Articles Tagged "Dining"

Don't you just love biting into a juicy hamburger? The crunchy lettuce, the gooey cheese, the tender beef—everything just blends together so well. If this has you in the mood for a burger, then you're in luck. May is National Hamburger Month, and the very best way to celebrate is to go out for a burger. Our real estate agents have a few restaurants to recommend in the Central New York region.

• LODED: 6393 Thompson Rd., Syracuse, NY 13206
  As the name suggests, the burgers at LODED are loaded. This restaurant makes smash burgers, flat patties cooked until the outsides are crisp and delicious.

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Tucked away at the top of one of New York's Finger Lakes, you'll find the quaint, scenic village of Skaneateles. Located just 30 minutes from Syracuse homes for sale, Skaneateles is a historic community with local businesses that have been around for more than a century and natural beauty waiting for you around every corner. Our real estate agents have some tips on local attractions that you won't want to miss when you spend the day in Skaneateles.

• Lockwood Lavender Farm – 1682 W. Lake Rd., Skaneateles, NY 13152
  Set on 120 acres overlooking Skaneateles Lake, Lockwood Lavender Farm has been owned by the same family for more than 150 years and has long been a favorite attraction near Skaneateles homes for sale. The farm is open to visitors from late spring through summer, but the best time to visit is during harvest season in July for some truly Instagram-worthy photo ops in the lavender fields.

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As the threat of COVID continues to loom, outdoor dining is more popular than ever. There are plenty of Albany homes for sale near outdoor dining establishments. However, eating outside seems like a tricky proposition when the weather is cold. Fortunately, there's a rather ingenious solution: igloos. Several restaurants around Albany allow you to reserve a personal, heated igloo in which to dine. Here's where you can find them.

• Fenimore's Pub - 88 Ridge St., Glens Falls, NY 12801
  Fenimore's Pub is attached to the Queensbury Hotel, which has stood near Glens Falls homes for sale for over a hundred years. Igloos have become a staple of their outdoor dining experience during the colder months. Reserve one for up to six people, with a $25 rental fee, and enjoy delicious food and cocktails. You can reserve igloo dining in the evening any day of the week or for lunch on weekends. Be sure to specify igloo dining when you call for your reservation.

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Pastry Day is December 9, so it's the perfect chance to indulge in our favorite tasty treats. Everyone has a favorite type of pastry, which is why they're such a good choice for any celebration. With the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to start ordering your favorites. Our real estate agents share five local bakeshops around the Capital Region.

• Zachary's Pastry Shoppe - 54 State St., Albany, NY 12207
  For some of the best pastry trays in the Albany area, check out Zachary's Pastry Shoppe near downtown. Their famous trays include mini cannoli, cream puffs, eclairs, cheesecakes, mousse tarts, and more. They also serve a wide range of cakes, pies, and cupcakes. Zachary's is a great stop for a sweet treat or a holiday platter of pastries. Best of all, it's just down the road from these Albany homes for sale.

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Cappuccinos are one of the most popular coffee drinks and are well known for their combination of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. They're comforting yet strong and can be enjoyed in many coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants in the area.
  
Our real estate agents suggest celebrating Cappuccino Day - which falls on November 8 - by visiting one of the following cafes or other venues in the Albany area:

• Stacks Espresso Bar 260 Lark St., Albany, NY 12210 
  The owners of Stacks Espresso Bar take pride in creating a cafe and community space that's a friendly and accessible place to enjoy your cappuccino or other coffee drink. Located just around the corner from Albany homes for sale, it features coffee from diverse roasters to serve unique, delicious coffees. Order your 8- or 12-ounce richly-textured cappuccino with a soy or almond milk alternative if you'd prefer, and treat yourself to a tasty treat to enjoy alongside your drink.

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October 4th is National Cinnamon Bun Day. What better excuse to indulge in a warm, gooey treat filled with rich spices and topped drizzled with melty glaze? You could go to the store and get a tube of pre-made cinnamon rolls to bake up. Or you could indulge yourself a little by going to a local bakery or cafe that sells them fresh, hot, and homemade. The only question is, where do you find one? You've just moved to the area and don't know where things are. There are plenty of Albany homes for sale, but where do you go for cinnamon rolls near those homes? We've got your back. Here are five local cinnamon rolls you need to try in the Capital Region.

1. Rolly-Poly Buns & Stuff - 30 Davis Ave., Albany, NY 12203.
   Open from 4-10 pm on weekdays, and 11 am-10 pm on weekends, Rolly-Poly Buns & Stuff is a home bakery specializing in cinnamon buns and apple fritters, baked fresh in a cast-iron skillet. From simple flavors like classic cinnamon, maple pecan, and Ukrainian walnut to their "bougie buns" like lemon cardamom and pineapple upside-down, there's truly not a bad bun in the bunch. Buns are sold individually or in batches of five or 10 and must be ordered online, at least one day in advance.

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September is on its way, and that means Shake Month is about to start once again. This American tradition began as a way to celebrate our cultural love for the milkshake, a blended drinkable treat made from milk, ice cream, and various syrups, sprinkles, and other garnishes. Our real estate agents have scoped out the best places to grab a milkshake in and around Albany, including both old favorites and up-and-coming establishments.

1. Emack and Bolio's - 366 Delaware Ave., Albany, NY 12209
   Emack and Bolio's has been a popular local destination for ice cream treats since the Albany location first opened in 2008. This shop is known for their delicious frappe drinks, which is what they call milkshakes according to Boston tradition. They offer these in every flavor their hand-crafted ice cream comes in, including Beantown Buzz, Stoney's Dream, and Serious Chocolate Addiction. If you're looking for a very special shake for your Shake Month indulgence, this is the place to go!

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With "Drive Your Studebaker Day" coming up Sept. 11, our real estate agents got to thinking about all of the awesome local car shows that take place in our community. If you're a classic car collector or spectator, there are ample opportunities in and around Albany to see some of the best antiques and vintage models. Even if cars aren't your thing, our local shows have lots of food, music, and prizes and can be fun for the whole family. 

• TCM Tuesday and Saturday Cruise-Ins - 7 Old Mariaville Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306
  If you're a fan of old muscle classics, check out TriCity Muscle Cruise-in every Tuesday and Saturday night at Poppy's Ice Cream. The show is Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 pm, and dates go until September 28. After the show, be sure to take a look at these gorgeous Schenectady homes for sale.

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You don't need a real estate license to find your dream home, but it does help to become familiar with the real estate jargon you might encounter during the process. When searching for a home or applying for a mortgage, you may hear your real estate agent or lender use any of the terms or acronyms below.

Keep this four-part guide handy — you'll be fluent in the language of home buying before you know it.

When you're searching for a home

• Approved for short sale: A term that indicates that a homeowner's bank has approved a reduced listing price on a home, and the home is ready for resale.
• Buyers market: Market conditions that exist when homes for sale outnumber buyers. Homes sit on the market a long time, and prices drop.
• Comparative market analysis (CMA): An in-depth analysis, prepared by a real estate agent, that determines the estimated value of a home based on recently sold homes of similar condition, size, features and age that are located in the same area.
• Comps: Or comparable sales, are homes in a given area that have sold within the past six months that a real estate agent uses to determine a home's value.
• Days on market (DOM): The number of days a property listing is considered active.
• Listing price: The price of a home, as set by the seller.
• Multiple listing service (MLS): A database where real estate agents list properties for sale.
• Sellers market: Market conditions that exist when buyers outnumber homes for sale. Bidding wars are common.
• Short sale: The sale of a home by an owner who owes more on the home than it's worth. The owner's bank must approve a lower listing price before the home can be sold.

When you're applying for a mortgage

• Back-end ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares the borrower's monthly debt payments to gross income.
• Depository institutions: Banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. These institutions underwrite as well as set home loan pricing in-house.
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): A ratio that compares a home buyer's expenses to gross income.
• Housing ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares total housing cost (principal, homeowners insurance, taxes and private mortgage insurance) to gross income.
• Loan estimate: A three-page document sent to an applicant three days after they apply for a home loan. The document includes loan terms, monthly payment and closing costs.
• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): The amount of the loan divided by the price of the house. Lenders reward lower LTV ratios.
• Origination fee: A fee, charged by a broker or lender, to initiate and complete the home loan application process.
• Pre-approval: A thorough assessment of a borrower's income, assets and other data to determine a loan amount they would qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Pre-qualification: A basic assessment of income, assets and credit score to determine what, if any, loan programs a borrower might qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Underwriting: A process a lender follows to assess a home loan applicant's income, assets and credit, and the risk involved in offering the applicant a mortgage.

When you're shopping for a mortgage

• Conventional loan: A home loan not guaranteed by a government agency, such as the FHA or the VA.
• Down payment: A certain portion of the home's purchase price that a buyer must pay. A minimum requirement is often dictated by the loan type.
• Fannie Mae: A government-sponsored enterprise chartered in 1938 to help ensure a reliable and affordable supply of mortgage funds throughout the country.
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA): A government agency created by the National Housing Act of 1934 that insures loans made by private lenders.
• FHA 203(k): A rehabilitation loan backed by the federal government that permits homebuyers to finance money into a mortgage to repair, improve or upgrade a home.
• Foreclosure: A property repossessed by a bank when the owner fails to make mortgage payments.
• Freddie Mac: A government agency chartered by Congress in 1970 to provide a constant source of mortgage funding for the nation's housing markets.
• Mortgage broker: A licensed professional who works on behalf of the buyer to secure financing through a bank or other lending institution.
• Mortgage interest rate: The price of borrowing money. The base rate is set by the Federal Reserve and then customized per borrower, based on credit score, down payment, property type and points the buyer pays to lower the rate.
• Piggyback loan: A combination of loans bundled to avoid private mortgage insurance. One loan covers 80% of the home's value, another loan covers 10% to 15% of the home's value, and the buyer contributes the remainder.
• Principal, interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance (PITI): The components of a monthly mortgage payment.
• Private mortgage insurance (PMI): A fee charged to borrowers who make a down payment that is less than 20% of the home's value. The fee, 0.3% to 1.5% of the yearly loan amount, can be canceled in certain circumstances when the borrower reaches 20% equity.
• Points: Prepaid interest owed at closing, with one point representing 1% of the loan. Paying points, which are tax deductible, will lower the monthly mortgage payment.

When you've chosen a home

• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): A not-for-profit professional association that sets and promotes standards for property inspections. Look for this accreditation or something similar when shopping for a home inspector.
• Cash-value policy: A homeowners insurance policy that pays the replacement cost of a home, minus depreciation, should damage occur.
• Closing costs: Fees associated with the purchase of a home that are due at the end of the sales transaction. Fees may include the appraisal, the home inspection, a title search, a pest inspection and more. Buyers should budget for an amount that is 1% to 3% of the home's purchase price.
• Contingencies: Conditions written into a home purchase contract that protect the buyer should issue arise with financing, the home inspection, etc.
• Earnest money: A security deposit made by the buyer to assure the seller of his or her intent to purchase.
• Escrow account: An account required by a lender and funded by a buyer's mortgage payment to pay the buyer's homeowners insurance and property taxes.
• Escrow state: A state in which an escrow agent is responsible for closing.
• Home inspection: A non-destructive visual look at the systems in a building. Inspection occurs when the home is under contract or in escrow.
• Homeowners insurance: A policy that protects the structure of the home, its contents, injury to others and living expenses should damage occur.
• In escrow: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title searched for liens, etc.
• Title insurance: Insurance that protects the buyer and lender should an individual or entity step forward with a claim that was attached to the property before the seller transferred legal ownership of the property or "title" to the buyer.
• Transfer taxes: Fees imposed by the state, county or municipality on transfer of title.
• Under contract: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title is searched for liens, etc.
• Walkthrough: A buyer's final inspection of a home before closing.

When you own a home

• Equity: A percentage of the home's value owned by the homeowner.
• Homeowners Association (HOA): The governing body of a housing development, condo or townhome complex that sets rules and regulations. They charge dues used to maintain common areas.
• Property tax exemption: A reduction in taxes based on specific criteria, such as installation of a renewable energy system or rehabilitation of a historic home.
• Tax lien: The government's legal claim against property when the homeowner neglects or fails to pay a tax debt.

Find out what else you can do to prepare for buying a home here.

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Crispy crust, flavorful sauce, unique toppings – could anything be more delicious than wood-fired pizza? There's just something about baking it in a high-temp, wood-fired oven that makes pizza even more incredible. The Albany area is home to a few great restaurants that serve wood-fired pizza. Here are the ones our real estate agents recommend visiting for a tasty experience. 

• Bacchus Wood-Fired: 33 2nd St., Troy, NY 12180
  Bacchus Wood-Fired is a great restaurant to stop by when you're looking at Troy homes for sale. Their slogan is "Antique Pizza in an Antique Town," and indeed, their food has a very traditional flair. Their pizza oven is shaped like a Bacchus sculpture and was created by artist Brian McCandless.
  
  A favorite at Bacchus is the Cheese Trigeminous, which comes topped with feta, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses. They do offer a "make your own" option, along with a selection of salads, wood-fired wings, and specialty pastas.

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Tacos are an approachable and delicious option for lunch or dinner — especially on Taco Tuesday! Whether you prefer carnitas or classic beef, there are plenty of awesome Mexican restaurants to choose from in the Capital Region. If you're house-hunting nearby or are new to the area, here are some of the top taco spots our real estate agents recommend checking out.

• La Cosina Mexicana Restaurant: 313 Bay Road, Queensbury NY, 12804
  La Cosina Mexicana is a welcoming, family-owned restaurant with a comfortable patio and an extensive menu, close to Queensbury homes for sale. If you're dining with friends, definitely start off with an order of guacamole and salsa for the table. The tacos here come in crisp, folded tortillas, with your choice of beef or chicken. They also offer several combination platters, allowing you to enjoy both a taco and an enchilada, or a taco and a chimichanga.

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Mother's Day brunch is the perfect way to show Mom your care. Our real estate agents think you'll enjoy the delicious options at these Central New York destinations:

• The Marriott Syracuse Downtown - 100 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 13202
  When you want to honor Mom with more than a meal, why not make it a truly special event in the Grand Ballroom of this beautiful hotel? She'll enjoy her favorite culinary delights, be they seafood, pasta, or exquisite desserts. Three seating opportunities will be available between 9:30 AM and 1 PM. Tickets are $49/adults and $20 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Children under 6 are free of charge. With limited seating, this offer will likely sell out quickly.

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Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

If it seems like there is a little bit of extra love in the air this week, it could be a sign that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Whether you're planning to celebrate with a significant other or hangout with friends and family, Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to show your love for the important people in your life.

Health and safety restrictions might make it a little more challenging to plan a fun night out his year, but many of our favorite local restaurants are offering romantic Valentine's Day dinners to-go. If you haven't set your holiday plans, our real estate agents recommend a romantic candlelight dinner at home with takeout from one of these Albany restaurants.

• Jack's Oyster House - 42 State St, Albany, NY 12207
  If you're near downtown Albany, Jack's Oyster House is offering takeout and curbside service this Valentine's Day. The takeout menu, which is posted every Monday, features a three-course meal with your choice of two appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert. Takeout orders are accepted until Thursday at noon and pickup times are from 5 to 7 pm Thursday through Sunday. After grabbing dinner, be sure to take a look at some of these Albany homes for sale nearby.

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The Catskill Region is famous for its wild mountain scenery, and we think those mountains look their best first thing in the morning as the fog is lifting, with a hot cup of coffee in your hand. It's perfect. 

National Espresso Day is coming right up on November 23. In honor of the occasion, our real estate agents are delighted to share some of their favorite coffee shops in the Catskills. 

• Bluestone Coffee Roasting Company - 138 Partition St., Saugerties, NY 12477
  Bluestone Coffee Roasting Company offers a tremendous variety of coffees roasted to perfection in-house, as well as some of the best lattes in the Catskills.  The shop also has a warm, welcoming ambiance that makes you want to sit and sip a while. The baristas at Bluestone can always be counted on to deliver a rich, smooth espresso or an expertly-crafted cup of coffee. A stone's throw from these Saugerties homes for sale, Bluestone Roasters also have a great outdoor patio and a menu of tasty baked goods and brunch staples.

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In the classic Saturday Night Live sketch, John Belushi served his "cheeburgers" with Pepsi and chips only. But no matter what you pair yours with, you can't go wrong when you order this classic from one of these Capital area restaurants. Our real estate agents share their favorite destinations for a burger with cheese. 

• Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern - 185 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110
  While Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern has the comfy ambiance of a cabin in the woods, the popular restaurant is just down the street from Latham homes for sale. The Tipsy Moose serves a casual gourmet menu that's a cut above traditional bar fare. Poutine comes in six different types, while build-your-own-mac-&-cheese includes options such as lobster, brisket, and chipotle chicken. The signature Moose Knuckle, an eight-ounce Angus beef patty topped with Swiss, American, and Cheddar, may be the ultimate cheeseburger. The Tipsy Moose is open daily, with outdoor dining, carry-out, and delivery available.

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With five of America's top trout streams along with several fish-rich lakes and reservoirs, Roscoe has earned the famous designation of "Trout Town, USA." But you don't have to enjoy fishing to find a number of entertaining things to do around town. Spend a day exploring these activities around Roscoe homes for sale.

• Prohibition Distillery - 10 Union St., Roscoe, NY 12776
  The days of speakeasies are long gone, but Prohibition Distillery pays tribute to that notable period in our country's history. Images of poppies are seen throughout the distillery as a throwback to the popular Art Nouveau style and remembrance of soldiers lost during war. A Florian cross adorns each bottle to honor firefighters who once worked out of the building that now houses Prohibition Distillery. During summer, visit Bootlegger's Alley Bar for hand-shaken cocktails and snacks. The tasting room is open daily year-round from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. except Friday and Saturday, when hours are extended to 7 p.m.

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You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! 

Nothing says summer fun like a sweet treat from a local ice cream shop. When it comes to choosing flavors, do you prefer the standard chocolate and vanilla, or are you more of an adventurous type? The debate rages on among many of our real estate agents!

Those who like to live life on the edge have discovered some great local vendors who carry creative ice cream flavors. National Creative Flavors Ice Cream Day is coming up soon, so now is a great time to start exploring some of these local favorites.

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If wine improves with age, do we improve with wine? Explore the answer to that question on Tuesday, February 18, National Drink Wine Day, with a visit to one of these delightful Capital Region wine bars recommended by our real estate agents.

• The Shaker & Vine - 221 Harborside Drive, Schenectady 12305
  Self-serve wine bar—need we say more? The Shaker & Vine is the first establishment to bring this amazing concept to the Capital Region and Schenectady homes for sale. Sample any of the 50 wine varieties served from temperature-controlled, push-button dispensers as the convenient tasting card keeps your tab. If that's not enough to tempt you, how about luscious treats such as a chocolate fondue flight or caramel dip board? Shaker & Vine is open 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday.

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Who says you can't eat pizza for every meal? National Pizza Week 2020 runs from January 12th through the 18th, and you'd better believe that our real estate agents are going to order slice after slice of deliciousness as much as we can. Looking for the best pizza around the Capital Region? Check out these seven spots for the perfect pie!

1. Sovrana's — 63 North Lake Ave., Albany, NY 11206
   Kick your National Pizza Week off with award-winning pies from Sovrana's. This pizzeria is also a bakery and deli, so you can rest assured that every roll of dough and piece of meat is as fresh as can be. Pop in for one of their "gooey slices of divine bliss" after you've worked up an appetite browsing Albany homes for sale.

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Going mobile may be the best trend to hit the restaurant business in the last 20 years. Today, food trucks bring convenience and variety to diners all around the country. Expand your culinary horizons with the wide range of items served up at these great food trucks in upstate New York recommended by our real estate agents.

1. Slidin' Dirty - 9 1st St., Troy, NY 12180
   Sliders date back to the 1920s with White Castle, but the new millennium ushered in a craze for these downsized burgers that shows no signs of letting up. Slidin' Dirty takes sliders to a new level with upscale versions like the Dirty Ninja with sautéed bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, and Asian mustard. In 2014 Slidin' Dirty opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant near Troy homes for sale, but the popular truck continues to make appearances at streets and events around the Capital area.
   
   

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