Support Your Local Restaurants This Christmas Season:

   If you are having a party, or just going out to dinner this Christmas Season, the city of Troy offers so many different, and diverse restaurants, it would be a shame to see our residents taking their dollars across the river. With so many local eateries struggling to stay afloat, it's in everyone's best interest to spend your money close to home. In Lansingburgh for instance, some new establishments have opened, or reopened recently.
Renahans (the former Olde Daley Inn, 499 House, Mahoney's, Mj's) recently reopened, as has Pips II. Both of these long time 'Burgh mainstays are under new ownership, and need our support to thrive and survive.
   With all the hoopla recently regarding the new Dinosaur Bar B Que -- which has fantastic food by the way, other restaurants in Troy have seemed to have gotten lost in the shuffle. Another bar b que place will soon be opening in the 'Burgh. Mustang Smokehouse Bar B Que is located on the corner of 5th, and 112th St., should open it's doors before Christmas. That entire 112th St. area will now offer more choices for hungry people. Between Graham's Lansingburgh Cafe, Jimmy's Pizza, Mustang, Badass Buritto, and Pip's, you can pretty much get any type of food you desire, all within a one block radius. Renehans on 2nd Ave, and a few blocks to the North with Verdile's gives you even more choices. Testo's is still thriving at it's 4th Ave local, with Sunny Wok just a block away to the East.
   Downtown is filled with fine eateries. Nothing too expensive, just fine restaurants, run by local people. From LoPorto's to Minnesales on 14th St. the quality of the food is just so good, I see no reason to cross the river to spend any expendable income I may have. Keep it home folks. If not, who's to blame when another business shuts it's doors. I ask everyone reading this to think twice before you go outside the box for dinner, or lunch --- or breakfast.
   Many of our restaurants are also capable of providing space for your private party. Plus, let's not forget Michael Cocca's, Franklin Plaza, and Franklin Terrace -- both great spots to host any type of occasion.
So I'm asking people to follow my lead, and make a commitment to your community by supporting your Troy businesses this holiday season. If you're planning on dining out once or twice before the holiday's, please make that choice to dine, at any of Troy's fine establishments. I, and my family will be doing just that..
Enjoy Troy!