A few Saturdays ago, while snow flurries transformed into a
serious snow, a good friend and I explored Troy’s artsy River Street shops, planning
to end the day with a visit to the new Charles F. Lucas Confectionery and Wine
Bar. About 3:30, as the early winter dusk fell over snowy streets, we headed
over to the wine bar at 12 Second Street in pursuit of warmth and sustenance.
When we arrived the door was open, but we were early and my
spirits sank—the place opens at 4 pm Monday to Saturday, 12 pm on Sunday. The
moment was saved, however, when we were greeted by a friendly server who said
she’d be happy to pour us a glass of wine, even though they weren’t officially
open and the kitchen wasn’t ready to serve. I admit I balked for a moment,
seriously thinking of heading to a restaurant in full swing. I was tired and
cold and seeking immediate gratification, but the exposed brick interior,
trendy low lighting and warmth of the woody decor drew me in.
From that moment on, life got better. First, we drank delicious
wine from a great wine list with really interesting choices, and an upbeat,
pleasant and knowledgeable bartender. As my dry red wine choice I was served a
delicious Italian Barbera Piemonte (Boschis,
$10/glass), while my rose-loving friend enjoyed the Tavel Rose (Domaine
Pelaquie, $9/glass) from France. The full wine menu (by the glass and by the
bottle) is on the website, and excitingly, it’s full of thoughtful choices with
distinctive tastes. These are the types of wines which remind you why you drink
wine in the first place—at an affordable price.
Next we sampled
mouth-watering cheeses and meat from the Cheese & Charcuterie menu. Presented on a
beautiful slate tile and artistically arranged with a fresh baguette, dijon
mustard and cornichons were: thin slices
of Spicy
Capicola (pronounced by local Italians as “gabba ghoul”); Old Chatham
Sheepherding Co. Shaker Blue paired with figs; Kunik, from Nettle Meadow Farms, smooth and creamy with hints of lemon and paired
with tiny gingersnaps; and the piece de la resistance, a cheese called Barely
Buzzed, cheddar-like and hand-rubbed with espresso and lavender—and you could
actually taste these wonderful hints of flavor!
The place really
delivers on everything it appears to be—intimate, special, unique, planned and
well executed from the tiny European water glasses of infused drinking waters
(cucumber this day), to its smart collection of craft beers, to the canisters
of brightly colored classic candies it sells and beautifully displays as a
shout out to the location’s confectionery history. And I haven’t even mentioned
the great music that plays as if almost calibrated to fit the room.
When--not if--you find yourself longing for a spot to go
that’s as good as one in Manhattan--or any of the other places we visit and
then whiningly compare the Capital Region to--go to the Confectionary and Wine
Bar. It’s all that and more—and without the snobby attitude and big city
prices.
For more information, visit the website at www.lucasconfectionery.com.
Isn't this place owned by Vic Christopher, or whatever name he is using now? Makes me wonder how much of the equipment was stolen from the place that he got caught stealing from. Must be one of Harry's friends, who is probably a quiet investor.
ReplyDeleteThe troll hit job commenters hellbent on keeping Troy dependent on government control will stop at nothing to disparage Mr. Christopher. They will continue to attack him anonymously anytime there is an opportunity.
ReplyDeleteMerle Farnham strikes again. He is obsessed with Vic. The guy looks like a mangled rat Muppet.
ReplyDeleteMerle Farnham loves McDonalds. Merle hates wine bars. He is following Vic around the streets constantly.
ReplyDeleteMerle who fell from a ladder while spying on female tenants? Dude looks like the crypt keeper from Tales of the Crypt. Some people will always be jealous of those that are successful.
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