The Albany County Farmers Market will now take place monthly on Sundays from July through October, located on South Pearl Street in front of MVP Arena. It is co-sponsored by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, Albany County, and MVP Health Care.
The market hours are scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. on July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, and Oct. 15. This year’s event is a test run to determine whether there is enough support for a weekly or twice-monthly market in downtown Albany, according to the organizers.
The BID stated, “Our objective is to run a lively open-air market series that offers fresh, high-quality food and artisan goods sourced from local farmers and producers. The market also seeks to strengthen and further activate our neighborhood by providing entertainment, family activities, nutritional education, and support for local nonprofit organizations.” The BID made this statement in its announcement.
Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown BID, reported that all four markets are essentially full, with each market projected to have around 30 vendors and a third represented by women and minority owners. Details of live music, other entertainment, and activities for each market will be announced approximately a week before the event, according to Steffens.
In other downtown news, The Cloud Food Hall, which opened in late 2020 with an app-only ordering system, has closed after going through numerous concept changes but ultimately failing to establish itself. An Instagram post from this past weekend announced that it will reopen in a new location “in about three months.” The owner, Cory Nelson, was previously the operator of the multivendor Troy Kitchen food court for four years and had ambitious plans for The Cloud, including up to nine menus produced from the same kitchen and no tip expected. The pandemic’s impact caused the restaurant to abandon its initial pricing, delivery, and extensive hours. Food service was ultimately abandoned in favor of the establishment’s transformation into a bar two nights per week.
According to Jeff Buell, a principal of Redburn Development Partners, which owns the 55 Columbia St. building, put roughly $1 million into it, and gave Cloud Food Hall a year’s free rent, “Cory was one of the biggest pandemic casualties. He tried so hard, but there was so much working against him.” A new food-related enterprise will be taking over the building, with details to be announced in a Times Union story in the coming days. Nelson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday morning.
While continuing around downtown Albany, 677 Prime is reintroducing its Father’s Day grill packages, which include steaks, sides, and cooking instructions, as well as add-on seafood options. There are three packages available, all of which serve four and offer varying steak selections, with prices ranging from $165 to $205. Orders must be placed by June 14th for pick-up between 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 17th. The restaurant is located on 677 Broadway and can be contacted by calling 518-427-7463.
The local Certified Master Chef, Dale Miller, is scheduled to prepare a one-night dinner at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 8th. The six-course Italian-inspired dinner includes poached shrimp, “Chianti-stained rigatoni,” and porchetta-style duck. The cost is $110 per person, not including beverage pairings or gratuity, and reservations can be made by calling 518-894-5366. Pinehaven is found at 1151 Siver Road.
Finally, the Troy restaurant Nighthawks will host a fifth-anniversary block party from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 9th, which will benefit Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. The food and drinks will be a la carte, including a regular burger and beverage menu inside, a barbeque menu outside, and other food options available from nearby restaurants such as Naughters, McAddy’s, and Bard & Baker. Music will be provided by DJ Mercy, with performances from Brule County Bad Boys and The Men Who Loved Music. Chelly Hegan, president and CEO of UHPP, will give remarks. Nighthawks can be found at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
