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CAP Region 5: Vegan / Vegetarian Spotlight

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Susie Davidson Powell | Food Writer and Times Union Dining Critic
Special to the Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

The plant-based food industry has boomed in recent years with myco-protein chik’n and beet burgers that bleed, branded with names like Beyond and Impossible suggesting we’re scaling new heights. The pandemic only sharpened growth with renewed interest in health conscious eating, efforts to reduce animal consumption (hello, meatless Mondays), and awareness of strained farm-to-table supply chains coupled with new direct-to-consumer options. Suddenly, plant-based options surged on mainstream restaurants’ simplified, post-pandemic menus and customers continue to feed the demand for meatless options when dining out.

Downstate, we’ve seen a Michelin star and James Beard award nominations for a vegan restaurant, chef and veg-driven hospitality group. Upstate, the Capital District is enjoying its own share of the action with more growth in the vegan/vegetarian dining scene in two years than the last ten. And they aren’t they aren’t doing it lightly. From the growing vegan list, we’ve picked five eateries putting flavor, fermentation and local farms at the forefront of their plant-based creations.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.
Visit us on Instagram at @upstatecreative and @gocapny!

BAR VEGAN | Center Square | Albany

From Lark St. Poke to the Loft 205, sibling owners Will and Mary Phan have opened downtown spots that earn a loyal crowd. But after closing their popular college bar, LAX, during the pandemic, Will was inspired by vegan restaurant Avant Garden in Manhattan and reinvented the LAX space as a vegan restaurant, including an entirely vegan bar. Partnering with a local florist, the place has been beautifully transformed with shiny white subway tiles, leafy planters and trailing vines, and the menu offers shareable plates that won’t break the bank. From a kitchen carefully separated to avoid cross contamination with the Loft restaurant upstairs, try the sweet potato tempura sushi roll, edamame potstickers filled with a luxurious edamame puree (choose steamed or fried), stuffed avocado and bang bang cauliflower florets. All wines and spirits are vegan or organic.

Bar Vegan | 205 Lark Street | Albany NY | Phone: 518.818.0833

Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

TAKE TWO CAFE | Schenectady

Take Two picks up where much missed Shades of Green on Lark Street left off years ago. Owner Chelsea Heilman has created a gorgeous garden-inspired oasis on Schenectady’s State Street where foot traffic is high and it’s hard to miss her hand-painted sidewalk tables. An avid traveler, Heilman serves a chickpea curry, inspired by one from Iceland, along with a replica avocado-pesto-feta-walnut toast and a tofu scramble breakfast burrito with chorizo, chile, and homefries both inspired by cafes in Melbourne, Australia, and Colorado.

Among the most labor intensive ingredients is Heilman’s faux lox salmon. Carrots are given a 32-hour bath in a seaweed, soy and caper brine for umami bite – perfect to pile on a bagel with vegan cream cheese. Stop by and join an all-day crowd pouring in for sandwiches and vegan pastries. Fix your coffee as you like: A counter refrigerator is jammed with all the plant milks from oat to almond.

Take Two Cafe | 433 State Street | Schenectady | Phone: 518.280.9670

Photos provided by Meadowlark / TBG

Meadowlark @ Troy Beer Garden | Troy

As if this stylish, leafy, downtown cocktail bar could get any greener, Meadowlark Catering – from the team behind Wizard Burger (Albany), Burrito Burrito and Takk House (Troy) – has taken over the kitchen reins at Troy Beer Garden. Upping the spice stakes with Nashville Hot Cauliflower, their much loved sticky, battered General Tso’s cauli rivals the namesake original in chili-garlic sauce and white sesame seeds.

But this short menu is designed for sharing so order up Cajun-spiced loaded pub fries smothered in chickpea cheeze sauce, smokey sweet BBQ, and pickled jalapenos and try their seasonally evolving taco trio, mac-n-cheeze or chickpea “all flat” wings. Who cares if the wings look more like fat fingers than boneless chicken when it’s packed with 15 herbs and spices and drizzled in green goddess sauce. While you munch, sip a Fakin’ Bacon Manhattan made from Bulleit bourbon, maple, Antica amaro and capped with a fake bacon spear.

Troy Beer Garden | 2 King Street | Troy NY | Phone: 518.244.5215

Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

WIZARD BURGER | Downtown Albany

It’s hard to overstate the craftiness behind the Wizard’s vegan creations. If you visit the Wiz on social media, you’ll find burger abominations flying off on intergalactic, space odysseys. Go in person and this purple-hued counter service spot has added a line up of boozy and non-alcoholic cocktails and an additional room in which to enjoy them surrounded with curios from plant terrariums to crystal balls.

Whether you go for lunch or happy hour, the team behind Wizard Burger has all their nighttime cravings on the menu. Get the Mumbo Jumbo – an Impossible burger topped with house chili, battered onion rings, tater tots and jalapeno-garlic crema – or a crispy chik’n Raptor, but don’t forget battered pickles on the side. Those with a sweet tooth might choose the Impossible Strawberry Snail with an Impossible patty and raspberry jelly on a glazed donut by tiny Strawberry Snail vegan bakery. Go ahead and sip zero-proof cocktails like the hibiscus-based Unbound, but keep in mind purple margaritas are 2-for-1 every Thursday.

Wizard Burger | 74 N. Pearl Street | Albany NY | Phone: 518.250.9440

Photos: Susie Davidson Powell

THE JUICE BRANCH | Catskill & Hudson | Black-Owned Business

Painted all the colors of a tropical island, it’s no surprise George Salter’s juice bar is an uplifting place to hang out whether you visit his Warren Street, Hudson location for an antioxidant packed smoothie or hop the Hudson river to Catskill. In Catskill, you’ll find Salter whipping up his lunch du jour, teased a day ahead on social media. It might be crisply fried oyster mushroom sandwich or plant-based Smack-n’Cheez. Sink into a barrel chair in the window, dip into a book on juicing or the benefits of tea, and Salter will hand deliver plates. Pick from more than twenty-four smoothie combos, add boosts from ginger, elderberry or MCT shots. Munch on nutella and banana or avocado toast topped with hard-boiled egg, hemp and chia or fuel up with an acai or peanut butter banana bowl. (Note: Cash or Venmo only in Catskill)

The Juice Branch | 65 W Bridge Street | Catskill NY | Phone: 518.947.0920
The Juice Branch | 719 Columbia Street | Hudson NY | Phone: 518.291.2612

Susie Davidson Powell | Food Writer and Times Union Dining Critic
Special to the Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.
Visit us on Instagram at @upstatecreative and @gocapny!

Beyond Khaos – The Art of Maxime Taccardi

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I met Maxime Taccardi through a friend and started following him on social media. I was quickly blown away by his unapologetic exploration of the dark side of the human psyche and folklore. Well educated and with a voracious and substantial following, Maxime boasts collectors around the globe. I am thrilled to have him drop by and share a bit about what drives him as a creative, just in time for Halloween, and the opening of his exhibit, “Beyond Khaos”, at Etrice Gallery in Albany on October 22nd.

Tell us a little bit about who you are, where you’re from and what you do as an artist.

I’m from Paris, France. I was an art teacher and kickboxing instructor for several years until I decided to retire to focus on my art. I’m a painter but also a musician, sculptor, photographer and video director. I enjoy experimenting in all art fields. I feel strongly attached to the principle of “Gesamktkunstwerk” (Total Art) explored by composer Richard Wagner. It is basically a melding of forms of art. I am also influenced by the composer Alexander Scriabine who tried to convey synesthesia within his work. Exploring a concept that strove to integrate all senses into one art piece. My art is the translation of my deeper thoughts and to a certain extend it is about the darkness that lurks within us all. Anyone can find an echo of their own psyche in it.

Maxime Taccardi, “Dark Path”

You were not always a full time artist. What is your background and how did you make the change to full time?

I obtained a Masters Degree in art and cultural sociology at the University Paul Verlaine in Metz. My parents passed away while I was still studying so I had no choice to go fully in the direction of my studies upon finishing my degree. They both died after a long battle with cancer. This had a strong and lasting effect on my practice. I actually did a painting called “Cancer” to represent the torment and pain they went through. I was doing a lot of artwork for bands in addition to a growing group of supporters and collectors which helped to build my reputation in the scene. This eventually allowed me to transition into a full time art practice.

Maxime Taccardi, “Cancer”

What is your motivation? What inspires you to create?

Mostly my dreams and life in general. Creating is a catharsis. I transform my trauma and negativity into art. I am constantly in a state of “creative process” and let my urges guide me. Sometimes I don’t know what will appear on the canvas but the will is strong. I let spontaneity guide me.

Maxime Taccardi, “Portrait of An American Family”

Should people be afraid of the subject matter you choose to explore and the extreme methods that you sometimes use to explore it?

I think people should be more afraid of our current reality. We live in a dark world and my art is a reflection of that. I could paint little flowers and happy themes but what would be the point? For me, art is a stand, a way to provoke and make people react. To encourage thinking and transcendence. It is stronger than words. The message can be interpreted in a myriad of ways which is part of the magic surrounding art. Sometimes I use my own blood as a medium for painting. It is to give life to my work. Literally, a way to live through the work. It helps me to embody the spirit of Gesamktkunstwerk in a visceral and complete way.

Maxime Taccardi, “I Can’t Blink Anymore”

Anything coming up that you would like to plug?

I have an exhibition called “Beyond Khaos” that will open on October 22 at Etrice Gallery on N Pearl street dowtown Albany, NY. It will have paintings, prints, sculpture and samples of some of my books and music.

I’m also working on my fourth book which will be released in 2022 by Heavy Music Artwork who published my 3 previous ones (The Book of Death, Beyond Khaos and The Book of Demons).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gYK-nQlPZs

FB: @maxime.taccardi | IG: @maximetaccardiartworks
Webshop: www.giin.bigcartel.com

Etrice Gallery: Interview with Davion Brink

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I caught up with Davion recently to get up to speed about his latest project, Etrice Gallery. I put together a killer fashion event showcasing some of his design work called SYNERGY in 2018 at LARK HALL in Albany with co-producers Maria Brink and Samson Contompasis that was the bomb. Now he’s back…

My name is Davion Brink. I see myself as an artist and one who empowers other creative people. My vision with the gallery is to push the artistic and creative envelope in the Capital Region. The gallery has two parts. I want to give the youth and people of all backgrounds and abilities a platform for expression & community. On the other side, I want to give people in the Capital Region access to street culture. The kind that is so prominent in New York City just 3 hours away but lives deep underground in the Capital Region. But…not no more.

Some would ask why now? I say why not now? The world has been on lockdown, humans across the planet are itching for a sense of community and individuality at the same time. The gallery is the place to go hang out see what is happening on the streets and what the art community is doing. All the while we will be providing an opportunity for participation in the scene by making pieces available that will set you apart from the masses.

Whats your core motivation?

Our goal at Etrice Gallery is to push the agenda of individuality and creative ability through fashion, art and music. While we are a gallery for all ages, we want the youth also to have a place to be special. A place to feel appreciation. We plan on doing this by hosting and exhibiting local artists, designers and talent, showcasing their work and giving them a professional outlet to exercise their passions. Giving them an option beyond the streets.

Tell me a little bit about the collectibles your rocking here, this is some pretty serious sh*t!

Web Offerings

You can find art collectibles from the likes of living artists such as Kaws, Takeshi Murakami and Daniel Arsham. One of a kind hand picked vintage from around the states, fashion that embodies where pop culture is now. As well as some of the rarest street pieces and collectibles from Supreme, Bape and Stussy.

We are the creative cool weirdos who spend our time skating or cleaning our shoes with a tooth brush. Our classic pop culture vintage gives us the ability to really touch everyone’s heart. If you need a outfit for the weekend or you need some new art decoration for your crib…we are your stop.

Location:
Etrice Gallery
Historic Kenmore Building
76 North Pearl Street | Albany, NY 12207

The opening show highlights the whimsical work of artist ALYSSA OBJIO, a first generation Dominican-American that includes a vibrant fabric based installation in addition to art works and jewelry that will be available for purchase. Vintage concert tees, original fashion and contemporary collectibles will also be available for purchase as part of the galleries ongoing retail program.

Check for updates on Etrice Gallery’s Instagram page, here!

CapNY Community Impact: The Free Food Fridge

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Jammella Anderson, the founder of Free Food Fridge Albany, wanted to make fresh, perishable food available to marginalized communities. Food accessibility was already an issue, and the pandemic compounded these problems during the spring of 2020. So Jammella and a group of volunteers decided to take action.

How the Free Food Fridge Began

29-year-old Albany resident, Jammella Anderson, has always been concerned about food security. “It’s part of my personal journey and quest,” says Anderson. “I wanted to work with underserved communities because I am a black woman.”

“And I know, being someone who has grown up without that security was really difficult. So this has a personal place in my heart.” As a result of Covid, Jammella and a few friends came together with the idea of a food fridge. “Other cities like New York have similar projects going with more of a give-some-take-some idea. My idea is a restoration project,” Anderson says. “Thankfully, I had a lot of media presence, so people were really excited to help amplify it,” she explained. And she has successfully raising money to support the food fridge project for the past 10 months.

Supporting the Free Food Fridges Project

Anderson is grateful for all forms of support, but there are very specific ways that you can get involved on a regular basis. “The members of the community with the financial means can support the mission financially. This allows us to provide food for the fridges through donations to the project,” explained Anderson. “Making monetary donations is a great way to get involved. It’s a huge help.” Free Food Fridge Albany PayPal is freefoodfridgealbany@gmail.com. Or, you can Venmo at Jammella-Anderson or use Cash App at $JammellaAnderson.

If you’re looking for other ways to contribute, they’re always looking for fresh foods. For example, perishable items like milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and any meal enhancers you can think of. “If someone who wants to donate food regularly can ask to be assigned items. So when they go to get their own groceries, they can get specific things for a fridge,” explained Anderson.  It’s a huge help. One time donations are certainly welcome, but the Free Food Fridge goal is to create sustainability. On their website, you can also see what volunteer positions they’re looking to fill like fridge managers, administrative work. Even artists can help by making the fridges beautiful! 

Where to Find Free Food Fridges and How it Works

If you need food, you can just walk up to a Free Food Fridge and help yourself – simple as that. If you want to put food in the fridges, you must first contact the organization.

“We want to help monitor what’s going in and out and it’s crucial that we abide by health rules and regulations,” explained Anderson.

There are six fridges located at In Our Voices in Albany, The Free School in Albany, Collar Works in Troy, Radix Ecological Sustainability Center in Albany, Albany Barn, and Albany Center Gallery.

Connect with The Free Food Fridge

Written by: Jessica Kelly

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

3 CapNY Thrift Shops for the Socially & Economically Conscious Consumer

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A Newfound Appreciation for Thrift Shops

Growing up, I was not much of a thrift store person. We were a Kohl’s Cash, JCPenney’s clearance sales, and Old Navy Super Cash household with the mentality that we wore clothes until they wore out. Style wasn’t much of a priority. But as I got older and needed to both build up my personal fashion sense and pay for those clothes myself, I looked to thrift shops. I found that buying secondhand items online is a good way to save money on fashion too. eBay is a popular site for this and savvy shoppers will be flocking their as soon as they hear about the additional savings they can make by using discounts and promo codes from sites like Raise – discover more here so that you too can purchase quality items at lower prices.

It’s very easy to become enthralled with glitzy Instagram accounts and unboxing videos from fashion influencers, but fast fashion is unsustainable both environmentally and ethically. So, I developed two criteria for seeking out these thrift shops:

  1. Finding local thrift shops that directly benefit the community
  2. Choosing thrift shops that catered to my budget

Just like anything else, where you buy things and where that money goes matters. To that end, here are 3 thrift shops located in CapNY that fit the bill.

My Top Pick

  1. Style Encore
    (22 Clifton Park Rd. #78, Located in Clifton Park Center)
    M-S 10:00AM-8:00pm, Sun 11:00AM-5:00PM
    518-630-5730

Style Encore is a locally owned and operated franchise that also encompasses other second hand shops in the area, including Plato’s Closet, catering more to brand name clothes for teens and young adults and Once Upon a Child, which carries kids clothing. Earlier when I said to choose thrift shops that fit your economic need, a place like Style Encore is what I mean.

With the boutique-ification of thrifting, some stratifications of access have emerged to appeal to different markets. When you begin to think about your fashion philosophy, be honest with yourself. Consider your impact. If you’re buying second hand and used clothes, not because you need to but because you want new looks and would like to cut costs and move away from fast fashion, Style Encore fits the bill.

What brought me to Style Encore was the fact my post-university job at a nonprofit paid about $36k after taxes. At about $20/hour and around $1100 biweekly, that first check pretty much got eaten up by rent, utilities, car insurance, and my health insurance premium. A good portion of the second check was taken up by consumables and fun stuff with the barest trickle going to savings. I lived in a relatively low-cost area and did not have student loan or major credit card debt.

I am listing the financial factors that were a part of my fashion philosophy, not saying this to tell you how you should budget your money.  Everyone’s cost-benefit calculation is a personal judgment. Transparency in financial decisions can de-stigmatize the perception of wealth and can empower other people to make more informed purchasing decisions for themselves.

Style Encore fit my economic needs because:

  1. Most pieces I was attracted to were priced between $5.00-$25.00, around what I was willing to purchase for new, except with the added benefit of lowering my environmental impact. 
  2. Some brands that would otherwise not be accessible to me new, I could find there used and in a perfectly serviceable condition.     
  3. While the majority of my wardrobe is practical and utilitarian, I like owning a fresh statement piece each year for specific events, to be retired usually after being photographed wearing them a couple times. 

Here’s what I left the shop with:

For a complete summer outfit that really popped, I found these shorts that actually fit my waist and butt at $8, plus a racerback style top in a beautifully vibrant, boho print that held at my neck with a mandarin-style collar for $12. It was floaty and light, perfect for a warm day throwing axes.

The real prize was a Calvin Klein bodycon black dress for $25. I absolutely slay in this outfit. I have now worn it to a big birthday bash and a Valentines dinner. It is the outfit I use to convince my often fawning audience that thrifting is both a desirable and more sustainable styling option.   

Need some caffeine after slaking your thirst for the hunt?

Located in the same shopping center, Uncommon Grounds is a local institution with specially sourced and freshly roasted coffee, accompanied by the best bagels you will get north of NYC.

Other Socially-Conscious Thrifting Spots

2. For Pete Sake-A Thrifty Place
583 New Scotland Ave, Albany 12208
M 11:00AM-3:00PM, W-F 10:00AM-3:00PM, S 10:00AM-2:00PM
518-525-1107

For Pete’s Sake is operated by St. Peter’s Hospital right across the street. It actually used to be in its basement like an underground Macy’s with everything from prom dresses to home goods.

I got these small yellow baking dishes for a dollar each and got both these clear tea cups for a dollar.

Shortly after moving to Albany from California for grad school, I was looking for things to set up my new home. My roommate was from Georgia and didn’t even have a good coat for the impending wet and windy autumn. We washed up at Pete’s Sake like lost souls in need of supplies and boy did it deliver.

3. Second Chance Thrift Shop
1229 Central Ave., Albany 12005
T 10am-2pm, S 10am-2pm

This thrift shop is a fundraising venue for The American Italian Heritage. Museum & Cultural Center in Albany. They have a steep collection of clothing of all kinds – including a boutique room with higher end items. In the back room, they have endless jeans, all for $4 each. As one person who wrote a review said, “You have to see it to believe it.”

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