooms. Apartments come equipped with a cutting-edge SMART home package—suitable for professional techies—and amenities include a clubhouse with an indoor pool, gym, game room, spa and dog park.
