Looking for Restaurant recommendations near Niskayuna (Colonie, Schenectady: school, live in, restaurants)

[marber]

Hi All,
My son & daughter-in-law live in Niskayuna. My wife & I would like to give them a gift certificate to some fine dining within 20 miles of that town. We live in Connecticut & don't know what's good & what's not so we are looking for some recommendations.

We do not think of them as too curious from a culinary standpoint but we would like to expand their world. Recommendations for American, French, Indian & Mexican cuisine come to mind but the names of any good restaurants would be welcome. We would like to spend about $100.

Thanks for your help.
Marc

[rajmelk]

A couple of recommendations:

Olde Shaker Inn (just over the Niskayuna border in Colonie) - more traditional American but very nice
Karavalli (Indian)--two locations, one in Rotterdam, the other (nicer) one in Latham

[piperspal]

I second the Olde Shaker Inn; romantic setting & the chef uses a lot of local product when he can. Here are some of my other faves in no particular order:

* Phoenician's on Central Ave. in Colonie. Mouth watering Lebanese & Mediterranian. The food is extremely fresh. The owner has brought on
chefs from Lebanon, Italy, & Israel...one of them left a prestigious catering biz to come here. Excellent!

* Cornell's in Schenectady. Italian the way it was meant to be. You will definitely need reservations.
* Tosca in Troy. Very inventive chef, has a gourmet market 2 doors down. Elegant setting. A lot of fun if you go on one of Troy's "friday
night out" events held monthly.

* Water's Edge Lighthouse on Freeman's Bridge Rd. in Glenville. You couldn't ask for a prettier setting & the food is really, really good. the
river view is wonderful & you can often see the crew teams from Nisky out rowing.

* The Grey Gelding in Saratoga. "fusion food" - kind of a buzz word term lately, but the menu has something for everyone.

Actually there are so many great restaurants in Saratoga, which is
just about your 20 mile mark, that you can't really go wrong with any
of them. That will have to be another thread!

* Vin Santos Tapas & Wine Bar in Latham. A fun place where you take your time and share plates as they are brought out in phases.

*** You are in luck when it comes to restaurants in the Capital District/ Hudson Valley region. A lot of graduates from the CIA & the Culinary School @ SCC stay in the area & open their own spots....Chin chin!!

[marber]

Thanks rajmelk & piperspal. You've been a great help. Marc